Rifle Scopes Bino/Rangefinder combo info

[azsteve]

I'm not sure if this has been covered, however I don't want anyone getting blindsided like I was.

I thought I'd share something I've learned the hard way. Read the warranty with the optics you are considering buying very well. Optics with electronics in them do not carry the same warranty that the optics by themselves carry. Leica covers them for just 5 years altogether. I am pretty ticked off after having spent over 2k on a pair of Geovids 6 years ago. Mine are still working fine but I was going to send them in to Leica (who is now dead to me) for a tuneup. I knew about the electronic policy when I bought them but I figured I'd risk it because worst case scenario I'd have a really heavy but really clear pair of binos. Also if you do buy Leica, know that the warranty card must be sent in, or there is no warranty. Leica has lost a customer today.

Swarovski isnt much better, their new EL Range has a 2 year electronic and a 10 year optic warranty.

The same thing goes for rifle scopes with rangefinders or illuminated reticles.

The other downside to the rangefinder combo is for right handed archery hunters. The button to use the range finder is on the left eyepiece. That isn't a deal breaker but it is pretty inconvenient.



Rip Leica.

 

[CoryT]

Re: Bino/Rangefinder combo info

And what might you expect the electronics warranty to be, forever? And just what might Leica 'tuneup' for you if they are working? The warranty card is there to protect the dealer network from the gray market dealers and it's one of the few ways the mfg has of supporting their authorized retailers.

Show me any piece of high dollar consumer electronics gear with lifetime warranty. Buy and IPad for example, you get one year. Lots of other electronic gear is 90 days.

In the case of your Geovids, you got 5 times better than an IPad, they still work, and it's not like they won't fix them if the do in fact break, you'll just have to pay for the repair.

Take a Paxil or something and chill. Or, if you really hate your Geovids that much now you can send them here to me, I'm sure I can find a use for them.

 

[edwin907]

Re: Bino/Rangefinder combo info

azsteve, try sending a message to AHB (Hamilton) here on Snipers Hide, he is the representative for Leica Sport Optics.
Perhaps he can help you with your problem.
I remember him introducing himself 1-2 weeks ago.

I remember his name 'cause I was also reading an article about Lewis Hamilton, the McLaren F1 driver, at the time.

I have a set of Geovids I greatly value, but if the rangefinder went out I'd be pretty pissed if I couldn't get it fixed for a reasonable amount. That said, they function excellently after about the same age as yours. I wonder about the water resistance after all these years, but being drenched the other day didn't affect them a bit.

 

[azsteve]

Re: Bino/Rangefinder combo info

Edwin, thank you. That might come in handy. I love mine also, and are not giving me any trouble, I was just uninformed when I purchased them. I would think with companies like Swaro, Zeiss, Vortex, others, standing behind their products, Leica would want to compete on the same level.

 

[azsteve]

Re: Bino/Rangefinder combo info

Not upset about the electronic part, did you read what I wrote? I live in the desert, dust, dust, dust! It gets everywhere. I wasn't looking for a free tune up. I send most of my optics in to get them checked out (seals cleaned/ect) every couple years to not get caught during hunting season. I was shocked the glass didnt have the same Passport warranty my spotting scopes came with.

 

[azsteve]

Re: Bino/Rangefinder combo info

edited my first post to clarify, said "optic policy", changed it to "electronic policy"

 

[SICARIO]

Re: Bino/Rangefinder combo info

I've got a pair of Bushnell Fusions that took a crap after two years. Bushnell replaced them with a new set. Not sure though how long their warranty is good for though. I'd like a pair of Leicas, but I'm happy with my $900 Fusions.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Bino/Rangefinder combo info

Bushnell Fusion or the price.
http://www.cstactical.com/Optics/RangeFinders/Bushnell.html

For Great Glass and a Great Laser.
Zeiss Victory RF (Also there is a $300 rebate on them).
http://www.cstactical.com/Zeiss1.html

The Swarovski Bino LRF will be also great when when we get them.

Mike @ CST

 

[azsteve]

Re: Bino/Rangefinder combo info

CS, nice marketing! Well played, well played.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: Bino/Rangefinder combo info

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: azsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not sure if this has been covered, however I don't want anyone getting blindsided like I was.

I thought I'd share something I've learned the hard way. Read the warranty with the optics you are considering buying very well. Optics with electronics in them do not carry the same warranty that the optics by themselves carry. Leica covers them for just 5 years altogether. I am pretty ticked off after having spent over 2k on a pair of Geovids 6 years ago. Mine are still working fine but I was going to send them in to Leica (who is now dead to me) for a tuneup. I knew about the electronic policy when I bought them but I figured I'd risk it because worst case scenario I'd have a really heavy but really clear pair of binos. Also if you do buy Leica, know that the warranty card must be sent in, or there is no warranty. Leica has lost a customer today.

Swarovski isnt much better, their new EL Range has a 2 year electronic and a 10 year optic warranty.

The same thing goes for rifle scopes with rangefinders or illuminated reticles.

The other downside to the rangefinder combo is for right handed archery hunters. The button to use the range finder is on the left eyepiece. That isn't a deal breaker but it is pretty inconvenient.



Rip Leica. </div></div>

I'll trade you even for my Bushnell Fusion 1600's 10x42 That should relieve all the pain those Geovids are giving you.

 

[azsteve]

Re: Bino/Rangefinder combo info

Thats mighty kind of you, I will keep that in mind if it gets to that point.