I'm considering new optics and have been looking for a good combination. I don't particularly like the small monocular rangefinders, and would prefer to have a combination tool instead. These pieces are not very common though: Leica has the outrageously expensive Geovid models, Burris have a big, bulky one and Leupold have another. I've been considering the Leupold
http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shoot...ing-binoculars/

Anybody tried those?

What kind of max distance do you want for a LRF?

About 900 yards would certainly be enough.

I have used the RX-IV and it could range to 900 yards, but only on high reflection targets. Bright sun and low reflective targets will limit the max range of a LRF. One year while hunting in the mountains it would easily range to 700 yards across ridges. But we didn't range much beyond those distances with it.
I am not sure what the quality of the glass is in the Leupy.
I use my Swarovski LRF for my main optic when not doing long periods of glassing. Optics are as good as they get and it has not put me at a disadvantage. Even when longer periods of glassing would be done I would bring my spotting scope/tri-pod with me for extended glassing sessions. All depends on the style(s) of hunting you will use it for.

Ernie,

thanks. The 900 yard thing is more theoretical than practical, since I don't expect my shots to be on anything much beyond a hundred yards. Why I'm considering the Leupold combo is essentially that one piece is easier to carry than two, and I like some of its features, such as the reticle. I know the Swarovski LRF and it is a beauty, but since I'm left-eye dominant the eyepiece is on the wrong side.

I am left-eye dominant also.
FWIW-the glass on the RX-IV I had was not worth comparing to the glass on the Swaro.
Realize the above statement in the context that I am a Leupy fan.

I have the first generation of the Leupold rangefinding binoculars and I love them.

Man i went ahead and just got the Leicas. They r sweet, but.....$

Yes, they have lovely optics, but a bit on the heavy side - almost a pound heavier than the Leupolds. and pricey to boot...

Geovids?

Yes-- after using them now i wouldn't have anything else since they do cut down the time it takes to get an accurate LR shot off.

They r pricey (probably overpriced), and heavy, but honestly as a walking hunter i don't notice it really. I don't even remember thinking about it the 1st time i hunted with them. Used to have the old 8x30 Zeiss u sold to me umpteen years ago too, and it's not an issue--tho admittedly i thought it would be.