Sightmark Photon RT 4.5-9x42S Digital Night Vision Riflescope (Renewed)

Being somewhat of a longer range shooter my initial expectations were a little high, especially for the sub $400 price tag. I ended up buying new to have the 3 year warranty because I couldn't figure out exactly how long the renewed one was covered and 90 days wasn't going to cut it for me. All that aside when I got my new unit I can say that as it I'm very happy with it out to about 150-200 yards. When I added a UniqueFire T67 IR Hunting Flashlight it is even better and I can see well in complete darkness out to 300-350 yards and take a shot. It takes some practice because the mil-dot isn't all that great and is only accurate at the 4.5x power, at 9x power it is technically one dot per 2 mill. (call it second focal plane) Best way to set it up in my opinion is something that has a point blank range of about 300 yards and then stay inside that limitation. In the long run I ended up putting this NV on top of a 6.5grendel using a Monstrum Slim Profile Series Offset Cantilever Picatinny Scope Mount (used backwards) and I'm very happy with it. The one shot sight in works quite well, however using it during the day is almost impossible even with the cover closed where it just uses a pin hole to "look through". Do yourself a favor and sight it in a night at 50 yards, then 100, then just add your 100 yard offset to get your correct point blank. As others have said the 4 AA batteries don't last long especially cheap rechargeables. If you go rechargeable get the highest mAh you can OR simply use a USB battery bank. The 10000 mAh one I had lasted 6 hours and had plenty of charge left. I did have one oddity using the battery bank...when I would turn the unit completely off sometimes it wouldn't come back on until I disconnected the USB cable and plugged it back in. Could have been me, my cold hands, or some odd behavior with the NV connection...don't know. Lastly the USB connection on the scope side doesn't take a standard micro usb even though it is. The top of the plastic part is rounded to make sure it doesn't get plugged in backwards or to make sure you have to buy a replacement cable from the manufacture. Overall I'm happy with it using the battery bank to power it and shooting out to about 300 yards (even though I can see further with the additional IR torch)

I have admittedly limited experience with NV scopes. I wanted something that wouldn't absolutely break the bank to cut my teeth on coyote hunts. This thing is very impressive! The one-shot zero is a pretty sweet feature that's going to spoil me. I bought the QD rings separately from Sightmark, and have subsequently tried this scope on every rifle I own. It's just so cool! It's currently in use on my crossbow, being used for nighttime deer culling. If you don't want to drop upwards of $2k just to find out if NV scopes appeal to you, the Photon RT can't be beat. Also, I tend to gravitate towards refurbished electronics. My reasoning is that QC is really easy to overlook when electronics are being churned out the end of an assembly line, whereas a refurbished unit has to undergo actual rigorous testing to assure it has been adequately repaired. This proved right again, as my "renewed" scope was every bit as accurate as I could hope for, and all features work as advertised. I've actually just purchased a second one for a friend who had to have it after trying mine. If you're reading this review, stop trying to talk yourself out of it, and order already!

This is my second Sightmark Scope 4th digital scope. When I wrote the review on my first Sightmark I stressed the ease of operation, seamless one button on/off for scope AND light. Apparently Sightmark didn't read my last review, this scope requires entering a menu to turn on light. Getting this scope on and ready to shoot takes too many steps and too long. With practice its not too bad but I cant give this scope to guests because in the heat of battle a new user probably would have problems. This scope does have a bright light and is good for 200 yds. plus. The built in record function is nice too. NEVER buy any digital scope that doesn't record video. Reviewing recordings of your hunt/shot will make you a better hunter. You will SEE the effects when you start your trigger pull etc. Its also cool to document that great shot or record game not shot.

This is my second Sightmark NV scope and I love it. Battery life is much better and the image is clearer the the last gen. No complaints about sight Sightmark night vision. For the price, lack of bugs and the service you can’t go wrong. The only thing If I could change one thing it would be the battery to something that would last longer. But I just got 8 rechargeable AA and and a power stick ( the cheap $10 kind for your phone(check voltage output), so I’m good.

It took a little playing around with but I am very pleased with this night vision scope. I would definitely recommend using a lithium ion batteries. I 1st used Amazon Basic battery’s but they would only last a little over an hour in cold weather. Switch to lithium-ion and I’m having a much longer run times.

great optic, I have no issues other than the provided illuminator is far too weak. Add a better illuminator and you are good out past 200yards but with the sight mounted one you can see clear out to about 75yards...

This thing is incredible! Love that you can link it to your phone and have real time viewing!!! Fantastic!

This scope does more than I expected. Works great on my .22 cal pcp air rifle. No rat is safe at night now. The Scope is clear and user friendly, and really fun to use.