Deciding between Ranger 5x42 & Yukon NVMT 4x50

Hello.

This is my 1st post. I was really hoping to order & have something before this weekends camping trip but I'm stuck trying to decide between the Yukon Ranger 5x42 & the Yukon NVMT 4x50. I like the long range of the Ranger due to having the 2000mW illuminator. About the only thing I don't like about the Ranger is the 4 degree FOV. If I was to ever walk with the thing, I feel as though I would have extreme tunnel vision. The NVMT 4x50 has a 15 degree FOV but I don't think the range is as good as the Ranger 5x42. This may sound dumb, but I'm also stuck on the thought that the Ranger 5x42 isn't really a true NV device. It's a glorified version of the homemade devices you can find plans to build on youtube using an old camcorder viewfinder, CMOS board camera and numerous IR diodes.

Is there a Gen 1 device that has similar range as the Yukon Ranger 5x42, a similar 15 degree FOV and decent clarity? I would like to stay around $450 or less if possible.

Thanks for any quick pre-sales help.
Tim

All generation 1 night vision (in this case, the Yukon 4x50) has the same limitations. You will have a relatively clear center picture with increasing distortion as you get to the edge of the field of view. While this may have a wider field of view than the digital model, you cannot effectively use the full field of view. The generation 1 intensifier tubes are also limited in their abilities. They are not as sensitive as higher level units and will have a maximum useable range of about 100 yards on a clear moon lit night. You can always get a separate IR flashlight to help enhance the range and light amplification of this unit.



The digital units have a flat field of view and a higher resolution to give you the same image quality as a generation 2 unit at a fraction of the cost. This does have a very narrow field of view, but in the many times I have used it, it really did not have much of a negative effect. I really like the digital units for the unbeatable value for money.