Best in class - Yukon NVMT 4x50 Multitask Night Vision Monocular 24027

I was in the market for the best possible 'entry level' night vision, under $400. My primary use for the device is backpacking, home security, and casual night exploration. After four days of research, I had narrowed it down to the ATN Night Star, ATN Night Storm, and this model. I also briefly checked into Bushnell's 4x50 Nightwatch model because it ran on AA's, which are commonly found, and would go well with the USB + AA Solar Charger I found at MountainGear.com. The problem with this model, as with the rest of the ones I looked at, is you can't turn off the IR light, which drains the battery 33% faster. Could be that I'm too nit-picky, but here we sit.

Another consideration of mine was that as far as I know, the U.S. military uses CR123A 3V Lithium batteries to power their NV, and in the event the supply was short for whatever reason, they would have first take, possibly limiting or eliminating civilian supply. Since I found a place that sells them so inexpensively (see below), I decided it was worth the minute risk.

I decided against the Night Star in favor of its waterproof cousin, the Night Storm - and I nearly purchased it, but I saw the Yukon 4x50 which wasn't too much more costly, and I could turn off the IR when it wasn't needed. Additionally, it can be mounted on a rifle/head gear/tripod/camera and has diopter adjustment, which is pretty cool. The Night Storm is camera mountable and may also posses the other capabilities, but I was unable to find information attesting to that.

The only drawback is it isn't waterproof, but rather weather resistant. I wasn't able to find a static pressure rating for the device, so I can't comment on how 'resistant' it is, but since it's so compact, if I really needed to use it in the middle of a rainstorm, I could throw a sandwich bag around it and be good to go.

I received the unit two days ago and have used it both nights for about 4 hours total. Both nights were half-moon with clear atmosphere. I am able to focus clearly out to 800+ feet and the image is exceptionally clear. My objective lens does not have any dark spots that are said to be common on NV gear - the image is simply stunning, and that's without the IR turned on.

This is my first NV device, but am no stranger to optics quality. I have plenty of experience growing up with binoculars of all makes and models. I read two unfavorable reviews on two separate sites stating the effective distance was ~30ft. If you leave the lense cap on, what they are saying is true. There is a pinhole opening in the cap...

The bottom line is I was impressed with the build quailty and clarity of the image. The specs you read on OpticsPlanet are accurate. This is the best NV gear you can get for the price and OpticsPlanet got the gear to me a day earlier than anticipated. I am entirely satisfied with my purchase.

For batteries, checkout batterystation.com's 1010 or 1020 Pelican Case Packs. I bought the 1010 and am very pleased with their quality and service as well.
Pros: Light, exceptional clarity and build quality,
Cons: Didn't come with a battery, isn't waterproof.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.