Giving night vision another chance, advice.

[Craigyboy]

I have owned a night vision scope before (ATN Paladin 3900 gen1) , this was a good scope but I sold it because it was so bloody heavy and I got sick of taking it on and off the rifle I couldnt stick it anymore. I gave up on night vision for ages but I am thinking of giving it another go, I need to be able to at least make out a target at about 70-80 yards, but as i will be using it on my air rifle shooting at about 40 yards will be fine, obviously weight will be a factor as I cant be bothered lugging a big heavy one about anymore, I would like to go the way of a monocular as I think it would be much more practical for what I want though I have seen those falcon gen1+ on that auction site real cheap. Im using a rapid MK11 so these might not be best as I would have to get a scope rail. I dont want to spend much more than £300 I know this is real cheap but does anyone have any suggestions?

[C3PO_1]

I've done quite a bit of research recently and my requirements mirror yours. I'd advise you to go for the D-146 Night Vision Scope. Stick it into google and you'll find where to buy it. Note that the Deben website has listed the D-145 (not a monocular, but a proper scope), I have spoken with them and they have assured me they supply the "updated" D146 to other sites, they just don't list it on theirs for some reason. The scope is Gen 1+, so it is slightly better. You can occasionally get these scopes on *an internet auction site*, just do a search. After this, you're heading into Gen 2 territory at £1,000+. If I was going to buy a Gen 2+ scope I'd be buying from the States (£1 = $1.85 roughly), even after allowing for Customs taxes. Just be aware that American sites also list Gen 3 and Gen 4 scopes but they are prohibited from exporting them outside the US.

[Baldie]

I've done quite a bit of research recently and my requirements mirror yours. I'd advise you to go for the D-146 Night Vision Scope. Stick it into google and you'll find where to buy it. Note that the Deben website has listed the D-145 (not a monocular, but a proper scope), I have spoken with them and they have assured me they supply the "updated" D146 to other sites, they just don't list it on theirs for some reason. The scope is Gen 1+, so it is slightly better. You can occasionally get these scopes on *an internet auction site*, just do a search. After this, you're heading into Gen 2 territory at £1,000+. If I was going to buy a Gen 2+ scope I'd be buying from the States (£1 = $1.85 roughly), even after allowing for Customs taxes. Just be aware that American sites also list Gen 3 and Gen 4 scopes but they are prohibited from exporting them outside the US.


A word to the wise......

I've yet to see a 'true' Gen I+ on sale in the UK for under £900. There is a significant difference in the image form of Gen I and Gen I+.

Just thought I'd mention it, loike. ;) :D

[C3PO_1]

;1517913']A word to the wise......

I've yet to see a 'true' Gen I+ on sale in the UK for under £900. There is a significant difference in the image form of Gen I and Gen I+.

Just thought I'd mention it, loike. ;) :D

Yes, I'm sure there's a bit of creative licence when it comes to descriptions. There never seems to be any video footage of the type of image from these scopes...that would be very useful.

[nitemax]

There is another way and when I eventually catch up with REEVES or Rabbit22 (sorry guys !) I will let them comment on my set up :D

[WoodyD]

I have a Falcon gen1 with a extra illuminator on it, its fitted to a 22lr. Rabbits show up at 100yds larger animals double that, it weighs about 2lb. With extra illumination and a doubler at 40yds it would look as if your target was sitting on the end of your barrel. Just rember you dont have to carry a heavy battery pack around and no lamp and wires to mess with.;)

[EmDee]

hi,
i have a falcon ncs/03 and it is excellent, the image it produces is in my opinion second to none, and it ideal for air rifle work. the reticle is adjustable for brightness, and i find it works best if you have the reticle brightness level set so you can only just make it out on the target. i certainly have no complaints regarding the sight picture or build quality, the only gripe is that the supplied illuminator,at 25mw is only good out to about 30 ish yards. therefore you will need a more powerful ir illuminator.
hope this helps
Mark.

[EmDee]

I have a Falcon gen1 with a extra illuminator on it, its fitted to a 22lr. Rabbits show up at 100yds larger animals double that, it weighs about 2lb. With extra illumination and a doubler at 40yds it would look as if your target was sitting on the end of your barrel. Just rember you dont have to carry a heavy battery pack around and no lamp and wires to mess with.;)

hi mate , what kind of illuminator are you using on the falcon ncs/03, and what power is it, also where did you buy it and how much do they cost?. i am asking these questions as i need an additional illuminator for my falcon scope (see above post by me ), cheers
Mark.

[Rat Dog]

I have just bought a falcon ncs03 of a fellow bbser & have been using it for rats at 15yards, I have to say that it is a good nv scope,better than my old DN145. the focus & fine focus rings work well & give a clear picture, I do have a 100mw iluminator but have not needed it yet, I will try it on distance quarry soon

It does ad some weight to the gun but its not to bad, I am using it on an s410k, to zero I had to shim up the rear of the scope & now its dead on, thursday night 12 rats confirmed dead in 1 hour, so not bad.

Russian sniper has an XVD 04s NV attachment for a day scope which people have said is also a very good scope but will need setting up correctly.

[C3PO_1]

Anyone tried the Deben D-146 ... what's that like?

[Baldie]

Yes, I'm sure there's a bit of creative licence when it comes to descriptions. There never seems to be any video footage of the type of image from these scopes...that would be very useful.


The difference is easy to spot.


A Gen 1 unit will produce some 'pulling' around the edges, that make it look like you are looking through a a magnifying glass, which to some degree you are. [A lense.] To a photgrapher (or someone who knows the term) the effect is akin to fish-eye. The central area is flat, the outside looks slightly stretched.

A Gen I+ tube provides pretty much the same sort of image a Gen II unit would produce, in that it has a flat edge to edge picture. It just won't be quite as bright/sensitive as Gen II, and explains the 'half-way-house' price.

:)

[loiner1965]

;1518808']The difference is easy to spot.


A Gen 1 unit will produce some 'pulling' around the edges, that make it look like you are looking through a a magnifying glass, which to some degree you are. [A lense.] To a photgrapher (or someone who knows the term) the effect is akin to fish-eye. The central area is flat, the outside looks slightly stretched.

A Gen I+ tube provides pretty much the same sort of image a Gen II unit would produce, in that it has a flat edge to edge picture. It just won't be quite as bright/sensitive as Gen II, and explains the 'half-way-house' price.

:)

i had a soviet bazaar nv scope think it was a 144 or 145..apparantly it was the best gen 1 around at the time and to be honest it was great. but i never saw any blurring around the edges like you described,,,in fact it was very clear across all the picture but then i am not an expert on nv

[Baldie]

i had a soviet bazaar nv scope think it was a 144 or 145..apparantly it was the best gen 1 around at the time and to be honest it was great. but i never saw any blurring around the edges like you described,,,in fact it was very clear across all the picture but then i am not an expert on nv

I used to resell for Soviet Bazaar. There were no Gen I+ tubes in their range.

Next time I look through dedicated Gen I I'll have take more detailed notes. Unless you were looking for it, it might not even have been noticable. There are units out there claiming to be gen I+ for Gen I money OBVIOUSLY not tubed with Gen I+. ;)

Can't name names. ;)

[C3PO_1]

;1518968']I used to resell for Soviet Bazaar. There were no Gen I+ tubes in their range.

Next time I look through dedicated Gen I I'll have take more detailed notes. Unless you were looking for it, it might not even have been noticable. There are units out there claiming to be gen I+ for Gen I money OBVIOUSLY not tubed with Gen I+. ;)

Can't name names. ;)

What should we look for in a genuine Gen1+ scope from the specifications, as we won't be able to get an image first?

What scope would you recommend for maximum of £500?

[cornish mike]

i've bought a ATN Paladin 390 gen1 off a member off here its a very good scope and very bright and clear with the ir on..like Craigyboy says its bloody heavy:( :( its a well engineered scope and very easy to setup..A bit high on my rapid mk2..
the only thing that i am finding hard with it is range finding.. anyone got any good tips..???

I'm still holding out for this digital night vision,,,, any news on that one yet???

[Baldie]

What should we look for in a genuine Gen1+ scope from the specifications, as we won't be able to get an image first?

What scope would you recommend for maximum of £500?


This is difficult. I sell NV and for that reason I will be sending you a link rather than self-promote here.


I don't favour low mag scopes so find it difficult to recommend anything lower than x4 mag, as much of Gen I dedicated is. The unit I have sent you the link for is inside YOUR budget, and (just) inside my criteria for dedicated units.

My preference is for the add-on systems, which for a little more money you could have. And to a degree, it might only be a little too. I have a new system that will let me reduce the price for those shooting with air gun only. ;) Product will be available from Wednesday onwards, all being well.

:)

[045madmatt]

i have used the gen 1 paladin and the d-145 and in my opinion you are better saving your money for a secondhand gen 2, the gen 1 stuff is hardlymuch better than your own eyesite on a moderate night and is useless without the ir. I am now useing an early tripple cascade gen 1 monocular for spotting and a an-pvs4 gen 2 on my rifle. both units are ex-military and far better than any other of the cheap toys you can buy. Allso these were as cheap as a new gen 1 scope

[bingo_beans]

Yes, I'm sure there's a bit of creative licence when it comes to descriptions.


Thats putting it mildly.

The only thing I ever bought on evilbay was advertised as a 100L bergan and turned out to be a 45L Other Arms bergen. When I returned it (I got a refund, no quibbles), the guy muttered, "well they are sized by how much you can cram into them not by how big they are".

[REEVES]

There is another way and when I eventually catch up with REEVES or Rabbit22 (sorry guys !) I will let them comment on my set up :D

Not the best weather to have tried it this past week,sure we will get to try it soon.

Nick.

[wall90]

have you thought about digital nv,was speeking to sammy from M T C optics and she was saying new digital nv to be released soon,thought about £400 ish, but i will wait and see how it goes first.there is an add on nv in sales section at the moment for £280.and there was one last week for £220 but that was withdrawn as no one seemed to want it.

[045madmatt]

just look for a second hand gen2 to as all the gen 1 stuff is pants

[Lightyear]

Is this possible or will the recoil damage the unit ??

Do you still have an appreciable eye relief so as to avoid black eyes ???:eek:

I am particularly interested in the type that you add on to your day scope rather than a whole unit.

Cheers + ATVB

Philip.

[Gary C]

DNV will be about £650 for the add on and it knocks spots off everything else under Gen 2 plus

BUT

It's £650..

Below that you pays your money and goes ratting

[Parabuteo]

DNV will be about £650 for the add on and it knocks spots off everything else under Gen 2 plus

BUT

It's £650..

Below that you pays your money and goes ratting

Gary, Is there a DNV add on for the Connect?, and if so, does it effect zero?

Do they have their own ret, or rely on the donor scope?

Sorry to Hijack the thread, it just nudged my memory:o .

Chris B.

[Gary C]

Hi Chris

Not as yet

The original was a dog and the Connect has not been sold in sufficient quantities to justify it