Bushnell 260501 Nightvision, 4x50 Equinox Z Digital Binoculars

This device is primarily a NIGHT vision device. If you're looking for a high resolution day optic, look elsewhere. That said, they work very well during the daytime, just not state-of-the-art video. And, that's what this is, a digital video camera. It's really a binocular / monocular in that, only one of the front lenses is really a lens. The other is an IR illuminator, and a very powerful one. With zero moonlight, I can see 250 yds + at night. My primary use is night hog hunting and I find them much more comfortable to use than NV monoculars, which seriously night-blind one eye. These will still night-blind you somewhat, but with 15 brightness levels, it's not as much an issue. The zoom is a DIGITAL zoom, not optical. Hence, as you zoom in, the image degrades, just like a digital camera. Limitations: ALL digital NV devices need IR illumination or lots of moonlight to work. The built-in IR is a good one. They also won't work in fog, mist or heavy rain. That's just the nature of the beast with digital NV. The image IS somewhat "grainy", but not problematically so. The image is superior to Gen 1 or Gen 2 NV, both of which I own. As a night scanning device, these work GREAT if you refrain from using cheap batteries. Buy quality lithium batteries or quality rechargeables (like Panasonic) and you'll "rule the night." If your usual viewing distance is < 100 yds, consider the 2X version, as the field of view is wider.

These have been a great companion to my Sightmark Photon digital scope. I can stand on my front porch, look at my deer feeder, and tell whether there are pigs or deer on the feeder. My feeder is about 200 yards from my house. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with them before you take them out in the dark. The control buttons are placed ergonomically, and are easy to find without groping for them in the dark. I tried the monocular, but found it to be disorientating. Good product.

Before this night vision binoculars I had Busnell's top Equinox Monocular. The monocular failed after a couple years (I'll admit that I used it a great deal and in some extreme cold). The monocular was a bit clearer, but it is nice to use both eyes. The focusing system the binoculars use is definitely not as defined as the monocular system. The image is significantly granier than with the monocular. All that being said, I can see a greater distance just a bit more than I could with the monocular. To sum it up, I would rate them about equal between the various pros and cons. I have never used the top tier night vision monoculars or binoculars so I can't compare to those, though I do have a high and night vision scope and digital night vision is total crap compared to Gen 3 night vison, but after spending the money on the scope there was no way I could afford another two or three thousand on a monocular/binoculars. I use these binoculars to scan for coyotes so I don't have to strain to continually look through my night scope. The system works well, but don't even think about using the zoom function on these binoculars, you will totally distort your images and have no idea what you are looking at. I give these 4 stars based on the price and what they are made to do. They allow you to get a basic image of what is out there at night (fairly clearly out to about 150yrds, depending on the amount of moonlight). These are a good for doing some basic night scanning, but don't expect detail, particularly beyond 50-75 yards.

Excellent for the price, replaced some very old Rooskie glasses, have used mil-spec models that are amazing cost $3,000+.For civilian use 100~ <200 mtrs this unit is very nice. The IR Illuminator is above the quality of the optics. Was able to zero in on a pack of coyotes prowling across our wash before 1/4 moon came up, they've been threatening our dogs, first shooting light, well just say three out of five are looking somewhere else!

Very good night vision. Clear and realistic image views. However, don't expect images to appear as in broad daylight. Also like the photo/videocapabilities.

Easy to use. Clear view. Work great when there is even just a little bit of light. The infrared can be used in cloud covered nights and works well. I use mostly for looking at wildlife at night.

Not bad under 100 yds..

This was a disappointment... blurry and not useful... I returned it..

We are very satisfied with these binoculars. We use them when we go on night safaris and they are absolutely fantastic.