"DIY" nightvision kit review

[birdshooter1189]

I purchased a couple "DIY" nightvision kits online and have received a few questions about them.  I decided to start a new thread where I will share my experience with them.

The kits I'm using: ~$100
https://www.ebay.com/itm/850nm-Infrared-LED-IR-Night-Vision-Riflescope-Hunting-Waterproof-Hunting-Camera/114084029542?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D87a93d5f4ee64689b505024b98a932c2%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D163958280074%26itm%3D114084029542%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWeb&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

The IR light with this kit is good to about 50-80 yds.

I have the following light that extends the range further (~100-200 yds at least) (~$35)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Long-Range-Infrared-10W-IR-850nm-T50-LED-Hunting-Light-Night-Vision-Torch-18650/324042274984?hash=item4b726cb8a8:g:MfwAAOSwyVdeHSJV

The kit is pretty simple and easy to set up with a little tinkering to get the camera focused properly on the scope.
Tips to increase success with the kit:
1. Use a scope with adjustable range focus if possible. This makes it easier to get everything focused.
2. Use a scope with large lens for better light transmission.
3. Ensure there is room for the bolt to clear the camera mount on the back of the scope (might require taller scope rings to gain clearance)

There is no video recording capability built into the kit.  I'm working on adding video recording ability to one of my kits.


Below are a few photos of where I'm currently using it.  Scope is a Leapers 4-16x50mm ($90)  Using the small IR illuminator that came with the NV kit.  Range is about 50 yds through the trees to a bait pile. 

Picture 1: Shooting lane. Bait bile is in middle of picture between trees. Dead coyote is the light spot on the ground by the bait pile.
Picture 2: Camera switched to IR mode, IR light turned off, during daylight hours. Crosshairs are on head of dead coyote.
Picture 3: Same shooting lane at night, with IR light turned on. (To the naked eye it was pitch black out there)
Picture 4: NV kit mounted on rifle (17hmr from walmart) and same coyote as in Pictures 1 and 2.

[Stein]

That's pretty sweet.  I was just thinking about how awesome it would be to have some type of night vision to use on my boat when running around in the sound before daylight.  I haven't hit anything yet, but it's always nerve wracking and a slow go until enough sun comes up to show logs, pot buoys and the other random stuff out there.

[Pnwrider]

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been wanting to try a thermal lately, but this option is much more wife friendly🤐

[birdshooter1189]

That's pretty sweet.  I was just thinking about how awesome it would be to have some type of night vision to use on my boat when running around in the sound before daylight.  I haven't hit anything yet, but it's always nerve wracking and a slow go until enough sun comes up to show logs, pot buoys and the other random stuff out there.

That would definitely be possible with this kit.  Just don't mount the camera to the scope and point it out the front of your boat.  For use on a boat you might want a wider field of view lens.  I'm not sure if you can buy replacement lenses for these kits.

ALL cameras and video cameras have an IR filter in the lens that blocks out IR light and only allows visible spectrum through.  So you could take a Wide angle camera....gopro for example, take the lens apart and carefully remove the IR filter, and then run a video out cable to a monitor and put a IR light beside it.  I did some experimenting with this using a mobius action camera.

[Stein]

That's pretty sweet.  I was just thinking about how awesome it would be to have some type of night vision to use on my boat when running around in the sound before daylight.  I haven't hit anything yet, but it's always nerve wracking and a slow go until enough sun comes up to show logs, pot buoys and the other random stuff out there.

That would definitely be possible with this kit.  Just don't mount the camera to the scope and point it out the front of your boat.  For use on a boat you might want a wider field of view lens.  I'm not sure if you can buy replacement lenses for these kits.

ALL cameras and video cameras have an IR filter in the lens that blocks out IR light and only allows visible spectrum through.  So you could take a Wide angle camera....gopro for example, take the lens apart and carefully remove the IR filter, and then run a video out cable to a monitor and put a IR light beside it.  I did some experimenting with this using a mobius action camera.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

[birdshooter1189]

I installed a second "DIY" nightvision kit on an AR in 300 blackout.  I bought a little DVR and spliced the video wire on the nightvision kit to record shots.   Here is a link to my first recorded coyote shot. 

[birdshooter1189]

Finally got the right mounts to set up the DIY nightvision on my .223.

Here's a coyote I shot about a week ago with it.  Same nightvision kit, but this time it's mounted to a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 BCD scope.

Coyotes are howling around my place tonight, I may have another video soon.   

[birdshooter1189]

Got another one early this morning.  Details in the youtube description.

This is my first kill with some reduced velocity 223 loads.  Using bluedot powder to push a 50 grain V-max at about 2600 fps.  This load is MUCH quieter than regular full power loads.