Leica Geovid (old) vs Zeiss Victory RF binos

[gebhardt02]

I'm trying to determine which of these units will give the most consistent readings out to and beyond 1K on steel targets, rocks, trees, etc. I have around $2K to spend and can get into either of these for this price, but I don't have any hands-on experience with either. I've been reading through the various LRF discussions but can't find anything comparing these two units directly. If somebody has a link they could point me to I would appreciate it. Or if you have first hand experience, that would be much appreciated as well. Thank you.

Geb

 

[gebhardt02]

Could anybody give me some real world experience on either of these? I'd like to know max range that is consistently achieved on rocks, trees, dirt, targets, etc. I've been using a Leica CRF 1200 that is very good so I'm hoping the Geovids are a bit better for consistency and distance. I could use some advice on the Zeiss RF binos also. Any help is appreciated highly. Thank you.

Geb

 

[ajwcotton]

My zeiss victory lrf binos hit 1415 on a bright sunny day with a questionable battery on a green painted steel target 20x40

 

[Rthur]

The best I have seen outa the zeiss is 1760 on a cow in perfect conditions. I would say that in regular conditions mine perform like ajcotton's. We had some hard ranging conditions at the cup last year in the afternoon. If I could find the steel they would range them. Also it should be noted some of the guys we were shooting with had some high end gear and the zeiss were giving the same numbers as the top shelf stuff.

R

 

[Kaisersose]

tag for more

 

[jeepone]

The laser in the Geovids and the other Leica LRF's are the same (at least they were a few years ago, according to a trusted employee of Leica). I have no experience with the Zeiss but last year at the cup I was using Geovid 1200's and the guys with Bushnell and of course, the Vectronix Terrapin were kicking my butt with regard to ranging at distances past 800. They were really hard targets to range due to their size and the distance. Some were past 1200 yards. They were steel so they were relatively small compared to an animal.

I bought a pair of Terrapins after the match and love them (less than $2000). I would recommend the Bushnell and vectronix Terrapins over the Leica, unless they (Leica) significantly upgraded their LRF within the past couple of years. I ranged a stop sign at over 1800 yards at Rifles Only (going off of memory so it may not be exact) with the Bushnell binoculars so they are not to shabby.

 

[MikeeBooshay]

I have the experience you are asking for.

We ranged the geovids ( about three yrs old ) against a set of Ziess. Hands down, the Zeiss every time, read farther, faster and thru worse conditions. Personal preference is that the glass on the Leica is good, the Zeiss just a tad better.

Both are fine pieces of kit.

 

[Gledeasy]

Not what you were originally asking about, but would fit the price range.

The only RF bino I've owned was the Swaro. It had quick readings that reached just over 2,000 yards pretty well on trees. I've seen demo 8x42's for just over $2k

 

[gebhardt02]

Thank you for the input guys. I was speculating the Zeiss would be better but hadn't really heard nor read of a comparison between the Zeiss, Leica and Bushnell. I'll be using these for hunting as well as comps so a bino/LRF unit is beneficial. I was at the Cup last year as well using a Leica CRF 1200 and did alright (9th) but had a tough time getting distances, had to make multiple attempts and usually would get one reading only out of maybe 20-30 attempts, so a better laser would surely help. Again, thank you very much for the advice.

Geb

 

[h4everything]

I've had both. First had a set of Lecia's that were really good. Nice glass and such but just lacked a little bit in the ranging department. Never saw anything past 1100 yards. I have since got a set of the Zeiss and they are better. I get more consistent reading with the Zeiss. I have found with both pairs getting them very stable helps more than anything to get a better reading. The glass is awesome on both but the Zeiss seems to be better in the ranging.

 

[judgedelta]

You might check with Doug at Cameraland NY, he is on the vendors page. Always treated me right. Frequently get new demos. Carry Leica, Swaro and Zeiss. demos can save you big bucks over retail...

 

[Aceshigh109]

I have a pair of the Geovids and while the glass is pretty good the ranging isn't consistent above 800m. Very bright sunny days throw 'em off as does any mist or heavy mirage. I'm going to get a Terrapin and keep the binoculars for the glass,
a friend of mine has the Zeiss Victory, I've used 'em and what was said here is spot on, the glass is better and the rang-finder is more consistent and not affected anywhere near as much by very bright sunshine or mist. If I was buying again, it would be the Zeiss over the Leica, even if they are more expensive.

 

[bhoges]

Same here my Geovid sucks for ranging. The glass is excellent and you have no eye strain after hours of use. At the same time I never had much luck with long range targets.