Combo bino/rangefinders...what's the latest?

[jmden]

I see there's a new Leica HD model out there: Leica Camera AG - Sport Optics - Geovid Supposed to have a 2000 yd range, but past 1100 yds, the specs say +-10 yds. The beam divergence seam quite large as well. Anyone have experience with these yet?

The beam divergence on the Swarovski is much smaller, but it's not HD from what I've read, but it also has a +- 1yd accuracy for it's entire 1500 yd range per Swaro specs. http://swarovskioptik.com/en_us/products/binoculars_el-range

Any thoughts?

 

[JDJHNTR]

Go with the Swaro. You wont be disapointed!!

 

[jmden]

Go with the Swaro. You wont be disapointed!!

That's my thinking at this point.

Just want to vet the new Leica HD combo bino/rangefinder and hoping to get some input in that regard from folks here than might have it. Pretty new though. The rangefinder beam divergence on the new Leica is leaving a bit to be desired, however, as well as the accuracy beyond 1000 yds...

 

[marinetowgunner]

Here's the deal with the Leica Geovid-B in my eyes:
1. Minimun distance is such that a bow hunter can use it.
2. Uses the same ballistic technology that the 1600b uses in the fact that you can use 12 pre-programed ballistic curves to give you a shooting solution (1/4 moa or mils)
3. mini sd card that can be placed in the unit to work off of specific ballistics.

I use the Swarovski EL range myself. It's a great unit. I've been pleased with its performance both optically and in it's range finding capability. Honestly I don't care if it's not HD because I can't really tell the difference between it and the EL's with swarovision.....even in twilight.

IMHO they are again setting a benchmark in the market place. Superb optics coupled together with intuitive design.

 

[X-man]

If you want the Rolls Royce....
I have the Terrapin and it is bloody outstanding!
I can only imagine how good this thing is!

Vectronix VECTOR IV 7x42 Rangefinding Binoculars On Sale - EuroOptic.com

Edit: the Vector 23 is the the new Rolls of laser rangers
http://www.vectronix.ch/userupload/502_VECTOR_brochure_EN.pdf

 

[jmden]

http://www.isnes.is/Frettir Birgja pdf/2012-03 Rod Rifle_ EL Range UMSÖGN.pdf

Good comparison above with some highly accurate test data...

Still don't know for sure if the 1.5 mrad x .5 mrad beam divergence of the EL Range has the 1.5 mrad vertically or horizontally. I hope it's horizontally, but I have heard it both ways and do not have confirmation. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[X-man]

The new Swaro is a great unit.
The LRF is outstanding in good weather.
The optics are the best I have ever seen (I own Leicas).

 

[jmden]

Still trying to confirm the orientation of the laser on the EL Range. It's 1.5 x .5 mrads but is the 1.5 mrad dimension veritically oriented or horizontally oriented?

 

[HARPERC]

jmden
Just backtracking a bit, I followed this thread as I am in similar spot. I looked at the Swarovski at Cabelas, and was wondering if you had learned anything new.

 

[jmden]

No, I haven't. I have an acquaintance who knows a Swaro rep and I've asked him to ask the rep to confirm the beam shape, that is the orientation of the rectangular beam shape and whether the long side of the rectangle is vertically or horizontally oriented. Swaro's specs says it's with the long side of the rectangle vertically oriented, which does not seem to make sense to me. That seems a very poor way to do it for a number of reasons. Would sure like to hear from someone that has one and can test this...

 

[HARPERC]

The only testing I've done was the back wall at Cabelas was 66 yards from the optics counter and did not move while I was there. Similar results with a Dall ram at 48 yards. They did give me a catalogue, I'll look through it and maybe call them. Can't hurt.

 

[jmden]

About a week ago, I was able to talk to some Swaro reps at a gun show regarding the EL Range units. They confirmed that the beam shape is a vertically oriented (long side is vertical) rectangular shape. I told them that there was concern that orientation could cause problems in certain situations such as ranging in flat terrain or across a canyon at a hilside where the bottom and top edge of the rectangular shaped beam would be contacting terrain at potentially very disparate ranges.

The thinking, I was told, was that a vertically oriented beam would cross the horizontally oriented body of most game animals at right angles and make it easier to get the beam on the body. OK...that might be OK for the general hunter in general hunting conditions, which I started to feel these were designed for--after all, they have to appeal to a broad market to make $. However, I mentioned my concerns again regarding the above conditions at long range. There was not a whole lot more they had to say.

The units do not have an integral tripod mount either. Bummer. I know quite a few guys use them here, but I have some reservations regarding plunking down $3K for them. Maybe I'm expecting too much...wouldn't be the first time. Just wanted to report what I'd learned.