Kahles Helia 2.5-10x50 CSX L

I own two Kahles scopes, a now old 3-10x52 CL and a more up to date CSX 1.5-6x42 with illuminated reticule. The latter one I use more for short to medium range work on driven/close in game, as it offers useful top and bottom ends combined with a most practical illumination system.

From the same stable is the CSX 2.5-10x50 L, just a bit bigger, the magnification range is perhaps more versatile for the UK hunter, as we tend to mainly favour a zoom range of around 3-9, if not more.

Top Notch

Quality has never been an issue with Kahles optics so you can rest assured you are buying top kit. The build goes for a one-piece, 30mm body tube. At the rear is a fast-focus eyepiece with the zoom ring showing a slotted, rubber gripping band with raised lug.

Turrets are low under removable caps and very much the zero and forget type, as once set you use holdover on the reticule. Dialling is by a raised bar in the middle of the drum, which I have always found a little fiddly to use. However, you can get a plastic multi-spanner that makes the job easier. On the left of the saddle is the rheostat drum for the illuminated reticule, which Kahles calls their Automatic Light system. A useful touch is the spare battery held in an extended turret cap.

Click values are 1-click = 1cm @ 100m, or .36” @ 100-yards. Turrets offer 36-clicks per turn (12.96”) with four full rotations available (51.84”). Not bad but not amazing…

Well Proportioned

The reticule is set in the 2nd focal plane with a choice of four patterns (all illuminated), two are more big/driven game orientated, one is fine and probably the best for general use is the 4-DOT, which is an open Number 4-style. In this case the only area that lights up is the very centre of the cross hair. This aiming mark is quite fine so will not detract from placing the cross where you need it, even when switched off there’s only a small bulge in the centre. I found this particularly useful when zeroing.

The automatic light is controlled by a rotary drum. Pulling it to the left turns it on (red band exposed) with arrows marked + & - indicating which way to turn it to increase/decrease illumination. I have always found this well placed and practical in use. Typically it has a memory and will return to the last setting when turned on again.

Clever too is the fact that the light will automatically turn off if the scope is pointed directly up or down or rolled 90º left or right. It will however switch itself back on when swung down past these parameters. The idea is to conserve battery life, while allowing the light to be instantaneously turned on and ready as the rifle is reacquired.

Optical quality is superb, which offers excellent dawn/dusk operation. Likewise the generous magnification range allows the gun to be used freehand at x2.5 for close range shots or at x10 for longer distances and more precision. Size and weight is also kept to a minimum, which are definite plus features on a hunting scope.

Overall this is a most versatile all-round optic that is well suited to the UK market.

For: Versatile hunting scope, with a practical illumination system

Against: Not cheap

Verdict: A high quality and ability optic that will last a life time and right up there with the other top European brands

PRICE: £1400 (ball park)