Leica Geovid Pro 10x42 AB+

[koshkin]

I've had the Leica Geovid Pro AB+ here since December and have been using it pretty exclusively since then.
I suspect, it will remain my primary binocular at least for this year and quite possibly beyond that.
I finally have a wrap-up video up on Youtube:

and I discussed it in a few livestreams prior to that.
I have not yet had a chance to use it for hunting, but I have used it for a good amount of scouting. I had an aoudad tag for late February, but my dayjob went berserk, so I had to pass on it.
The cliff's notes version is that I am quite impressed with it. Optically, I think it is the best LRF bino on the market today overall, although it is quite close between Leica, Swaro and Zeiss.
AB integration in the Leica is a nice touch, since it works with everything else in the AB ecosystem. I use it with AB's Quantum app quite seamlessly. It also connected to my Kestrel without any issues.
They way they've got data coming out is more hunting oriented, I think. Competition guys would probably lean toward a busier snapshot view. I am sort of ambivalent in this case. For the way, I use them, it does not make any practical difference.
My only real complaint is that I would have probably preferred a 50mm and if Leica really wants to go after the competition crowd, they should really consider a 12x50 version of the Perger prism LRF binocular design. Still, as is it has worked very nicely for me through some impressively rough treatment and of all of the LRF binoculars I have tried, this is definitely the one that produces the least amount of eye fatigue. I can use it for a substantial amount of time through the day without any issues.

ILya

 

[EXSOCAL]

I’ve used mine for nearly 50 days of hunting last fall and PRS / NRL. Absolutely excellent in all ways. Highly recommended.

My only gripe is I wish the return with the AB solution was a bit faster. When you're on the clock it seems like it takes forever, in reality it’s not that bad but it would be nice to have it a little faster.

The glass is second to none and a pleasure to use for days on end. The LRF works well in real world conditions where light fog, precipitation and air particulate are a real thing. I’ve had better returns in ranges with these in poor conditions than by partners who run Kilos and El Ranges. Definitely a pricy tool but worth it if you spend a lot of time on glass and need a reliable LRF / ballistic tool.

 

[koshkin]

I’ve used mine for nearly 50 days of hunting last fall and PRS / NRL. Absolutely excellent in all ways. Highly recommended.

My only gripe is I wish the return with the AB solution was a bit faster. When you're on the clock it seems like it takes forever, in reality it’s not that bad but it would be nice to have it a little faster.

The glass is second to none and a pleasure to use for days on end. The LRF works well in real world conditions where light fog, precipitation and air particulate are a real thing. I’ve had better returns in ranges with these in poor conditions than by partners who run Kilos and El Ranges. Definitely a pricy tool but worth it if you spend a lot of time on glass and need a reliable LRF / ballistic tool.

Faster readout speed is always nice, but I have to admit it has not given me any issues. It takes me a little time to pick up the landmarks, so readout speed has not been an issue.

It is supposed to snow at the hunter match this coming weekend, which should be a good test of inclement weather.

ILya

 

[EXSOCAL]

Faster readout speed is always nice, but I have to admit it has not given me any issues. It takes me a little time to pick up the landmarks, so readout speed has not been an issue.

It is supposed to snow at the hunter match this coming weekend, which should be a good test of inclement weather.

ILya

Yeah, I think it’s a psychological thing that happens when I’m on the clock. Lol. In reality the returns aren’t that bad.

I ran these at the Blue Mountain NRL Hunter match in Oregon a few weeks ago and had no problems. We had some light rain / mist and fog in the mornings. No problems out to 900 ish yards. The DOPE provided through the onboard AB was spot on throughout both days with varying temps and weather conditions.

 

[3rdfocal]

@koshkin I've seen you comment on the 10x50 Razor UHD binos in the past. How do you think these compare optically to the UHD's?

 

[koshkin]

@koshkin I've seen you comment on the 10x50 Razor UHD binos in the past. How do you think these compare optically to the UHD's?

Leica has an edge over the UHD despite having an integrated LRF, but it is not a big edge. I have not compared them in low light, but the gap might close a little there due to Razor’s larger objective.

ILya

 

[koshkin]

Yeah, I think it’s a psychological thing that happens when I’m on the clock. Lol. In reality the returns aren’t that bad.

I ran these at the Blue Mountain NRL Hunter match in Oregon a few weeks ago and had no problems. We had some light rain / mist and fog in the mornings. No problems out to 900 ish yards. The DOPE provided through the onboard AB was spot on throughout both days with varying temps and weather conditions.

Faster readout is always a nice thing, but how big of a difference it makes overall is an open question. For top shooters, it might. For me, shotting NRL Hunter matches, that's the last of my concerns.
For PRS, I do not think it would make a ton of difference, since you are not ranging on the clock.
On the other hand, psychological thing is still a thing. If the perceived delay makes you nervous, that's not great.

For the match this coming weekend, I set up my Impact 4000 on the gun for backup. Even with the WMLRF, I am at around 15lbs, so might as well.

ILya

 

[3rdfocal]

Leica has an edge over the UHD despite having an integrated LRF, but it is not a big edge. I have not compared them in low light, but the gap might close a little there due to Razor’s larger objective.

ILya

I'm going to order a pair tonight. Thanks for the review.

 

[tacoman69]

Leica improving their warranty really makes their RF binos even more attractive. Got a deal on some Geovid Rs for hunting that I'm very pleased with

 

[3rdfocal]

FYSA, if you qualify for discounts on guidefitter, their price on these is very very good.

 

[koshkin]

I think Doug at Cameraland also had an open box model for well under $3k.

 

[scocoabeach]

Thanks for the great review on these. I am torn between these and the updated Sigs. I'd like to have alpha level glass so I'm leaning towards these, but I did notice a thread with some complaints about the UI where some people were switching from these to the Sigs. It would be nice to know if Leica will address this with a firmware update (if it's possible to put more information on the screen at once), but I think I'm favoring the optic quality as I will use these for more than just competition.

 

[Burdy]

I will have to look at one of these. When I compared the Geovid Pro's vs the Swaro's, the Swaros were the clear winner optically.
I have been running the Swaro Range EL 8x42's and despite the technical shortcomings most would find, it has been nothing but spectacular to use in the field. Took it on a successful mule deer hunt in Montana in November where I used it to make my longest shot on game yet.
The size/weight/glass was absolutely perfect for stalking miles deep into the mountains.

My only real gripe on the Swaros is I would like the yardage/DOPE read out at the same time vs alternating and I would like to be able to download the ballistic tables for manual use. Whatever solver they use, is, very good, which is surprising as it does so with much less input and effort than other solvers. I have AB, Chairgun, Gravity and 4DOF but the Swaro read out is always my standard of reference.

 

[3rdfocal]

Mine finally showed up today and I spent about 30 mins outside with them. Took all of 5 mins to get set up/paired. Returning good ballistic solutions that mirror those from the system I have been using for a few years. These are definitely large for 10x42's but fit fine in a couple different bino harnesses I have. Very comfortable to hold, RRS cinch works great. Glass seems very good, laser seems centered in the reticle very well, I'll spend some time with them this weekend to see how they really do.

 

[Earnhardt]

Mine finally showed up today and I spent about 30 mins outside with them. Took all of 5 mins to get set up/paired. Returning good ballistic solutions that mirror those from the system I have been using for a few years. These are definitely large for 10x42's but fit fine in a couple different bino harnesses I have. Very comfortable to hold, RRS cinch works great. Glass seems very good, laser seems centered in the reticle very well, I'll spend some time with them this weekend to see how they really do.

Do you have any of the older Leica models to compare them to?
Thanks

 

[3rdfocal]

Do you have any of the older Leica models to compare them to?
Thanks

I don't, first leica product.

 

[3rdfocal]

Spent a lot of time behind them this weekend. Ranged cattle at 1400 yds every time. Trees out to a mile no problem. Got returns on trees at 2700 but not reliably. There were really no reflective targets past a mile that I could range to test its upper limits. This was all broad daylight, bright sun directly overhead. The BT connectivity has been extremely reliable and fast. The range and drop data return a reading very quickly, I'd say under 2 seconds at all ranges. I need to figure out how to keep the drop data displayed a bit longer, it goes away fairly quickly.

I really appreciate how simple these are to use, 2 buttons and very easy to use menus, not a ton of extra crap you don't really use. Dummy proof is how I like my gear.

The glass is very good as @koshkin has said. They may get beat by something like an NL Pure but I doubt there are very many other binos with better glass, especially with a RF. I have zero concerns about them holding me back when glassing for hunting.

 

[Patrick1956]

I too would love to keep the data on the screen longer. I can’t find anything about if it’s possible or not.

 

[koshkin]

Spent a lot of time behind them this weekend. Ranged cattle at 1400 yds every time. Trees out to a mile no problem. Got returns on trees at 2700 but not reliably. There were really no reflective targets past a mile that I could range to test its upper limits. This was all broad daylight, bright sun directly overhead. The BT connectivity has been extremely reliable and fast. The range and drop data return a reading very quickly, I'd say under 2 seconds at all ranges. I need to figure out how to keep the drop data displayed a bit longer, it goes away fairly quickly.

I really appreciate how simple these are to use, 2 buttons and very easy to use menus, not a ton of extra crap you don't really use. Dummy proof is how I like my gear.

The glass is very good as @koshkin has said. They may get beat by something like an NL Pure but I doubt there are very many other binos with better glass, especially with a RF. I have zero concerns about them holding me back when glassing for hunting.

I do not think you will find better image quality in an LRF binoculars, at least not that I am aware of. With non-LRF binos, the very top end ones will be a little better: Noctivid, NL Pure, Victory HT.

ILya

 

[DR0331]

Optics - Leica Geovid Pro AB+ (FDE) 10x42

Like new pair of Leica Geovid Pro AB+ 10x42’s w/full AB on board. These are like new and only used at a few matches. No marks and glass is pristine. I’ll throw in the Leica Stabilite tripod adaptor as well. $2650 obo shipped https://leica-camera.com/en-US/product/leica-geovid-pro-10x42-ab

www.snipershide.com

 

[Happiness Is A Warm Gun]

Impressive!

 

[3rdfocal]

I too would love to keep the data on the screen longer. I can’t find anything about if it’s possible or not.

Pair with the Leica app and you can change this setting. I have mine set so each reading displays for 2 seconds.

 

[Patrick1956]

Thanks so much!!! I would have never found this on my own.

 

[Sossa]

I have the 10x42 AB's and they have been retired for the new Vectronix Vector X. Really should take a look at these but no doubt the Leica is a fabulous product. The Vector x with the hud and software plus the optics are awesome.

 

[3rdfocal]

I've used these quite a bit now and my only complaint so far is switching from one ballistic profile to another. Is there an actual procedure for this? Im using the AB quantum app and I have to try 900 times to finally get my "active" profile to be the one used by the binos.

And I really dislike that there seems to be no indication of what ballistic profile is being used by the binos at the time. I have to range a known distance and compare it to my known dope for that distance to make sure the binos are using the right profile.

Edit: works perfect through the leica app.

 

[Pronghunter]

I’m in the market for another set of RF’s and absolutely can’t decide between the EL TA’s and the Geovid Pro AB +.
From my understanding, the glass in the Swaros side by side with the Geovid Pro AB is noticeably better, low light in the Swaros again noticeably better, but the Geovids has a considerably better range finder and obviously on board comp with applied ballistics.
Wish I could try both at the same time.
Any feedback from tbose who’ve owned both or tried at the same time?

 

[Burdy]

I’m in the market for another set of RF’s and absolutely can’t decide between the EL TA’s and the Geovid Pro AB +.
From my understanding, the glass in the Swaros side by side with the Geovid Pro AB is noticeably better, low light in the Swaros again noticeably better, but the Geovids has a considerably better range finder and obviously on board comp with applied ballistics.
Wish I could try both at the same time.
Any feedback from tbose who’ve owned both or tried at the same time?

You pretty much called it. Basically the El range are the gold standard optically. In my opinion no other LRF binos are close. However that comes with some things that you have to live with.

Only three gun profiles and that's not only in the binos but also in your app. No AB. Not a huge problem functionally because the Swaro solver is incredibly good, but matching up DOPE requires you to fumble around in the Swaro app and gives you no real way to export your solutions for DOPE cards and such.

The LRF itself is good to about 1200 yards at best. You can't get your yardage and your MILs in the same readout, it alternates that output like every half second, which can seem slow at times. Battery life is not that great.

The good news is it's fantastic glass. Once you have them calibrated to your DOPE the onboard atmospherics are so good along with their solver that all you need to do is carry around those binos and provide your wind solution.

They are within 1/10 MIL for me all the way out to the edge of the range finders capabilities matched against hard dope or 4DOF. Basically I find the Swaro solver more accurate than AB with less input.

However being able to just push/pull your AB data to the binos would be fantastic, so I understand why it turns some off that this is not possible here.

If alpha glass is your concern you're probably not going to be happy with anything else. The top guys in NRL Hunter pretty much run EL Range because finding the target is your number one concern. In all other forms of competition you are probably going to find people choosing something else thats a bit more integrated with their current systems.

In short the EL range are niche, and a bit clunky, but once setup are very accurate and provide you with virtually the same IQ you would get from non-LRF binos. I have the 8x32s and for my use case which is hunting inside the range of its lrf and shooting a couple competitions they work well. And I don't need to carry a separate pair of binoculars just to feel like I need additional IQ.

 

[Earnhardt]

You pretty much called it. Basically the El range are the gold standard optically. In my opinion no other LRF binos are close. However that comes with some things that you have to live with.

Only three gun profiles and that's not only in the binos but also in your app. No AB. Not a huge problem functionally because the Swaro solver is incredibly good, but matching up DOPE requires you to fumble around in the Swaro app and gives you no real way to export your solutions for DOPE cards and such.

The LRF itself is good to about 1200 yards at best. You can't get your yardage and your MILs in the same readout, it alternates that output like every half second, which can seem slow at times. Battery life is not that great.

The good news is it's fantastic glass. Once you have them calibrated to your DOPE the onboard atmospherics are so good along with their solver that all you need to do is carry around those binos and provide your wind solution.

They are within 1/10 MIL for me all the way out to the edge of the range finders capabilities matched against hard dope or 4DOF. Basically I find the Swaro solver more accurate than AB with less input.

However being able to just push/pull your AB data to the binos would be fantastic, so I understand why it turns some off that this is not possible here.

If alpha glass is your concern you're probably not going to be happy with anything else. The top guys in NRL Hunter pretty much run EL Range because finding the target is your number one concern. In all other forms of competition you are probably going to find people choosing something else thats a bit more integrated with their current systems.

In short the EL range are niche, and a bit clunky, but once setup are very accurate and provide you with virtually the same IQ you would get from non-LRF binos. I have the 8x32s and for my use case which is hunting inside the range of its lrf and shooting a couple competitions they work well. And I don't need to carry a separate pair of binoculars just to feel like I need additional IQ.

Great review man!
I have the Leica's..but have never compared them to the Swaro's...

 

[koshkin]

You pretty much called it. Basically the El range are the gold standard optically. In my opinion no other LRF binos are close. However that comes with some things that you have to live with.

Only three gun profiles and that's not only in the binos but also in your app. No AB. Not a huge problem functionally because the Swaro solver is incredibly good, but matching up DOPE requires you to fumble around in the Swaro app and gives you no real way to export your solutions for DOPE cards and such.

The LRF itself is good to about 1200 yards at best. You can't get your yardage and your MILs in the same readout, it alternates that output like every half second, which can seem slow at times. Battery life is not that great.

The good news is it's fantastic glass. Once you have them calibrated to your DOPE the onboard atmospherics are so good along with their solver that all you need to do is carry around those binos and provide your wind solution.

They are within 1/10 MIL for me all the way out to the edge of the range finders capabilities matched against hard dope or 4DOF. Basically I find the Swaro solver more accurate than AB with less input.

However being able to just push/pull your AB data to the binos would be fantastic, so I understand why it turns some off that this is not possible here.

If alpha glass is your concern you're probably not going to be happy with anything else. The top guys in NRL Hunter pretty much run EL Range because finding the target is your number one concern. In all other forms of competition you are probably going to find people choosing something else thats a bit more integrated with their current systems.

In short the EL range are niche, and a bit clunky, but once setup are very accurate and provide you with virtually the same IQ you would get from non-LRF binos. I have the 8x32s and for my use case which is hunting inside the range of its lrf and shooting a couple competitions they work well. And I don't need to carry a separate pair of binoculars just to feel like I need additional IQ.

I am with you on the laser, but not on the optics. In the center of the FOV, I think Geovid Pro has a slight edge in image quality on the EL Range. I spent hours with them side-by-side and ran them through my test equipment while I was at it. It is close, but a slight edge is there. EL Range has wider FOV and better edge performance though, so it kinda comes down to what's more important to you.

ILya

 

[Pronghunter]

The decision is not getting any easier. I desperately need a pair ASAP. That’s just an expensive purchase to get wrong. I guess I need to try to figure out a place to look at them both side-by-side for an extended period. If the Swarovski has a difficult time ranging say a deer at 1000 yards then that would be a no deal for me.

 

[3rdfocal]

You will not be disappointed with the Leica glass, I promise.

 

[Pronghunter]

I think I’ll honestly have to just go compare them side-by-side. There’s too many reviews out there that say that the Geovid pro AB leaves some wanting for better glass. I guess it really is subjective. Thanks for the advice though.

 

[carbonbased]

I think I’ll honestly have to just go compare them side-by-side. There’s too many reviews out there that say that the Geovid pro AB leaves some wanting for better glass. I guess it really is subjective. Thanks for the advice though.

Would you describe yourself as an Optimizer? Or will you pick the first thing that satisfies your “quality spec”?

I’m of the first type, and l wish I could be the second. The second type enjoys life more lol.

 

[Pronghunter]

Would you describe yourself as an Optimizer? Or will you pick the first thing that satisfies your “quality spec”?

I’m of the first type, and l wish I could be the second. The second type enjoys life more lol.

Absolutely the first one. And I’ve struggled with this my entire life.