Kahles 10x42 Binoculars Review
By Nicholas Gebhardt
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, looking for that trophy bull elk in the mountains of Nevada, or searching for the distinguished African gemsbock, 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 is one of the few optics manufacturers that builds everything under one roof. The company headquarters were located in Vienna until 2012 when 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.
Kahles 10X42 binocular and accessories
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, the feel and operation of the eye cups and focus wheel, and optical characteristics place this binocular among the best in the business.
By Nicholas Gebhardt
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, looking for that trophy bull elk in the mountains of Nevada, or searching for the distinguished African gemsbock, 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 is one of the few optics manufacturers that builds everything under one roof. The company headquarters were located in Vienna until 2012 when 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.
Kahles 10X42 binocular and accessories
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, the feel and operation of the eye cups and focus wheel, and optical characteristics place this binocular among the best in the business.
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