I recently reviewed the Leica Geovid R for magazine Vapentidningen.
Before this I used Leica Geovid BRF (the "old" R) since it arrived in 2004.
Before that Swarovski binos + separate Leica LRF.
Now I use Swarovski EL Range 10x42 because the price was right at time of purchase.
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My opinions:
- Combined bino and laser is a superior option to separate units if you want to kill animals. Beyond species and sex, I don't need to ID or classify animals further.
- I've glassed up thousands of deer under difficult conditions (cover, weather, range, light) with the Geovid BRF and it has helped me kill 100's. It has become my personal benchmark for optical quality as "more" doesn't seem to do anything for efficiency unless I switch to thermal. I found the Geovid R to be slightly better. I found the Swarovski to be slightly better for colour at twilight, but I am starting to detest a couple of details (menu system I don't want to enter, carry loops opening, objective covers opening) to the point that it is detrimental for use as the optic isn't "on demand" when I raise it only to find it clogged by water or having accidentally pushed the menu button when leaning on terrain. The "shape factor" also isn't that good on the Swarovski as the Leica, especially with gloves. Leica button much better. With my Leica BRF a round of PVC tape on objective covers was the only modification required to keep correct tension for cups and the optics "on demand). With the Swarovski, I have to carry them in a "shower cap" which slows me down and I find myself not glassing enough. So much annoyed by these details that I would not buy the Swarovski again.
I get this weather 250 days a year, hence my focus on lenscaps and raingear. Once lenses are wet, getting a clean lens & clear view can be quite the operation. It is not as simple as a "wipe"...
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This is not unusual viewing conditions for me. Add twilight. The Leica/ Swaro laser frequently struggle beyond 400-500. My BRF would sometimes not do more than 200 so noticably poorer performance.
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Normal. I would say this is a very clearly presented animal and shot around "the usual" time/light conditions.
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Normal
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Normal
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This is where my Swaro's tend to unintentionally enter the meny system
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Of course I have nice days too
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- My Leica BRF laser hasn't been all that great in rain or mist, despite good view of target. My Swarovski is more reliable, but fell flat on it's arse in New Mexico - difficult to get readings.
- If the pricepoint of Geovid R is a benchmark for "full hunting value" (a term I just made up) you are paying a lot for very little extra when you reach for the most expensive Leica/Swaro/Zeiss. I don't think they add any real value to your hunt.
- I have used the Revic riflescopes (smart and dumb) and was perfectly happy with the picture and details I had with those units. If the binos are a match. I'm not a fan of trying new optics, they are usually noticably "less" than what I use. These were not, perfectly OK. By that I mean I see what I can find in my binos and I get get a clear view of the target and "twig obstructions". I've had Leupold mk4 and VX3 and similar fail catastrophic here: could not see animal. The price of poor optics can be your hunt, so I just stopped risking it.
So from these point and the initial reviews here, I'll deduce that the Revic binos add up to a good hunting tool at a good pricepoint. I would add it to my shortlist if I was in the market (right now my currency is devalued A LOT against everything, so not in the market for anything).
I'm also a Gunwerks fanboy and have hunted with Aaron twice. I really appreciate that there is a holistic company that works towards efficiency. (Aaron's behind the camera here)
By description, I fit the category of "influencer" so feel free to devalue my opinions
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