Kite APC Stabi 18×50 ED Li-ion

Specifications:

Objective diameter (measured):  50 mm
Magnification (according to spec.):  18 x
Exit pupil (according to spec.): 2.77 mm
Exit pupil (measured): 2.6 mm
Technical eye relief (according to specs):  15.5 mm
Usable eye relief (meas. from rim of eyecup in the fully-in position): 13 mm
IPD (according to spec.):  57 – 76 mm
RFOV (according to spec.):  3.7  degrees = 65 m
RFOV (measured):  3.65  degrees = 64 m
AFOV (according to spec.):  61 degrees
AFOV (according to spec.):  60 degrees
Minimum focus distance (according to specs):  5.5 m
Minimum focus distance (measured): 3.9 m
Focus type:  IF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: anticlockwise)
Range of diopter adjustment (acc. to specs): + 3 /- 3 dpt
Rotation of focus wheel from 3.9m to infinity: 400 degrees
Extra travel of focus wheel beyond infinity (estimate): 6 dpt
Prism system:  Schmidt-Pechan
Waterproof: yes
Weight (without accessories, according to specs): 1’015  g
Weight (measured, with eyecaps and strap): 1’121 g
Made in: Japan

Images:

Remarks:

Kite Optics Belgium has recently been coming onto the market with a whole range of stabilized APC (“automatic power control”) binoculars in sizes 10×30, 12×30, 12×42, 16×42, 14×50 ED and 18×50 ED. The latter two each come in two configurations: either with standard AA batteries as power source, or with rechargeable Li-Ion battery. It appears that Kite has its APC bincolars, or at least major parts of them, manufactured in Japan by Kamakura, who are said to also manufacture stabilized binoculars for e.g. SIG-Sauer, Opticron and others. The 18×50 model presented here is a direct competitior of the well established Canon 18×50; their field of view is identical. Chromatic aberration appears better corrected in the Kite APC (CA is in our experience an issue in a number of Canon’s stabilized binoculars, although not in the 10×42). The Kite offers pleasant optics and a very satisfactory stabilization. The automatic power turn-off feature, once you carry the bino vertically (e.g. with the neckstrap around your neck) is very helpful; one battery charge lasts for many days. The instrument is a bit bulky, but quite lightqweight for the size. With the 18x magnification, the high speed of the focuser can lead to “overshooting” sharp focus, so needs to be operated carefully. Overall a very interesting binocular!

Ratings:

Reviews:

BINOCULARS TODAY does not usually publish third party reviews here, but Piergiovanni Salimbeni of “binomania.it” published a review of the 18×50 ED that we consider well worth reading:
https://www.binomania.it/recensione-kite-optics-18x50ed/