Kahles 10X42 Binocular Review

Kahles 10X42 Binocular Review The binocular is arguably the most used tool in the hunter’s toolbox. Whether still‐hunting whitetails in Tennessee, stalking antelope throughout the grasslands of Wyoming, pursuing mule deer in the badlands of the Dakotas, or looking for that trophy bull elk in the mountains of Nevada, more time is spent peering through a binocular than time spent on the rifle itself. For this reason alone, investment in a very nice binocular should be at the top of every hunter’s priority. Enter Kahles optics direct from Austria. Although the Kahles brand isn’t widely known throughout the United States, it is one of the world’s oldest optics manufacturers, being 116 years in existence. Kahles was founded in 1898 by Karl Robert Kahles in Vienna Austria and currently employs more than 70 personnel. The company headquarters were located in Vienna until 2012 at which time they relocated to Guntramsdorf, Austria. Kahles manufactures a wide range of riflescopes along with three models of binocular, all of which are the roof prism design. The 10X42 model binocular is the subject of this review. The 10X42 model Kahles binocular measures 5.6 x 4.9 x 1.9 inches and weighs 20.5 ounces according to my measurements. A rubber coating protects the magnesium frame and helps to absorb minor bumps to the binocular as well as provide a secure hold and noise dampening. Twist out eye cups are easy to operate and provide the correct distance for non‐eyeglass wearers. Phase correction coatings are applied to the internal prisms to provide the contrast while Kahles’ proprietary AMV lens coatings are applied to the lenses for enhanced light transmission. Other details of the binocular include a tripod adapter, close focus distance of 8.2 feet, and the binocular is fully waterproof. (A look at the Kahles 10X42 binocular) These specifications aren’t much different from most any other 10X42 binocular, so what sets the Kahles brand apart from the rest of the pack? The answer to that question isn’t easily answered through a cursory review of the specifications, but with a detailed analysis of every aspect of the binocular. The refinements in the rubber armor, feel and operation of the eye cups and focus wheel, and optical characteristics place this binocular among the best in the business. Green doesn’t quite describe the color of the rubber armor. Kahles calls it Loden, which is a traditional Austrian green similar to a military olive drab and provides an extremely nice contrast to the numerous black binoculars flooding the market. The texture over most of the binocular is that of fine grained leather with the palm swells being given a slightly rougher texture for a better grip. Three raised ridges are situated on the top and each side of the binocular hinge, providing additional gripping surfaces. The touch and feel of the rubber armor applied to a binocular can be a quality that is difficult to explain, but one that speaks through the hand‐binocular interface when handled. The Kahles binocular exudes a high quality feel to the armor which is something immediately known to even the most persnickety binocular enthusiasts. Non‐eyeglass wearers will immediately notice the buttery smooth operation of the twist up eye cups. These eye cups glide outward into position and secure with a simple click which is both positive but subtle. While many binocular manufacturers utilize certain cost saving materials to construct their products, the Kahles eye cups have an all metal construction with a rubber covering for comfort. The metal construction ensures the eye cups will provide a lifetime of service even for future generations. Correct diopter setting is accomplished by turning the adjustment which is located just forward of the right eyepiece and has the same knurled style molding as the focus wheel. Total diopter range is +2.0 to ‐3.5 which should be suitable for nearly anybody to achieve a perfectly focused view through both eyes. The focus wheel is also covered with rubber armor and has a coarsely knurled type molding. The covering provides adequate friction for making focusing adjustments whether the binocular or fingertips are cold, wet, or bundled up in warm gloves. The focusing wheel is a bit on the stiff side however, but does seem to lighten up with repeated use. It is very smooth throughout the entire range of adjustment, which takes approximately 1.25 turns to focus from 8.2 feet to infinity. Optically, this binocular is the best I have used to date. Previous binoculars I have used throughout my lifetime include nearly every big name brand, although not every offering from them. While scrutinizing the Kahles offering, I compared them to several other 10X42 binoculars I had on hand as well as 10X45 and 10X50 binoculars of European manufacture, with prices of all ranging from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. The Kahles binocular went toe to toe with other more expensive European optics and was easily optically superior to the less expensive models, as should be expected. The clarity and resolution of the Kahles 10X42 was nearly indistinguishable when directly compared with a coworker’s Swarovski SLC 10X42. Being the fortunate individuals we are, living in Montana, we were blessed with a bright day and views to the mountains several miles distant. We had to spend significant time swapping back and forth between these two to discern a difference. This is a huge accomplishment given that the Swarovski brand is one of the most highly regarded binoculars on the planet. My friend was absolutely blown away by the performance differential between the Kahles and Swarovski given the significant price difference. There is a distinct “bang for the buck” if you will with the Kahles 10X42 binocular. (Most of the comparison binoculars with the Kahles out front) Of most significant concern to those spending their living glassing for game or birds is eye strain of which I didn’t experience any after an entire day of utilizing the Kahles binocular. I can’t say the same for other brands I have used however, which have cost the same or even more. The view through the Kahles is very comfortable for extended use. If you are a typical hunter or just spend significant time looking through your binocular, you should take a serious look at the offerings from Kahles. You will be purchasing a binocular that is designed and built by a well‐established and mature optics manufacturer. Kahles binoculars have the features, handling characteristics, and optical properties of the finest binoculars. Thank me later when you realize you can spend more time in the glass, locate animals easier, and enjoy your hobby to a greater level because of the high quality binoculars manufactured by Kahles.