Rangefinding Binos

[jamross65]

Well... just had a good look on line at the new Leica Geovid HD-B bins.. they look very nice, slightly odd shape which i'm sure is nice in the hand but doesn't appeal to my eye.. The electronics, as I expected have been brought kicking and screaming into the 21st century and now allow you to program ballistics info as you can in the zeiss (never used!) AND gives you angle compensation as in the Swaros... so.. the best of both competitors PLUS it also takes account of current atmospheric conditions which is a neat trick..

So, I'm watching the video thinking... yeah... they could make me switch back from my < £1,800 (at the right outlet) Zeiss RFs... Woahhh there boy! not at over £2,600 they won't... think I'll leave them for those who have more money than brain cells! lol

I am one of these folk who still likes to think I am doing a bit of the legwork myself. It will soon get to the stage we have gyroscopes fitted to rifle bi-pods and an electronic remote to set off the shot!

I have no issue in saving a few hundred pounds and working out my drop myself, and putting the figures on a card and fitting it to the rifle, then simply dialling in the adjustment to the scope once I know my distance. I think if atmosphere status is going to start affecting a shot to the point you need to adjust for it, then you have to seriously be thinking twice about the distance the target is.

Is it getting to the point where the big manufacturers are simply competing in the technology race instead of producing a sensible product with real world usability, and all at the expense of the shooter?

 

[caorach]

Is it getting to the point where the big manufacturers are simply competing in the technology race instead of producing a sensible product with real world usability, and all at the expense of the shooter?

My take on it is that there aren't a huge amount of practical improvements to be made in glass and so many companies are marketing on "features" you must have. If it comes to basic binos then I think that the glass became adequate, or even more than adequate, for stalking purposes quite a few years back and I suspect that many of the "lower tier" manufacturers are now making binos that are adequate for stalking but minus the features and marketing. So, I think you are correct and many people are buying marketing and a "name" rather than something they actually need. Of course it is down to each individual to define their own needs but for practical stalking we don't really require much at all.

 

[Vipa]

I am one of these folk who still likes to think I am doing a bit of the legwork myself. It will soon get to the stage we have gyroscopes fitted to rifle bi-pods and an electronic remote to set off the shot!

I have no issue in saving a few hundred pounds and working out my drop myself, and putting the figures on a card and fitting it to the rifle, then simply dialling in the adjustment to the scope once I know my distance. I think if atmosphere status is going to start affecting a shot to the point you need to adjust for it, then you have to seriously be thinking twice about the distance the target is.

Is it getting to the point where the big manufacturers are simply competing in the technology race instead of producing a sensible product with real world usability, and all at the expense of the shooter?

It's not a few hundred quid though Jam... shop around and it's more like £1,000

 

[jamross65]

It's not a few hundred quid though Jam... shop around and it's more like £1,000

Then it just starts to get silly! My 7x42SLC's cost £530 when new and after refurb look brand new again with 4 new lenses. the Leica 800 rangefinder I have was a gift. I cannot under any stretch justify that kind of outlay just because something is 'new'. Looking more and more like the current Zeiss or Swarovski's, and at the prices I am seeing more towards the Zeiss. I'll see what I can barter out the traders at Kelso...

 

[eggy s]

Jamross65.

Whatever anyone here says this is what you need to do is:

Get your hands on all 3 sets at low light and pick the ones that work best for YOU.

Anyone on here that is claiming that theirs are the best are talking about THEIR own point of view.

All 3 brands are equally as good as each other, it just depends on what works best for you.

Also who needs a ballistics calculator when most of us never shoot over 200 yards. Don't believe the marketing as you don't need half the crap they are trying to sell you.

That said I still want them because I like shiny things.

 

[jamross65]

Jamross65.

Whatever anyone here says this is what you need to do is:

Get your hands on all 3 sets at low light and pick the ones that work best for YOU.

Anyone on here that is claiming that theirs are the best are talking about THEIR own point of view.

All 3 brands are equally as good as each other, it just depends on what works best for you.

Also who needs a ballistics calculator when most of us never shoot over 200 yards. Don't believe the marketing as you don't need half the crap they are trying to sell you.

That said I still want them because I like shiny things.

I need to find a dealer in that case who will trust me with £6000 worth of stock.

 

[flytie]

I had a read on the Leica site about the new HD rangefinding bin's and was surprised to see that they are porro prism, not roof prism like most of the ultra fashionable bins are these days. Perhaps it is easier to fit in the electronics in a porro prism shape, which accounts for all the comments on the weird shape of these things in your hands and when carrying them.

I have just written this on another thread, so I apologise for doing it again, but I would really like to know how long the warranty period is on these top three (Leica, Zeiss & Swarovski) rangefinding binoculars?

Simon

 

[Cut+Squirt]

If I had money dripping out my arse I would buy a pair of RF Binos but I just don't see their worth . . The price thats being asked by some retailers is verging on the ludicrous . . . . I had a range finder up until I dropped it in a huge clearfell, and you know what I dont miss it a squat . . . . I know when to far is to far and don't take the shot. . . .although saying that, I appreciate the 25-06 is quite a forgiving cartridge when it comes to drop.

 

[Klenchblaize]

Call me an if you must but whatever happened to the concept of Riflemanship born of in-the-field affinity with distance and windage readouts as supplied by one's grey matter?

 

[Vipa]

Call me an if you must but whatever happened to the concept of Riflemanship born of in-the-field affinity with distance and windage readouts as supplied by one's grey matter?

the same thing that happened to the 78, the LP, and the CD..... The horse and cart, candle and then gas light and latterly incandescent bulbs, film cameras, cassette tapes and Betamax... Need I go on?

Yes... You are an old duffer lol

 

[Klenchblaize]

the same thing that happened to the 78, the LP, and the CD..... The horse and cart, candle and then gas light and latterly incandescent bulbs, film cameras, cassette tapes and Betamax... Need I go on?

Yes... You are an old duffer lol

Indeed as the 3000+ vinyl LP’s I nightly caress before committing to the needle attests to!

I see the point in the context of considered long-range fox and other varmint sniping but not woodland stalking.

However, should Leica wish to convert me I’m willing to conduct an in-depth field test on their latest offering but for a small fee of course.

Cheers

K

 

[Cyres]

Nearly 3 years ago I went to the Sportsman at Exeter and came away with a pair of 10x42 Geovids HD's and the Zeiss victory equivalent. Tested both under all conditions for a week and purchased the Leicas. They felt more ergonomic and less bulky than the Zeiss. Optically there is nothing in it as is the rangefinding. Leica electronics/display is very dated but works well, Zeiss ring much more appealing. Ballistic programme in Zeiss is just a gimmic better to dial in.

To Sportsman credit put both on my Credit card and returned Victories on SOR so very helpfull.

Must say the latest Leicas look mighty good but very pricey.

Absolutely no reliability issues with Leicas, if get muddy put them in the sink and wash with warm soapy water. Have yet to replace a battery.

Mate has a non HD pair identical to mine and I cannot tell the difference in the optics.

Indispensible piece of kit and worth every penny of the £1.5K they cost.

D

 

[talisker]

I have noticed that Bushnell rangefinder binos are on sale for about £570, are the Zeiss, Leicas and Swarovskis really worth 1-2k more ?
Also while speaking to a full time stalker he had issues with the coating on the Ziess lenses,something to do with too much rain on the lenses, he had two pairs replaced under waranty before giving up and switching to Swaros.

 

[Vipa]

I have noticed that Bushnell rangefinder binos are on sale for about £570, are the Zeiss, Leicas and Swarovskis really worth 1-2k more ?
Also while speaking to a full time stalker he had issues with the coating on the Ziess lenses,something to do with too much rain on the lenses, he had two pairs replaced under waranty before giving up and switching to Swaros.

yes! Spend a day with each of them and you will realise that they are!