Confused

Nocturnal · Guest

I want to buy a night vision device. I want a monocular becasue of the compact design. Problem is I only have a budget of around $500. I am intersted in the new Minox monocular. http://www.opticsplanet.net/minox-nv-300-night-vision-scope.html
I'm a little skeptical of the quality because I know night vision is an expensive thing to make. So, I have just a few questions.

1. Is there another monocular that will give me better performence for the price?

2. How low should I set my expectations for a device of this price. I seen the night vision on an older camcorder and I wasn't impressed at the least. On a moonlight night, approximatly how far is the range of this monocular?

3. I see that Minox also sells the same model but it is a 5x. This is what i want, but if increasing the magnification from 2.5 to 5x is going to make the image fuzzier and duller, then I will pass and get the 2.5x.

The main use of the monocular is going to be wildlife watching in the woods near my home.
If you don't have any particular information on this Minox, please give me some tips on other monocualrs in this price range. i am not intrested in goggles. Thank you in advance.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:26 pm Post subject:

Hi

Most Gen1+ units will be roughly similar in performance because they all use tubes from the same source, namely the Ukraine. The Minox is a very well made unit and compact as well, but I can't honestly claim that it will perform significantly better than a less expensive unit such as the Night Owl Explorer, http://www.opticsplanet.net/night-owl-explorer-series-3x-monoculars.html

Increasing magnification does in fact decrease image quality on an NV. Remember, NV is about seeing at night, not about magification. On an average night, detection range of most Gen 1 units will be roughly 75 yards on an average night on deer-sized objects.
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Guest · Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:47 pm Post subject:

To see a pretty good increase in quality, how much more will i have to save? No way I could spend more than $1000.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 4:36 pm Post subject:

Hi

To see a noticeable increase in quality and performance, you'll need to move into a Gen 2+ unit such as the Yukon NVMT, http://www.opticsplanet.net/yukn-nv-3x24.html
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820

nocturnal · Guest

hi ! if you are looking for a quality night vision monocular without spending a small fortune , may i recommend an night owl nox 5 pro . i have owned this same model for quite a while and i have nothing but high praise for this unit . it has exellent optics and outstanding night vision capabilities . it is armour coated , water proof and it operates on an inexpensive 3 volt button cell battery . comes with carrying case , lens cap , cushioned eye cup outstanding factory warranty and with optional camera adapters this will fill your needs with out you haveing to sell your first born ! lol ! i have used mine extencefly in the woods , swamps , high country , hunting , birdwatching etc. best of all you can use this fine unit with just the starlight feature without useing the infared intenseifier in almost total darkness . and when in absolute total black out all you have to do is turn on the intensefier and it's like daylight ! this unit fits the bill . very very good clear images . i hope my response to your post has answered most of your concerns . most sporting goods store will let you try them out . i have been in sporting goods and hunting equipment sales for quite a few years and have had the opportunity to use most everything on the market . anyways , good luck and try one out . you wont be disappointed . FORREST...