nightvision device

[wegu]

Hi, wegu here........are theese monocular devices any good on a boat ? i am looking at the ``newton 4x50 generation 1`` any ideas or advice please. oh yes, i do have a very good flashlight and radar but the wife, i´m sure she will be almost as excited as myself and might like one for christmas.











are theese momocular

 

[Rick D]

My Take...

I regularly do overnight sails. Years ago I purchased a simple first generation unit. It was just OK. No real utility on the boat except sometimes to pick out a boat's nav lights at a distance.

However, I still wanted one with better definition for in-close situations such as crossing situations at night and entering harbors, especially commercial ones. So, I did some extended research and felt a generation 2 would be a good way to go. However, they were quite expensive and they are a lot closer to a Gen 1 than a Gen 3. So, I wound up buying a Bushnell with what they call enhanced Gen 1. I am satisfied with the performance and it has a lot better definition than the other.

So, if you can borrow one to try first, that is definitely the way to go. BTW, a Gen 3 unit is almost a different appliance entirely. The clarity is dramatic. So is the price at $2500+. Here is a link to the one I have currently:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bushnell-...ision-Monocular-with-Supercharged-IR/17365299

 

[Paul F]

Did a long transit on a friends boat. He had a pair of very good stabilized binoculars that collected an amazing amount of light. For practical purposes they were good for night vision. Maybe not for up close objects but certainly good for navigation.

 

[centerline]

I would go ahead and get it for her... im sure if she doesnt like it, she will let you use it....

there are some cheap models around,.. I seen a unit about a year ago on sale for $89 dollars. im not going to comment on the quality, cuz i dont know, but im sure it was not marine rated,

a friend had a cheap one several years ago that we used regularly when we went crabbing at night.... the buoys show up great with it, even a a good distance, where you couldnt see a thing otherwise....

I have no idea what other use they could be on a boat other than finding something floating in the water...

 

[Bill Roosa]

Was in the Army for 20+ years. Used gen 1, 2, and 3 and thermals. the thermals have it hands down BTW. Gen 1 NVGs are not going to give the resolution (ika detail) at the distances you encounter in sailing. Up close they are fine though. At a distance all you will be able to tell is that there is something out there. If they are carrying lights you MAY be able to tell from the position but will not be able to tell the color of course so the are not much help in that respect. I own a pair of 90x10 binos and while they are heavy they do allow you to see a lot more than just your eyes. 50x7 are also useful at night so try that too.
I'm thinking I'd spend the money on something else (like more batteries or beer)

 

[Guillaume C.]

At work (navigation officer) I generally have a pair of those lying around, I have played with them a bit and indeed in some circumstances you will see things earlier with those than regular binoculars, but it's not truly impressive IMO. In have not seen anybody ever uses them, regular binoculars and radars work just fine. While they sometime add a little capability over other instruments, I would personally not spend the cash to have this on my own sailboat.