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Revised Review
By Steve
Rate
4
My initial review was based on parallax focus analysis of only a few distances between 40 and 55 yards. On further use and complete focus calibration I have discovered a significant design feature which Kahles has implemented on this scope and that they really don't advertise.
The focus mechanisms of all other scopes I've seen and used generate a logarithmic calibration tape where the gaps between yardage marks are far apart at the near distances and very close together at the far distances. This is not the case with the Kahles K1050i FT. Apparently Kahles have designed the focus mechanism with a non-circular cam that smoothes the focus function to more evenly space the gaps between yardage markers. The focus is no longer logarithmic and approaches a linear function. This is huge for most of us that range with parallax focus. The tape is spread out more at the far distances and much easier to read. This feature puts the K1050i FT in a class of it's own.
I'm upgrading my quality and value rating to 5 stars. This is the scope FT shooters will want to have.
(Posted on 19/05/2016)
Good Scope
By Steve
Rate
4
I received my K1050i FT almost a month after it was ordered as Kahles was slow in production of the focus wheel and couldn't provide to Optics-Trade right away. This should now be resolved. The week I received it, Kahles announced a silver version which I would have ordered instead of the black one I purchased. USA Customs with UPS was only a slight delay and $105 USD in duties. The well packed box included a 1.24mm hex wrench which didn't quite fit the 1.3mm M2 screws that attach the focus ring. My USA Kahles representative, HPS Optics, quickly provided the correct wrench and some replacement screws...excellent regional support!
The scope itself is high quality kit. It performs optically almost exactly as my Schmidt & Bender 12.5-50x60 FT (Version 1) although the Kahles is SFP and the S&B is FFP. The reticle is particularly well suited to angular sub-tension ranging for those shooting standardized WFTF 40mm kill zones. There is a direct read range scale at 50x on the bottom of the reticle. The left side is in meters, the right in yards. The red illumination of the reticle is a thing of beauty! The entire reticle is illuminated and easily adjustable. This is a very nice feature. The eyepiece is noticeably large and bright and provides an oversize exit pupil. All the controls twist with precision. I was hoping that the turn required to focus between 40 and 55 yards would be extended, but was a little disappointed. The focus turn is similar to my Sightron 10-50x60 FT scope, and the S&B for that matter.
I shoot left handed and have never had a problem with focus wheels mounted on the left side of the scope...I just reach over the top. The top mounted focus wheel on the Kahles was easy to use and some lefty's might find it easier to manipulate. The red pop-up elevation turn counter is nice, but probably not needed much in FT shooting. The windage turn counter is definitely not needed.
Overall, it's a pretty good scope but maybe a little overpriced. If I was shooting 40mm kill zones regularly, I might pick it over a First Focal Plane S&B which sells at just about the same price. The Kahles has a superior illuminated reticle and the top mounted focus wheel might appeal to some lefty's. The quality is Austrian...you won't find better.
