Kahles Helia RF 8x42 and 10x42 laser rangefinder binoculars: useful helpers for long range shooters and stage designers

With its integrated laser rangefinder with a measuring range of up to 3,600 m and a special long range mode, the Helia RF from Kahles, whether in the 8x42 or 10x42 versions, is not only ideal for hunting, but also helps long range sports shooters. We have already been able to convince ourselves of the hunting qualities of the Helia RF 8x42 in an extensive test on all4hunters.com. Now we would like to show you in our video how the binoculars with built-in laser rangefinder can also play their trump cards in dynamic long-range shooting. Here, laser rangefinder optics are generally already used by the organisers during competition planning when they search the terrain on the shooting range for suitable locations for the targets. Thanks to the 8x or 10x magnification, match directors and stage designers can not only determine suitable locations for the targets from the planned firing lines of the stages based on the planned distances, but also rule out unsuitable locations from the outset. Using binoculars, they can usually recognise from a great distance whether the targeted location could pose a threat from the "hinterland", for example. They can also detect whether there are bushes or branches in front of the target that cannot be easily recognised with the naked eye or on a map. Ultimately, of course, binoculars don't save you from having to carry out a final check on site, but they certainly save you a lot of unnecessary travelling. However, the Kahles Helia FR 8x42 and 10x42 can also score points during a long range match.

The advantages of the Kahles Helia RF 10x42 and 8x42 for the dynamic long-range shooter in a match

In competitions, many shooters use laser rangefinders and now increasingly also binoculars with an integrated rangefinder to get a more precise picture of the targets in the field before the start after the briefing on the stage or using the matchbook, in which the individual stages with the respective target distances can be found. The integrated rangefinder of the Kahles Helia RF also helps to identify the correct targets and the view through the magnifying binoculars helps to find them again more quickly later in the riflescope's smaller field of view at high magnification, so that shooters do not have to carry out time-consuming magnification changes every time they change target.

Helia RF binoculars are now also used for spotting at long range competitions such as the Kahles DLR matches, a special variant of dynamic long range shooting. A spotter observes the shooters' bullet trajectory and point of impact and gives them the necessary adjustment instructions if required. In many competitions, the shooter has to manage without a spotter. Here, however, it can be helpful for the shooters to spot the shots of their competitors in order to gain an impression of the prevailing conditions in the target area. In this respect, a pair of usable binoculars is easier to handle and use than a spotting scope, which generally has to be aligned much more precisely, but allows for more accurate hit control. In order to be able to use the Helia RF more stably, the binoculars have a tripod thread under a cover screw on the front of the hinge joint. Thanks to this interface, they can also be attached to standard photo tripods using an optionally available adapter.

The Kahles Helia RF binoculars are also suitable for spectacle wearers. They have eyecups that can be locked in a total of four positions. The diopter compensation for both tubes is also sufficiently dimensioned at +/- 4 dpt and can be adjusted on the eyepieces using the adjustment ring. The pupil distance, i.e. the distance between the two visual axes, can be set via the hinge of the center bridge, as is usual with most binoculars. At the rear end of the hinge, in the direction of view, is an easy-to-reach and easy-to-grip wheel, which can be used to focus the optics. Kahles has positioned the control buttons for the laser rangefinder within easy reach on the top right-hand side of the center bridge. These are just two rubber-armored buttons that are positioned directly behind each other in the longitudinal direction and can therefore both be easily operated with the index or middle finger of the right hand while observing. The grey mode button is the one further away from the eye and the closer orange "on" and measure button is slightly smaller than its counterpart, but is slightly raised. This means that both buttons can be clearly distinguished from each other not only by colour but also by touch. Kahles has placed the optronics for the rangefinder in the right-hand tube of the Heli RF. The red OLED display in the eyepiece is also located on this side, which has a total of five brightness levels and can therefore be optimally adapted to any lighting conditions. To save energy, the display has an automatic switch-off function and switches off automatically five seconds after the last button has been pressed. Power is supplied by a CR2 cell which, according to Kahles, should last for up to 4,000 measurements. In addition to pure range measurement in single measurement or scan mode, the Kahles Helia RF also has sensors for air pressure, temperature and angle measurement for the EAC function.

Kahles Helia RF 8x42 and 10x42 laser rangefinder binoculars technical specifications and prices

all4shooters.com conclusion on the test results for the Kahles Helia RF 8x42 and 10 x42

In our practical hunting test linked above, the Kahles Helia RF 8x42 already impressed us with its very true-colour, high-contrast and sharp image right up to the edges without any discernible colour fringing. This should also apply to the Helia RF 10x42, as it differs technically from the 8x42 only in the slightly higher magnification and the resulting smaller field of view. Which model the long range shooter ultimately chooses depends primarily on whether he/she prefers a larger field of view or a higher magnification. In other words, what they are most comfortable with in practice. As with hunters, it is therefore primarily a question of personal preference, especially as Kahles charges the same recommended retail price of €1,500 for both Helia RF models, which is an extremely fair price for these rangefinder binoculars in the mid-price segment.

You can find more information about the Kahles Heli RF 8x42 and 10x42 on the manufacturer's website.