Night Vision Options

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Olevey

Olevey

Member
Aug 4, 2016
390
29
CA, United States
Hello everyone,
Recently I have been doing my night shooting with an ATN X Sight II, I had both the 3-15 and 5-20 at different times. Last week I wound up trading the X Sight that I had for a rifle. Now I am contemplating purchasing another night vision scope and decided I want to try something different. I have narrowed it down (I think) to the Photon XT (prob the 4.6), the Armasight Orion 5X, and the Firefield 3 X 42. I want to stay right around the $500 mark. I found that with the X Sight II they seemed to have tried to cram so much functionality and technology into the one device that the firmware updates to fix errors or catch up with promised requirements will never end. Dont get me wrong, I did like the device and would not hesitate to get another one if needed, but really want to try something else. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Hi Olevey. I only have experience with the Photon. 
Mine had the 6.5x50. It's been fine for me. 
I have an adaptor and use camera lens which make the picture a lot clearer and easier to manage. 
Also get a bit more magnification. 
I shot mainly rabbits and will set it up for a nights shooting. Got 70+ last time out with it. 
Also have an extra ir torch which makes a big difference. 
Check out this forum. Lot of info here. 
http://nightvisionforumuk.com/viewforum.php?f=3
 
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 With the 6.5 lens and on board ir you can shoot out to 50-60 metres. With an ir torch you will push that out 70-80 metres. This is about where you will appreciate a bit more magnification. 
I would think the 4.6 would be good for 50m 
You won't need more ir at that magnification and if that is the range you'll be shooting it should do the job well. 
If later you want more range and better picture quality you could do the Photon extreme conversion. 
Get the energizer ultimate lithium battery's. They are the only ones that really last. Also it's a good idea to get one of those focus sticks or arms to put on the lens. When you go to focus with your left hand you will put it in front of the torch and stop the beam. 
I leave the on board ir off and have my ir touch mounted so it shines on the right hand side of the unit. Then I can focus with my left hand. 
Also be prepared to add some shims in the scope rings to get you close to zero. They are often quite a way off and there's not much adjustment. 
You do want your retical close to optical zero for a good all round field of view. 

bottom is original 6.5. 
Thats a 105mm lens (x10) on the unit. 
I have had some great nights shooting with mine and enjoy using it. 
Good luck. Michael






 
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Opinion: If you have the monies, this is the one to get.

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It is the Pulsar N750, and is about $1,400. It is hands above the X-Sight and Viper, albeit the resolution is only about 500x500. But it will see in low light that both the latter require an IR source to see. I wish I have bought one before I spent the monies for the other two!
 
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@Airsupply Thank you very much for the advice I definitely will want to do that conversion, is that 105mm lens variable or is it just fixed at 10? Also I assume since you changed the lens it would be only 10X and not 6.5 X 10 is that right? How difficult is the conversion, and do you have any advice on where to find the lens?

@Alan Man I wish I could buy that now but I the funds wont allow it. I did look at the Vampire though made by Armasight and can be had for around 750. The two things that I could not work with were the low 3X magnification, as well as the fact that it cant be used in the daytime. I actually saw one refurbished on ebay for only like 480 bucks and came pretty damn close to getting it. The magnification issue arises from me being spoiled with high mag day scopes, i use a hawke 6-24 and a Vortex 4-16. The pulsar will be next if i find that i get a lot of use out of the night vision. That is interesting that the pulsar does not need any additional IR light, I am going to look into that.
 
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Hi Olevey, the lens is fixed and although you could use a variable zoom best not to as apparently you can get shifting POI. 
The popular lens to use are the "Super Takumar" lens. They are often on eBay. You want excellent quality! I have a 1:1.8/55. This is similar to x6.5
Also have a 1:2.8/105 this is about x10.
They have an M42 tread and you need the adapter to fit them. mailto:[email protected]
This is the UK company making the adapter. 
The original Lens will be hard to unscrew be careful!
The advantage of IR is you see the reflection of the eyes as if you are spot lighting. 
If you haven't got a spotter don't get to higher mag as it limits field of view. 

http://www.nightvisionforumuk.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=14144
lots of info here. 
Michael
 
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