>The world of night vision viewers is slowly changing, and this new Yukon Ranger digital night vision monocular is a good example why. I tested one recently in a variety of conditions and can recommend it without reservations. One way to measure resolution on a night vision monocular or binocular is by LPM (lines per millimeter). The LPM on a typical first generation unit (depending on what company or technician you speak to) is from 28 to 34. The resolution on this new Ranger is stated by Yukon as comparable to 40LPM, and I certainly believe it. The picture was clear and contrasting and it simply surprised the heck out of me. I expect a certain amount of hype, but gladly didn’t receive it here.
The picture you see is black and white (grey). This alone is different from first to fourth generation units with intensifier tubes which are all black and green. The Ranger’s view is etherial and ghostlike, but very clear. The five power lens is a good magnification choice for long distance viewing, and is easily adjusted for focus with a slight turn. It will focus closer than five feet to infinity. A powerful infrared illuminator is integral for viewing in total darkness, and unlike other NV units, this infrared light is not only invisible to the naked eye, but the typical red glow you see when looking directly into the lens is absent. It is completely invisible.
Another great feature is the video out port (cable included) that lets you connect your Ranger to a camcorder or television, and a port for using the unit with optional AC or DC cords (also included) with or without the six AA batteries installed. Battery power is not used when accessory charging cords are in use.
Batteries last approximately ten hours without the IR illuminator, or three hours with.
Gain control (brightness) is effectively controlled by a small wheel on the top of the unit turned by an index finger, and the plus or minus controls for the illuminator intensity are also placed on the top of the unit next to the power buttons.
The unit also comes with an extra battery tray for quick changes, and most importantly, an incredible LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY! This is an absurdity in the night vision world, and something Yukon does for all their units (three years for tubes).
Rad (my dog) and I went on several excursions in various fields and yards with ambient light from little to none, and the viewscreen was always clear and perfectly lit. The gain control wheel was useful in preventing light overexposure to your eye, and the unit was light enough (28.2 ounces) and egonomic. It comes with a case with a belt loop and a neck strap.
The view screen is smaller than a standard first generation night vision unit, but still plenty large, and at about 400 bucks it’s a great way to see what goes bump in the night. I like them a lot.
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