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Anyone with Kahles ZF84 or ZF95?

9K views 19 replies 10 participants last post by  meiwenti 
#1 ·
Any of you guys running a kahles zf scope on your M1A? I am toying with the idea of going more retro with mine vs. a newer nightforce. Looking for tips/thoughts on setting it up, zeroing it, how overall useful they are vs. more modern scopes.
 
#2 ·
What power, I shoot with one and have for a very long time, truly a favorite of mine (ZF95). My only regret was not buying more when I had the chance. It's all steel and sits low. Zeroing it is not as hard as you may think. Veri-powered scopes have a advantage but I never felt left out using it. Also remember the cam is in Meters not yards, doesn't mean much till you stretch out to beyond 300 yds.
 
#3 ·
I'm looking at 10x 84 and 95 models budget 500 bucks found a couple already. Most people seem to really like them I am just hesitant about buying such an older scope. My photonic 6x (like a ZF) was neat until it tanked, no longer works and can't get parts either. The loopy M3 I have is far from perfect, glass quality is like my PST and it's already broken once. But I know if it tanks again it'll just get fixed again too.

How long have you owned/used it and on what rifles?
 
#5 ·
I had a 10X and found it was to much power. I did a match with movers from 50 yds to 250 yds. there was a second stage with target exposed for a curtain amount of time. Same distances. 10 Power was way to much by the time I had sight picture and squeeze target was gone. Field of view was the problem. I changed out to a 6X and it made a huge difference. I have had one on my main match M1A/M14 rifle since 96. I have used it in matches from zero to 1000 yds. It has never let me down but just moved it over to another M1A/M14. I replaced it with the new Leupold 1-8 MK8. But the scope still going strong. Easy to use and tough, I have been dragging my scope through the dirt since 96 and I can only hope the Leupold holds up the same. As stated above if you have a line to a ZF95 for $500 I want one and would love it if you steered me in the direction to getting it. I have a rifle platform that's in need of it
 
#4 ·
Zf 95

I've had one in 6x w/range-finding reticles, and presently have a 10x w/mil-dot. Both are great scopes, as only Germans can make. When you consider Mark 4s going for 1k and S&Bs for 2k, these are a good deal.

If you don't want the ones you have lined up at $500, I would be interested.
 
#6 ·
I have a Kahles ZF 58 proto-type on one of my M1A's and a Zf 95 on the bush and like them both.
The Kahles ZF58 is the only one in the USA of only 20 of them ever made in Germany.
I've been looking for another one for 10 years with no success.
 
#7 ·
I too like the kahles scopes having once had a zf69 on a steyr ssg. I bought a new zf84,10x to mount on my m25. I have not found the rings for this set-up yet. I have not yet located ring inserts to adapt it to 30mm or any other configuration. If anyone has the answers please let me know. I hope you didn't mind this inquiry. Thanks.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Rings


here is what I use.
They are steel and have been on the scope since Day one.
 
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#11 · (Edited)
Kahles produced these. The name of the IDF model was called Photonic since the Austrian's didn't want their manufacturer's name on the optic for political reasons. The retical was specifically produced according to IDF specs like the Nimrod had with the range finder scale. Tritium was added to brighten up the retical at night but it doesn't glow anymore due to its age.
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#12 ·
Copy, so they'er not Kahles ZF scopes and they are Photonics. The Photonics are not the same scope. I'm in the market for true ZF series scopes. Thanks for the reply
 
#14 · (Edited)
First, Photonics Scope's are not made by Kahles. "The scopes are Austrian made by Photonic who is a subsidiary of Swarovski", not Kahles. Second if there is a problem with the scope you won't be able to find anyone to work on them. The reason being the Photonic scopes have tritium, which is radio active and certain protocols need to be in place to open them up. If you call Kahles and ask if they will work on the scope they will also tell you the Photonic scope is NOT a Kahles products, and that they can not work on them. Third, to further the Idea they are not Kahles ZF series scope. Parts and in particular, the Bullet drop cams, are NOT interchangable. Therefore they are two different scopes. That doesn't make them bad scopes, just different.
 
#15 · (Edited)
I know this is an old thread, but I figured it topical rather than start a new one...I just bought one of the Kahles/Photonic ZF95 scope and Israeli mount rigs from Mayer Antiques and I could not be any happier. What a great piece of Israeli kit, I don't really care about semantics, I am not planning on going into battle with it. The scope is clear as day, the reticle is trick, the mount locks up tight on my rifle, and Mayer Antiques could not have been easier to do business with considering they are half a world away. I placed my order on September 29, 2021 and the scope arrived here in Penn's Woods on October 13th. Bonus round, it came with lens caps!! Here are a few pictures:

Camera accessory Gun accessory Auto part Composite material Trigger

Automotive exterior Trigger Bicycle part Auto part Pipe

Trigger Camera lens Grey Camera Automotive tire

Gun accessory Gun barrel Gas Trigger Metal

Window Camera accessory Cylinder Cameras & optics Optical instrument

Camera accessory Cylinder Cameras & optics Rim Carbon

Camera lens Lens Camera accessory Cylinder Cameras & optics

Tool Cylinder Cable Auto part Wire

Cable Auto part Gun accessory Fashion accessory Electronics accessory


Since Mayer Antiques is a member here and a contributor in this thread, now is my chance for a shoutout and thanks for great customer service. Here is a link to their website offering of this scope, take a minute to cruise around as they have other interesting items offered for sale:

Mayer's Antiques

Thanks!!
 
#16 ·
I know this is an old thread, but I figured it topical rather than start a new one...I just bought one of the Kahles/Photonic ZF95 scope and Israeli mount rigs from Mayer Antiques and I could not be any happier. What a great piece of Israeli kit, I don't really care about semantics, I am not planning on going into battle with it. The scope is clear as day, the reticle is trick, the mount locks up tight on my rifle, and Mayer Antiques could not have been easier to do business with considering they are half a world away. I placed my order on September 29, 2021 and the scope arrived here in Penn's Woods on October 13th. Bonus round, it came with lens caps!! Here are a few pictures:

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Since Mayer Antiques is a member here and a contributor in this thread, now is my chance for a shoutout and thanks for great customer service. Here is a link to their website offering of this scope, take a minute to cruise around as they have other interesting items offered for sale:

Mayer's Antiques

Thanks!!
It is always nice to get a good review from a satisfied client.
 
#18 ·
I to am a customer of Mayer's and can say they sell only Top Quality optics and parts. I own a Photonic IDF scope and Love it. I recommend them and would hold them up against anything made nowadays. Cristal clear glass strong construction. Mounted to my Israeli K98 Mauser sniper rifle. Remember they were built for use by a very active military and have been used for a long time there!!!!!! Thank you Meyer's for your help and excellent service!!!!!!!
 
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