Kahles 8x32 Binocular

I bought this European (manufactured in Austria) binocular over a month ago and have used it extensively since. I am able to compare it to an older Kahles 8 x 32 which I have owned for several years. The bodies are unchanged to the eye but the new one with it's magnesium housing is noticeably lighter in weight. The oculars set into the eye cups are 2mm wider and the eye cups are 3mm longer. The 16mm eye relief is unchanged and the eye cup is pleasantly comfortable in use. The focus wheel is smooth as silk with slight tension and no play in it at all. It focuses counter clockwise and goes from useable closeup to infinity is less the 3/4 of a turn. There is plenty of focus beyond infinity for nearsighted users who wish to use it without wearing spectacles.

The optics in the current version have been much improved. Changes in the lens coatings are visible and this new version controls glare under difficult conditions, such as looking towards the general area of the sun, much better. It is also visibly much brighter in overcast and twilight conditions. This new model also has a much larger area of sharpness in the center of the view--I estimate it to be about 70% then tapering off to the edge.

The Field of View of 435'@1000 yards as stated is not that wide although it seems to be slightly wider than the old model which had a stated 399'@1000 yards. It is about the same as the FOV of my Swarovski 8x30 SLC and my Nikon 8 x 32 LXL and a bit wider than my Nikon 8 x 32 SE. These differences, IMO, are not significant.

The winged eyecups supplied as an accessory with the binocular work very well and can be left on the binocular because it's rainguard is designed to accommodate them which is a nice touch. They make the FOV slightly smaller and cannot be folded down and used with glasses.

The case is roomy, attractive and well made. It has "D" rings for a separate strap if desired.

This binocular is slightly more compact than the Nikons and Swarovski mentioned above but takes a back seat to none in it's rugged construction. It has first rate optics comparable to the ones mentioned above which I also own.