Leica is a German brand that manufactures cameras, lenses, binoculars, rifle scopes, microscopes, and ophthalmic lenses.
Currently, four independent companies share the Leica brand: Leica Camera AG, Leica Microsystems, Leica Biosystems, and Leica Geosystems.
So what is it about this brand that makes it so popular?
The answer is very easy.
The Leica brand is the manufacturers of high-quality equipment that perform to the highest standard in their respective fields.
Today, we are going to be focusing on the Leica Geovid HD BRF series from the Leica Camera AG brand.
This series is made up of four models: Leica Geovid HD BRF 8×42, 10×42, 8×56, and 15×56 rangefinder.
Join me as we take a look at these impressive devices in this Leica rangefinder binoculars reviews.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
No products found.
- Range: 1400 yards
- Magnification: 10×42
- Weight: 33.3 oz
Leica Geovid HD BRF Reviews
No products found.
- Range: 1400 yards
- Magnification: 10×42
- Weight: 33.3 oz
While it may be hard to get your hands on the 8×42, 8×56, and 15×56 models of the Leica Geovid HD BRF units, you may find them online if you dig deep enough.
However, the 10×42 model has remained a favorite since its first appearance on the market and is still readily available.
This particular unit can be found without much hassle and to make it easy for you we have included the link right here to this product.
The four units in this series have almost everything in common except for the magnification power and weight.
That being said, we will solely focus on the 10×42 unit features but rest assured that these features can be found on all the other models as well.
These units with laser technology combine the functions of a rangefinder and binoculars into one compact unit.
They are simple basic rangefinding units with powerful binoculars with the only additional feature of Scan Mode.
There is no angle compensation, ballistic features, target priority modes, etc.
These units were designed based on consultations with experienced European hunters and tailored to their specifications.
Common features of Leica Geovid HD BRF units
Range
All the models of the Leica Geovid HD BRF series can range out to targets at 1400 yards.
This is an improvement from the original BRF models, these newer BRF models incorporate several refinements and further refinements of the optics and lens coatings.
Using any of these rangefinder binoculars will give you an accuracy of up to ±1 meter/yard.
Note that the maximum range is only achieved when measuring distances to reflective targets.
Scan Mode
The Leica Geovid HD BRF units can be used for continuous metering thanks to its Scan Mode.
While measuring continuously the display will showcase new measurements in 1.5 seconds.
This mode is extremely helpful when measuring the distance to small or moving targets.
Since Scan Mode uses more battery power due to scanning continuously, the unit will shut off after 10s to preserve battery life.
Optics
These Geovid HD BRF models feature a new seven-element optics arrangement for outstanding image renditions.
Leica’s application of state-of-the-art computer-aided optical design and special high-grade optical raw glass materials gives you clearer and crisper images.
The units make use of fluoride glass which is mostly made up of calcium fluoride also known as Fluorite.
This mineral has a crystalline structure that minimizes the dispersion of light and correct imaging errors.
These attributes along with the High Durable Coating (HDC™) on the lenses and a Phase correction coating P40 on the prisms, hunting at night in twilight conditions is made easier.
Razor-sharp images are rich in contrast with neutral color rendition.
Clarity and focus are further optimized with diopter compensation.
The focus can be set for viewing targets at varying distances using the central focusing dial.
Additionally, the other two dioptre compensation(one located on each eyepiece barrel) can be used for individual eye needs.
This is a great little feature for those with vision problems.
Lens sizes and magnification power differs as we know due to the four different models.
However, the clarity, crispness, and brightness are the same throughout the Geovid HD BRF line.
Display
This product line has a 4 digit Red LED display.
Measurement readings are delivered pretty fast and automatically the unit adjusts the screen brightness to match the lighting conditions.
This means that even in bright sunlight or in the dark of night, your distance readings are clearly visible and you can read them with ease.
Unfortunately, these rangefinding binoculars do not come with a switch to toggle between yards or meters.
To differentiate and recognize the yards or meters version, check the information on the cover of the central focusing dial.
However, this isn’t a major issue since most users of these units stick to one specific measurement.
Hardly you’d find someone who understands measuring distances in yards switching to meters as it can confuse you sometimes and leads to errors especially when hunting.
Operation
To measure the distance to an object, press the release button once to activate the target mark.
The target mark once activated stays illuminated for 4 seconds and during this time press the release button again to lock onto the target and measure the distance to the object or animal.
Holding down the release button will activate scan mode where the target marker is illuminated continuously.
While measuring the distance to the target, the target marker disappears briefly so don’t be alarmed when this happens.
Keep your hands still and wait for the unit to finish measuring.
After that, your distance measurement should show up on the screen.
If no measurements show up on the screen, you may see this error symbol( “- –“).
This means that the target is less than 10 meters/yards away, is too far away, or isn’t reflecting enough light.
Battery
The Leica Geovid HD BRF series are all powered by a single CR2 battery.
The typical life of the battery is about 1000 measurements at 20° C /68° F.
As mentioned before to prolong battery life, the unit turns off after 10 seconds.
When it is time to replace the battery, the low battery indicator in the display will start to flash.
To replace the battery, locate the battery compartment under the bridge of the left barrel.
Use a coin or similarly shaped item to turn the cover anti-clockwise to open and simply replace the old battery with the new one.
Remember to turn the positive contact facing upward and replace the cover, turning clockwise to tighten.
If you aren’t going to be using the unit for a long period, it is recommended that you remove the battery.
Design
As stated before, Leica is a brand renowned for its high quality, high standard equipment, and this lineup is no different.
These units are highly durable with housing made up of a diecast all-metal aluminum frame with a black soft armor covering.
It comes with removable and adjustable eyecups for being with glasses or removed for viewing without glasses.
The frame is thicker than most competitor models but they are also lightweight and stronger.
The center axis shaft features alloy that is resistant to wear to help with structural integrity and maintain precise alignment of the unit during its lifespan.
The Geovid HD BRF models are all shock resistant, nitrogen purged to be fog proof, and fully waterproof up to a depth of 16.5 feet.
These units are also functional in over a broad range of temperatures, even in the harshest conditions.
Differences in the Leica Geovid HD BRF units
The differences are few but we’ll still give you an idea of how the models differ from each other.
The Leica Geovid HD BRF 10×42 comes with a Field of View(FOV) of 331 ft at 1000 yards with an eye relief of 15.6mm.
It is the lightest unit in the lineup and weighs 33.3 ounces.
The HD BRF 15×56 unit has a FOV of 225 feet at 1000 yards with an eye relief of 15.5mm.
It is the heaviest of all four models with a weight of 45.9 ounces.
The 8×42 model FOV is 368 feet at 1000 yards with an eye relief of 18mm and the total weight of the unit is approximately 33.5 ounces.
On the other hand, the BRF 8×56 comes with a FOV of 357 feet at 1000 yards with an eye relief of 18.5mm and weighs 38.8 ounces.
No products found.
Pros: Leica Geovid HD BRF
- Accurate
- Scan mode
- Outstanding optics
- RED LED display with auto-brightness setting
- day/night use
- Robust and durable
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
Cons: Leica Geovid HD BRF
- Basic functions
- Expensive
Competitors of Leica Geovid HD BRF units
The Leica brand is renowned and loved so other brands will try to integrate the same technology.
Other brands will also try to offer competitive pricing and better features.
So if you would like to know what some of the Leica Geovid HD BRF lineup competitors are, then this section is for you.
We will take a look at 3 of the best rangefinder binoculars you can get today.
Let’s just jump right in.
No products found.
- Range: 1300 yards
- Magnification: 8x
- Weight: 10.93 oz
Not exactly a binocular, this Zeiss Victory monocular is a powerful yet affordable unit from a German brand also.
It comes with amazing features like a ballistic information system that provides the exact holdover point at long distances.
Like the Geovid HD BRF series, it also comes with a continuous scan mode for measuring distances to small and moving targets.
The optics are crystal clear and are very close to the Leica models but we have to say that Leica wins the battle here.
This unit comes with a self-illuminating four-digit LED display with measurements to targets displaying after 1.5 seconds.
It features a robust design and is waterproof and fog-proof making it practically indestructible.
Due to its small size, this device is pocket-friendly and lighter than the Leica HD BRF models.
However, the range of this device is 1300 yards with 8x which does not match up to the Leica units that range targets out to 1400 yards.
No products found.
No products found.
- Range: 5000 yards
- Magnification: 10x
- Weight: 3 lbs
Possibly the biggest competitor for the Leica Geovid series is the Sig Sauer 10×42 5270-1296 Binoculars.
Sig Sauer is another German brand that is famous for its high-quality optics on the market.
This particular model for the Sig Sauer brand can deliver the distance to targets up to a whopping 5000 yards.
That coverage is coupled with 10x magnification to ensure that your target never escapes.
You will always have a close eye even on the tiniest or fastest target.
This unit makes use of superior glass multi-coated lenses to deliver sharp and vivid images similar to the Leica models.
The OLED display is superior to the LED displays of the Leica BRF models.
To further help you in the field, this device comes with internal applied ballistics to keep providing accurate data when you’re out in the field.
Moreover, the Hyperscan Mode can also be very useful on hunting grounds and will refresh the range readout 4 times per second.
The unit looks like something straight out of the military and rightfully so due to its robust and sturdy design.
This device is perfect for hunting conditions as it is impact-resistant, water and fog-proof.
No products found.
No products found.
- Range: 1000 yards
- Magnification: 16x
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
Here we have yet another quite popular rangefinder binocular.
The ATN BinoX performs well in low light situations because of its 65mm lenses.
It also can switch between Day/Night mode which allows you to hunt in the dark.
This is something that most basic rangefinders lack but most of these rangefinding binoculars can be used at night.
While the range of this device is only 1000 yards, the magnification power can bring your target closer up to 4x to 16x.
Just remember that your field of view reduces the more you zoom in.
This device comes with a built-in gyroscope to stabilize images especially if you have shaky hands and a built-in compass to help you navigate your way through the hunting terrain.
To top it all off, the ATN BinoX offers Live Wi-Fi streaming as well as the opportunity to store photos and videos to share at a later time.
No products found.
Final thoughts: Leica Geovid review
In this Leica Geovid review, we’ve found that the four models in this series offer remarkable accuracy and outstanding image quality.
The Leica BRF 8×42, 10×42, 8×56, and 15×56 are all sturdily built using some of the most robust and durable materials on the market.
However, they are still lightweight enough to be carried and used with ease.
Some hunters may frown upon these rangefinder binocular combos because of their basic functions.
However, other hunters welcome the simplicity of these devices.
After all, the fantastic image quality these devices provide is some of the cleanest and clearest that you can ever encounter with a rangefinder binocular.
For more rangefinders and rangefinder binoculars read the best hunting rangefinder and the best rangefinder binoculars posts.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
No products found.
- Range: 1400 yards
- Magnification: 10×42
- Weight: 33.3 oz