New Help Binoculars

[ChasingHemingway]

I would value your thoughts on purchasing binoculars with a rangefinder. I have been thinking about purchasing Leica Geovid HD-B edition - anyone with experience with this brand and if I should go with the 8x42 or 10x42. Also, open to different brand of binoculars. Any advice on best place to purchase optics?

I decided to invest in a good pair of binoculars after a good friend and guide asked me one question: do you look through your binoculars more or your scope? Enough Said!

All My Best,

dt

 

[IdaRam]

I don’t think you could go wrong with the Leica’s. Everything I have heard about them has been positive. Except possibly the customer service and support. It seems that may be a bit lacking. Great product though.
You should probably look at the Swarovski’s too. A friend of mine has the 10x42’s and absolutely loves them. Superb glass married with an excellent range finder.
I’m not sure how the two compare on price. Could be a factor though.
For me personally, I would go with the Swaro’s in a 10x42. 8x42 vs 10x42 comes down to personal preference. You may find 8x to be a tiny bit better in the last few minutes of light due to the larger exit pupil and the 8x will have a slightly broader field of view. I prefer 10x because I spend a lot of time glassing long distance looking for game. Finding and field judging an animal a long way away, I think the 10x has an edge.
Vortex has a new range finding binocular on the market that is significantly less expensive than either the Leica or Swaro’s. I understand they use the Viper glass, not the Razor glass, but still HD. Maybe worth a look. If they were Razors I would already have some and could give you a report
Let us know what you end up with and how you like them.

 

[ChasingHemingway]

I don’t think you could go wrong with the Leica’s. Everything I have heard about them has been positive. Except possibly the customer service and support. It seems that may be a bit lacking. Great product though.
You should probably look at the Swarovski’s too. A friend of mine has the 10x42’s and absolutely loves them. Superb glass married with an excellent range finder.
I’m not sure how the two compare on price. Could be a factor though.
For me personally, I would go with the Swaro’s in a 10x42. 8x42 vs 10x42 comes down to personal preference. You may find 8x to be a tiny bit better in the last few minutes of light due to the larger exit pupil and the 8x will have a slightly broader field of view. I prefer 10x because I spend a lot of time glassing long distance looking for game. Finding and field judging an animal a long way away, I think the 10x has an edge.
Vortex has a new range finding binocular on the market that is significantly less expensive than either the Leica or Swaro’s. I understand they use the Viper glass, not the Razor glass, but still HD. Maybe worth a look. If they were Razors I would already have some and could give you a report
Let us know what you end up with and how you like them.

Thank you for the feedback and insight especially 8 vs 10x42. I am going to take your advice and look at Swarovski’s as well. I don’t have much experience with Vortex, but have heard nothing bad.

Any thoughts on where you like to purchase optics - I have been looking at some online dealers vs Cabela’s or local gun shop.

dt

 

[Ray B]

the only Leica product that I own is a slide projector (from back in the day when we used film) and my BIL has used Leica camera/lenses for over forty years. We find their quality to be top notch, though I have no experience with their riflescopes or binoculars. Shortly after I started hunting big game nearly 60 nears ago I inherited my granddads B&L 8x30 binoculars. Several (about 20) years back I bought a Zeiss 10x40 binocular for my son. We use both for scouting and glassing. I prefer the 8x30 because I can wear it around my neck without any sort of harness and they are light enough that they do not cause any discomfort even after several hours. I haven't noticed anytime when my son could make out something in the 10x that I couldn't with the 8x.

Depending on the weight differential between the two binoculars that you are considering and how you plan on using them (walking with them hanging around your neck or sitting on the seat of a 4x4 or other means), the additional 2x of the 10x may not be worth the weight.

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

I would value your thoughts on purchasing binoculars with a rangefinder. I have been thinking about purchasing Leica Geovid HD-B edition - anyone with experience with this brand and if I should go with the 8x42 or 10x42. Also, open to different brand of binoculars. Any advice on best place to purchase optics?

I decided to invest in a good pair of binoculars after a good friend and guide asked me one question: do you look through your binoculars more or your scope? Enough Said!

All My Best,

dt

Hi there
I use the Leica with range finder in 10x42

Amazing
Rugged
Not too heavy
I use them for the last 4 years and honestly I can’t live without them now
Their after sales service is amazing too!!

Any other questions feel free to ask

 

[Bullthrower338]

As @IdaRam mentioned, customer service! I have no experience with Leica, but know several people that were not happy with repairs being made. I do have experience with Swarovski, in my opinion, the customer service sets the bar for the rest to follow. I can’t say enough about how great they are. I would definitely go with the 10X ELRange. The 8x are great for bow hunting but the 10x are so much more useful for locating animals and ranging the longer range shots.

 

[ChasingHemingway]

Hi there
I use the Leica with range finder in 10x42

Amazing
Rugged
Not too heavy
I use them for the last 4 years and honestly I can’t live without them now
Their after sales service is amazing too!!

Any other questions feel free to ask

Why did you go with the 10vs8?

 

[ChasingHemingway]

As @IdaRam mentioned, customer service! I have no experience with Leica, but know several people that were not happy with repairs being made. I do have experience with Swarovski, in my opinion, the customer service sets the bar for the rest to follow. I can’t say enough about how great they are. I would definitely go with the 10X ELRange. The 8x are great for bow hunting but the 10x are so much more useful for locating animals and ranging the longer range shots.

Thank you - looking at the Swarovski now. Customer Service matters.

dt

 

[Hunting Sailor]

I am a Zeiss guy, have used them in my profession for a long time. For hunting the last few years.

The 8 Vs 10 basically comes down to how heavy and how far you want to view. The traditionally set up is 10x42 and I have used it for many years.

Now I carry a Zeiss Conquest 8x32 to minimize the weight. I do not miss the extra 2x as I can see the animals about the same although the details may not be there on the long distances, but I knowingly accept that. It is very seldom that I hunt close to dusk or dawn which will affect the light gathering and lens size.

If you can handle several brands and use them choose which one you feel is the best for you, regardless of the brand. Price may be higher than expected, but you’re the only one who can decide if it is worth it or not.

Professionally I have used the Marine Zeiss binoculars for 25+ years. Right now I use Zeiss Victory 8x54 HT and I have not handled a better binocular for what I use them for. Heavy, but I don’t carry them very far without settling them down somewhere on the bridge. For climbing mountains I would not choose them though.

I love binoculars so planning and choosing a new one is a great way to spend time. Good luck!

//Gus

 

[wesheltonj]

I have the 10x42, I like the extra 2 power as my eyesight is not 20/20. Folks get upset with the Leica warranty, as its non-transferable. If you are the original owner, it’s not a problem except at resale. The warranty is the same except for transferability.

Folks like Swaro as they can buy a used crapped out product and send it in and get a rebuild or new product.

In my household I have a total for 4 Leica binoculars and 4 Leica rifle scopes, they are excellent products. I also own Zeiss products too. I used to own a separate rangefinder, but sold it and bought the Geovid HD-B 10x42, never going back to a separate rangefinder.

 

[Buckdog]

I own both swaro and leica 10x42s. head to head both have outstanding glass would give a slight edge to the leica hd-b but I mean very slight. Customer service hands down Swaro is absolutely the best customer service there is. Leica not so much. So both are great I suggest you see if you can put hands on both and decide for yourself you wont go wrong with either. I think I have seen more PH with Leica than swaro? Last safari I was mostly trusting my PH gave him my Leica' HD B to use and call the ranges, clicks and shots for me so all I had to do was count the clicks and do the shooting we work well as a "fire team" that way as I get on the gun quick no messing around he calls it I kill it.

 

[ChasingHemingway]

Based on my reads and research I am going to look through both the Swarovski and Leica 10x42’s side by side and see if my eyes have a preference. I do believe customer service matters as well.

 

[ChasingHemingway]

I own both swaro and leica 10x42s. head to head both have outstanding glass would give a slight edge to the leica hd-b but I mean very slight. Customer service hands down Swaro is absolutely the best customer service there is. Leica not so much. So both are great I suggest you see if you can put hands on both and decide for yourself you wont go wrong with either. I think I have seen more PH with Leica than swaro? Last safari I was mostly trusting my PH gave him my Leica' HD B to use and call the ranges, clicks and shots for me so all I had to do was count the clicks and do the shooting we work well as a "fire team" that way as I get on the gun quick no messing around he calls it I kill it.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and thoughts!!

 

[ChasingHemingway]

I own both swaro and leica 10x42s. head to head both have outstanding glass would give a slight edge to the leica hd-b but I mean very slight. Customer service hands down Swaro is absolutely the best customer service there is. Leica not so much. So both are great I suggest you see if you can put hands on both and decide for yourself you wont go wrong with either. I think I have seen more PH with Leica than swaro? Last safari I was mostly trusting my PH gave him my Leica' HD B to use and call the ranges, clicks and shots for me so all I had to do was count the clicks and do the shooting we work well as a "fire team" that way as I get on the gun quick no messing around he calls it I kill it.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and thoughts!!

 

[ChasingHemingway]

I am a Zeiss guy, have used them in my profession for a long time. For hunting the last few years.

The 8 Vs 10 basically comes down to how heavy and how far you want to view. The traditionally set up is 10x42 and I have used it for many years.

Now I carry a Zeiss Conquest 8x32 to minimize the weight. I do not miss the extra 2x as I can see the animals about the same although the details may not be there on the long distances, but I knowingly accept that. It is very seldom that I hunt close to dusk or dawn which will affect the light gathering and lens size.

If you can handle several brands and use them choose which one you feel is the best for you, regardless of the brand. Price may be higher than expected, but you’re the only one who can decide if it is worth it or not.

Professionally I have used the Marine Zeiss binoculars for 25+ years. Right now I use Zeiss Victory 8x54 HT and I have not handled a better binocular for what I use them for. Heavy, but I don’t carry them very far without settling them down somewhere on the bridge. For climbing mountains I would not choose them though.

I love binoculars so planning and choosing a new one is a great way to spend time. Good luck!

//Gus

Very helpful - agree with you on trying several brands and finding the one I like the best.

 

[ChasingHemingway]

I noticed Leica is a site sponsor - might be worth them listening to the consistent comments on lack of customer service. Great opportunity to listen to feedback.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Based on my reads and research I am going to look through both the Swarovski and Leica 10x42’s side by side and see if my eyes have a preference. ............

Make sure you do it in low light.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I recently purchased a Leica 10x40 rangefinding bino. Lenses compare with my eyes equally to my 10x40 Swaros. Weight is very close. The one negative while antelope hunting, other than trying to hold them still in the 30mph wind (it was obviously WY!), was the led readout didn’t seem as bright as my Leica 1600 rangefinder. I need to dig both out and do a direct comparison though before I can be sure. So far I’m happy. They cost nearly $1000 less than my Swaros!
Still, most of the time in SA bushveld my Nikon Monarch 7 in 8x30 with my Leica 1600 worked great! Easy to carry. Plenty of magnification.
Best of luck on your decision!

 

[cagkt3]

Camofire.com has had some good deals on optics, but it's a sale of the day type deal so you have to catch them when they pop up. I've seen a pair of Leica Ultravid 10x42 Safari Editions pop up on occasion for a good price.

 

[ChasingHemingway]

Camofire.com has had some good deals on optics, but it's a sale of the day type deal so you have to catch them when they pop up. I've seen a pair of Leica Ultravid 10x42 Safari Editions pop up on occasion for a good price.

Great info - I am in no hurry. Going to compare optics at SCI. Thanks for the info.