Leica Geovid (3 Viewers)

[Rr58]

Looking at getting my first pair of RF binos (10X42), and the Geovid line seems to be one of the best there is. I am specifically looking at older model Geovids, namely the HD line. A few questions for the more experienced with Leica glass:

-Whats the difference in optical quality between the -R and the -HD? From the specs I see the field of view is larger on the -HD
-Other notable differences to go with HD or R line?
-How is the Leica warranty on used optics?
-What price should I look to stay under on these models?

Thanks!

 

[John A Roberts]

Hopefully of interest for some . . .

Firstly, see a general outline of features together with images of the 3 generations of Leica Geovid binoculars, in post #81 at: New Old Trinovids
(and also see the attached low-res image illustrating the main chronology)

The complication of adding a laser rangefinder system to a binocular often adversely affects its optical performance.
See some examples of the effects on transmission, from the great body of work of Gijs at: Loss Of Brightness With 8X42 RF (HT)

Some cross-sections and cutaways showing how RF systems are employed in various binoculars, can be seen at: please compare two older Alpha 10x42's
And images for the Swarovski EL Range are in post #11 at: Pre Swarovision EL vs SLC HD


John

 

[Trinovid]

I got my hands on a couple pairs of Geovids just recently and while I found the rangefinder and thermal detector to be unnecessary for my purposes, very incredible package that I'd have a hard time passing up if they cost a lot less.

 

[John A Roberts]

Expanding on the previous image, Leica has now posted a graphic showing in detail the various models in the 3 generations of Geovids.
It can be found at: Leica Sport Optics: A brief History of Binoculars – Leica Hunting Blog


John


In addition to the links in post #2, information about the new Geovid Pro x32 can be found at: 6 January 2022 - New Leica announcement

 

[handwerk]

One main difference between the closed bridge HD's and the R's is the HD's had different coatings.
John, thanks for the info but they are missing the older HD-R's, in 10x42's the model # was 40059, which I consider the best of the closed bridge models.
I have several and have been using them since introduced. Optically they give up very little to my Swaro SV's and NL Pure and being a hunter the Geovids always make the trip.

 

[handwerk]

To the OP, another difference between the HD's and the R is the HD's rangefinder did not have angle comp, where the R's do.
In the 17 years of owning Geovid's I've never had a warranty issue but it seems Leica has really upped their game as of late.
In the used market I'd not pay over $1200-$1300 for the two models you mention.