Leica Returns (With a New Series of Binoculars)
This year’s SHOT Show graced us with numerous novelties, including Leica and its series of laser rangefinding binoculars Leica Geovid PRO 32 (8×32 and 10×32). The series stands out from the crowd, as it is the first to feature compact LRF (laser rangefinding) binoculars in the premium class. Steiner models with the 30 mm lens could also fall under the category of compact however, due to Porro prisms in their construction, these LRF binoculars are bigger and thus cannot be considered compact, despite the small lens.
Interested in Geovid PRO Binoculars?
Geovid PRO (Source: Leica)
Leica Geovid 3200.COM vs Geovid – PRO
When it comes to technology, Leica Geovid PRO shares all the advanced features with its older and bigger brothers – the 3200.COM series. With these Geovid PRO 32 binoculars, they honored the Geovid series, which was first introduced to the market 30 years ago and established the market for civilian use of LRF binoculars. LRF binoculars have previously been made for military purposes, but Leica Geovid PRO binoculars have an “eye-safe laser” that can be used for civilian purposes.
Leica Geovid PRO 8×32 and 10×32
The Leica Geovid PRO binoculars are available in 8×32 and 10×32 configurations, which will be available for delivery in April 2022, both at the same price (around € 2,500). This Leica Geovid Pro 32 is an extremely compact and powerful series of binoculars in the premium class with a built-in laser rangefinder. Due to its small size and low weight, this optics is ideal for hunters who like to go hunting in the mountains, for stalk hunting, and various other daily hunting trips.
Looking for the right gear to stalk hunt?
New and Improved Geovid PRO rangefinder
Compared to the previous Leica binoculars, the new Geovid PRO rangefinder also has an improved BlueTooth communication range (up to 10 m) and computing capability, which enables connectivity with a smartphone. It is the first premium binocular with a built-in laser rangefinder to feature GPS mapping via Garmin GPS products and BaseMaps. It is also the first such compact binocular equipped with a ballistic computer that measures altitude, air pressure, temperature and takes them into account in the ballistic calculation.
Interested in Geovid PRO Binoculars?
Geovid PRO (Source: Cacciapalla)
Leica Ballistics App
The ballistics are managed by an all-new app designed and built by Applied Ballistics, called ‘Leica Ballistics’. The above-mentioned data is imported into the application by using the buttons on the device itself. Connect with a Garmin watch or Kestrel to build a target card, Kestrel for continual wind updates, or Garmin GPS or mobile device – phone mapping app to mark the target or shooter location.
Source: American Hunter
Master the Distance
The Leica binoculars are equipped with pre-installed Applied Ballistics software, which provides the user with reliable ballistics corrections up to 800 m, while also taking into account air pressure, temperature, and shooting angles. All the information needed for an accurate shot is displayed on the screen. The ultra-precise class 1 eye-safe IR laser measures distances between 9 m and 2,300 m.
Lightweight & Compact Geovid binoculars
For this category of binoculars, these are remarkably compact and small – about 2/3 the size of the rest of the LRF family. Leica – Geovid PRO is extremely durable, waterproof up to 5 m, and shock-proof to 100Gs as well. Compared to classic binoculars, the added laser rangefinder adds a very specific additional function, and due to their small construction, this series can rival any 42 mm premium LRF bino in a much smaller package. Thanks to Perger-Porro prisms, Geovid PRO 32 offers the user a wide field of view (135 m and 115 m), and images of exceptional colors, contrast, brightness, as well as sharpness. The eye relief is 16 mm on both Leica Geovid models.
Geovid PRO (Source: Leica)
Conclusion
The Leica Geovid PRO is the first series of premium compact binoculars with a built-in laser rangefinder that has a 32 mm lens diameter. Leica Geovid 8×32 and Leica Geovid 10×32 models are ergonomically designed and are, due to the comfort they offer, also suitable for longer use, especially for glassing sessions. Leica sport optics says this pioneering new binocular will define a category in optics for the next 30 years to come.
Author: Maruša Justinek, www.optics-trade.eu
