Yukon NV 5x60

Just purchased this unit from OP.Com. I liked the big 60mm glass and the 40 lp/mm resolution. I hope it's suitable for watching the night sky. I noticed that much more expensive units (gen 2/3) have relatively small lenses. How do they achieve better performance than my 60mm lens? Also, do the digital night vision units offer better light gathering capability than my unit?

This unit will work well for you and night sky viewing. I think you will be quite pleased with it. A digital unit will give you a further detection range for most uses, but a unit like this will run you around $400.

cbaxley wrote:Just purchased this unit from OP.Com. I liked the big 60mm glass and the 40 lp/mm resolution. I hope it's suitable for watching the night sky. I noticed that much more expensive units (gen 2/3) have relatively small lenses. How do they achieve better performance than my 60mm lens? Also, do the digital night vision units offer better light gathering capability than my unit?

Hi, cbaxley
I am going to buy a this Yukon NV 5x60 within next few days, i want to know are you satisfied with this unit ?
how far you can see throught the device with IR Illuminator on ?
genarally are you happy with this ?
your valuble advice highly appreciated
Tks
SamanthaZ

Ok, I now have the Yukon NV 5x60 and the Yukon digital ranger 5x42. Here are my subjective ratings for both units:

5x60: PRO: great clarity for Gen I, lightweight, better clarity than digital ranger when viewing NIGHT sky. easy on my eyes green color compared to digital scopes
CON: weak IR compared to digital ranger (about 60 yards), useless for night sky viewing when full moon is out, limited use in urban areas with lots of lights.

5x42 digital ranger: PRO: Gen 1++ clarity for terrestrial viewing, great IR about 150 yrds+ (six AAs however). no blurring at edge of sight picture, not affected by bright light sources, better contrast than 5x60 esp. when light pollution is present. Adjustable image brightness, video out, adjustable IR output level

CON: clarity isn't as good as 5x60 when viewing NIGHT sky, especially on moonless nights. Heavy, batteries suck juice when IR is on.


If you're just interested in viewing critters in the night or something on the ground, the digital scope is the better choice with it's long range and better overall clarity. However, all I do is look at the stars and IR is useless at that point. The 5x60 traditional scope image is easier on my eyes and equals the resolution and clarity of the ranger when looking up on dark nights.

And one more important point. Both units are monoculars. For extended viewing, a monocular can get old in a hurry. I use an eye patch over my left eye and it helps a great deal. My next purchase will be NV binoculars to help with extended viewing. I'm looking at ATN Scout. My buddy has an ATN Shadow Gen II HPT and it is nice but, I can't justify the extra $1500 over the cost of the ATN Scout.

When looking at the stars, Gen II+ doesn't really justify the much higher price in my opinion. I'm sure a Gen3a or 3p would grab my attention but, the cost skyrockets! : )

Great Review! Thanks for posting!!