Leica experience?

[Justdecent]

Had anyone had any experience or been able to put their hands on the Leica Geovid?? Particularly the HD-R2700? I’ve been torn between these Binos and the Swarovski EL range, and at the vast difference in price point it seems almost like a no brainer to go with the Geovid. Would love to hear some opinions.

[whacker1]

I bought the Geovid's in 2014.  I absolutely adore them and have compared them against both the zeiss and the Swaro EL Range.  The Swaro EL Range at that time was not very ergonomically friendly, and I could see that being a draw on desire to stay behind the glass.  The rangefinder at that time did not work as well as the Leica.  The zeiss also wasn't as ergonomically friendly.  I have some buddies where we have compared the swaro glass against the leica glass, and there is a very miniscule difference where the swaro's perform slightly better.  But the difference wouldn't be strong enough for me to give up the ergonomics of the Leica.

I too would like to check out the new 2700, but I am probably going to wait a couple of more generations of glass/rangefinder combo before I consider upgrading.

[boneaddict]

In low light conditions, Swaro is leaps above Leica IMO.   Leica does make good glass though, especially for the price.

[Mtnwalker]

In low light conditions, Swaro is leaps above Leica IMO.   Leica does make good glass though, especially for the price.

Funny how different opinions get formed. back when the EL Swarovisions first came out my hunting partner and I both bought them and both hated them at low light and ended up exchanging for Leicas. My wife’s SLC HD’s are pretty dang good though, haven’t looked thru either of the glass in question.

[TRD1911]

I own a set of Swarovski 15x SLC and 10x EL's; both are the newest generation. Even though I'm deep on them I still think my buddy's Leica Geovids are clearer. With that said, the color of the Swaros are more "real" while the Leicas had an off-blue color to me. Although very crisp, the color change is what made me choose the Swaros. If I was to do it all over again I'd likely just get the Leicas as I dont think the Swaro's price justifies the gain.

[Justdecent]

Sure would be nice to schedule a field day where members could bring what they have in their arsenal and do some in field comparisons. I’m leaning more towards the Geovid HD-R or maybe even the B.

[Pinetar]

I have both and prefer the Leicas. The Leicas seem clearer and the rangefinder is insanely accurate and I get longer ranges with them better than my Swaro. Can't go wrong with either.

[jjhunter]

I’ve owned/hunted with them all.  Swaro has the best glass and they are more compact.  Also, the range button is on the correct side for a left hander.   I prefer the original HD frame on the Leica’s.  The new “R” and “B” frame is pretty big binocular.  Too big for me to wear on my chest. 

I sold both my Leica’s and my Zeiss RF and kept the EL Range.  They’ve got some miles and have proven to be a great bino - even with the humps.

[TRD1911]

Sure would be nice to schedule a field day where members could bring what they have in their arsenal and do some in field comparisons. I’m leaning more towards the Geovid HD-R or maybe even the B.

Now this sounds like a cool idea. I'm no longer in the market to buy any more optics but it would be fun to get together and compare. If this occurs within reasonable distance in W. Washington I would be glad to bring my glass for comparison.

[hunting4sanity]

I have the Leica rangefinder binos and have been very impressed with them. My brother has Swaro binos and using either his or mine is great as far as binos go, but I sure like having the combined unit.

[elkaholic123]

I have never tried the Leica’s, I love my EL Range 👍

[Justdecent]

I’m also on the westside. Love my 65 Atx and may go with the EL Range just because I’m familiar with Swaro. I must say though, there’s a fairly decent price gap between the swaro and Leica. Like I said, I would love to be able to try both side to side on a tripod and not offhand at the cabelas counter.  At the 16 year old behind the counter who tries to steer me away from the Swarovskis to a pair of Vipers because they’re much more affordable. Kid, just stop. Lol

[bpurtz]

I bought the Leica Geovid 10x42 HD after comparing to Swaro and Zeiss and have since upgraded to the Geovid 3000 HD-B.  The HD-B has a great custom load ballistic calculator that will give you quick elevation dial adjustments out to 900 yards.