I purchased this item because I was curious about night vision scopes and wanted to have a basic model. Since then I have used it to help catch a runaway pet as it works quite well at night and the IR illuminator lights up animal eyes making them easier to see. I also used it to watch a police foot chase through my neighborhood and had no trouble seeing where everyone was hiding. Overall I am very happy with this product.
Night Owl Explorer Pro 5x Night Vision Scope w/I/R Illuminator
2007-08-29
This scope would have a better score by me if it would work properly. As of now it doesn't focus on infinity because focusing rings were assembled incorrectly. Will attempt to repair...
Night Owl Explorer Pro 5x Night Vision Scope w/I/R Illuminator
2007-08-12
I had never owned a night vision scope so I was shopping carefully. While I do love this unit after having it a month I find that it is a heavy item and also large, no not so large or heavy that it's a problem, I guess I just thought it would be a bit smaller and lighter. I had read somewhere that one of the units I was reviewing actually floated and was water resistant. I am a tough gadget shopper and I am glad I own this still. Now as for night vision... woooohooo I can see my dog chasing who knows what in our rural backyard in the pitch black I cant keep up with that focus. I can see 1000 feet away in between trees I didn't even know were there in the dark and I can zoom in down an east coast beach in the dark so well I can tell what that person is doing. It has 2 lenses that can be focused one on your eyepiece and one on the lens so focus well. The IR works well and maybe even too well at close range. ** NOW I bought the "Night Owl Lens Doubler "as it was touted as an accessory for this item. It is not; do not buy that for this unit.
Pretty good
2007-05-15
You can't beat this night vision for the price. It's easy to use but I wouldn't bring this into combat or anything like that. It's great for what people have said about it.
One minor note, don't let the IR be the main selling point for this night vision. It helps out indoors for sure but the range it illuminates will not do much at all outdoors. But like I said it's a minor note and if I could do it again I'd still buy it.
Excellent night vision, great deal, buy it if you're looking for a low cost alternative.
Fun Home Surveillance
2007-02-01
I live in a rural area with homes on acreage. It's nice to step out to see what the dogs are barking at without scaring away whatever it is. Don't expect movie style effects, but do expect to see without a flashlight. Don't use this with a video camera. One flash of light may burn out the CCD as it did for the blue CCD on my Panasonic DV video camera.