Leica or Swarovski bino's?

[Caretaker]

Time for an upgrade.  Anyone have experience with Leica's range finding bino's?  I've tried both these models in the store and as far as clarity goes (atleast for my eyes) the Swarovski had a slight edge.  However, I really like the idea of having one device to use for range finding and glassing. 

Leica Geovid 10x42 range finding or Swarovski EL 10x42 WB

[7mag.]

I think that they are pretty close in comparison. But the Geovids are a grand more, of course that includes the range finder built in. Good luck, that's a tough call.

[S.O.B]

I run the swarrows and love them know a couple guys who run the liacas and feel the same way, if you have the coin to by them neither would be a bad choice.

[Caretaker]

Of those that do have the Leica's, do you find it convenient by only having one glass to look through?  You do get to save the extra weight and not carry a range finder.  That's the way I am leaning.  It's tuff to give up the clarity of the swaro's, I'll test them again.  Probably going to get the Leica's. 

[jjhunter]

I was in the same boat a couple months ago......the EL's are head and shoulders above the Geovids in clarity and brightness.  I had every intention of buying the Geovids but couldn't give up the clarity after comparing the two side by side.  I already have a Swaro rangefinder and decided I would rather pack the best binos (EL's) and the best rangefinder than a good bino/rangefinder combo.  I would love to have a pair of Geovids for bowhunting (stalking) and coyote hunting, but again, it would be hard to leave the EL's behind.  You will use you Bino's way more than you will use the rangefinder function.  Unless you can afford both, buy the best glass that you can first - EL's all the way, Baby!   

[Caretaker]

I already have a Leica 1200 yd range finder., it's small and light.  Good feedback JJhunter.  I distinctly remember the clarity of the Swaro's blew me away.  Everyone eyes are different.  I've looked through as many different pairs of glass as one could and those swaro's stood alone.  Thanks.

[actionshooter]

I compared the swaros and geovids side by side and the swaros won hands down on clarity and brightness. I was bound to get the geovids until I did the comparison.
 Remember you will glass for hours on end and use the rangefinder for only a second.

[7mag.]

Since you already have the Leica 1200 range finder, then I would say Swaro's for sure. Those EL's are sweet. The SLC's are great too.

[Caretaker]

You guys provided really good points and has made me think.  I'll take clarity/brightness over convenience of carrying one device.  I spend way more time glassing then ranging.  Sworo's it is baby!  Thanks everyone.

[high country]

I have 3 pair of leicas and one pair of swaro's. I personally prefer the leica's, but they dont make a glass to compare to the 15x56. one thing for sure they are both way clear and bright. I would sugest trying them in the field, feild conditions are the true test. some of my buds prefer the swaros to the leicas.....I am the opposite. only you can be certain.

[Caretaker]

Purchased Sworo's 10x42 EL yesterday. Did several side by side comparisons to Zeis, Leicas, the Sworos clearly came ahead on clarity and light transmission. Interesting note on the Leicas with built in range finder, the right eye had a bit of clarity and color difference then the left eye, then I noticed the right eye is the side that has the range readout. The Sworos wow'd me every time picking them up. Cabelas had them on sale for $200 off, they proved their worth by spotting 3 cow elk and one black tail thet I never would seen with my older pair of 7x42 Baush and lombe. Very happy with my purchase.

[huntnphool]

Congrats on the purchase, sell all your others you will never use them again.