Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/1224831
18 Night Vision Scope PARD NV008 Recently SSAA NSW was oered the opportunity to test and review a new product on the market, with thanks to our friends from Nightvision Australia. As opposed to a true night vision scope that uses an intensier tube to amplify ambient light, a digital scope works by converting an optical image into an electrical signal through an image sensor. The sensor has millions of tiny pixels that collect incoming light, registering the value of each pixel and converting that to an image on an LCD screen. Compared to true night vision, digital scopes are considered more durable. They don't suffer the prolonged effects of overexposure when used in direct daylight. They are also cheaper and a good option for those looking for an entry level unit. We found that the digital colour display worked considerably well on the range in the daylight. The picture in picture feature and ability to change the reticle colour and intensity made for easy target acquisition. Full setup and zeroing took just minutes to achieve a 1 ¾" group at 100m and with that we were ready to test out its capabilities at night. By the time we arrived at our hunting property to test the unit it was already pitch-black darkness and we were feeling excited. To extend our potential range we also added a long-range IR illuminator just to assess whether we could clearly view out to distances of 200-300m - we could! The unit was tted to a Tikka T3X CTR in .308 but we felt this was probably far too much gun for this scope. It may be better suited to a rimre rie. GUY PITCHFORD, HUNTING & PROGRAM MANAGER For what it is, this unit is quite compact compared to other models on the market. Coming in at just 450 grams, the overall weight was actually less than the original scope on the rie. While we had a few minor issues in navigating our way through the use of this scope, some extra time to work out all its features and become more comfortable with its operation (including the Wi to smartphone feature) would have been advantageous. Pros • Light weight • Compact (without IR Illuminator tted) • Easy navigation menu • WIFI to smartphone • Digital day/night operation • Modestly priced - $999 RRP Cons • Off-centre reticle • Screen refresh lag (whiteout) • Effective range