Leica World News
9
L E I C A G E OV I D 15 X 5 6 B R F
Seeing more implies recognizing fine details, discerning more and ultimately, knowing
more about what is being observed. That is exactly what the new LEICA GEOVID15 x 56 BRF
binocular delivers. In addition to providing high magnification, it also offers the observer
the benefits of an integrated laser rangefinder. A test report by Roland Zeitler.
W E I G H I N G O N LY
1300 g (46 oz), the
15x56BRF has a very balanced and steady
feel. Thanks to its excellent weight distri-
bution, handheld observation is supremely
comfortable. For prolonged observation,
the use of a tripod and the Leica Binocular
Adapter is recommended. Because of its
large 56 mm objective, the binocular can
also be used very effectively at twilight.
The optics are treated with an abrasion
resistant Leica HDC coating. This yields
a razor-sharp image with superb color
fidelity and rich contrast. It is precisely the
high image brilliance with good contrast
that makes it possible to discern fine
details at this high magnification that would
otherwise remain hidden. Furthermore,
the binocular offers the possibility of laser
rangefinding from 10 m (10.9 yd) to approx-
imately 1200 m (1312 yd). To this end, a
laser beam is emitted along the main axis
of the lens, the reflected light is gathered
by the lens and directed to the measuring
cell by means of a beamsplitter prism.
The distance is shown immediately by
means of a red LED display in the right ocu-
lar. An outline of the measuring field is also
shown in the same ocular. The intensity of
the LED display automatically adjusts itself
to the ambient brightness. There is no
flare. By pressing the key on the top of the
binocular continuously, the measurement
shifts to a scanning mode. This is ideal
when one wishes to measure the distance
to different or rapidly moving subjects in
rapid succession. The large focusing drum
is positioned conveniently at the central
shaft. The diopter compensation can be
set at the left ocular and parallax compen-
sation is provided for the LED display at the
right ocular. The LED display can thus be
adjusted for optimal focus. The oculars are
optimized for eyeglass-wearers with rotat-
ing eyecups with two click positions.
Thanks to the use of roof prisms with
phase correction (P40 coating), the binoc-
ular is very slender, but 210 mm (8.4 inches)
high. The very sturdy aluminum die-casting
is completely coated with a soft, grippable
rubber armoring. The Geovid easily with-
stood rough handling and several strong
impacts. It remained watertight when
immersed in a 50 cm (nearly 20 inches)
deep water container. It is also filled with
nitrogen to prevent the interior from steam-
ing up.
The new 15x56 can be used for numerous
applications. During a hunt, a ram can still
be viewed very clearly at 100 or 150 m
(109 or 164 yd). Strong roebuck antlers
can easily be discerned at great distances
without alarming the game. I especially
appreciated the powerful magnification
while hunting in a field where game was
standing in the open at a great distance –
or when a fox was moving under the cover
of a distant hedge. Mounted on a tripod, it
is simply perfect for hunting varmints such
as prairie dogs or woodchucks. Being able
to ascertain the measured distance to the
game is most important for a successful
hunt. It is probably also ideal for hunting on
horseback, in the wilds of the Yukon, or in
Montana. It can be used equally very effec-
tively for hunting rams or mountain goats
or for stalking wapiti or moose. In such sit-
uations, observation and shooting must, of
necessity be performed at great distances.
When a wapiti buck is standing in the
shade of a tree during the early hours of
the morning, the bright optics reveal the
details of its antlers. It enables you to
decide whether it is legal for shooting or
whether it is to be spared.
In practice, the very quick rangefinding and
the LED distance display were most impres-
sive. The binocular performed dependably
and accurately. Game could readily be
ranged up to approximately 1150 m (1258
yd), highly reflective subjects like houses
even up to 1368 m (1496 yd). The high-per-
formance laser also permits distance
measurements under difficult conditions.
Precise rangefinding ability paired with
top-class, sharp and brilliant optics made it
a genuine pleasure to use this new Geovid
binocular.
The slender Geovid was easy to carry and
it readily made excellent handheld obser-
vation possible. All in all, it is a truly practi-
cal observation instrument for specialized
fields of application, for which it is supreme-
ly suitable.
R O L A N D Z E I T L E R
Top class optics, dependable measurements thanks to the high performance laser:
Roland Zeitler tests the new Leica Geovid.
