I had never used a night vision scope before so when I read the reviews was not sure how much to believe. This product works well. As others have mentioned the center of the viewing area is in focus but the outter ring is blurred but not horribly so. I used it several times in the desert for long range viewing and found that on an overcast night near a city (the city lights causing the cloudcover to glow)it was almost like daylight with the scope. On a clear night with a nearly full moon while hiking in a mountainous area it was possible to see people a quarter mile up the trail very clearly, they could not be seen with a naked eye until they were within 50 to 100 feet due to shadows. I was was able to view trails over a half-mile away and could see them clearly (as with binoculars but brighter). The electronics tend to shut down if there is too much light which seemed to happen often (as a protection for the tube) but if you turn it off before it shuts down you can use the scope with the power off (the green glow stays there). When the IR illuminator is turned on it is very bright within about 30 yards but beyond that is not useful. I used it in a very dark room but the lenses can't focus any closer than about 10 feet. The illuminator was like a very powerful flashlight, but of course, you can't see the beam unless it is pointed directly at your face. From an angle it is visible as a dim red glow. I like it and can't wait to try it in other circumstances.

this is a high quality product. i have experience in the military and have used third generation nvg's many many times while driving humvees at night w/only nvg's for night vision. this product is comparable to military nvg/s at a fraction of the cost. second or third generation night vision will cost you thousand/s of dollars with a minimal return for performance. the later generations will last longer of course, due to first generation tubes burning out somewhat quicker than later generations. if you factor in how many first generation units you could buy for second generation units this is a mute point. the later generations do allow viewing at longer distances and at lower ambient light levels however. for the majority of people however, first generation is acceptable. when you pick up this unit you will feel quality. it is all metal with the majority being "armored" with a quality rubber shell. the controls are easy to use, the ir is effective for most uses. it comes w/storage bag, nice bonus. it uses 123 series lithium camera batteries for longer run time and longer storage time. they are expensive however, about 6-7 dollars apiece. there is some distortion on the perimeter of your viewing, but small price to pay for price/performace of this product. whatever you buy this product for, whether for viewing wildlife, security, or just to have a cool gadget around, this is the finest first generation night vision product around. and yes, amazon is the best deal you will find. as usual, fast shipping and excellent service w/amazon. when second/third generation products come down in price, i will be the first to buy one, until then however....this simply is the finest you can buy. the only complaints i have w/this product is the omission of a tripod mount and it seems they could have designed the battery compartment latch better. minor details in an otherwise excellent product. kudos to night owl and amazon.

I use this for security surveillance when I watch my clients property at night and it works very well. You also have the option to purchase a camera adapter (on other web sites) which will allow you to take pictures which has been very usefull. When the police department I work for purchases new night vision equipment I will be reccomending they look at the Night Owl line of products.brLen Stang

First, I know next to nothing about the technical aspects of these products. I've had this model for a month and here's what I know: This monocular is lightweight and very easy to use (just 3 buttons). I bought the inexpensive battery at the supermarket. At night with a distant street light and a quarter moon I could just make out the form of a cat over a hundred feet away, but with the infrared spotlight switched on I could see the cat in detail, like it was the middle of the day. I read the reviews of all the night vision products and decided on this slightly more expensive model. You can get some for less money, and they might be just as good; I don't know for sure. I went with this one and love it! If it suddenly dies on me or works poorly, I'll write another review to let you know.

For the price, you can't go wrong with this Generation 1 optic. I've used it in near to total darkness and the visual imagery is very clear. Using this device, you can detect small animals to large objects with ease and the clarity has impressed me. It is true that Generation 2-3 optics offer greater clarity and range, but you will also have to spend at least $1000.00 to get these results. For most people, the Night Owl 5X monocular will more than meet desired expectations. I highly recommend this product.
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At night I'm able to view animals at great distances in the field behind my house. Even past 100 yds I'm able to see if a deer is a buck or doe. The infared is like shining an invisiable flashlight on something and it works best if turned on within about 30 yds or inclosed space. It's has solid construction, clear picture, and is a fun to mess around with.

I have used several types of night vision, 3rd generation that is, but as many of us can see, 3rd generation aint cheap. I went with this particular n/v because of price, and a fellow Deputy friend of mine owns one, and said he liked his. I have only one complaint the weight, it's a little heavy, but well built. Turn on the I/R, and wham it's like turning on a spot light, nice unit, works well, and if your interested in a great little night vision unit, you can't go wrong, quality product great price. Hope this helped....

This nightr vision scope is spectacular, the range is incredible. This product is helpful for me when I hunt or walk outside to get the newspaper. This is a must-have for all "toy-collectors"

Great product, and it's the best you'll find for Generation 1 night optics. Unless you want to go spending $1,000-4,000 for Generation 2 or 3 night optics, this is a good buy, and in a decent price range. It does what it advertises, and that's the important part.

In my first review I mentioned that the electronics often shut down. I called Night Owl and they said to send the scope in. They found that the power pack needed replacement. The service was good (no charge), I got it back within two weeks of sending it in and the problem was corrected. I have since tried the scope on streets with street lights. The shadows are light enough to see what you can't with unaided eyes and the 5 power magnification helps a lot. Still having fun with this one!

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.

Well, I can see things in even total darkness, but with lot of image distorsion. Very poor lens optic.

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.
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br /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.
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br /Excellent night vision, great deal, buy it if you're looking for a low cost alternative.

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.

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.

This unit works well with a low amount of light. I would suggest to someone buying this unit to also buy a infared flashlight to compliment it.

It is good for general landscapes when there is very little light. But it does not have the power to easily illuminate small animals. Great for camping trips.

It's a nice little product and works very well. It took me awhile to get the battery cover off though as I'm guessing they used a pneumatic drill at the factory to put that on. I use it in the city, commensurate with my job, though and any type of red light or walk light will not be helpful for you seeing anything. But what you pay for this little handy device isn't bad and it works within the restrictions of the tech.

More than expected at a great price.

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...

Gave this as a present to a friend...loves it! The only complaint is that it only works (well) with absolute darkness (i.e. no full moon)

Review:
br /Unit had a very large defect in the field of view. It's not one of the usual spots from the intensifier tube; those I am aware of as I have other night vision devices. This goes about 1/4 of the way across, near the center. Had to return it. Poor quality control.
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br /Update - the new one does not have any image defects. It also doesn't focus as sharply as the first one did (or my other one does), but it isn't too bad.

It never worked as advertised and total quit working after about two months. Don't buy, you've been warned.

I thought this unit was kind of cheap. Not what I was expecting. I was looking for something cool, like in the movies and this was definetly not it.