Night Vision

[tkwhalen]

For those who have a night vision scope or binoc's.....

what are peoples opinions on the various generations? Is gen 1 a waste of money despite the low cost ? do I need to go all the way to a gen 3 $3000 FLIR scope? My primary desire is to simply spot unlit buoys at night as I approach shore lines generally there seems to be lights in the background (not always)

All opinions welcomed...

 

[Rick D]

I Have Some Experience

I have had two. I had a Night Owl 1st generation unit for years. It was marginal in utility, but I could still pick out unlit mooring buoys, breakwaters, etc although at distances that were not too comfortable. A few years ago, I purchased a Bushnell that I will provide a link to which was advertised as an "enhanced generation 1" with the capabilities of a generation 2. I purchased it and am very pleased with it. It is handy, has very good optics and much better range and clarity. Having said that, a true generation 3 unit at $2500 +++ is a different animal all together and I have used one on the ocean. My research revealed to me the a generation 2 just might not be worth the money in terms of a degree of improvement over a high quality generation one.
Anyhow, it definitely helps reduce the angst when coming into harbors at night or navigating in a racing fleet, looking for a finish line, figuring out what a tacking boat is up to, etc. Powerful onshore light will overpower it as it will your own eyes.
http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Equi...2-spell&keywords=buchnelle+night+vision+scope

 

[Bill Roosa]

I find that ALL (even the seagull poop covered ones) markers have reflective panels on them. A 3,000,000 candle power search light is quite handy at picking them out. Just sweep ahead and you can see them about a mile out with no problem.
Makes a nice way to light up your sails to id your position too.

 

[Rick Webb]

Laser Pointer

Very useful as well. More for areas you are familiar with and certain you are where you should be but do not want to hit the buoy or day mark.

 

[tkwhalen]

Thanks Rick I willl take a look at the Bushnell scope ... As for spotlights I find they light up the deck so bad that they are blinding ... they only way spotlights work is if I have extra crew that I can send to the bow to look for unlit buoys ... the laser pointer is an interesting idea I will try it out