Kahles Helia S 8×42

Specifications:

Objective diameter:  42
Magnification:  8 x
Exit pupil: 4.0 mm
Eye relief (acc. to spec): 18.5 mm
Useable eye relief (measured from rim of eyecup): 15.5 mm
IPD:  56 – 74 mm
RFOV:  7.8 degrees = 136 m
AFOV: 61 degrees
Minimum focus distance (measured): 3.0 m
Focus type:  CF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: > clockwise)
Degrees of rotation of focus wheel from 3 m to infinity (measured): 640 degrees
Range of diopter adjustment (acc. to spec.): +/- 4 dpt*
Excess travel of focus wheel beyond infinity position (estimate): 5 dpt*
Prism system:  Schmidt-Pechan
Waterproof: yes
Weight (measured, with eyepiece cover and strap): 879 g
Made in: Austria
*range of diopter adjustment not affected by position of focus wheel

Remarks:

In 2020, Swariovski stopped producing its 8×42 and 10×42 SLC binoculars, which was sad for many SLC enthusiasts. But its subsidiary, Kahles Gesellschaft  m.b.H. of Austria, at the same time added a Kahles Helia “S” line of binoculars to its product portfolio. Just a brief glance at the Helia S reveals: this is the former 8×42/10×42 Swarovski SLC in a slightly modified outfit! An extended comparison confirms that finding. The Helia S has all the mechanical and performance characteristics of the SLC.

For more background information about Kahles and the new Helia S, see John Roberts’ posts under https://www.birdforum.net/threads/new-kahles-helia-s-8×42-and-10×42-models.403874/ and https://www.birdforum.net/threads/kahles-helia-s-42-is-available-for-1499-from-europe.409152/page-2#post-4189275

See also separate posts about Kahles 8×42, https://binocular.ch/kahles-8×42/
and Kahles Helia 8×42, https://binocular.ch/kahles-helia-8×42/

see also separate post about Swarovski SLC 8×42, https://binocular.ch/swarovski-slc-8×42-w-b/

Rating:

Review:

see brief first experience here:
https://www.birdforum.net/threads/kahles-helia-s-42-is-available-for-1499-from-europe.409152/page-3#post-4193097