Kahles K540i and K540i DLR: the most important technical details about the new long-range riflescopes with 8x zoom and 40x magnification

Back in 2024, the Austrian optics manufacturer Kahles, which is particularly renowned in the tactical sector, introduced the K328i and K328i DLR to the market of high-performance riflescopes for sporty long-range shooters. With the K328i, a completely new technical platform was developed for the first time in the company's history, which was specifically geared towards the requirements of modern sporting riflescopes with a reticle in the first focal plane (read our test report here). At the beginning of 2025, just one year later, two more models have followed with the Kahles K540i and K540i DLR, heralding a new generation of optics for sporting riflescopes at Kahles: long-range optics with an 8x zoom factor and up to 40x magnification.

Kahles K540i and K540i DLR – similarities and differences

According to the manufacturer, the new Kahles K model in the 5-40x56i version is said to offer a breathtaking viewing experience across the entire magnification range and a 40% larger field of view compared to the K525i at 25x magnification. The eyebox is also said to achieve a comfortable and previously unattained level even at up to 40x magnification, which should therefore also enable faster acquisition of the target when first looking into the eyepiece. The new K540i is equipped with a very precise elevation adjustment with 160 clicks per revolution and is available with the AMR, MSR2/Ki and SKMR4+ reticles in the first focal plane. In addition to exceptional precision and repeatability, the new riflescope also offers convenient and intuitive handling for maximum accuracy at long ranges.

As with the launch of the K328i, Kahles is also pairing the new K540i with the K540i DLR, a special variant for dynamic long-range shooting (DLR): the new K540i DLR comes with the 5-40x56i optical parameters and, unlike the K540i, has a special DLR elevation adjustment with 100 clicks per revolution. Together with the very intuitive EasyRead turret lettering, this provides an advantage in dynamic long-range competitions, which are also designed for speed. The K540i DLR is available with the SKMR+ and SKMR4+ reticles, which have been specially developed and optimized for the sporting requirements of long-range shooting. As with all K models from Kahles, parallax adjustment is integrated into the elevation turret and patented. In addition, an indicator pin that protrudes from the top of the elevation turret on the K models indicates the current rotation plane of the latter.

The most important features of the new Kahles K540i and K540i DLR long-range riflescopes at a glance

• 40% more field of view than the K525i at 25x magnification
• Consistent optical performance with 8x zoom over the entire magnification range
• Particularly large eyebox even at 40x magnification
• Optional left or right side adjustment with TWIST GUARD anti-twist safeguard
• Patented parallax adjustment integrated into the elevation turret (20 m to ∞)
• 160 clicks per rotation on the K540i and 100 clicks per rotation as well as extra large Easy Read lettering on the K540i DLR
• Repeatable accuracy and clearly defined clicks
• Illuminated reticle in 1st focal plane

+++ Both versions of the new Kahles long-range riflescope in 5-40x56i will be available from specialist retailers from February 2025. The non-binding recommended retail prices for the Kahles K540i and the Kahles K540i DLR are 4,500 euros each. +++

Kahles K540i and K540i DLR technical specifications and prices

Further information on the new K540i and K540i DLR riflescope models and other optics from this manufacturer can also be found on the Kahles website.