Leica Geovid HD-R Series | Optics Trade Debates

By Polona Kraner Dec 24, 2018

Hello and welcome to another episode of Optics Trade Debates. Today’s video will focus on Leica Geovid HD-R series.

Let’s start by explaining a bit of history behind the brand. In 1992, Leica was the first company to introduce laser rangefinding binoculars to the civil market.

Not only that, they continued to be a trailblazer by incorporating new technologies with each release that followed. There have been about 10 series of Geovids released since their first launch up to 2018.

The first Geovid HD-R generation was released in 2015. Three models were available – 8×42 (Type 402), 10×42 (Type 403) and 8×56 (Type 500).

The new 2018 models are not divided into ‘types’ but are marked with the number ‘2700’ instead. This number denotes the range of detection in yards. The customer can choose between 42 and 56-millimetre lenses for both daytime and nighttime observations.

As far as the optical features are concerned, Geovid HD-R models use Perger-Porro prisms. These prisms are something special as no other company produces non-standard prisms as Leica does. Everyone else is either producing the ordinary Porro prisms or Roof prisms, either of Schmidt–Pechan or the rarer Abbe–Koenig type.

Leica made one step further and introduced this custom Perger-Porro prism solution to achieve optimal optical performance. The system maximizes light gathering and provides incredibly bright images with the help of a fully multi-coated extra-low dispersion fluoride glass system that minimizes chromatic aberration.

Thanks to the impressive light transmission rate, these binoculars can be used in low light. The model with 56-millimetre lenses is particularly a great companion for hunting in the twilight.

These models boast a wide field of view. The lenses are coated with thin layers of Leica‘s Highly Durable Coating (HDC) that protects from light scratches. The prisms are phase corrected (P-40) and the HighLux System provides brilliant contrast, vibrant colors with an outstandingly sharp resolution from edge to edge.

There is also the AquaDura® coating applied to external glass surfaces. It significantly repels moisture, oil, dust, and other particles.

Geovid R models can measure air temperature, air pressure, and the angle. However, they can only display the measurements as they are not applied to any more complicated ballistic software. Therefore, all the calculations have to be done externally by the user.

Note that the angle measurements are used to calculate the path of the shot towards the target. These binoculars have the EHR (Equivalent Horizontal Range) function, which is great for inclined shots.

The latest Leica Geovid HD-R series gives you the equivalent horizontal range up to 1100 metres. The reason behind is of ethical nature since the company believes that shooting at animals from a distance bigger than that is no longer morally acceptable.

Theoretically, calculating the equivalent horizontal range would be possible even beyond 2000 yards although the margin of error widens with each yard added.

It’s time to pay some attention to the physical properties of the Geovid R series. It has an ergonomic open-hinge design that, in addition to the non-slip grip rubber armouring, helps the user to hold and carry them around for an extended period of time without fatigue.

The rubber armouring also protects the device against damage. The housing is made of magnesium. On the inside, they are filled with dry nitrogen gas. These binoculars are also fully waterproof, fog proof and can be submerged into 5 metres (16.5 feet) of water depth without any damage.

The device features twist-up eyecups and ergonomically designed buttons. One button is indented while the other one isn’t, which means that the user can easily set them apart even without looking.

Some people complain about the location of the focusing knob. It really depends on the size of the user’s hand, people with smaller ones like it while other users might find the placement impractical. It’s difficult to appease everyone.

Comparing Leica laser rangefinding binoculars to what the competition is doing, they are actually really affordable. Other brands more or less only offer the equivalent horizontal range. Nobody can match all the functions of Geovid HD-B series.

On the other hand, HD-R models provide the fastest measurements in the civil market. In fact, switching from Leica LRF binoculars directly to a competitor’s product might make the user feel like the latter is defective. Without the premium experience that Leica provides, you simply have to wait a little bit longer.

Leica Geovid HD-R series doesn’t differ much from the HD-B models. Physically, it’s next to impossible to set them apart. One of the few things that the HD-R series lacks is the ABC ballistic calculator.

People who purchase Leica optical devices also receive various quality-made accessories that are added to the box of the product. With Leica Geovid HD-R models, the customer also receives a bag, a carrying strap and rain guard lens covers.

There are other items included, like the factory certificate signed by the last person to check the product, the warranty card, and a user manual, and so on.

Note that opening the battery compartment is inadvisable using any other tool except the one Leica includes in the package. Using a sharp item or a coin will most definitely damage the battery cover with scratches and is not guaranteed to work, anyway.

All Leica Geovid products are manufactured in Portugal, including this series. The warranty on Geovid HD-R models is 5 years. However, Leica pledges to continue offering repair service on all its products, even after the warranty is no longer valid.

At Optics Trade, we had cases where customers sent back a Leica product they bought 15 years ago (the damage was a result of long and frequent use) and Leica still serviced them. Thanks to the reputability of this brand, the customers needn’t worry about the longevity of Leica products.

This should cover everything we had in mind for today. Thank you for your attention and if you have any questions left, feel free to contact us via email or leave them in the comment section below. Please like and share this video if you found it useful. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content like this. See you next time.