texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
nmmuledeerhunter, Dzia-Dzia, TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed
71989 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,417
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,041
Posts9,719,733
Members86,989
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
night vision ? #6680378 02/19/17 08:15 PM
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 247
2
2hellandback Offline OP
Woodsman
OP Offline
Woodsman
2
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 247
Being a poor man i have been told the photon 4.2 and 6.5 are the best in 500-700 $ range.
What say you ?

Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6680623 02/20/17 12:27 AM
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,056
P
Pig_Popper Online Content
Extreme Tracker
Online Content
Extreme Tracker
P
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,056
I say a 4.6 photon is nice


This space is For Sale - inquire within ...
Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6680922 02/20/17 04:47 AM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,069
MDMORROW Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,069
Photon is real hard to be at that price range.


[Linked Image]
Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6682002 02/21/17 03:32 AM
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,257
EasyMoney Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,257
I just got a photon 4.6 and I'm not going to bash it for the price point just don't go in thinking you'll see 150 yards with no moon or upgraded IR. I'm searching for a good IR right now.

Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6682045 02/21/17 04:16 AM
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,056
P
Pig_Popper Online Content
Extreme Tracker
Online Content
Extreme Tracker
P
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,056
No matter the digital scope you're going to want an upgraded ir light

50 bucks shipped off Amazon

Make those 150 yard shots easy peasy.


This space is For Sale - inquire within ...
Re: night vision ? [Re: EasyMoney] #6682518 02/21/17 05:47 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
A
aerangis Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
A
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
Originally Posted By: EasyMoney
I just got a photon 4.6 and I'm not going to bash it for the price point just don't go in thinking you'll see 150 yards with no moon or upgraded IR. I'm searching for a good IR right now.


+1

A Photon XT and long range IR light is a combination that's hard to beat without spending a ton of money.

Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6682776 02/21/17 09:46 PM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 637
Outdoor Legacy Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 637
It depends on how you define best. The only really good options in that price range are the Sightmark Photon XT and the ATN X-Sight. I've sold a ton of Photon XT's and ATN X-Sights and used them both extensively. Both are quality digital NV optics and very similar in price but besides that, they are apples and oranges. If you are looking for a simple to use, no frills, no thrills, tried, true and tested scope with a company to back it up; the Photon XT is the answer. No question about it. However, if you are looking for a internal video recorder, variable zoom, built in mount, removable IR, full color HD (beautiful!) during daylight hours and all kinds of other features, there is only one choice....the X-Sight HD II.

I've talked to literally hundreds of customers about these 2 scope models (including the original Photon and first X-Sight) over the last few years and here is the way I explain it, although it's much easier on the phone or in person. If you are the kind of guy who wants to turn on an NV scope and within 5-7 seconds be looking downrange and ready to shoot, you don't care about the bells and whistles, you want reliability and ease of use, you get the Photon. If you tell me that you use a flip phone, I won't sell you an X-Sight. You will thank me later. smile

If you want the bells and whistles like the video recorder or variable zoom and you aren't bothered by 5 buttons on top of the scope that you've got to manipulate in the dark, menus and options don't scare you and you aren't concerned by the thought of putting a micro SD card into a full size SD card adapter and going to ATN's website and downloading a firmware update file and transferring that file to the SD card and then taking the mirco SD card to the X-Sight and letting it do the update.....then by all means the X-Sight is for you and I'll bet you $10 you are going to love it.

So in my opinion, it comes down to needs/wants in a NV scope and also your technical ability or at least your willingness to play with the scope/menus/options and figure it out on your own. If all that seems like a nightmare, you will love the Photon XT. And from my experience, the guys who like their X-Sight wouldn't trade it for 5 Photon's and the Photon guys wouldn't trade theirs for 5 X-Sights. To each their own.

I hope that helps a little.

Jason


Outdoor Legacy - Owner
The Late Night Vision Show - Co-Host
[Linked Image]
Night Vision, Thermal & Accessories
OutdoorLegacyGear.com
(877)350-1818


Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6683206 02/22/17 03:57 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 76
B
bignoggin Offline
Outdoorsman
Offline
Outdoorsman
B
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Howdy Jason. Ive been looking at the Photon, but I am wondering about the difference between the digital and thermal optics? In your normal hunting situations under 150yds in pitch dark can you see animals in the woods equally with both types? Forgive me if this is a dumb question.

Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6683237 02/22/17 04:39 AM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,069
MDMORROW Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,069
Thermal and digital nv isn't even a comparison. Thermal is the game changer but expensive. Digital gives you a chance to shoot something at night on the cheap.

Last edited by MDMORROW; 02/22/17 04:40 AM.

[Linked Image]
Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6683465 02/22/17 03:30 PM
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 130
Mountain Lion Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 130
Unless you want to spend thousands of dollars for thermal go with the Photon. Do get an additional IR illuminator like others have stated. I love my photon. Do remember that you will have to spot game with it and will have to swivel your rifle constantly so I HIGHLY recommend the lower magnification option - the 4.6 xt.

Can't go wrong with the Photon.


ML
Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6683924 02/22/17 08:34 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,069
MDMORROW Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,069
X2

Can't go wrong with the photon for what it is


[Linked Image]
Re: night vision ? [Re: bignoggin] #6684024 02/22/17 10:05 PM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 637
Outdoor Legacy Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 637
Originally Posted By: bignoggin
Howdy Jason. Ive been looking at the Photon, but I am wondering about the difference between the digital and thermal optics? In your normal hunting situations under 150yds in pitch dark can you see animals in the woods equally with both types? Forgive me if this is a dumb question.



First off, it's not a dumb question at all. To answer your exact question and since you mentioned the woods, we need to be clear that neither digital nor thermal are going to let you see past trees. Thermal will let you see "into" the woods, meaning, if an animal is walking in the woods and there are parts of it not being blocked by trees, branches, leaves etc then thermal will show you that heat source. This time of year, with no leaves and everything bare, I'm amazed at how far I can see deer that are literally IN the woods. Digital is not going to let you do that at all. Digital doesn't pick up heat, instead the image sensor intensifies the ambient light and uses infrared light that is put out by the IR illuminator. The problem with the IR illuminator is, when you are looking at trees, brush etc the IR illuminator acts just like a visible flashlight beam and the infrared light reflects off the trees and you can't see "into" the woods. Put a game camera with an IR flash on it in thick woods and you will know exactly what I'm talking about. Sorry for so much info here and you probably already knew this but I talk to a lot of people who don't understand this, so I like to make sure that's clear up front.

With that note aside, I'm assuming you are talking about hunting a clearing, log road etc in the woods and not trying to see through brush or trees. So with the trees all around I am going to assume there is going to be very little ambient lighting on a dark night. I will say that the Photon XT 4.6x's built in IR is probably going to max out around 100-125 yards on night like that in what I'd consider worst case conditions. Thermal doesn't use ambient or infrared light at all, so it will see perfectly at 150 yards and much further.

So which one will work better at 150 yards in those conditions? Generally speaking, thermal will definitely be better. But if you throw a good quality external IR illuminator on the Photon XT, you will have no problem seeing 150+ yards on a pitch black night. You have to remember that we are also comparing a $499 Photon XT 4.6x to a $2,000+ thermal scope. Those are pretty difficult comparisons to make some times.

I agree with what MDMORROW and Mountain Lion have said. Both gave great advice.

- Jason


Outdoor Legacy - Owner
The Late Night Vision Show - Co-Host
[Linked Image]
Night Vision, Thermal & Accessories
OutdoorLegacyGear.com
(877)350-1818


Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6684702 02/23/17 02:37 PM
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,769
W
Wytex Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
W
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,769
Flir handheld. Pretty amazing. The use the red led flashlight to go get 'em.

Re: night vision ? [Re: Wytex] #6684951 02/23/17 06:12 PM
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 130
Mountain Lion Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 130
Originally Posted By: Wytex
Flir handheld. Pretty amazing. The use the red led flashlight to go get 'em.

I like that idea but a Flir monocular will cost roughly $2,000 - likely over budget (as it is with most people)


ML
Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6686694 02/25/17 05:55 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 76
B
bignoggin Offline
Outdoorsman
Offline
Outdoorsman
B
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Excellent info - thank you Jason, MDMORROW and Mountain Lion. I think I will start with a Photon 4.6 plus IR backup.

Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6689669 02/28/17 04:41 AM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 52
T
TGillar Offline
Outdoorsman
Offline
Outdoorsman
T
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 52
Get the photon and a t-20 ir illuminator. You are set.

Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6690746 03/01/17 01:24 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 76
B
bignoggin Offline
Outdoorsman
Offline
Outdoorsman
B
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Great - will do thanks!

Re: night vision ? [Re: Mountain Lion] #6691329 03/01/17 04:11 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
A
aerangis Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
A
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
Originally Posted By: Mountain Lion
Originally Posted By: Wytex
Flir handheld. Pretty amazing. The use the red led flashlight to go get 'em.

I like that idea but a Flir monocular will cost roughly $2,000 - likely over budget (as it is with most people)


I picked up a FLIR Scout TK from Cabelas bargain cave for scouting/locating downed hogs/loaning. I've had it about a month and everyone who's used it was impressed. It was $298 tax and all out the door. They had 4 more just like it in their display cabinet last week.

Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6691452 03/01/17 05:49 PM
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 130
Mountain Lion Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 130
That's the best price I've come across on one of the Scout TK's. I haven't personally used one but from what I've read online it seems to be lacking in range (<50 yds) and resolution for confirmation animal ID. And with a price point like that it's expected. But like you said, it works for locating downed animals.

Maybe my assessment of it is wrong. Good to hear that you are happy with it!

Last edited by Mountain Lion; 03/01/17 05:52 PM.

ML
Re: night vision ? [Re: aerangis] #6691658 03/01/17 08:41 PM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 637
Outdoor Legacy Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 637
Originally Posted By: aerangis

I picked up a FLIR Scout TK from Cabelas bargain cave for scouting/locating downed hogs/loaning. I've had it about a month and everyone who's used it was impressed. It was $298 tax and all out the door. They had 4 more just like it in their display cabinet last week.


WOW! shocked That is WAY below dealer or distributor cost. And I mean waaay below cost. If it was $298, they must be having a fire sale on them for some reason. I can't imagine why Cabelas would lose that much money per unit on an item like the Scout TK, it's no like it's something that is old and outdated. Good buy for you though, I get pretty good pricing from FLIR but no where anywhere near that kind of price. I'll be honest, I'm tempted to see how many of them I can buy for that price. Lots of money to be made! smile


Outdoor Legacy - Owner
The Late Night Vision Show - Co-Host
[Linked Image]
Night Vision, Thermal & Accessories
OutdoorLegacyGear.com
(877)350-1818


Re: night vision ? [Re: Mountain Lion] #6692754 03/02/17 05:18 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
A
aerangis Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
A
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
Originally Posted By: Mountain Lion
That's the best price I've come across on one of the Scout TK's. I haven't personally used one but from what I've read online it seems to be lacking in range (<50 yds) and resolution for confirmation animal ID. And with a price point like that it's expected. But like you said, it works for locating downed animals.

Maybe my assessment of it is wrong. Good to hear that you are happy with it!


The max range of spotting large game varies. In a clearing or on a rise, roughly 250-300yards, ID'ing game, around 150 yards is the limit. There is no magnification but I much prefer using the Scout for scanning and locating downed pigs.. The alternative to having to raise a rifle mounted to scout or scan which is problematic. I don't take long shots anyway so it works extremely well within its limitations and price point.

The Scout offers a lot of bang for the buck. Everyone I hunt with who has one has been pleased with the performance.

Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6692999 03/02/17 10:24 PM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 139
M
MrKingLouie Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
M
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 139
Don't ever go for ATN in night vision, ok products, but terrible
support if anything goes wrong.

Sent from a Swedish guy.

/MKL

Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6693009 03/02/17 10:40 PM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 139
M
MrKingLouie Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
M
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 139
Hi all,

Long time since I posted but now it's time
I really regret to make this for the ATN products,
support is a disaster, at least in Europe......
Blaser mount in the link smile
http://alljakt.se/fasten-montage/atn-smart-hd-weaver-picatinny-skena/
More to come was intended, Leupold QR Bases, Standard Weaver bases and dovetail,
but as for now projcet will be on hold. Sorry

/MKL

Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6698727 03/08/17 12:53 AM
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 12
B
Belgianhunter Offline
Light Foot
Offline
Light Foot
B
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 12
The new 6x - 50mm Sightmark Photon is great, can see out to about 320 yards at high IR, but make sure you get the lazer one not the LED one. Holds a great zero and it lights out on hogs and song dogs. Get good lithium batteries and decent IR flashlight if you want to save batteries and time in the field.


Bringing Meat from the Field to the Table
Re: night vision ? [Re: 2hellandback] #6698780 03/08/17 01:31 AM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872
G
GLC Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
G
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872
Good info tag


Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3