It probably doesn't need to be said that it's quite difficult to get by without good binoculars when hunting. After all, it's not at all comfortable to look at a game animal through a scope for a long time. Moreover, it's not ethical, especially if you decide not to hunt the animal. You also have to take into account that behind the animal you're aiming at, there may be objects that are simply forbidden to point your weapon at.

However, when using binoculars, especially with higher magnification and if the animal you're observing is quite far away, there is a significant problem - the image vibrates slightly. Exactly as much as the observer's hands tremble. And no matter how much we don't want to admit it, absolutely everyone's hands, and not only theirs, tremble. Physiologically, a person himself cannot stand absolutely still. These micromovements are necessary to maintain balance. That's just how nature has it. Every shooter knows that even a slight deviation of the barrel at the moment of the shot will result in a miss. The further away the target, the greater the error. The same thing happens when looking through binoculars.

The Belgian company KITE OPTICS offers binoculars with a stabilization system that eliminates these fluctuations. The feeling when you first look into such binoculars is almost surreal – before activating the system, the image shakes as usual, but when you turn it on, the shaking is instantly eliminated and an involuntary exclamation of surprise bursts out, of course, everyone has their own. You can observe distant objects without problems and clearly see even the smallest nuances. This is more than unusual!

Yes, the binoculars have a slightly unusual shape, but they are very ergonomic and fit well in the palm of your hand. Focus adjustment is convenient and can be done even with one finger. It is just as easy to adjust the eyepieces to your eyes. The principles are the same as for any other daytime binoculars.

The eyepieces also have the ability to adjust the focal length and diopters, so the binoculars will be suitable for people with and without glasses – in situations where diopter correction is required.

The specific binoculars cost a little over 1100 euros. However, it should be noted that high-quality binoculars will never be cheap. In addition, this one is special with its stabilization system. All it lacks is a laser rangefinder, which would allow not only to observe a great image, but also to measure the distance to the observed object.

The GPSPRO store also has the bigger and smaller brothers of these binoculars on its shelves – binoculars with higher and lower magnification, larger and smaller lens sizes. KITE OPTICS also produces a special adapter for these binoculars, with which you can attach a smartphone to the eyepiece. This is also a great opportunity to take a picture of the observed animal. And since the image does not shake, there is no need to support the binoculars on a tripod. This is an unnecessary weight to carry with you.

The scope offered for the test is an absolute classic, and the scope's parameters allow it to be used without any problems not only in ambush hunting, but also in hunting with engines. The two-fold magnification allows you to control a very wide field of view when looking through the scope, and therefore to aim and shoot even at a very short distance.

As is usual with scopes of this brand, there are very clear lenses and a fine aiming reticle, which is in the second focal plane. It also has a red dot that can turn off itself when the weapon is tilted to the side, tilted down enough or raised up. This helps save battery life. The manufacturer has also provided a compartment for a spare battery, which is very convenient and will avoid a situation where the red dot cannot be turned on because the battery is empty.

The scope also has the ability to adjust parallax from five meters to infinity.

It is especially convenient to adjust the optical magnification – there is a special stop on the corresponding ring for this. Also, even in complete darkness, it is possible to see the numbers and markings on the scope body – they are painted with a special luminescent paint.

Someone may say that the 44 mm lens is too small. However, this lens size is optimal if you plan to use one of the thermal or night vision mounts, you just need to provide sufficiently high scope brackets so that the mount can be mounted, and neither the transition nor the mount itself would touch the barrel of the weapon.

Scope lenses are very bright and even in a large twilight they allow you to see the game. However, nowadays, hunters are increasingly choosing day scopes with a large front lens. Such scopes are large, heavy, more expensive and only extend the hunting time in the twilight by 10–15 minutes. Therefore, the optimal choice is usually a daytime optical scope with a 44 mm front lens for hunting with engines and a digital or thermal scope for hunting in the dark.

KITE OPTICS APC STABILIZED 16X42

Pros:

• Image Stabilization System
• Easy Focusing
• Ergonomic Design

Cons:

• Missing laser rangefinder

Technical parameters:

ALPEN OPTICS APEX LT 2-12X44 A4

Pros:

• Clear lenses
• Light weight
• Parallax adjustable

Cons:

• When you open the lens cap quickly, it hits the body quite loudly

Technical parameters:

Links:

• Binoculars KITE OPTICS APC STABILIZED 16X42
• Optical scope ALPEN OPTICS APEX LT 2-12X44 A4
• All KITE OPTICS optical devices
• All ALPEN OPTICS optical devices

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