Naivis Gen 2+ Night Vision Scope: Honest Hunter's Review

Look, I've been hunting for over 20 years. I've seen gear come and go, and I'm not easily impressed by fancy gadgets. I decided to give the Naivis Gen 2+ night vision scope a try, hoping it would give me an edge during those low-light hunts. I paired it with the Naivis 850nm IR illuminator, which I'll touch on later. Here's my honest take: Naivis Gen 2+ The Good: Decent Image Quality (For Gen 2+): Let's be clear, it's not Gen 3 clarity, but for the price point and being a Gen 2+, the image is surprisingly good. It provides a usable image in fairly dark conditions, allowing target identification out to a reasonable distance (about 150-200 yards in my experience). It definitely beats trying to hunt with binos and a prayer. Sturdy Build: The scope feels solid. It's been bumped around in my pack, endured some light rain, and still holds zero. That's crucial when you're out in the bush. Adjustable Brightness: The ability to adjust the screen brightness is a game-changer. You can dial it down to avoid blinding yourself when it's really dark, and crank it up when there's a bit more ambient light. This helps maintain your natural night vision. The Naivis 850nm IR Illuminator: This little thing is a beast. It significantly extends the range and clarity of the scope. In total darkness, it turns night into day. Just be mindful of its range – you don't want to spook game by blasting them with too much light. Naivis Gen 2+ The Not-So-Good: It is Still Gen 2+: Don't expect miracles. In truly pitch-black conditions, you're going to need the IR illuminator. And even with the illuminator, the image isn't crystal clear. There's still some grain and distortion. Battery Life: The battery life is acceptable, but not amazing. I got about 3-4 hours of continuous use with the IR illuminator on. Make sure you bring extra batteries. Weight: It adds noticeable weight to your rifle. After a long trek, you'll feel it. Be prepared for that. Learning Curve: There's a bit of a learning curve to using night vision effectively. It takes practice to get used to the image quality and how to best use the IR illuminator. Don't expect to be a pro on your first hunt. Price: Its not cheap, so make sure its what you are expecting. Overall: The Naivis Gen 2+ night vision scope is a solid piece of gear for the price. It's not perfect, but it offers a significant advantage for night hunting in areas where it's legal. The key is to understand its limitations and use it wisely. With practice and patience, it can definitely help you put more game on the table. I would recommend to hunters looking to get into night hunting without breaking the bank. Just make sure to pair it with a good IR illuminator like the Naivis 850nm. #NightVisionScope #Naivis #Gen2Plus #Hunting #Optics #NightHunting #IRIlluminator #850nm #RifleScope #OutdoorGear