Sightmark Eclipse 4x50 Night Vision Monocular,Black

I bought this item on a bit of a lark, thinking that if I found use for it, I might consider a later generation device. First, the monocular is very intuitive and easy to use: you set the diopter, then do no more than focus the lens like an old SLR camera for various distances. The actual optics were very clear, without blemish or scratch and without distortion. The "tube," as its known, was perfect. A little pamphlet comes with the device that shows how acceptable or unacceptable blemishes might appear when looking through the monocular, but I found literally zero spots or blobs. Many have complained about the IR flashlight and, yes, if you're looking right at it from afar, you can see a red glow within. But it casts no visible light and tremendously lights up the area within 100ft or so in very low-illumination conditions. If you really need things to be "tactical," invest in an IR flashlight that doesn't have this glow. But in reality, animals would not really notice this and it will come in very handy for all those nights you aren't defending your preps from marauders during the apocalypse. Honestly, it's just very cool to have, for $200 or so, a real starlight scope. You can see a great distance, in moonlight the world is completely lit-up, in total darkness the IR lamp works very well and animals' (and peoples') eyes light up like creepy zombies, reveals more stars in the sky than you can imagine, it takes AAA batteries not some esoteric CR-whatever, is well made in Russia, and adds capabilities you just did not have before. For the average Joe who didn't serve in Delta Force, you will be surprised how well this thing works. I can't wait to get this out to my country place and couple it with a strong IR searchlight to spy on the night-critters without them running off!

Narrow angle view, lacks appropriate focus and clarity, lens appears fogged at all times, distance is more limited than expected. Unable to view cat or dog in the neighbors yard, nevertheless watch owls in the tree which was the reason for buying this scope. The black vinyl cover is too small for the scope and damages the rubber housing around the less. I wonder, if I was sent a returned item since the original box had lots of scuff marks on it as well. Overall, I would not recommend this night scope. Unfortunately, I gave this as a present to my BF, he want allow me to return it.

Works quite well for a first generation optic and the infra-red helps in total darkness. Operation is simple enough although focus is somewhat difficult as well as a bit blurry. Overall a good buy for the price.

I took a chance and ordered these for my husbands birthday. We wanted to watch for coyotes on our property. They arrived quickly from Amazon. The sight mark box was dented in the corner and had clearly been opened before. I followed instructions and used them in my pitch dark closet. Worked amazingly. I could clearly see my clothes hanging. My husband used it in an small interior basement room, also in the pitch dark. Worked great. But once outside it was another story. It works great close up, but not beyond 10-20 feet. I couldn't see our lawn furniture with this, I couldn't see the swing set. Nothing. And it has to be DARK. No moon. No neighbors barn light. Etc. lucikly, returning was so easy via Amazon and they refunded my card right away. Sadly, I cannot recommend this sightmark product at all.

Very happy with it. The tube does not have any of the blemishes I have seen in so many older Gen-1 PM Tubes.I have the following operational notes:1) Turn it on, wait at least 20 to 30 seconds to let it warm up before taking off the rubber cap, trying to set eye-piece lever or focus with main front lens.2) BE CAREFUL when turning main lens outward (CCW facing the lens) to focus on distant targets (> 50 yards or for night sky watching) since it reaches the point of focus just before the lens threads end - SLOWLY - And don't drop the lens if you DO reach the end. Just screw it back in a turn or so and it is focused (I got used to it pretty quickly).3) They can't say it enough: AVOID lights of all kinds. Even distant street lights. Put the rubber protective cap back on as soon as you are done viewing.I have been putting it through the paces in dark wooded areas and I am now using it to find otherwise invisible object in the sky on dark nights (yes, UFOs! - At least unidentified to me...). You'd be surprised what is up in the night sky that you can't see without this this type of technology.All in all - Great Gen-1 device. Avoid close aircraft strobe lights. I don't use the IR light source, and I am on the my 4th night out with the same batteries. I suspect if you need the IR source that is what will eat batteries. But I was in close to pitch darkness (not total, but close with tree canopy blocking direct moon light) and I could see fine without the IR light. Very impressive.ENJOY!

UPDATE; 10-14-23; Still works, but the coating has turned into sticky goo! Alcohol helps, and windex also helps, but the coating is pretty much shot! End of update::: Original review : I purchased this to keep and eye out for a possible bear visiting our 8 acre yard. When I unpacked it I was surprised at the feel and looks of quality, especially coming from China. Then I read the label and saw it was made in Russia. It works great, and the I/R light illuminates 75 yards just fine, but hardly use it. My only complaint is the narrow field of view at 100 yards and less, hence, 4 stars instead of 5. I recommend this product. UPDATE 1-18-18: Still works great, now 5 stars, and we have moved, and now the longer range is needed.

The unit arrived and was not totally assembled, the two main sections of the housing were apart and would not go back together.. Very poor QC letting this out to a customer. As far as the functionality goes I again was very disappointed. I would watch animal (wild Hogs) 25 feet with a green light and was unable to detect them with this product.If I had not tossed the box I would have sent it back and told them to keep it.

Great product! I am very happy with it.

This night vision device by Sightmark is good. I ordered this not long ago, used it on a recentcamping trip in northern Ontario. I can see further in the forest at low light compared thatto optical binoculars. Easy to focus on distant animals, light weight and long lasting onbatteries. Near perfect with the exception that the IR-On and Off buttons are ergonomicallyhard to work with since I am left handed.