I like it but it takes some getting used to. - Pulsar Accolade 2 LRF XP50 Pro 2.5-20x Thermal Binocular

I've been using this in a camping environment in a forested area with a river running thru it. It DOES do a great job of giving you a confidence about what's around you out there day or night. BUT, if you're in a heavily, dense area, it can be frustrating because the base level of your view is 2.5x and if you're thinking that'll make seeing things EASY, then you're like I was. You see these shows where a person can just easily look around and see things close to them in the dark, but that's no so easy with this binocular. The specs says minimum focus of 3'. I don't know that I've been able to dial that focus ring down that far, and again, it's a 2.5x magnification at the very least, so you're not going to be able to see something of any size well, if it's that close to you. It magnifies it way too much.

I think they're absolutely great when viewing objects/animals over 50' feet (and more) away, or across a field, but again, in dense tree environments it's tough to get a solid clear view. And ramping up to 5x, 10x and 20x... well, if you're off on your focus even a little the further something is away from you, the harder it is to make a whole lot of detail out of it. I've watched their videos talk about that image boost, but honestly, I've turned it off once or twice so I could try seeing the difference in watching deer and other 'hot' objects in the area around me, and after turning it back on I saw no real difference.

I know I sound like I'm being a real downer here, but I am glad I purchased it. I'm sure as I get more accustomed to using it things will feel more natural. The only thing Optics Planet should be doing is telling purchasers BEFORE they buy it, is that whole thing where after you get the confirmation email on your purchase, that they're going to put the order on HOLD and make you answer those absurd 3 questions (for the gov't?) and sign a PDF concerning the ITAR requirement. <?>