IR Illuminator recommendation

Looking for input to go with a Pulsar N750

Tagging this, I'm also looking for a good illuminator to work with my Photon RT that doesn't cost $200.

https://smile.amazon.com/Evolva-Fut...sr=8-4&keywords=evolva+ir+flashlight

https://smile.amazon.com/UniqueFire...sr=8-6&keywords=evolva+ir+flashlight

https://smile.amazon.com/EVOLVA-FUT...&sr=8-20&keywords=ir+illuminator

https://smile.amazon.com/Streamligh...&sr=8-10&keywords=ir+illuminator

I used the evolve t20 and t38 ir from amazon for several years they both worked great.

DNS, will these provide additional range beyond the built in illuminator on the Photon RT S?

I was leaning toward the evolva but don’t like the battery type. Is one preferable over the other?

Yes, with better illumination. They have a bright spot and then splash (less well lit donut around the bright center). On an open field, they are great. If you get into clutter like high weeds or branches, the reflected light can be a bit much. The way around that is a laser illuminator, but they are much more expensive.



Don't like 18650 batteries? That is a shame. They rock, last much longer than CR123s and you can recharge them.

I like the T20 Evolva myself. The streamlight takes CR123s and eats them, IIRC.


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Note that the 850 will have a dull glow but the greatest illumination capability. If you find the 940 versions, they will have less or no glow, but will have a diminished range for the same type of light and power. So digital NV does not like 940 nm IR light. Not sure why, but apparently it is out of speck for it. I don't know well is plays with the Photon or Digisight.

Which do you prefer and why?

They both worked very well couldn’t really tell any difference between the two both have a adjustable beam which you can adjust in tight cover to help with reflection of the ir light. And DNS is spot on with long battery life with the 18650 rechargeables

DNS I didn’t know about the battery life I figured I could walk into Walmart and get 123’s far easier than the rechargeable. I figured life was comparable. Thanks for the insight. Looks like T20 is in my near future.

If you can order the light from Amazon, you can order it with an 18650 and charger or order those separately.

Is the T38 capable of reaching out to 250 yards? Considered the T50 and T67 but those don’t come bundled with the pressure switch.

Sniper Hog Lights 66LRX. It's a beast.

IR illuminators can be evaluated based on their parts.
First look at the quality of the housing and if the beam is focusable.
Then ask what emitter is used and how many watts it is. We use Oslon Black emitters and have 5 watt systems.
Some come with multiple modes (high, medium, low) but ours just come in high, not sure why you want anything else.
Then choose the size lens you want to carry around, 38mm 50mm 67mm? I favor 38mm at 200 yards but 50mm extends your range about 100 yards. We sell both. 67mm is just too large.

What ever you choose, don't go for the marketing pitch, ask about the components.

There is absolutely no reason to pay more than $50 for a good T20 or T50 850nm torch batteries and charger.

However, you might try an Adjustable beam green laser. Mine has a articulating weaver mount and cost around $75. Looking at Ebay I see some green laser designators with a lesser mount for around $50.
Green Laser torch

Hogs can't see mine but everything else sure can. You have to be careful not to point it up in the sky. You might be visited by the men in black