Maverick223
Member
I received a new optic on Friday, a Kahles Helia CL 2-7x36mm. Purchased it from CDNN on sale for $499.99, to plop on a new MSAR 7.62x39mm in the near future. I had very high expectations for this optic as I had seen a few in the past and been impressed. The glass quality far exceeded my expectations. Without having one to compare to side-by-side I would say it is on par with the Zeiss Diavari and Swarovski Z6. The only optic that I have on hand that approaches the clarity of glass is the Premier Reticles Heritage, which is no better, about the same IMO. It exceeds Zeiss Conquest and IOR optics and is significantly better than the Leupold VX-3. The glass is bright and sharp right up to the edges (where the VX-3 pales in comparison), with no noticeable chromatic aberration or distortion.
Reticle is a standard duplex and was the only feature that is not just about perfect (not bad, just not perfect). It is and etched glass reticle with no illumination. It is composed of medium outer lines with a very fine crosshair in the center. This should facilitate fast target acquisition and also allow for precise shooting. The only thing that I don't care for is the color of the reticle. It is not super-black like a Zeiss, but rather "dark-copper black" like a Leupold (or perhaps a little darker). Not bad at all, just not perfect.
The scope exhibits good mechanics. It has easy to grasp finger adjustments with a positive feel and audible click. The ocular has a standard European fast-focus eyepiece that is easily adjustable, but stays in place well. Aesthetics are also excellent. It has a matte black finish that is very consistent. The turret caps are machined aluminum and give good purchase for easy removal without getting in the way. Bushwacker flip up lens covers were included in the box and fit fairly well. The packaging was odd, I don't recall ever seeing a scope wrapped in tissue paper (like what you stuff in gift bags, it is the blue paper that it's sitting on in the photographs), but no complaints, it was secure enough to arrive to my door without any apparent damage. All Kahles optics are covered by a non-transferable lifetime warranty.
Reticle is a standard duplex and was the only feature that is not just about perfect (not bad, just not perfect). It is and etched glass reticle with no illumination. It is composed of medium outer lines with a very fine crosshair in the center. This should facilitate fast target acquisition and also allow for precise shooting. The only thing that I don't care for is the color of the reticle. It is not super-black like a Zeiss, but rather "dark-copper black" like a Leupold (or perhaps a little darker). Not bad at all, just not perfect.
The scope exhibits good mechanics. It has easy to grasp finger adjustments with a positive feel and audible click. The ocular has a standard European fast-focus eyepiece that is easily adjustable, but stays in place well. Aesthetics are also excellent. It has a matte black finish that is very consistent. The turret caps are machined aluminum and give good purchase for easy removal without getting in the way. Bushwacker flip up lens covers were included in the box and fit fairly well. The packaging was odd, I don't recall ever seeing a scope wrapped in tissue paper (like what you stuff in gift bags, it is the blue paper that it's sitting on in the photographs), but no complaints, it was secure enough to arrive to my door without any apparent damage. All Kahles optics are covered by a non-transferable lifetime warranty.
