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Budget Night Vision Optics

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NW425 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NW425 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Budget Night Vision Optics
    Posted: June/09/2015 at 00:00
I am particularly referring to this optic:

<read the rules please>


Anyone ever tried it? Looks interesting. However, it comes with a lot of bells and whistles and for the price I wonder if it's even worth while... Any input on function and usability? 


Edited by koshkin - June/09/2015 at 01:12
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/09/2015 at 09:18
I don't know the specific optic mentioned (OT rules prohibit the mention of competitors, but not the mention of specific optics - or links to manufacturer's pages.)

Having significant experience with NV, I can tell you that really good stuff is not cheap. 
The best budget stuff I have seen is the digital stuff, it has it drawbacks (grayscale really messes with night vision when you come off the scope, and it almost always needs an external IR light source) but works quite well at a few things.

For what would you be using NV?
What is your budget?
Weapon-mounted?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NW425 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/09/2015 at 10:28
I have a ceiling of $700. Don't need anything fancy, just daytime nighttime shooting off of an AR or maybe a bolt gun.

I checked swfa if they had this weapon sight and they didn't so I thought posting an external link would be okay.

But since it's not...

ATN X-Sight Smart Technology HD 5-18x85 Night Vision Riflescope

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/18/2015 at 09:52
Just seeing this, sorry.
In truth, with that budget, I would consider getting a decent day scope and a laser designator.  I can't recommend anything in that price range that would qualify as actual night vision, and if you decide to get a $700 NV scope, prepare yourself for not great experiences.  It might work great, let us hope, and it might be a huge pain in the ass.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/18/2015 at 11:01
I recently purchased an ATN X-sight 5-18, which is in your price range.  The first one I got had some issues, I sent it back and it was replaced pretty quickly(days).  The NV technology is 1+ and is reasonable… in a full moon, quite reasonable.  It works better with IR illuminator, as RC said.  I have not hunted with it, yet.  It will probably only be used on my 6.5 Grendel.  It was purchased for eliminating raccoons and opossums destroying my bird feeders (they seem to think the feeders make great swings until they break and they don't pay anything for the use), armadillos destroying my yard (looks like a mine field) and coyotes killing a friend's calves.  My expected max range for night time use is 250-300 yards with average shots around 25-100.  It performs well, targets, so far, out to 200.  That is as far as I've checked it out.  
For the money and the CS I've had so far, I am not displeased.  There is a BDC calculator that does not function… last time I called the tech said they "are working on it"… no new release date, yet.  Part of the reason I went with this particular scope was the claimed built-in BDC (which just makes sense to me for my planned usages).  The tech support is pretty uninformed (which is a bit disconcerting).  Last one I talked to, I had to explain how the scope operates to HIM… not a great confidence builder. 
The digital "optics" is better than the Elcan Hunter I reviewed some time back.  

If you should purchase one, do it with the going in knowledge that the software is still pretty much "Beta" and the hardware seems to be pretty solid.  It has a lot of "features"… digital recording, GPS location, electronic compass, time and date… all seem pretty good, at least no malfunctions/failures with my limited use so far.  It is unlike most NV I've used in that it will not be "destroyed" by bright light… but may completely wash out… simple button pushes to change from NV/Daylight/NV… 

Human factors are fairly well thought out.  

Batteries last about 2.5-3.0 hours… I carry two spare sets and use rechargeable Lithium.  Easy access to the change port.  

I don't LOVE it, probably have not spent enough time with it, yet, but I really DON'T hate it…  don't even dislike it...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/18/2015 at 11:54
Listen to what he says, disregard what I said.  He has the optic, first-hand experience.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/18/2015 at 12:04
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

Listen to what he says, disregard what I said.  He has the optic, first-hand experience.

Pay CLOSE attention to what RC said…

The grayscale issues will always be there… however, the X-sight has a "green scale" as well.  Big difference.  AND, don't have really high expectations… I said the thing is OK for what it costs… Digital "optics" still cost a LOT for very high quality.  The quality on the X-sight is "reasonable".  

I've still not decided if I would want to depend on it in a CQB-type situation.  There is a lot of work to be done before I would commit to that.

If you are looking for that type of application, I would say don't go for the X-sight just yet.  Spend the money RC recommends...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/18/2015 at 12:14
I have the 5-18x X-sight in my hands and I am playing with it.

Conceptually, they are doing a good thing, but I wish they would take some features out and focus on the basics.

Maybe I should get into this market.  I've got imaging cores that would work really well for this.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/18/2015 at 14:31
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

I have the 5-18x X-sight in my hands and I am playing with it.

Conceptually, they are doing a good thing, but I wish they would take some features out and focus on the basics.

Maybe I should get into this market.  I've got imaging cores that would work really well for this.

ILya

If you can meet the price point, I agree.  For the price, I've seen nothing better and many not as good for much more.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote verminator Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2015 at 12:05
lucky me I bought a HTH 731 6x dedicated nightvision scope it had a dep photonis xx1451 IT inside,  the scope is off Russian origin. it cost me 550 pounds I sold the dep tube for 400 pounds and fitted a ten year old 10130c IT which cost me 250 pounds  I have shot hundreds off rabbits with this and it has accounted for many fox it needs very little or no I.R even on the darkest nights...the scope sits on a .22rimmie I use subsonic ammo with a moderator...so its possible to obtain good nv on a budget if you know what to look forBig Grin 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2015 at 13:27
ILla, any thoughts on the ATN now that you've kicked the tires so to speak?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark Vick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/24/2015 at 17:17
So, I agree that night hunting is very exiting! But for good result you must have a good equipment. I found hight quality night vision last year and use it still now. My example proves that it is better to buy a quality thing and use it for a long time.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/24/2015 at 17:39


I ask again Sir...are you now, or have you ever been associated with or worked for ATN optics?? 
I remind you Sir...you are under oath! 


If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark Vick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/25/2015 at 04:13
" I promise to tell true and nothing more... I only share experience Sir
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/25/2015 at 04:30
Then share your own experiences and quit linking to the ATN site...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/25/2015 at 14:24
At higher power during the day its picture is grainy. The 850nm illuminator that is supplied with the unit is functional but I took KBs advice and had SWFA send me a Pulsar L915. Can't give feedback on its use until I get it but if Dan says it's far superior to the unit supplied you can take it as gospel.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/25/2015 at 15:45
Originally posted by Steelbenz Steelbenz wrote:

At higher power during the day its picture is grainy. The 850nm illuminator that is supplied with the unit is functional but I took KBs advice and had SWFA send me a Pulsar L915. Can't give feedback on its use until I get it but if Dan says it's far superior to the unit supplied you can take it as gospel.

SB, have you loaded the newest SW/FW update?  When I did, my scope locked up…  I've reloaded several times… no joy.  

I have the third one on the way… 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/25/2015 at 17:41
I did. I downloaded it directly to the scope with no issues. Sorry to see it happen to you. My 3-12 was screwed up, but this 5-18 works well for me so far. I was going to go hog hunting tonight but my buddy had to visit an employee of his whose wife looks like she may not make it up at UAB.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/25/2015 at 19:19
Yeah, I was really liking mine… right up until it quit working.  However, they already have a new on on the way to me… got the shipping notice this morning.  Very apologetic… for me, ATN's service has always been good.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/25/2015 at 21:27
Glad we didn't go hunting tonight, Tonya passed, it was good that Jim was there with Andy and his family. He's not just a long time employee he's a good friend. Prayers up.
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