Binoculars for night vision - advice please

[Ofer Levy]

Hi all,
I am looking to buy a decent binoculars with which I can look for owls, foxes and other night creatures without using a torch. (up to 1000 $)
Can anyone with some experience offer some advice as to what should I look for as I know nothing about this.
Thanks!
Ofer

[Roger Clark]

Hi Ofer,

Try a google search for: night vision binocular B&H

The generation 2 and 3 will be well above your price range. You could also try a monocular. But generation 1 can still work well. I have a generation 1 monocular and it works fine away from city lights. If there are lights around, it can make a vary bright spot in the view and really ruin your night vision. A simple pair of 7x50 binoculars works very well too and no bright screen to look at means you maintain night vision. But one advantage of night vision technology is you can use an IR light to illuminate the scene, so works better when it gets very very dark (e.g. moonless night and heavy overcast, or in a thick forest).

Your cameras also work well in live view mode with a fast lens (e.g. 50mm f/1.8 or faster, 70-200 f/2.8). Set the ISO to 12,800 or something like that.

Roger

[Chris Poole]

Well as a retired DOJ employee, it all depends on your pocket book...

[Ofer Levy]

Thanks Roger and Chris for the excellent input!
Chris, the maximum I am willing to spend is 1000$. I realise that a monocular is the way to go and also generation 2 or 3. Can you please add some more?
Thanks,
Cheers,
Ofer

[Chris Poole]

Ofer, this site here has lots of offerings and this site ships world wide

http://www.nightvisionetc.com/catego...?id_category=7

[Ofer Levy]

Thanks Chris!
Do you think the difference between the generation 2 and the most expensive generation 1 on their list justifies the extra grand or so? Keeping in mind I only need it to find the animals.
Thanks,
Ofer

[Ofer Levy]

............

[Chris Poole]

It really depends what your attempting to see and the distance you wish to see at. One thing about Gen 1 is the image is clear at the center but may be distorted around the edges. If I needed a pair and had the money, Gen 11 would be in my hands.

http://www.nightvision4less.com/educ...nerations.aspx

[Ofer Levy]

Thanks Chris for the great help! I will go for this one http://www.nightvision4less.com/atn-...gen-2-cgt.aspx
Do I need to buy the extra x3 or x5 lens?

[Doug Campbell]

ATN gives you the best bang for your buck. Stay away from ALL bargain brands, especially the Russian stuff.

[Ofer Levy]

ATN gives you the best bang for your buck. Stay away from ALL bargain brands, especially the Russian stuff.

Thanks Doug!