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Night vision
#6179547
02/11/16 11:19 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,313
fonzie
OP
Pro Tracker
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OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,313 |
So what's a good night vision scope that isn't super high. I was looking at the ATN Aries 390 MK Padalin. Anyone have any good or bad reviews on it?
FREE Hog Removal 817-823-8939
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6179557
02/11/16 11:24 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 7,937
bigjoe8565
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 7,937 |
Sightmark Photon 500.00-700.00
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6179693
02/12/16 01:00 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,506
syncerus
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,506 |
Forget the Aries 390 and get the Photon.
NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6179784
02/12/16 01:57 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,106
Espy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,106 |
I have the x sight and the photon. For 500 the photon gets the job done and is very easy to operate just get a good ir to go along with it.
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Re: Night vision
[Re: Espy]
#6179997
02/12/16 05:07 AM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 218
TX Grubby
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 218 |
I have the x sight and the photon. For 500 the photon gets the job done and is very easy to operate just get a good ir to go along with it. So would you prefer the Photon over the X Sight?
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6180089
02/12/16 12:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 52
TGillar
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 52 |
Photon. For the price point u cannot beat it.
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Re: Night vision
[Re: TX Grubby]
#6180112
02/12/16 01:05 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,106
Espy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,106 |
I have the x sight and the photon. For 500 the photon gets the job done and is very easy to operate just get a good ir to go along with it. So would you prefer the Photon over the X Sight? I like the X sight but it still is having issues. Could be a good scope if they can ever get all the bugs fixed. At this point I would trade my xsight for another photon. Any one interested in comparing the two I would be happy to let you compare them.
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6180226
02/12/16 02:43 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 433
Bmnloader
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 433 |
I've got an ATN MK 410 Spartan for sale now in the classifieds
It's true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure, why take the chance. Ronald Reagan
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6180381
02/12/16 04:01 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 7,937
bigjoe8565
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 7,937 |
I have no experience with the X sight, so I can't help there. However, I have hunted a few years with the Photon 4.6x version. I chose the Photon for price point, functions, ease of use and based on reviews. The photon has yet to let me down on any of my hunts. As others have stated, the onboard IR is a bit weak, but you can add an external at nominal cost and you're still in under $700.00.
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6180470
02/12/16 05:10 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,038
Vern1
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,038 |
I've had a Pulsar N750A DigiSight on my main 6.8 for 3 years and a Photon 5X on my backup 6.8 for 2.5 years. Obviously, the N750A is much better but at 3X the price of the Photon, it should be.
That being said, the Photon with a small external IR illuminator has killed approximately 100 hogs in the hands of my friends and family and I have used it quite a few times myself. I have 2 friends who both bought XSights - They both sent them back after a night in the stand with me using my Photon and bought the new Photon XT and are taking pigs regularly.
You can pick up a nice Evolva Future Technologies T20 38MM IR illuminator off ebay for under 50 bucks that has 3 power settings and adjustable focus and works as good as a famous brand one that is 3-4 times the cost. I use a QD offset scope ring to mount it on the rifle rail. With that illuminator, you can see much further than you will feel safe shooting at night.
Cheers, Vern1 Texans since The Old 300 in 1824 NRA Lifetime Member
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6180682
02/12/16 08:06 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 369
Night Hunting TV
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 369 |
Dont have the Pulsar n750. but i can attest to the photon XT.
My Photon had a problem with turning off after every shot. contacted the company and they sent me a replacement. Turnaround from my door to theirs and back was less than a week. and that included a weekend. Havent gotten to shoot the replacement yet. But I did see they made some changes from the original one I had. All to the good.
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Re: Night vision
[Re: Vern1]
#6180713
02/12/16 08:29 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 27
WestTxAg07
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 27 |
You can pick up a nice Evolva Future Technologies T20 38MM IR illuminator off ebay for under 50 bucks that has 3 power settings and adjustable focus and works as good as a famous brand one that is 3-4 times the cost. I use a QD offset scope ring to mount it on the rifle rail. With that illuminator, you can see much further than you will feel safe shooting at night.
+1 this will save you good money. Also look at the T-38 it looks identical to the more expensive one and the performance from both is the same.
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6180733
02/12/16 08:43 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 195
miket1
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 195 |
Using a Photon and Evolva how far can yall see a hog to identify? Also how far can you safely, confidently shoot?
Last edited by miket1; 02/12/16 08:43 PM.
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6180741
02/12/16 08:48 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 27
WestTxAg07
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 27 |
Only hog I shot was about 125 yards. With no moon you will see and be able to identify up to 200yards. With decent moonlight you will get much more distance. Probably longer than most are comfortable shooting at night. I have used both IR lights and side by side you will get the same distance from either.
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6181606
02/13/16 01:14 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,038
Vern1
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,038 |
I have a tall blind set up specifically for night hunting. It is a 4x8 that's sitting on 18' scaffold with big openings so you can use your illuminator from inside without too much bloom. There is one side that has a hay field that opens out 296 yards from blind to fence line.
With the Photon and T20 in pitch dark with no moon and you can't see your hand in front of your face. When the hay is cut, you can clearly identity pigs all the way across that field without a problem. Black pigs and raccoons really stand out in night vision but deer and coyotes are not as easy to identify. The IR reflection of deer/coyote eyes will help identify them by watching their head movements.
The real limit to this is not the scope or my limited abilities but neighbors houses behind the field. Use Google Earth and look at your hunting area. It's a good tool to help you out, get the lay of the land and the ruler feature allows you to "measure" from your blind to various landmarks you can use at night to judge distance.
Bottom line, if I needed another 500ish night scope, I would not hesitate to buy another Photon. As someone also already said, their customer service is excellent. I haven't had to send the Photon back but did send my Pulsar N750 back and had 5 day turn-around. They are located in Mansfield, Texas and service both Photons and Pulsars.
Cheers, Vern1 Texans since The Old 300 in 1824 NRA Lifetime Member
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6181623
02/13/16 01:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 406
fr3db3ar
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 406 |
I have the N850, Photon 4.6 and Xsight 3-9.
The 850 is the best + it has a laser range finder. It should be the best at 4X the cost of the other 2 The photon is simple to use and very functional out past 200 yards The Xsight is a great daytime scope and a mediocre night time scope depending on your environment and your illuminator.
For your money I'd choose the Photon over another Xsight.
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6181747
02/13/16 04:19 PM
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,070
Pig_Popper
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,070 |
I have a PhotonXT and recorder I'm going to be listing in the classified on Tuesday
Both are like new
This space is For Sale - inquire within ...
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Re: Night vision
[Re: fonzie]
#6183399
02/15/16 12:16 AM
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3
Advancedweaponssolutions
Green Horn
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Green Horn
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3 |
Have you thought about thermals? I use to use night vision and have been currently running armasight thermals. It's awsome to be able to see threw cover and thick vegetation.
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Re: Night vision
[Re: Advancedweaponssolutions]
#6183534
02/15/16 01:42 AM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 7,937
bigjoe8565
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 7,937 |
Have you thought about thermals? I use to use night vision and have been currently running armasight thermals. It's awsome to be able to see threw cover and thick vegetation. I think about it all the time. Then I think about how I don't have $5-15k to spend on a thermal scope.
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Re: Night vision
[Re: bigjoe8565]
#6183667
02/15/16 02:48 AM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,313
fonzie
OP
Pro Tracker
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OP
Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,313 |
Have you thought about thermals? I use to use night vision and have been currently running armasight thermals. It's awsome to be able to see threw cover and thick vegetation. I think about it all the time. Then I think about how I don't have $5-15k to spend on a thermal scope. x2
FREE Hog Removal 817-823-8939
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