Cheap night vision from Aldi

Swift Fox · #1 (**permalink**) 01-10-2010, 04:43 PM

Just though i'd let you guys know that Aldi are selling a night vision monocular for under £100. I bought one of these last year and found it to be very good for the money, although i haven't used it much as i would of liked, as i originally wanted it so i could see foxes at night but we don't seem to get many round here.

ALDI - Sunday Special Buys 3rd October 2010

Naturenutz · #2 (**permalink**) 01-10-2010, 06:30 PM

sound an interesting gadget.I have never used one.What subjects have people used these for ? I am trying to think of a reason to buy it lol

Jim Ford · #3 (**permalink**) 01-10-2010, 09:41 PM

Aldi (and IIRC Lidyl) have had these in before and there have been posts on this site regarding them. From what I remember, those that bought them were generally disappointed.

Jim

MartynA · #4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 05:52 AM

well I've just taken a gamble on one of these. I figured it was worth it, bearing in mind the same model was for sale on EB for around £150.

I haven't tried it much yet - but it DOES work. People shouldn't have unrealistic expectations though - you're not going to get the same quality etc. as kit costing several thousands.

One criticism has been limited range, but I think the purchase of a relatively cheap IR torch or lamp from EB would fix the problem.

Swift Fox · #5 (**permalink**) 09-10-2010, 07:48 PM

I must admit like with camera lenses you get what you pay for. I think it depends on how much you're going to use them as if you want something that would see heavy use you would go for gen2 mil spec ones that cost several thousand and have a long tube life and better picture quality, although these ones from Aldi are fine for general use i think.

I too have found the range is limited although i might look into getting a IR filter for my Maglite as that might give greater range than the built in IR.

The Woodman · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2010, 08:20 AM

Coincidently last week I had a chance to look through a Bresser model that was bought from Lidl two years ago. It was well made for the money, X3 mag and a large objective lens. Two small led's - red and green - showed when it and the IR torch were switched on.

The downside was that I just couldn't get it to focus sharply. Perhaps it was just this one example but I wouldn't buy one on the strength of it. It would be a very reasonable purchase if it focussed. I would advise trying out the focus in the shop. It doesn't have to be switched on to do that.