Mr Xv3
FNG
In the not too distant past, I posted looking for suggestions for sub-$1500 “near-alpha” 10x42 Binos - an heir apparent to the much loved Swaro SLC.
Many exceptional suggestions emerged from that thread, to include the Zeiss SFLs, Kahles Helia S (euro only repackaged SLC), and the Nikon Monarch HG… plus Meoptas and Kowa XD.
After some very thoughtful comments and a very favorable impression of a pair of Nikon Premiers (purchased thru Rokslide), settled on the Monarch HGs. In the process of my search and thinking thru shot side of the equation, I’m now leaning towards simplifying my life and simply getting some range finding Binos.
Conducting some analysis on how I hunt, separate RF and Binos started making less sense. Plus, there is the potential to save a little real estate in the chest rig.
My current plan has me considering the Leica Geovid R 10x42, Meopta Optika LR 10x42, and GPO RangeGuide (only offer 10x32 or 10x50).
I prefer using app based ballistics so the basic RF capability of the Geovid R will be fine. Plus, the opportunity to potentially save (or not gain) some weight (~7-10oz plus pouch) is attractive.
I am leaning towards the Geovid R. Certainly, mounting the Binos on a tripod gets a bit less elegant vs Monarch HG or SLCs w/ studs, but there are options that are acceptable.
I included a table comparing specs of some of the “near-alpha” contenders vs the Geovid R for anyone interested…
From the experienced western elk crowd - I’d love to hear your thoughts - is the logic sound?
Bino comparison
Many exceptional suggestions emerged from that thread, to include the Zeiss SFLs, Kahles Helia S (euro only repackaged SLC), and the Nikon Monarch HG… plus Meoptas and Kowa XD.
After some very thoughtful comments and a very favorable impression of a pair of Nikon Premiers (purchased thru Rokslide), settled on the Monarch HGs. In the process of my search and thinking thru shot side of the equation, I’m now leaning towards simplifying my life and simply getting some range finding Binos.
Conducting some analysis on how I hunt, separate RF and Binos started making less sense. Plus, there is the potential to save a little real estate in the chest rig.
My current plan has me considering the Leica Geovid R 10x42, Meopta Optika LR 10x42, and GPO RangeGuide (only offer 10x32 or 10x50).
I prefer using app based ballistics so the basic RF capability of the Geovid R will be fine. Plus, the opportunity to potentially save (or not gain) some weight (~7-10oz plus pouch) is attractive.
I am leaning towards the Geovid R. Certainly, mounting the Binos on a tripod gets a bit less elegant vs Monarch HG or SLCs w/ studs, but there are options that are acceptable.
I included a table comparing specs of some of the “near-alpha” contenders vs the Geovid R for anyone interested…
From the experienced western elk crowd - I’d love to hear your thoughts - is the logic sound?
Bino comparison
| Nikon MHG | Helia S (SLC) | Zeiss SFL | Leica Geovid R | |
| Price | ~$950 | ~$1450 | ~$1550 | ~$1400 |
| Prism | Dach Roof | Roof (S/P) | Roof (S/P) | Mod Uppendahl |
| Zoom | 10x | 10x | 10x | 10x |
| Obj Dia | 42 mm | 42mm | 40mm | 42 mm |
| Exit Pupil | 4.2 mm | 4.2mm | 4.0mm | 4.2 mm |
| Eye Rel | 17.0 mm | 15.8 mm | 18mm | 14.5 mm |
| Rel Brightness | 17.6 | 17.64 | 16 | 17.6 |
| Twilight Factor | 20.5 | 20.49 | 20 | 20.5 |
| FOV @1000m | 121m (362 ft) | 110m (330ft) | 115 m (345 ft) | 110m (330 ft) |
| Angular FOV | 6.9 deg | 6.3 deg | 6.2 deg | 6.3 deg |
| Light Trans (adv) | 91% | 90% | ||
| Dimensions | 145x131x56mm(5.7x5.2x2.2”) | 144x120x63mm (5.7x4.7x2.5”) | 144x114x60mm(5.7x4.5x2.4”) | 168x125x70mm (6.6x4.9x2.8”) |
| Weight | 680g (24 oz) | 785g (27.7 oz) | 640g (22.6 oz) | 955g (33.7 oz) |
