I think battery usage is determined by how you use it. If you want to leave it on and use it all night, probably will chew up some batteries. I use a monocular for scanning and really only turn the scope on when I want to firmly ID something, follow something pre-shoot and to shoot. Simply turning the scope video off when not looking through it will make a difference.

Scope batteries will last me several hunts, as long as I don't accidentally turn it on and run 'em down. I do find some reason the XQ turns on easier accidentally vs the XD it replaced.

I bought the external battery pack and have never looked back, probably saved some money at this point with the regular use I’ve been putting the scope through

There's an external battery pack for the Apex XQ50?

Well worth the money

http://www.pulsar-nv.com/products/battary-packs-eps/battery-pack-eps3i-/

Well damn... I never knew. Thanks for posting!

Yep Pig Poppper is right and actually there are 2 different models. The EPS3i and the EPS5. The EPS3i weighs 8oz, runs for 6-8 hours and has a picatinny mount on the back so it will mount on the small picatinny rail on the left side of the Apex or if you have quad rail it can mount there too. The EPS5 weighs 12oz (no picatinny mount) and using some (not included) velcro straps can be attached to your buttstock. It runs the Apexes for 16-20 hours. Normal prices are $129 and $149 respectively.

If you're hunting for short times here and there they might not be worth it for you but if you really use your scope for long periods they are awesome. It does add some weight but the nice thing is you have the option with the two models of either adding it to the scope or to the buttstock, whichever you prefer. I actually give away the EPS3i for free with every Apex and a lot of guys tell me they didn't think they'd need it but they like not having to always keep a ton of CR123's on hand. I've also had several guys say they last longer than the estimated run time, which is a rarity, most batteries never last near as long as they are supposed to.ha!

Jason

Thanks guys,

I've been debating an Apex XQ50 or a Trail XQ50. With the above info, I've pretty much decided on the Apex with the Battery Pack.

JR

I think that's a great choice. It's $1,000 less, so if you don't need the phone app or internal recording that's a lot of money to keep in your pocket.

Jason