Ranging Binos

[ShaneC]

I have always had a pair of binoculars and a separate rangefinder, mainly because I bowhunt a lot. But want to go to a single unit. I am not worried about the ballistic app features, just want something very clear and works well in low light conditions.

Was looking at the Leicas and Swaro's. Or are there some others that are better?

Thanks

 

[handwerk]

I'd go with the Leica Geovid R's.

 

[ShaneC]

I'd go with the Leica Geovid R's.

Is the only difference between the Geovid R's and the Pro is the ability to use the app? Same glass?

 

[justinspicher]

I’ve always wanted to get a set of RF binos and not have to carry a separate RF.

I really like my Leica binos so one of their RF binos makes sense, but they ain’t cheap.

I was gifted a set of Leupold BX-4 RF 12x50 binos and so far I’m nothing but impressed.

 

[handwerk]

SHaneC, I don't know the answer for sure but both my sons have the new Geovid R's and we compared them to EL Range TA's and Swaro 10x42 SV's and we couldn't see a difference.
The R's are also closed bridge not open like the pros.

 

[Spiral Horn]

I was primarily a bowhunter for many years and never found anything better than a premium binocular and a Leica CRF - they are lightweight, quick and easy one-handed handling, very accurate and clear. It served me well for decades and I wouldn’t change that.

For rifle hunting I have a Zeiss Victory RF 10x42 and would recommend it for those wanting to transition to an integrated unit.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I'd go with the Leica Geovid R's.

This is what I did and they are great.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Is the only difference between the Geovid R's and the Pro is the ability to use the app? Same glass?

I believe so.

 

[dreamingWest]

Is the only difference between the Geovid R's and the Pro is the ability to use the app? Same glass?

They have different prism designs. The Geovid R uses Uppendahl roof prisms whereas the Geovid Pro uses Perger prisms. The Perger prism geometry is what gives the Geovid Pro such a unique shape that, in my opinion, provides the best rangefinding binocular glassing experience.

The latest Geovid R compared well to my Swarovski SLC. They are an excellent hunting tool.

The Geovid Pro offers quite a bit more. Superior ergonomics, nearly flawless image, environmentals, ballistics solver, etc. Unfortunately I did not own the Geovid R and Pro at the same time for a true side-by-side glassing session.

If funds and timing allows, I would wait until Leica updates the Geovid Pro with their new customizable HUD (see the latest CFR). That rangefinder will be hard to beat.

 

[dreamingWest]

I have always had a pair of binoculars and a separate rangefinder, mainly because I bowhunt a lot. But want to go to a single unit. I am not worried about the ballistic app features, just want something very clear and works well in low light conditions.

Was looking at the Leicas and Swaro's. Or are there some others that are better?

Thanks

For bowhunting, I've always been a Swaro bino + compact rangefinder guy. My best combo so far is Swarovski EL 8.5x42 + Leica CRF Pro.

Some of the best bowhunters I know have made the switch to RF binos, so I'm trying them out his year.
I'd already settled on the Geovid Pro 10x42 for rifle hunting. They are excellent. I took these to Greenland for a bowhunt and thought they were too cumbersome while bowhunting. Some of that may have been due to the added bulk of the Marsupial harness.

Being the gear junky I am, I purchased some Geovid Pro 8x32s from the classifieds here once I returned from Greenland. I'll test them all whitetail season to see if they are superior to my Swaro + CRF combo.

For archery, if you go Leica, I highly recommend buying a model with "Pro" in the name (CRF or Geovid). These are the only models I've found that give EHR and only EHR instantly. Unfortunately you'll be paying up for the ballistic features you don't need.

 

[nm.otter]

I would wait until Leica updates the Geovid Pro with their new customizable HUD (see the latest CRF).

Hopefully they will allow us to configure a minimal display in one or both of the lower corners. I absolutely detest flashy data obscuring the center of my FOV.

 

[bojangles808]

I'd go with the Leica Geovid R's.

x2

 

[ruger35]

I have the Kilo 10k Gen2’s and they have been excellent. Use Applied Ballistics. Used them at the Nightforce Steel Challenge and had zero issues even at extended distances.

 

[JDMBEND]

Great time to be a consumer for RF binos. Lots of really good options available.
Now if someone comes out with high quality image stabilized LRF’s, I will be first in line.

 

[bigunit]

Another vote for geovid r. Mine are the older ones with the ranging button on the left barrel which I definitely prefer for bow hunting since I can hold and range with my left hand and stabilize the binos with the bow in my right.

 

[Alpha Echo]

Another vote for geovid r. Mine are the older ones with the ranging button on the left barrel which I definitely prefer for bow hunting since I can hold and range with my left hand and stabilize the binos with the bow in my right.

You make a great point for us lefties who both rifle and bowhunt. When the time comes that I've saved up enough for RF Binos I may have to go with the Zeiss, since it seems to be the only one with ambi/customizable buttons.

 

[dreamingWest]

You make a great point for us lefties who both rifle and bowhunt. When the time comes that I've saved up enough for RF Binos I may have to go with the Zeiss, since it seems to be the only one with ambi/customizable buttons.

The latest 32mm Swaros have double buttons as well. I'd love to try the 8x32s but no one stocks them around me and I'm not planning to go to any shows anytime soon.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

The main “killing animals benefit” of RF binos is having the ballistics solution right in front of your face instantly.

If you’re going to a RF only bino and then using an app or a card or whatever all you’re really doing is giving up optical quality in the bino and not really aiding yourself in the killing process.

It saves you a step of refinding the animal in your range finder, and if you’re using quick drop or some other form of determining ballistics they work fine.

But from a true killing tool standpoint I’d highly recommend the on board ballistics and I’d save my money for the Revic Gen 2 RF Binos.

 

[Alpha Echo]

The latest 32mm Swaros have double buttons as well. I'd love to try the 8x32s but no one stocks them around me and I'm not planning to go to any shows anytime soon.

Those look sweet! the FOV of the 8x32s is impressive. If anyone has these new EL 32s, is the laser better than on the EL Range 42's? I know Form has made it very clear in the podcast and here that the weakness of the EL Ranges (I'm assuming the 42's) is the laser, compared to the other alphas and especially the Revics.

 

[Weldor]

I've run Geovid's and sig's and now using Zeiss. All worked well. My only problem is when Apple updates my phone I lose all my data on the Zeiss app, weird. Been looking at the Revic's, hopefully do some hands on soon.