New Swarovski EL R worth the $$$$

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sikwhiskey

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Long story short, had most of my hunting gear stolen, Swarovski 65 hd spotting scope, 10/50 slcs, Leica 1200 range finder. Anyway wondering about the range finding binos? Buy once cry once. Are they worth it? For replacement value I'm sure I'll never get my money back on insurance, but for what I had into the slc's and rf could damn near get an a good bino with range finder.
Are the Swarovski els worth the $$!?
 
the swaro does not yet have the "weather station" built into it like the Leicas

I have the Leica HD-B and excellent as expected, but the swaros are great as well - just not the same level of computer ability for shot determination.

But, the electronic side changes so quickly from year to year now, next model may be entirely updated.
 
I'll have to try some leicas, would like them to be as light as possible. Looks like swaros are about 1/2lb lighter than the Leica's.
basically just need range and angle, rarely hunt long range. A nice compact set of glass that ranges would save me carrying around binos and range finder. I use the binos a lot more and digging out the rangefinder from my pack is a bit cumbersome..
I'll have to try them both out I suppose.
 
As pointed out Swarovski does not provide much computing. However there is little doubt their optics are the brightest and sharpest of the best range finding binos. If the price is ok with you and you want the best optical quality they are the way to go.
 
sikwhiskey said:
I'll have to try some leicas, would like them to be as light as possible. Looks like swaros are about 1/2lb lighter than the Leica's.
basically just need range and angle, rarely hunt long range. A nice compact set of glass that ranges would save me carrying around binos and range finder. I use the binos a lot more and digging out the rangefinder from my pack is a bit cumbersome..
I'll have to try them both out I suppose.
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Here are the brass tacs on the Leica Geovid vs. Swarovski EL Range - note that weights and dimensions are actuals (measured by myself):

Original Swarovski EL Range 10x42
weight: 960 grams (includes ocular and objective covers)
dimensions: 164mm x 133mm x 82mm
glass: non-HD (the EL Range binoculars do not have Swarovski HD glass)
straight-line ranging: 33 to 1,500 yards
equivalent horizontal distance ranging: 33 to 999 yards
ballistic compensation: none
Price: $3,449

New Swarovski EL Range 10x42
weight: 960 grams (includes ocular and objective covers)
dimensions: 164mm x 137mm x 82mm (the new design is wider, because the neck strap connectors stick out further than with the original)
glass: non-HD
straight-line ranging: 33 to 1,500 yards
equivalent horizontal distance ranging: 33 to 999 yards
ballistic compensation: none
price: $3,899

Leica Geovid HD-R Type 403 10x42 (newest design, in the Geovid HD-B chassis)
weight: 1040 grams (includes ocular and objective covers)
dimensions: 172mm x 142mm x 70mm
glass: HD glass
straight-line ranging: 10 to 2,000 yards
equivalent horizontal distance ranging: 10 to 600 yards
ballistic compensation: none
price: $2,899

Leica Geovid HD-B 10x42
weight: 1040 grams (includes ocular and objective covers)
dimensions: 172mm x 142mm x 70mm
glass: HD glass
straight-line ranging: 10 to 2,000 yards
equivalent horizontal distance ranging: 100 to 875 yards or 100 to 1,000 yards (see below)
ballistic compensation: 100 to 875 yards with the predefined ballistic curves, which are supplemented by real-time adjustments for temperature, atmospheric pressure, and angle of incline. 100 - 1,000 yards using custom ballistic data input via the SD-Micro card, again supplemented by real-time adjustments for temperature, atmospheric pressure, and angle of incline.
price: $3,599
as-new demo: $3,199

Having spent considerable time using both the EL Range and Leica Geovids in the field, the Geovids outperform the EL Range on virtually every benchmark, other than weight (80 grams heavier) and size (they are slightly bulkier). All of the above are in-stock.

Another rangefinder binocular to consider is the Bushnell Fusion 1-Mile:

Bushnell Fusion 1-Mile 10x42
weight: 964 grams (includes ocular and objective covers)
dimensions: 170mm x 148mm x 57mm
glass: non-HD glass
straight-line ranging: 10 to 1,760 yards
equivalent horizontal distance ranging: 10 to 1,000 yards in rifle-mode / 10 to 99 yards in bow-mode
ballistic compensation: 10 to 1,000 yards with the predefined ballistic curves, which are supplemented by real-time adjustments for angle of incline. Output can be in inches to hold-over, MoA, or Mils.
price: $1,199
as-new demo: $1,099
 
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The rangefinder in the Bushnell Fusion binos and the Elite 1-Mile rangefinder, is remarkable. I have free-handed cattle out past 1,600 yards with it. What I really like, is that when in ballistic mode, you can specify the output to inches, MoA, or Mils. So, for example, say you're shooting a .308 with Lapua 167gr Scenars. You go to the Bushnell ballistic index:

http://bushnell.com/all-products/laser-rangefinders/ballistic-charts

And find your profile...in this case it ends up being profile D. Input that, set your zero range (100, 150, 200 or 300 yards), set your output (say Mils) and range your targets. It will give you the appropriate number of clicks for your turret or reticle. I've tested it with a .308 and a Bushnell Elite Tactical scope (which has mil turrets and holdover reticles), and it works very nicely.

Will it give you the ballistic precision of a G7 BR2? Of course not. But for around $1,000 it does a very good job.

Optically, it is unfair to compare the Fusion to the Swaro or Leica...they are noticeably, and significantly superior optically.

Shabazz said:
How does the Bushnell stack up Omer?
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PlainSight solutions, Thanks for the info and PM. Going to see if I can view the Leica's and swaro's Locally. More than likely will purchase one or the other. Waiting to see what my insurance comes up with and will likely order one from ya.. Worked out excellent the last 2 times I ordered scope and bino's from you, sucks some pricks stole them...... at least they were caught, no sign of alot of my stuff however.
Thanks again.
 
I am not sure about the new Leica's but I find that the LRF on the GEOVIDS (I have the 8x42 Yards model) is a bit flaky. In foggy, rainy or otherwise non-perfect hunting conditions, they don't always get a reading. I was pretty disappointed that they were so sensitive. The optics are phenomenal but the LRF is not what I would describe as reliable. I carry a Bushnell Elite 1500 as my backup LRF.
 
sikwhiskey said:
PlainSight solutions, Thanks for the info and PM. Going to see if I can view the Leica's and swaro's Locally. More than likely will purchase one or the other. Waiting to see what my insurance comes up with and will likely order one from ya.. Worked out excellent the last 2 times I ordered scope and bino's from you, sucks some pricks stole them...... at least they were caught, no sign of alot of my stuff however.
Thanks again.
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Tired of vehicle B&E's? Next time, go MagnaVolt!

 
Glock4ever said:
I am not sure about the new Leica's but I find that the LRF on the GEOVIDS (I have the 8x42 Yards model) is a bit flaky. In foggy, rainy or otherwise non-perfect hunting conditions, they don't always get a reading. I was pretty disappointed that they were so sensitive. The optics are phenomenal but the LRF is not what I would describe as reliable. I carry a Bushnell Elite 1500 as my backup LRF.
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The new Leica's do not have the same rangefinder module. It is greatly improved. I have the Leica HD-B and Vectronix PLRF15C. The Vectronix are in a league of their own BUT I wouldn't sell my Leica's( I also have Swarovski 8x56 scl binos and I doubt I would ever sell those either( brightest binos I have ever seen)....
 
sikwhiskey said:
Long story short, had most of my hunting gear stolen, Swarovski 65 hd spotting scope, 10/50 slcs, Leica 1200 range finder. Anyway wondering about the range finding binos? Buy once cry once. Are they worth it? For replacement value I'm sure I'll never get my money back on insurance, but for what I had into the slc's and rf could damn near get an a good bino with range finder.
Are the Swarovski els worth the $$!?
Click to expand...

I bought the El 8x42's from Omer a few years ago - the Swaro glass is wonderful and the rangefinder works flawlessly.

It also has an angle correction feature which is critical for distance shooting, that is the hypotenuse of a right angle triangle is always the longest side. The binoculars calculate the hypotenuse distance based on the angle you are holding them at. This is critical for consistency in the mountains past 300 yards. What it provides is a very accurate, actual distance. While bullets don't care if they are shooting uphill or downhill they do care very much about the actual distance.

For me, with the scope I use this works very well. The Swaro binoculars are very nice and you would be pleased. With my eyes I found the Zeiss optically about equal to the Swaro but
I have no background with their rangefinders as I do with the Swaros. Again, from my eyes I found the Leica binoculars inferior to the Swaro and the Zeiss - not trying to start a war but with my eyes at first and last light they were just not as good.

The top end Bushnell binocular with the rangefinder as Omer mentioned works very well but the clarity and brightness of the glass is lacking compared to the Swaro and the Zeiss.

BTW Omer is a good guy to deal with.
 
I'd suggest a seperate set of binoculars and rangefinders. I love swarovski glass, but their rangefinding just doesn't hold a candle to a standalone Leica or Vectronix.

Any time you add a laser rangefinding module into a pair of binos, you're losing some of your image clarity and quality. It's not much, but it's there. Considering you're paying top dollar for the best glass available, why not use every ounce of it?

A good pair of binos will last a lifetime, but most rangefinders are a 3-10 year thing. I'd rather keep the ability to swap out rangefinders as technology progresses.

The only real good reason to have a hybrid pair is convenience. If you're the kind of person who goes from spotting, to ranging, to shooting in about 15 seconds and can't bear the delay of ditching the binos and grabbing the rangefinder, then a combo unit might be your best option.
 
Good evening PressPass,

I started out with separate rangefinder and binoculars a number of years ago and found for my style of hunting it is lighter and more convenient to both in one. I walk a lot in steep mountainous terrain and unnecessary weight is not desirable. I suppose if I just pickup or quad hunted it would not matter too much.

I have not used Vectronix but it looks like nice stuff. Leica, even the latest, I have not found to be in the same class as Zeiss and Swaro.

You do have a point with the longevity of combined binocular/rangefinder.
 
When I think of all-in-one binocular/rangefinder... I cannot help but think about this

15-imac-medres.jpg


It seems like a good idea, until you realize just how fast technology is evolving.
- Good binoculars from 10-15-20 years ago... Are still pretty good.
- Rangefinders from 10-15-20 years ago... well, they still work, but...
 
Boy those Leica's are tempting :) . To the op, I don't think you could go wrong with either the Swar's or Leica's. I've tried both out, but not side by side. They are both exceptional. Personally I like the Leica a bit better for my eyes and the feel, although I like the coating of the swaro's a bit better for handling. I like them both better than the Zeiss which just don't do much for me. I range with a Newcon at the moment, but would like to get a "one unit" device for the closer stuff and general hunting in the future.
 
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