Kahles Binoculars..how do they compare to Leica, Zeiss & Swarovski?

A hunting buddy came over to show me his Kahles 8x32 binoculars, in the past he had been using Leupold Gold Rings knowing I favor Zeiss he wanted me to check them against his Gold Ring's and get my opinion. They were very bright and clear, it was early in the day so I could not check late light but they appear to be good optics but will need to try them in the evening of a future pig hunt.

He wondered how do they hold up? I had no experience with Kahles but figured I could get some real world feedback here!

Thanks

I used the Kahles 10x42's for a couple of years and had no problems. They saw some pretty hard use. Ran across a good deal on Swaro EL 10x42's and sold the Kahles. The EL's perform significantly better but the Kahles is a better value in my opinion. As far as durability, they both are excellent. Don't think you can go wrong with them unless you are expecting top tier performance.

Hope this helps.

I've been using a pair of 10x42 Kahles binos for about 4 years now. I've also owned a pair of 8x30 Swarovskis (stolen, sob!) and have a pair of the 8x20s as well.

They are excellent optically, and a bargain in the high end optical world. I just could not find a reason to pay the 50% additional premium for the Swaros.

I have a pair of Kahles 8 X 32 and a pair of Swaro SLC 7 X 42 and I think the difference in optical quality is minimum.... Certainly not at all close to the difference in price!!! The Kahles are the BEST value in the high end optic market, hands down!!!

Originally Posted by Bigdogfla

The Kahles are the BEST value in the high end optic market, hands down!!!

I have thought this for a long time also. I have owned a pair of the 8x42's for 6 or 7 years now and have had no reason to replace them. Matter of fact I bought an older pair of 8x30 SLC Swaros and sold them 6 months later because they wern't as good as what I have. I would love to try the 8x32 Kahles for tree stand hunting.

Originally Posted by old_willys

A hunting buddy came over to show me his Kahles 8x32 binoculars, in the past he had been using Leupold Gold Rings knowing I favor Zeiss he wanted me to check them against his Gold Ring's and get my opinion. They were very bright and clear, it was early in the day so I could not check late light but they appear to be good optics but will need to try them in the evening of a future pig hunt.

He wondered how do they hold up? I had no experience with Kahles but figured I could get some real world feedback here!

Thanks

Willys:

I have owned a pair of the Kahles 8x42 and was well satisfied. They are a good value in the midrange optic area.
I would prefer these over some of the Chinese clone bins that are now being promoted. As they are Austrian made and quality all the way. But optically they are a step below the Swarovski in brightness, etc. Good optics, yes, I would
recommend them.

Jerry

I have used a pair of 8x32 Kahles for the last two years in dusty, gritty conditions down to 5 F in the TX Panhandle & snowy, crappy weather using climbing tree stands up in NW WI. No problems, and they are a great combination of lightweight, yet very clear. They are the first "Good" binos I've used and I won't be without 'em.

I look through the other fella's Swaros, 10x50, 10x42 often & the Kahles stand right with 'em. They are easy to carry and to zip under a coat in bad weather. Great hunting glass.