Night vision device for boating

rnagel · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 3

Good afternoon,

I am looking for a good night vision device for boating. I have been focusing on waterproof/resistant models to be sure I don't damage it. I am looking for something with a fairly long range and a good field of view, along with good performance. I also understand that looking for a higher number on lines per millemeter for resolution is a good indicator with 36 to 40 being the best. I also want an integrated IR illuminator that preferably can be turned on and off. I have looked at your following models. Night Owl vision Explorer Marine Pro 5X NOCX5M, , the Night Owl 3x Explorer Nocx3, ATN Night Storm generation 1, and the Yukon NVMT 3X42 "Sea Wolf." Is there one of these that would be better than the other, or is there another model that you sell that would be good? Could you also tell me if any of the digital choices would be better for this application. I don't mind paying a little more if they are better and have closer to gen 2 results. The main one I am looking at is the Bushnell 5x42 260542. My only concern there is that it will not have a wide field of view with a 5X magnification.

Thank you.

Any help or advice that you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:00 am Post subject:

Hi

All gen 1 models, regardless of brand, use intensifier tubes made in the same factory in the Ukraine. In that respect, any of your choices would be a good one. All gen 1 units also require the boost of an IR and bealry all are equipped with one.

Keep magnification down, though, NV is low resolution technology and adding magnification only degrades image quality. Adding magnification also decreases field of view and that is a basic law of optics that applies to any optical instrument. In a standrd NV, 3x is plenty.

The new breed of digitals, such as the Bushnell Stealthview, http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-night-vision-5x42-stealth-view-260542.html are very good, though again, we are at 5x and you don't get waterproof. It could handle a little spray or rain, but if you drop it in the water, you're done. Personally, I'd stay with a waterproof, conventional Gen 1 like the Night Owl Explorer for boating.
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rnagel · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 3

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate the information. As a follow up, is the Night owl 3x waterproof? I know the 5x is. If not, which would be better. Also, if the 3x is not waterproof, which of the others would be the best? I know they have the same tubes, however, does one have a better field of vision or better built?

Thank You.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2007 11:15 am Post subject:

Hi

Glad to help. try the Marine version of the 3x, http://www.opticsplanet.net/night-owl-explorer-marine-31x-monocular-nocx3m.html for a waterproof model.
_________________
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Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820

rnagel · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 3

One final question for you before I make a final decision.

You recommend the Night Owl Explorer Marine 3x. I am comparing that to the Yukon 3x42 "sea wolf." To me, the Yukon seems better. Wider field of view 20 vs about 12 degrees, higher resolution 36 vs 24 lp/mm, longer range of view detection and recognition range. I also believe the warranty is better. Both are waterproof and both include an IR illuminator.

In reading through many of your posts, this seems to be your number 1 recommentdation. Are the specifications not a good indicator of performance. Is the Night Owl just a better built unit? I guess I just want to try and make the best decision that I can. As one final question, what is your return policy.

Thanks for your help in understanding this. To date, you have been the best place for information and I appreciate that.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 12:32 pm Post subject:

Hi

I wouldn't rate either as significantly better, since all are using the same basic intensifier tube. The Yukon is a good scope, but availability has been tough on these for some time. Would prefer to recommend something you can get.
_________________
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Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820