Cave Dude,
I would offer a tad different view from HuntTXhogs...
I like the use of the ATN application for zeroing the scope and once it is optimized I think it could be a useful tool for assisting new shooters with their shot technique. I don't foresee it being useable for hunting due to the 3 second lag between realtime scope view and the app.
I really think that most folks won't bother with the app much once the new wears off a bit. It is one of those geeky cool things that has its place, but that place is on the street over from riflescopes. I found it easier just to zero through the scope....not because of the app, but because it can be difficult to see a smartphone screen in the sun. It just worked better for me looking through the view finder.
The lag is actually a modality issue that makes wi-fi not so desirable for use with riflescopes. It has nothing to do with ATN or the X-Sight. This lag is present in all wi-fi settings, anywhere period. I wish folks would point this out for those that may not be aware.
It is not practical to set in your blind or walk for hours with the the scope turned on and your smartphone on and synched to the scope wi-fi. It burns battery fast...on your phone and your scope...and you still have the normal wi-fi lag. We have tested wi-fi before elsewhere and know this is just part of it.
Does this take away from the X-Sight? Absolutely not. Show me another scope that currently has one. I just don't think it has much practical hunting use, but it is there...
It eats alkaline batteries like a MOFO, you'll want to use lithiums or high grade rechargeables.
The 5x native magnification is more like 7x so inside of 50 yards is very tough on field of view.
I agree with both statements. The 5X mag is almost looking at nose hairs at 50 yards.
The night time image is excellent inside of 70 yards with the provided IR illuminator and out to 175 yards with an aftermarket (high power) illuminator.
The night time image beyond 100 yards with included illuminator is not useable and beyond 175 yards with an aftermarket your mileage will vary depending on many variables.
It feels like Ben's numbers are inching up...
I agree with him that there are a ton of variables about what someone observes on any given night. The type of illuminator and how it is mounted, its strength and how it is focused along with moisture levels in the air and your surroundings play a huge roll. The variables outside the scope can't be stressed enough regardless of the manufacturer... I would agree that the included ATN 850 illuminator lacks the power folks will eventually want. We could see out to 150 yard on one night we tested it, but in general I think it would be a stretch to shoot with it beyond 100 yards most nights...might give it 120 yards on a really good night. Flip side, I have been able to see well enough to shoot out to 300 yards with the UNV 20 IR on given nights, but 200 - 250 more regular.
And a word about something very importaant, but generally overlooked - batteries. If an external illuminator that uses 123's is chosen, God help you. 123's are expensive and all of the illuminators I have tried eat them up in short order. None of the manufacturers of illuminators that use these batteries are fond of the rechargable version/s. I don't like them for a different reson. I couldn't find any that would hold a decent charge or illuminate properly. On the flip side, if you choose one that uses the 18650's such as the UNV 20 IR, be aware that a battery isn't a battery isn't a battery. I think I am pretty close to having tried every make and model by now. None of them are consistent in duration or strength. It is purely luck of the draw. Some models of the Panasonics are rated at the top in tests, but the issue is that the Chinese have flooded the market with counterfeits. Further, pretty much all of the batteries come out of China and I would suspect come from the same factory with different labels. The ratings on the labels are never correct. It just makes you feel good that you think you have a 6000 mah battery. So, I can buy cheap or expensive, but I have no way to know if that particular battery will perform decent or not. It isn't only about longevity, it is about brightness. So, you see, field tests and reviews can be seriously affected by something unknown in the users hand. Just a tad off and one doesn't know that the battery is affecting performance that night, but it is....and you can have a whole pocket full of them.
Sounds like me... 