Customer Reviews

Bushnell Night Vision 2.5x42 Built-in Double Infrared (Green)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The title really says it all. While I didn't actually buy mine (business gift), it's something I'd have paid for if I had a need. It's an excellent unit to keep in your pocket in case you need a better view of things, or your "usual" night vision optic is out of whack.

That being said, anyone looking to buy this needs to know two things:

Firstly, this is a night vision device, not an infrared device. While, yes, infrared devices are "technically" night vision devices, this is a standard, light-amplification device. It is an incredibly good one for the price you pay, but it does not do what an infrared display does. You cannot walk into a pitch black room and see everything with a heat signature.

Secondly, this is a low-end night vision device. That is not to say it is not good, but it is to say that it is not excellent. For the price, it is a fantastic value, but if you compare this to other units starting at $600 and going up from there, you will be very disappointed. That being said, don't do that.

This is an excellent device for most hunters, and certainly sufficient to just go out and tool around with because you're bored. If you need something of "professional" quality, this is the wrong device for you, and honestly... why are you shopping on Amazon and not a proper dealer?

I am really enjoying this purchase. As other reviewers of NVDs have stated, this is not a military class unit (unless you are comparing it to a 1960 era unit), but for $200 who cares. I have about an acre of land and I can check out the whole yard without a problem. It is more solid than the picture gives it credit for, and is comfortable to hold. I would recomend this unit to anyone who just wants an NVD for recreational purposes.

I purchased this unit with wildlife watching in mind. On an average suburban night there is enough ambient light you dont need the IR turned on, but out in the bush you will of course need it. The clarity and viewing distance is amazing for the unit and the price. The dual IR is what drew me to purchase this unit, the spotlight is especially powerful while the dispersed beam is much better for viewing animals that are a bit closer. The unit is light and easy to use, weather resistant, and compact. I showed this to some colleagues who do observational fieldwork and they were quite impressed with the quality, scope, and distance this nightvision device provides. Other people I have shown it to have gone away wanting one! This is a quality nightvision monocular that will more than adequately serve the needs of the casual animal observer. So far I have been able to observe possums in their nests and climbing through trees and watched flying foxes feeding in trees. They seem to notice the red beam, but it is really only noticeable when the unit is pointed directly at you. I highly recommend this product.

I see some feedback of people comparing this device with other brands or models, ex-military comparing with things not available to the civilian, etc ...
Let's be realistic. Bushnell is a mid-range brand, their products are well made and they do perform as indicated, they sometimes perform better than indicated and it is the case for this one.
It can be used for distances up to 50-70 yards maximum. The built-in infrared light will light up to 50 yards or so. The lens are clear enough, although of a mid-range quality and the focus is a bit picky to obtain. But for the price I paid ( $200some ) it's a value-for-money device. Do not expect to spot a bad guy in a dark alley at 200 yards, it won't work. Don't use this for security if you need better performance it is not designed nor priced for it. But if you are looking for a unit that is well made, light, small enough to be portable, that you want to spot wild life within a 70 yard radius, this will do the job very well.

This cam is awesome. You know how in scary movies where someone is being filmed in IR their eyes light up real bright? Well... Imagine being parked in one of the most remote areas around... Big Bend National Park for example... Sitting on an overlook with the sole intention of testing this thing out... Turning it on after your car has sat for a bit to let things settle... And then you turn it on and see some eyes coming through the brush not so far away, and along with the eyes the full silhouette of the fox they belong to!

That is how this thing worked for me. Watched rabbits eating, foxes searching, and javelina moving around at night too. In short, with a full moon in a dark area, you may as well be looking through a green tinted camcorder in daylight. This thing will see everything that the moon casts light on! With the double IR light, the throw is far enough to where it makes it fun to use this thing since you can ID whatever is running/moving/looking at you in the dark. The price isn't bad either. I bought both the single and double IR versions of this item, the double has a smidge more throw/range to it. Given the choice, I'd opt for the double every time based on the small price difference between the two... In reality though, both are comparable, so if you need to save some bucks go for the single version.

Very well made and high quality Gen 1 Night Vision Monocular. I have used this both with and without the dual IR light source to see deer in my woods on both moonless and moonlit night out to 75 yds or so. Very good quality for the price. Good for home protection too.

I have only had these for a little while now but I've given them some good use in most night time conditions and I'm very happy with it.
The use of the unit takes a bit of getting used to, and the focusing takes a bit of practice but I now am able to get good results. The option of variable strength infrared is great and allows for good highlighting of smaller areas.
I have found that it is best to know your approximate range and set up the focus to be used within that range limit. My best results have come from the monocular set up on the tripod and swiveled at intended subject area, keeping the eye at the right distance from the eye piece is needed for the best viewing.

The unit seemed new and worked well straight from the box (with batteries, I have been through two sets but they have lasted ok...I always have a spare set with the unit).
Shipping was ok, not as quick as I would have liked, but I was kept informed about progess, and it was through the Xmas/holiday period.

Overall I'm happy with the product and the service and if I ever get the money to go up a couple of generations of night vision I would buy again. My only reason for giving four stars is because I know that there are better/higher levels of night vision available and I don't want to give the immpression that this is the best....but for value this is great quality and fun.
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Bought this hoping quality would be there but difficult to make out objects in very low light conditions. Able to see when moon lite but get deep into the woods and could not get a clear view. Returned them for a refund and will look at more exspensive ones to see if quality is better.

i tried this and did not like it. not much magnification and very little night vision. slightly blurry and hard to see anything. also, the one eye trick is not one i have mastered. i returned these and got a pair of night vision binoculars. very happy now. yes, three times the price, but i actually can use these.

Easy to use. I enjoy seeing the creatures in my back yard at night. I live on a swamp, so I see alot.
I find it better than expected.