handwerk
WKR
I think you could be very happy with a set of the geovid HD-R, great optics and a very good rangefinder, no gimmick.
Time for new binos
- Thread starter Takeem406
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Broomd
WKR
Seriously? You don't get out much! <grin>
Leica's geovids are fantastic.
Have had all of the alphas in the Rf configuration, Swaro was my least fave, they didn't range up close, they felt large, heavy. I was disappointed, I expected more from Swarovski.
The Zeiss felt best in my hands--love the armoring on those suckers, but they were also large and heavy--excellent rf.
The Leica HDs--the older style HD-Y (not the newer over=priced Swaro style split barrel design) are numero uno...won't hunt sheep or goats without 'em. In the Geovid HD RF I have the 8X42's and the 10X42's and as I get older the 8X really rocks.
Leica's first gen non-HD geovids are a best buy if you can find them.
If I had that kind of $$ to spend I'd grab the SLC HD's in the classifieds and be set pretty much forever.
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OP
OP
Takeem406
WKR
My buddy bought the Geovids and says they can range out to 2k! Kinda cool! Now just to work some over time and get that W2...
It's funny, I didn't like the gen 1 leicas that well, I thought the light transmission was pretty poor.
As far as glass goes, the vortex do not belong in the conversation with the German glass, the ca, edge to edge clarity, and clarity just aren't on par.
I actually like the vipers better than the razors.
If you want to go new, I'd recommend the euros or trinovids. Used, you have a lot more options. You should be able to find ultravids, victory hts, slchds, and non Swarovision els. My buddy bought a set of zeiss victory hts used for 1300, I'm hugely impressed with them.
As for the power argument, 12s are the best all around for Western hunting if you're only going to carry one set and plan on using a tripod.
This will limit your options though to pretty much the euros in your price range.
Here's some Leica Ultravids in your price range.
https://redhawkrifles.com/products/...fied-pre-owned-leica-ultravid-10x42mm-hd-plus
https://redhawkrifles.com/products/...fied-pre-owned-leica-ultravid-10x42mm-hd-plus
Cameralandny just posted a thread and they have them in demos from the shot show, so new just pulled out of the box.
pirogue
WKR
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 1,340
I bought a pair of Swarovski El 10x42 and sold them 10 years later for more than I paid for them. I doubt other brand owners could say that. I only sold them to upgrade to the Swaro HD.
kipper09
WKR
Mavens. Don't overlook these. The glass is extremely good for the price. I've had some good glass and maven is right up near the top in my opinion
eagle#eyes
Lil-Rokslider
I've never used this in the field but the Leica's rangefinder binocular where much easier to use than the Swaro's. Easier to read, ranged closer and quicker. If you archery hunt, you may want to keep them separate , for me it's more convenient to have a smaller individual unit for ranging.
The Geovids are fantastic. Great RF. Not so sure the RF portion is covered under the warranty umbrella. The glass? Great as expected.
Razor HD. My brother just bought a pair. Super clear, but the color is off compared to my Ultravids. I would prefer to lock both sets to a tripod when comparing to even things out. But hand held they are really good. Very comfy in hand. Compact almost in the 10x42 he got.
My 10x50 are giant in comparison and if I could go it over I would drop a size.
My friend has the Zeiss conquest and he bought the new for $999. Really clear but the color is cooler IIRC.
It's a good time to be bino shopping.
Razor HD. My brother just bought a pair. Super clear, but the color is off compared to my Ultravids. I would prefer to lock both sets to a tripod when comparing to even things out. But hand held they are really good. Very comfy in hand. Compact almost in the 10x42 he got.
My 10x50 are giant in comparison and if I could go it over I would drop a size.
My friend has the Zeiss conquest and he bought the new for $999. Really clear but the color is cooler IIRC.
It's a good time to be bino shopping.
If you're looking for a regular joe perspective, read my "review" of the Swaro EL's. I took them out and compared them to my Vortex Viper HD 10x50's.
http://blog.sandsarchery.com/swarovski-optik-el-10x42-review/
I ended up going with the SLC's and couldn't be happier. I personally think they are better than the EL's.
http://blog.sandsarchery.com/swarovski-optik-el-10x42-review/
I ended up going with the SLC's and couldn't be happier. I personally think they are better than the EL's.
Good review.
One thing to mention. My Ultravids. You can pull the knob to adjust for Each eye independently. When you pull the knob it separates into two knobs. The front knob does the left, back knob, the right. Then you lock it down to focus both.
I think this helps especially if you have janky eyes like I go.
Great review for sure. I used several "less expensive brands" but after spending 8 - 10 hours a day glassing while I was guiding, I saved all of my tip money and bought a pair of SLC's. AMAZING!!!!!! No more headaches at the end of the day from eye strain. After using them for 20 years, I decided to upgrade to the EL's. (Saved tip money again!) I really do like them but maybe the eyes are fading because I can't see any difference at all between them and my old SLC's, in fact I probably like the SLC's a little bit better.
The EL's have the "view flattener" lens that the SLC's do not. Other than that the glass is the same. From what i understand..
rexahayes
Lil-Rokslider
Not trying to hijack the thread, but I'm looking at getting a pair of binos and a tripod for a CO elk hunt. I can get a pair of razors or kaibabs for about the same price as the maven b2s... I've looked through the b2s at the safari show. Any one have any experience comparing either of those with the mavens?
Broomd
WKR
Great 'real world' opinion here...any guy that spends countless hours behind glass warrants some major consideration. I haven't had the new SLC's I hesitate to try them or I'll spend the dough!
Great views here overall....Like Boom said, great time to be in the bino market...
They are two totally different optical designs. Besides the field flattener in the EL SV, the SLC's transmission curve is a little different, tuned more towards low light transmission wavelengths. Lots of hunters I have spoken to prefer the SLC view.
WOW! Nobody ever said that I lived in the "real world" before.
Most people say that I'm just fine if left alone in my own little world!
(at least all of the voices in my head!)
you're cool if you dont answer the little voices in your head out loud.
dont rule out the Zeiss Conquest. damn good binos. i think they feel a tad light..there is a strange lack of "heft". but they are really really good.
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