New Kahles Helia S 8x42 and 10x42 Models (1 Viewer)

[John A Roberts]

Swarovski has recently discontinued their well known x42 SLC binoculars, with the last units dispatched in December 2020,
see posts #6 and 8 at: https://www.birdforum.net/threads/gpo-passion-10x56.402828/#post-4127478

In contrast, Swarovski does continue to offer the larger x56 SLC models, and there is no indication that they will be discontinued in the foreseeable future

- - -

Kahles has taken up the x42 models, see at: https://www.kahles.at/en/news/details/helia-s42-binoculars
(thanks to zzzzzz for spotting this, see post #8 at https://www.birdforum.net/threads/slc-wb-hd-vs-wb.403732/#post-4134312 )

The Kahles models will be known as the Helia S line, with availability from April 2021, and a projected price of €1,500 (around US $1,800)
I’ve attached a copy of the specifications from the press release, along with three images lightened to better show the detail

While Kahles has it's own production capability (it primarily concentrates on telescopic sights), it's unclear at this stage whether the production
will be by Kahles, or will continue by Swarovski:
• The Kahles press release indicates that the binoculars will be manufactured in Austria, but both Kahles and Swarovski are located in Austria; and
• Swarovski Optik offers design and production capability to third parties under the Swarotec brand, see at: https://www.swarotec.com/en.html


Kahles was established in 1898. It was purchased by Swarovski Optik in 1974, and then in May 1989 it was reconstituted as an independent company
within the Swarovski Group. See the attached outline of Kahles' history
And for more details and images, also see at: https://www.kahles.at/en/since-1898


John

 

[Sterngucker]

Due to Swarovski's marketing politics Kahles binoculars are not available officially in the USA. I attempted to get a Helia 8x56 from their official distributor in the Czech Republic (Optics Trade) but was told that they may not deliver this item to the USA.

YMMV

 

[John A Roberts]

. . . and an image from Facebook showing the neck strap and attachment method


John

 

[Sollas]

Good info John.

However, what’s with the orange stripes, a bit garish. Do they offer other colour alternatives.

If this is really the SLC under the Kahles badge then this surely moves Kahles into Alpha market territory so good for them. Competition is always a good thing.
But...... surely the orange stripes will deter serious wildlife buyers.....

 

[John A Roberts]

Helia S x42 Cosmetics

As I indicated, the images that I posted the other day were lightened to better show the details
I’ve now attached an image from the press release showing the RA covering as it was depicted
It appears to be a dark earth/ chocolate brown along with the two high contrast 'safety orange' stripes

For comparison see images of the current Kahles binocular offerings: the Helia x42; the Helia x56, and; the Helia x42 RF
While all are in brown, the shade is notably different, and there is substantial contrasting black in the bridge area
In addition, the detailing is also substantially different *

So in a very general way, Kahles is keeping continuity with the colour of the RA covering on the Helia S
However, will the new chocolate brown/ safety orange combination be seen as an improvement?
Most critically, will it have a positive, neutral or negative effect on potential purchasers?


* Also of interest, the current x42 models come with an elastic sided slip on/ off objective and ocular cover combination,
along with a matching neck strap, again in various shades of brown


John

 

[John A Roberts]

Plus an obvious comparison: the previous SLC vs the new Helia S . . . .

 

[John A Roberts]

I just posted the following text at: https://www.birdforum.net/threads/s...hing-into-the-kahles-helia-s-42.403877/page-2
(see post #23) . . .


Helia S Availability in North America?

On the Kahles site ( https://www.kahles.at ), there is a button on the top right of the page that allows selecting from a variety of languages
The panel showing the languages includes the text 'Products may vary from country to country'

There are 2 English language choices:
• English, and
• English USA+CAN

Selecting the first shows the full range of binoculars, including forthcoming Helia S models
However, the second does not show any binoculars. So presumedly the Helia S is not going to available in North America
- at least as is currently indicated by the main Kahles site


John

 

[John A Roberts]

Looking at the Kahles site today, it seems that the Helia S launch has been put back from April to June:

 

[gunut]

Looking at the Kahles site today, it seems that the Helia S launch has been put back from April to June:

View attachment 1374837

Looking at the Kahles site today, it seems that the Helia S launch has been put back from April to June:

View attachment 1374837

just as well....might as well miss the full spring migrations....and have them all stocked up for the fall....

 

[Northman]

Anybody know if they use Kahles optics/coatings on these binoculars?
Or Swarovski?

Because my eyes do not go well with Swarovski rifle scopes or binoculars.
I dont know what it is.. its not "snobbery".. Just that Swarovskis optics look dull in my eyes.

However, Kahles rifle scopes look very sharp.

 

[jan van daalen]

AFAIK they are made by Swarovski and sold rebranded as Kahles.

Jan