Teaneck, NJ—Led by the Geovid Pro 32, Leica completed its Geovid Pro rangefinder binocular series. It expanded the series with the Leica Geovid Pro 8×42, boasting extra image stability and field of view, as well as the high-magnification Geovid Pro 10×42. In addition, the Geovid Pro 8×56 was also released. It is a twilight specialist for use in extreme situations and poor weather conditions.
“The outstanding features of the Geovid Pro models result from their perfectly matched, unrivaled combination of optical quality, unique ergonomic design, highly accurate ballistics calculation, and the fastest reliable measurements,” Leica stated.
Leica Geovid Pro Series Specs
The compact, lightweight binoculars with 42mm and 56mm lens diameters are said to offer the optical performance normally only found in specialty binoculars without rangefinders. One reason is the Perger-Porro prism system used by Leica.
The Geovid Pro models are solutions wherever reproduction of detail is required. Moreover, the 42 and 56 binoculars feature high light transmission combined with a large field of view. Their additional ballistics features make them universal binoculars with rangefinding.
The Geovid Pro 42 and 56 employ an advanced ballistics system. It consists of a ballistics computer in the binoculars as well as the Leica Ballistics app in a smartphone. Binoculars and smartphone communicate via Bluetooth. Consequently, settings (data configuration) selected in the app are transferred to the binoculars (computer). And the binoculars can transfer measurement data to the app. Alternatively, instead of the app, users can connect a Kestrel weather meter or a Garmin smartwatch to the binoculars.
Furthermore, Leica’s Applied Ballistics Ultralight software is supplied with the binoculars. The basic version of Applied Ballistics Ultralight calculates trajectories and associated corrections for accurate hold up to 875 yards. An upgrade to the Applied Ballistics Elite version is also available. It offers greater calculation distances as well as additional features.
Laser Rangefinding
The laser rangefinder built into the Geovid Pro 42 and 56 draws on 30 years of Leica Sport Optics R&D. By measuring the travel time of a laser beam emitted and reflected at the speed of light, the distance to the target is calculated within minimal tolerances. A single measurement takes 0.3 second.
The Leica laser measurement technology is accurate and reliable. At close range, objects like blades of grass and branches are masked out to prevent incorrect measurements. At greater distances, the secondary target logic ensures that only the desired object is measured.
In addition to the rangefinder, the 42 and 56 models have a built-in compass. Thus, the binoculars can determine geographical positions in the terrain. With GPS tracking, the coordinates of the last five distance measurements are automatically stored for navigation to a previously measured point in the field. This is done via a smartphone display, using a compass needle or terrain maps. In Google Maps, the target point is set by a pin.
Ergonomics
What’s more, the binoculars have an open bridge design that makes them easy to grip with one hand. The number of controls was also kept to a minimum, and the buttons are placed within easy reach. In addition, users can operate the Geovid Pro 42 and 56 with gloves.
The suggested retail prices for the Geovid Pro models are: Leica Geovid Pro 8×42, $3,299; Leica Geovid Pro 10×42, $3,299; and Leica Geovid Pro 8×56, $3,599. Leica will ship the new Geovid Pro models in April 2023.
