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Kruger Caldera vs Leica Geovid Rangefinding Binocu |
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djp0623
Optics Apprentice Joined: August/08/2011 Location: Pinehurst, NC Status: Offline Points: 83 |
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Posted: August/26/2012 at 16:26 |
I had the opportunity to us my Kruger Caldera alongside a pair of Leica range finding binoculars. (wow, is that a handy feature)
I just received my Caldera binos. While they are very clear, I think that they have more potential. The left and right barrels do not seem to have the same focus. They are very close, but one side remains a little blurry. It seems unnoticeable with both eyes open, but becomes obvious when you compare one side to the other. I set them up using a bumper sticker that is ~ 50-70 yds away. I'm calling Kruger tomorrow. I immediately notice that the Leica has the same clarity all the way to the edge of the field. I'm a novice, but i could see a ring around the edge of the Caldera that was not as clear as the middle. I won't begin to estimate what percentage, but most of the field was clear. As far as crispness/sharpness is concerned. Even with the slightly out of focus barrel the caldera had a better image. It was the middle of the day, so I can't comment on light gathering ability. I don't know the history of the Geovid, so I don't know if there are HD and non HD models. The Geovid I used looked like the $2300 set on SWFA. I'm not an expert, but the Caldera looked better to my eyes. I am jealous of the Leica built in rangefinder.
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Rancid Coolaid
MODERATOR Joined: January/19/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9318 |
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Having used Geovids and Ultravids, I can say that I have not seen their equal, Zeiss FL is very similar, as is Swarovski EL.
I haven't used the Caldera and know nothing of them, but Geovid is absolutely top shelf. |
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Rancid Coolaid
MODERATOR Joined: January/19/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9318 |
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At that price, if close, it is a scream'in deal. If one barrel cannot be focused independently, that ain't good.
My guess is, with prolonged use, the optical quality of the Leica would stand out. Where ate the Calderas made? |
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djp0623
Optics Apprentice Joined: August/08/2011 Location: Pinehurst, NC Status: Offline Points: 83 |
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I think the calderas are one of the Chinese made one that are supposed to be on par with the zen ray 2/3.
Take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm no expert. I formed my opinion before I knew what brand I was using, so I figured that was worth something and I should post what I thought. I was just surprised. I didn't know the brand of the Leica at the time I was handed them. I immediately noticed the clarity all the way to the edge, but I thought the Caldera was better. Then I looked at the brand because the rangefinder is pretty neat. I thought wow, I bet these are uber expensive. Maybe the lenses on the Leica were dirty or there is a diopter setting that I didn't mess with. I couldn't see my individual .308 holes on a target 200yds away with either. Then again, I didn't have the steadiest hand. I wish I could look through a pair of high end zeiss and swaro. |
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Rancid Coolaid
MODERATOR Joined: January/19/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9318 |
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You were looking at bullet holes off hand at 200 yards? Were both 10x42?
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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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I just sold my Leica Geovid HDs for a pair of Zeiss Victory RF's. The Leica had amazing optics as does the Zeiss. I am not knowledgeable enough on what to look for to say which one is better optically, especially since at some point it becomes personal preference. They are both very very good, their are some subtle differences, but they were not noticeable enough to make me care much either way. But the range finder in the Zeiss is significantly better than the Leica, that is what made me want to trade.
Edited by supertool73 - August/27/2012 at 09:18 |
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djp0623
Optics Apprentice Joined: August/08/2011 Location: Pinehurst, NC Status: Offline Points: 83 |
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They were 8x42. I was hoping i wouldnt have to ride the 4 wheeler out and back after every shot. You could kinda see them with both, but not enough to be reliable. White drywall was the main target, so the dark hole was easier to see. You could easily see the little pieces of hot pink tape i used to cover each hole.
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