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Leica Geovid HD-B Series | Optics Trade Debates

Hello and welcome to another episode of Optics Trade Debates. Lately, the singular topic of these videos have been Leica laser rangefinding binoculars and today will be no different.  We’re here to talk about Leica Geovid HD-B series.

Let’s start with a little bit of history. Leica was the first company to introduce laser rangefinding binoculars to the civil market in 1992. The original Geovid series had a much bulkier design. It wasn’t until 2005 that the now classic form of Leica LRF binoculars was established.

The HD-B models were launched in 2013. At the time, the Leica Geovid HD-B series was considered groundbreaking due to its superior optical performance and rangefinding capabilities. To this day, the competition is slim.

Leica designed a completely new prism system. The majority of binoculars uses one of the 3 standard prism types: Schmidt-Pechan and Abbe-Koenig (both belonging to the Roof prism type)  or Porro prisms. This has been the norm for the last twenty to forty years.

With Geovid HD-B series, the German company did something totally different. Thanks to the Perger-Porro prism system, HD-B series has a distinctive ‘bent’ shape that only adds to the ergonomics of these binoculars.

Perger-Porro prisms enable the best optical performance possible for laser rangefinding binoculars. We know that LRF binoculars usually have a few problems providing the same level of optical performance as classic models. With over 90% light transmission rate and a wide field of view, Geovid HD-B models serve as a perfect example of tapped potential.

Another good characteristic of Leica Geovid HD-B series is the astonishing performance speed. Measurements are displayed immediately, with a simple click of a button. In 2013, this was a novelty and according to many satisfied customers, Leica continues to produce maybe the fastest LRF binoculars on the market.

The detection range of Geovid HD-B models is yet another advantage over competitors’ models. The range limit surged to 1850 metres, an astounding feat that went above the market expectations. Based on the standard at the time, the range of detection was needed for maybe 600 metres.

As far as the internal components are concerned, Leica integrated air pressure and temperature sensors and one for the angle. The biggest advancement, however, was the introduction of Advanced Ballistic Compensation (ABC®). This ballistic software is able to collect all the data (the angle, distance, air pressure and temperature measurement) and apply it to the ballistic calculation.

Leica Geovid HD-B series has 12 preset ballistic curves that the user can pick from to best fit their rifle and ammunition. Not only that, Leica made a programme that their customers can use to create and download their own, custom ballistic curve that can be then downloaded onto a microSD card and inserted into HD-B binoculars.

As you can imagine, the margin of error is well and truly minimized. The ballistic calculator takes in all the measurements and gives the user the exact number of clicks (the user can also set the click value to the one that is used on their riflescope), how much holdover needs to be factored in (in inches or centimetres) or it simply calculates the equivalent horizontal range.

In 2013, this seemed like something out of science fiction. Zeiss is the only competitor that was able to match and advance ABC® technology, 5 years after Leica’s trailblazing accomplishment. Still, Leica remains at the top in optical performance.

Leica Geovid HD-B models are the best LRF binoculars currently on offer by the German company. The other two series, Geovid R and Geovid HD-R, do not offer all the functions in Leica’s arsenal but should more than satisfy an average hunter.

From 2013 to 2018, Leica introduced 2 special editions of this series. There was the 2200 Edition with an increased range of detection and another in 2017 that was in green instead of the classic black. The 2017 models are still very sought-after because they are considered a collector’s item. Much like other Leica products that were sold in limited numbers or as a part of a rare cross-brand collaboration.

Let’s take a look at the prices. HD-B models are considered deluxe optical device and cost from 2.950 to 3.300 euros. As of 2018, there are three models in this series: Leica Geovid 8×42 HD-B, 10×42 HD-B and 8×56 HD-B. The ‘3000’ part of the name denotes the range of detection in yards.

To be fair, there isn’t much left to improve since the build and optical quality of Leica Geovid HD-B products has already been perfected. They have an ergonomic open bridge design that makes these binoculars easy to hold without fatigue. There are two multi-functional buttons at the top that the customer can use without looking since one is indented while the other protrudes. Just another example of Leica’s attention to detail.

Leica Geovid HD-B binoculars are particularly rugged and light with a resilient, fully rubber-armoured magnesium body. They are nitrogen-filled and thus fully protected against internal fogging. The user can submerge them into a water depth of 5 meters (16.5 feet) without causing any damage.

The twist-up eyecups can be fixed in 5 click-stop positions and are comfortable for use, no matter if the customer is wearing glasses or not. There is a central focusing wheel with a right eye diopter for adjusting the focus and a left-eye one for adjusting the LED-display information.

There is the innovative nanostructure AquaDura® coating on the external lens surfaces that repels dirt, oil, and moisture. It also protects the surface from mild scratches. The lenses are also coated with thin layers of Leica‘s Highly Durable Coating (HDC) and the prisms are phase corrected (P-40). The HighLux System provides brilliant contrast, vibrant colors and an outstandingly sharp resolution from edge to edge.

Leica products are always sold with multiple well-made accessories added in the packaging. With their Leica Geovid HD-B product, the customer also receives a bag, a carrying strap, rain guard lens covers and other items such as a warranty card, user manual and so on. Additional accessories listed in the booklet that comes in the box can be purchased separately.

Note that the covers of the battery compartment and the microSD slot should only be opened with the use of the authorized Leica tool that is included in the package. Other tools and objects like coins will definitely leave scratches on the surface and might not even work in the first place.

Leica’s ballistics programme to create and save the user’s own custom ballistic data set can be accessed via the company’s official webpage.

All Geovid series are manufactured in Portugal and the warranty period on them is 5 years. The service life is much longer, at least 10 years. This shouldn’t worry potential buyers since Leica uses state-of-the-art technology and pledges to take back products for repairs even after the warranties run out.

Leica continues to be a paragon of technological prowess and brand reputability and here, at Optics Trade, we certainly believe that their products are well worth the investment.

Okay, this should more than cover it. We would like to thank you for your attention. If you have any feedback or questions for us, feel welcome to contact us via email or through the comment section below. Like and share this video if you found it useful and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content like this. We will see you next time.

Products mentioned:
Leica Geovid HD-B
Leica binoculars
Leica manufacturer

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