Customer Reviews

Bushnell Night Watch 2x24 w/Built in Infrared Monocular

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have to admit that my only background with night vision devices has been with later-generation goggles in the military. As such, my expectations and review criteria might be a bit different than some.

I purchased this monocular for a camping trip, in the hopes of being able to watch woodland critters going about their natural activities. I found that my ability to do that was dependant on many variables. In normal (non-IR) mode, it's only MARGINALLY (infinitesimally...not much) better than normal night vision. In an open field, with full moonlight, you can clearly see a medium-sized dog running around out to about 30 feet. Out to 100 feet, you can tell that there's something moving out there. Beyond that, everything blends.

While all of this is greatly enhanced by switching on the IR source, it's (literally) a bright red spot which lets the rest of the world know you're there. It's probably the military thing kicking in, but that REALLY bugs me. While (in theory)only insects and reptiles are able to see IR light, I was able to see the IR source itself from 50 feet away. The main problem I have with this unit, is that it becomes completely dependent on the IR source to have any use. As a result, every tree, twig, branch, bug, leaf, etc etc....between you and the thing you want to see...blocks some of that IR light. The heavier the woods are, then, the more your distance is limited. Kinda like using a flashlight, actually.

So bottom line: Fun as a toy, but I would NOT count on it in a situation where I needed night vision for my survival, safety or security.

I can't say that this unit is any better or worse than any other Gen-1 unit. I can say that Bushnell's pricing people should be commended. If I had paid any more than $130-something, I would be returning it for a refund. I'm sure, though, that as long as it lasts, I'll have enough near-perfect conditions to play around with it and get my money's worth.

the Bushnell night watch is a good toy, but nothing for serious use.

In a dark room I couldn't see anything at all with out the IR light on. No shapes, no outlines, nothing.

With the IR light on I could see pretty well in the dark. Focus is not perfectly clear, but adequate. The objective is pretty small, but I can read the label on a cereal box in complete darkness from about 25 feet away. From farther I can make out shapes and outlines.

It wasn't exactly a waste of money, but it isn't as fun or useful as I thought it would be, and in hindsight I don't think I'd buy it again.

This is the first time I've ever bought and owned a night-vision specific optical device and I must say that I am quite satisfied with my choice. I did a lot of reading and researching before I finally decided to pick this particular Bushnell model. All the reviews from Amazon customers helped a lot in my decision.

This model is perfect for the purpose I intended for it which is to simply have a way to look at the areas outside my house at night. I intentionally did not pick a model which had a lot of magnification since I didn't need it.

I strongly recommend this model for those looking for their first night-vision optical device. I only gave it 4 stars because I think there should have been some sort of lanyard for the scope cap so you won't lose it when using the monocular.

Having said that, I will start saving up so I can upgrade to maybe a Gen 2 or 3 monocular or binocular.

Got this for a Fathers Day gift, he loves it!! Of course I had to take it out of the package and try it before we gave it to him, it was just as described. We could see in total darkness, the viewing field is somewhat small up close but it is sufficient to play around with. I could see my dog who was running down the yard, (about 300 or more feet)in total darkness. It is a fun binocular. My dad wanted one to see the wildlife at night at his home.

I purchased the Bushnell 'Night Watch' monocular with the expectation of
using the device for night time boating. I have been quite disappointed
in both the optical quality of the image as well as its light amplification
performance. Light amplification, as other reviewers have noted, does
not seem appreciably better than what most people can achieve with
a fully dark adapted eye. As long as the viewing field can be
fully illuminated by the infrared LED builtin to the unit, an acceptable
image can be obtained at short range. In my experience, the practical
limit of this mode of use is perhaps 100 ft.

The optics in the unit also seem quite poor - I notice significant distortion
at the edges of the image seen. Not entirely sure if this is from the lenses
or from the imager, but the effect is quite annoying.

My recommendation would be to pass on purchase of this particular
device.

to the customer who purchased this product and stated that in a dark room, he couldn't see anything, night vision devices aren't made to let you see anything in a dark room without the aid of infra-red. yes, with the infra-red on you were able to see, but thats only because the infra-red is there for use only in poor lighting situations. on a clear night outside with the moon out and plenty of starlight, visibility is pretty good. on a cloudy night, no moon or starlight, visibility with night vision goggles isn't as good anymore. what they're designed to do is amplify the ambient light that is given off by the moon or the stars. indoors with no light source, you wont be able to see anything without using the I.R. mode.also, most civilian model night vision devices use older generation tubes, so the image probably isnt as good as it would be with newer generation tubes. if anyone would like to read more, this is the link that goes more in depth about night vision devices

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i had to give a rating to post this, so i just went with the 3 stars to say its ok.

Bushnell's has a very fine place in the nightvision market with their product Night Watch. It meets the price that affords most people the chance to own night vision. Of course it doesn't have the range or the illumination of the gen2, gen3, or 4 but I purchased two for less than I would have paid for the upper class models. Very good product from a very good company.

I did not think that this binocular would be a good deal for the money. I really thought it would be like a childs toy or just plain useless. I WAS WRONG!!!! I love my Bushnell Night Watch 2X24 w/Built in Infrared Binocular. There are woods behind my home and my binocular seems to work the darker it is the better the view. It's great to see all of the 4 legged night creatures and the 2 legged "human rats" that might be roaming the woods at night.Bushnell Night Watch 2x24 w/Built in Infrared Binocular

It is a good monocular to observe wild life in the dark. yes, its gen 1 and made in russia but its good for wildlife observation cause the have no idea what the red lite means. Its not weapons grade but OK for hunting varmints within 100 yards.

This works fine for me to look at the animals that come around the house. I would like to see a bit farther but you get what you pay for and later I will probably upgrade since I've seen how they work. I wish the batteries would last longer. The Bushnell arrived on time and in fine condition from Amazon.com