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Leica Geovid HD-B vs Geovid HD-R | Optics Trade Debates

Hello and welcome to another Optics Trade Debates video. We continue with in-depth discussions about Leica Geovid products. This video will specifically focus on the differences between Geovid HD-R and HD-B series of laser rangefinding binoculars.

Leica Geovid HD-R and HD-B models are incredibly similar, despite belonging to different series. Almost everything is the same, from their physical properties to the optical capabilities.

For a better understanding, we suggest you first check our Optics Trade Debates episodes, where we discussed all Geovid series (R, HD-R, and HD-B) both individually and in detail.

The first major difference is that the Geovid HD-B offers 12 preset ballistic curves from which the user can pick the one that matches his own the best.

Not only that, but Leica also made a software where their customers can create and download their own, individual ballistic curves. The data can be then saved on a microSD card and inserted into the HD-B model.

This way, the LRF binoculars will be able to give you the exact holdover and the number of clicks for your actual ballistic curve so the margin of error becomes almost infinitesimal.

The HD-B series came out in 2013 and continues to be groundbreaking even by today’s standards. It’s only this year, in 2018, that the first and only competitor so far launched a similar product.

Normally, every ballistic curve is a little bit different than the 12 available in the preset options. For advanced users, creating a ballistic curve tailored to their exact demands is a welcome innovation.

The second major difference is the range of detection. The Geovid HD-R models can measure up to 2700 yards (around 2470 metres).

In the Geovid HD-B series, certain models like HD-B 2700 or HD-B 3000 have a number attached to their name. This number denotes the maximum range of detection (in yards) that the device in question can provide.

Both series can measure air pressure, air temperature and the angle. It is important to note that the HD-R binoculars only collect the data, while the more advanced HD-B models can use them to give the equivalent horizontal range.

Thanks to the Advanced Ballistic Compensation programme of the HD-B series, the user no longer has to use a separate app or a folder to manually calculate the data.

Instead, the ABC will take this data into calculation together with the chosen ballistic curve and provide its user with the exact number of clicks and holdover measurements for a precise shot on target.  

It is true, however, that the equivalent horizontal range of the ABC programme only works up to 1100 metres. Of course, the models of the Geovid HD-B series can measure far further but there are a couple reasons as to why this 1100-metre limit exists.

The first reason has to deal with ethics. These devices were created with hunting and long-range shooting in mind. Here in Europe, Leica believes that shooting at animals at more than 1100 metres is unethical.

The second reason is that the further away from the target is the user, the bigger becomes the margin of error even when utilizing the best optical devices on the market. There are just too many factors that would influence the accuracy of calculations.

Leica released many editions of Geovid models in the time between the first release of Geovid HD-R and the latest version of HD-B in 2018. The HD-B came in 2 earlier editions. Leica Geovid 2200 had a distinctive green housing, provided an extended range of detection and was launched in 2017. It is considered a collector’s item. In 2018, Leica came out with the HD-B 3000 edition.

The HD-R is a little bit different. In 2015, Leica released 3 different model “types” called Type 402, Type 403 and Type 500. Now, in 2018, they came out with the HD-R 2700 edition.

Last but not least, the third major difference between HD-R and HD-B models deals with the price. Arguably, the Geovid HD-R series is the best value per price option possible. For 2,500 to 2,900 euros you get what the majority of hunters need without compromising the premium optics experience.

With HD-B, on the other hand, the user gets a little bit of additional range of detection which is honestly not that important, the ABC ballistics calculator, 12 preset ballistic curves with an option of creating your own and uploading it into the binoculars via a MicroSD card. All of that costs 500 euros more. The prices of this series start at 2,950 and go all the way up to 3,300 euros.

It is true that the majority of our customers here at Optics Trade decides to purchase the latest Geovid HD-B version. It makes sense. If you’re ready to invest into an optical device like this, why not go for the cream of the crop? When considering the steep price of Leica premium products, 500 euros more or less don’t really make that much of a difference.

This brings us to the end of today’s discussion. Thank you for your attention. Please like and share this video if you found it useful. If you’d like to see more of similar content, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. We will see you next time.

Products mentioned:

Leica Geovid HD-R
Leica Geovid HD-B
Leica binoculars
Leica manufacturer

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