I know this question has been asked many of times but, I’m wanting to be able to see at night “just scanning”. Max distance I need to see is 70 yards. Last year I bought a n/v monocular at academy on Black Friday for a 100 bucks I think. Returned it same day. Couldn’t see 2 feet with the thing. Is there something in that price range that works? I’m cheap. And funds are tight during the holidays

The cheapest stuff that actually works is about $400-500 new. Used they are less, but it all depends on condition and the seller. All of the low end gear will need a 805nm illuminator for another $30-$85 or thereabouts. If you're hunting a couple of feeders or similar, just buy solar flag pole lights on Amazon for about $25/each. It will take a few weeks for the hogs to get used to them, but they're an inexpensive way to get in the game.

We have feeder lights. Just wanting something to scan with. The one I purchased that “didn’t work” would work with an Illuminati?

The one I bought was Firefield Vigilance 16 mm Digital Night Vision Monocular

I'm not familiar with that unit, but all digital, Gen 1 and Gen 2 units will need an IR illuminator. It is also useful for Gen 3 under some circumstances. The 800nm illuminators will give off a modest red glow, but throw for 100's of yards. The 900nm units are truly invisible, but have a much shorter range.

Your experience is exactly what I try to explain to my customers. These little cheap monoculars that you see on sale around Christmas are usually junk. No offense to some of the manufacturers who make them, but they really aren't good for anything but looking at your dog in your backyard. And the problem is, most people buying them want to see 75-150 yards.

I would highly recommend the Pulsar 860VS 6x50. It's $299 and you should easily be able to see 100 yards with it, if not further. It's a great product in a small handheld package.

While I don't generally recommend a lot of ATN products, I have to admit that their Bino-X digital binoculars (technically bi-oculars) are the best digital handheld unit I've ever used. I don't personally care for or need all the bells and whistles that it includes but those things have a GIANT illuminator in them. I can see my wood line at the edge of my pasture at 450 yards with them. They are really a great product and I think the image quality is much better than the X-Sights. They are $469 but can be bought a little cheaper.

At the end of the day, for the money and what it sounds like you want to do, the Pulsar 860VS is probably a great choice.

Shoot me a message if you need any help.

- Jason