Leica Geovid 8x42 HD-B 3000

• Currently, Geovid models are one of the most technologically advanced binoculars with an integrated laser rangefinder on the market.
• HD-B 3000 models boast an astonishing range of detection – 3000 yards (2750 meters).
• They feature the excellent Perger-Porro prisms which provide top-notch optical performance and an outstandingly high light transmission rate.
• Not only are they optically perfected; they are also great in ergonomic aspects.
• The open-bridge design allows the user to carry them single-handedly, which expands Geovid’s usability to a great degree.
• HD-B models come with a sophisticated ballistics calculator called ABC (Advanced Ballistic Compensation) which offers plenty of useful, advanced functions.

Introduction

Geovid was 'born' in 1992 when engineers at Leica managed to implement a laser system into their high-quality binoculars. The outcome was amazing – because Geovid were the first binoculars with an integrated laser rangefinder system for the civilian market, they revolutionized the industry. The launch of this series remains one of the greatest achievements of Leica up to this day. The 7x42, which was the only model at the beginning, had the ability to measure distances up to 1000 m. The first generation remained in production for 12 years. Because this series was such a gamechanger for the binoculars industry, Leica chose to build on it. To make sure that they remain a competitive product, Leica has been constantly upgrading the Geovid binoculars. Although more are more rangefinding binoculars are introduced by various companies with each passing day, only a few can match the quality of Geovid. It remains a benchmark in the category of rangefinding binoculars.

About the Geovid series

Today, there are three model families in the Geovid series: HD-R, HD-B and R.

As regards the outer appearance, models from HD-R and HD-B model families are identical. Ergonomically, they are unique – currently, it is impossible to find similar-looking binoculars on the market. Their elegant design is linked to the lenses that Leica uses for these optical devices – they feature Perger Porro prisms which provide top-notch optical performance and an outstandingly high light transmission rate. They are very comfortable to hold and use. Geovid HD-B and HD-R binoculars feature an open-bridge design – the user can hold them single-handedly without problems. The chassis is made of magnesium, meaning that the binoculars are durable, strong and waterproof. Leica uses many of their coatings on the models from these two series (they are fully multicoated), including the AquaDura coating which is applied to the external parts of the lenses to prevent dew and dust accumulation. Leica’s binoculars are known for their great eye-cups – Geovid HD-B and HD-R are no exception. The multi-position, rubberized eyecups (7 available positions) found on these binoculars have a quality feel to them and will hold their position firmly unless rotated.

Naturally, all the models in this series still possess the feature they rose to fame for – an integrated laser rangefinder. A high-quality laser compartment, integrated into the housing, allows the user to find out the distance to the observed object with great accuracy. Both single measurement mode and scan mode are available. The HD-B models take temperature and air pressure into account when displaying the holdover or the necessary number of clicks. Additionally, the user can select from 12 available ballistics curves on HD-B or upload his or her own ballistic data via the MicroSD card. The HD-R models have temperature and barometric pressure sensors but will only display these two values with the press of the button – the values can then be entered into the ballistic app (on your mobile phone, for example) for an even more accurate calculation of the number of needed clicks.

HD-B models are not only the most advanced in the Geovid series but also one of the most technologically advanced rangefinding binoculars currently on the market. They were first introduced in 2013 and were very innovative at that time – they basically put all the contemporary rangefinding binoculars made by the other manufacturers in the shade. The newest models wear the ‘3000’ mark which hints at their range of detection – 3000 yards. Along with the standard features such as EHR (equivalent horizontal range), they are equipped with a sophisticated ballistic calculator. Leica names the system ABC – Advanced Ballistic Compensation. It offers two interesting functions: 1. The binoculars can display correction in centimetres or inches and the required deviation at point-blank range along with the distance. 2. The POI is corrected with Bullet Drop Compensator, displaying the clicks required to adjust the reticle (1 MOA, 1/3 MOA, ¼ MOA, 10 mm/100 m and 5 mm/100 m). HD-B has a microSD card slot – with the card (included in the package), the user can install his or her own custom ballistic information for specific types of ammunition.

HD-R models do not offer as many functions as the HD-B models. They lack the ballistics calculator. Nevertheless, not many hunters require one, which is why HD-R will satisfy the needs of most. These binoculars offer all the functions of HD-B with the exception of those that come with the ABC (Advanced Ballistic Compensation). For most hunters, the EHR (Equivalent Horizontal Range) function is enough. The first generation was released in 2015. Three models were available – 8x42 (Type 402), 10x42 (Type 403) and 8x56 (Type 500). The new models are not divided into “types” but are marked with the number ‘2700’ instead.

R models are the simplest to use of the three. The first generation was introduced in 2005 and the second in 2009 – these could only measure the linear distance. The latest, third-generation models were launched in 2016 and were the first ones to have the ability to measure the EHR. These binoculars cannot display distances to objects as far away as the HD-B and HD-R models – the range of detection is limited to 1200 yards (1100 m). Nevertheless, they provide precise measurements, comfortable viewing along with a classic look. The latter is perhaps what these binoculars are the most famous for. They are also capable of measuring EHR (Equivalent Horizontal Range) which is especially useful for inclined shots.

One of the most outstanding features of binoculars in the Geovid line is the rate at which the distance is displayed after clicking the button. No other rangefinding binoculars are currently capable of displaying the distance as quickly as the Geovids.

All Geovid models are made in Portugal.

About the model (HD-B 8x42 3000)

HD-B 3000 was released in 2018. The number in its name stands for its range of detection – with it, the user can measure distances up to 3000 yards (2750 m). The increased range of detection is, basically, the only upgrade from the previous models. Leica retained all the previous technological features that apply to all the Geovid series. Since this is the HD-B version, it comes with a sophisticated ballistics calculator called ABC, which stands for Advanced Ballistic Compensation (more about the features of this system can be read in the paragraphs above). This is the model with 8x magnification and 42mm objective lens – it offers 130 m of field of view at 1000 m. It is 200 g lighter than the 8x56 version but will not perform as good in twilight because of the smaller objective lens and a smaller exit pupil.

• 8x magnification
• Powerful and accurate laser rangefinder system (measures distances to objects up to 3000 yards (2750 m) away
• Features Perger-Porro prisms which provide an outstanding optical performance
• ABC Ballistics calculator with a microSD card slot for installing custom ballistic data
• Fully multicoated
• Features Leica’s AquaDura lens coating that prevents dew from accumulating on the external parts of the lenses
• Temperature, air pressure and incline sensors
• Rubberized magnesium housing

Warranty

The product comes with 5 years of warranty. You can read more about the warranty policy here.