Rifle Scopes Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

[Xshot]

The N550 is a digital CCD image processor based solution. The scope looks like something from Star Wars, but on an AR it might look cool. It will be butt ugly on a traditional rifle though. Early reports, from across the pond, indicate image is as good or better than Gen II+ image intensifier units.

The scope is a fixed 4.5 magnification and it has sensitivity, brightness and contrast controls. Image detection up to M under 1/4 moon is claimed. It also has IR illuminator built-in, but separately controlled. A rail mount is integrated into the scope body.

The Scots, as in Scotland, are going nuts over this unit and the Brits are too! Seems like varmint hunting with air rifles and .17 HMR is big over there. Any way, the videos were pretty interesting an intrigued me.

I ordered one from Optics Planet. I'll test it as delivered and with a 3rd partly long distance IR illuminator. If it works as well as the videos posted by the Scot's, I'll keep it for varmint hunting since it's well under a grand. I'll post what I learn.

 

[reedy888]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

hi bud am after that scope mate can i order from the same place and what is the shiping charge for uk bud.

 

[Xshot]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

My Digisight arrived today. Ordered it more than 7 months ago from Optics Planet. I noticed that the price has gone up more than $500.00 since then. I was surprised that mine came with the detachable high power IR illuminator they now offer. They also included a very nice, heavy duty padded and lined carrying case with pockets for all the detachable accessories and extra batteries.

First impressions - the unit is constructed of very high quality materials. The body is made of a light weight alloy and both the objective and eye piece are made of a durable high impact plastic. Unit fired right up and worked well in bright sun - nice feature. I'll find out tonight how well it works in low light conditions (no IR, w/on-board IR, external IR and both iR's). Then it will be on to zeroing on a 5.56 AR.

 

[ceylonc]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

I have one of these scopes in my possession right now for testing & evaluation. We will be carrying these scopes but right now there are very little if any available inventory stateside. The Pulsar dealer base was allocated a set number of units from the first shipment & it will be difficult to accurately gauge when there will be an adequate supply from Pulsar.

With this being said, I've been very impressed with the construction, features, and performance of the N550. I'm not an expert with night vision (digital or otherwise) but my evaluation(s) indicate they work as advertised. The youtube videos are a good indicator of the image quality my unit is providing and I see no reason why, under the right circumstances, shots couldn't be taken on game out to 200yds or so.

Feel free to get in touch if you're looking for further info. No shameless marketing here but I have some experience with what I think will prove to raise some eyebrows among hog hunters, varminters, etc...

 

[Xshot]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

Took mine out last night. FYI - the youtube videos do not do justice! Went out at midnight and with have moon shining through trees and broken cloud cover I had no problem picking out objects out to 200 yards without any use of IR. The unit has several image quality control and they can be adjust to provide a grain free image. All of the videos I've seen have had the contrast and intensity cranked way too high, which produces grainy images or light blooms when IR is used. I played with the on-board IR illumination, a little, when moon was totally obstructed by clouds. I was only able to test out to 125 yards for brief periods. What was dark as black ink became totally visible with clear definition and resolution. Viewing individual blades of switch grass and strands of barbed wire were easily doable... impressive!

If the unit sights well and holds zero, it will be a real winner for night varmint hunting. More to come...

 

[Xshot]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

Went out tonight at 11 P.M. and look over the bean field while my eyes were adjusting to darkness. No moon, just starlight. I just kept looking over the bean field until my eyes were fully adjusted to the dark. After a while, I raise my rifle and switch on the Digisight along with the on-board IR. Low and behold there's a doe looking right a me 80 yards out. Switch off the IR and could barely make out the outline of the small doe. FWIW - for testing I'm keeping the contrast way, besides I don't like the snowy ghostly images you get with the contrast cranked up.

The test setting is a 3 acre bean field at the bottom of a small valley flanked by fast rising hillsides that are heavily wooded. Even with a full moon, it's dark down in here. With no IR and low contrast I could make out the bean field and even some individual plants. However, the backdrop - wooded hill sides - was black ink unless I looked over the treeline. I was pretty sure I would not be able to pick out any game with the use of IR in this worst case setting. With a lighter backdrop such as a starlight horizon, moonlit treeline or snow covered ground for the game to contrast against, it would be a totally different story. That said, with the on-board IR switch on easily observed the doe moving through the bean field. The image of the doe was well defined with very high resolution. It was like watching a b/w TV in a totally dark room. I was more than satisfied with the results of this test.

I'm going to move on and sight in the scope. I want to see how well it holds and repeats zero.

 

[ceylonc]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xshot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Went out tonight at 11 P.M. and look over the bean field while my eyes were adjusting to darkness. No moon, just starlight. I just kept looking over the bean field until my eyes were fully adjusted to the dark. After a while, I raise my rifle and switch on the Digisight along with the on-board IR. Low and behold there's a doe looking right a me 80 yards out. Switch off the IR and could barely make out the outline of the small doe. FWIW - for testing I'm keeping the contrast way, besides I don't like the snowy ghostly images you get with the contrast cranked up.

The test setting is a 3 acre bean field at the bottom of a small valley flanked by fast rising hillsides that are heavily wooded. Even with a full moon, it's dark down in here. With no IR and low contrast I could make out the bean field and even some individual plants. However, the backdrop - wooded hill sides - was black ink unless I looked over the treeline. I was pretty sure I would not be able to pick out any game with the use of IR in this worst case setting. With a lighter backdrop such as a starlight horizon, moonlit treeline or snow covered ground for the game to contrast against, it would be a totally different story. That said, with the on-board IR switch on easily observed the doe moving through the bean field. The image of the doe was well defined with very high resolution. It was like watching a b/w TV in a totally dark room. I was more than satisfied with the results of this test.

I'm going to move on and sight in the scope. I want to see how well it holds and repeats zero. </div></div>

Thanks for the review. I have also been impressd with mine. I think this scope would be an outstanding addition to a hog hunters arsenal. I'm going to mount mine atop a 6.8 AR for night hunting. Haven't had the opportunity to zero mine either but I think the Pulsar N550 is one to something with this scope atop a hog rig.

 

[AK10mm]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

How do these hold up in colder weather?I've read some reviews on the cheaper IR illuminators(Cheap is relative),and the word is below freezing temps you are SOL.I'm looking for something in the < $1500 range that will work well for predator hunting in the winter.

 

[ceylonc]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SANDRAT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How do these hold up in colder weather?I've read some reviews on the cheaper IR illuminators(Cheap is relative),and the word is below freezing temps you are SOL.I'm looking for something in the < $1500 range that will work well for predator hunting in the winter. </div></div>

Per the owner's manual, the unit is supposed to be fully functional down to "-10 celsius" which translates to about 14 degrees fahrenheit. I haven't had the opportunity to personally test this temperature threshold, being that it's 95 degrees where I live right now. I can say that I've had it out in over 90 degree weather (with over 70% humidity) and everything functioned perfectly.

I think you'd be very happy with the Pulsar N550 for your intended application(s). A nice feature is you can change the reticle "color" based on the background so your reticle doesn't wash out in the background. Or you can design your own reticle & download it to the unit based on your specific needs... Like I mentioned previously, this scope could be a big asset to anybody with a feral hog problem. I can't wait to run it through the paces.

 

[Xshot]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

For me the low temperature operation isn't to0 big a deal. I really don't care to hunt in temps much below 20 degrees, if I'm not moving. I'll still hunt at night for varmints, but if it gets into the low teen I'll be in a warm blind or in bed

 

[Xshot]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

UPDATE: Went back out at midnight when the moon was higher. I wanted to to some test at longer ranges. Sky was clear moon at 25-30%. I looked out to the north over the marsh. I have a shooting lane lane cut the marsh that goes out to 250 yards. With only ambient light I could easily see to the end of the shooting lane. I didn't see any game or varmints, but I'm confident that I could readily identify a fox/coon out to that range. Again, I'm using the the lowest contrast settings and I can easily see and identify fence posts and 4x6 inch flags I set out. Images are not sharply defined, It's more like looking through a soft camera lens. Adjusting the contrast higher will brighten target images and somewhat sharpen them, but in doing so snow is also injected. I prefer the lower contrast settings an more natural images.

I'm very pleased with the ambient light performance, in this less than ideal terrain. I'm very confident I could make a kill shot out to 250 yards.

 

[Xshot]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

Sighted in the Digisight today. Even though I thought the "One Shot Zeroing" was a gimmick, I gave it a try. All there is to say is that it worked... perfectly! The one complaint I have is that the control for elevation and windage is not marked with up/down and right/left.

 

[scottcountry]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

Hello all

I am probably the "Scot" in question as I did the One Shot Zero test for Pulsar, as well as the magazine review in the UK here.

I also shoot a Pulsar on .22 rimfire and .22 airrifle and they are a formidable device.

We are doing a package deal for £999.90 at the moment including IR flashlight, battery pack and charger and can export with an EUU export licence to the USA if its cheaper for you guys?

We have them in stock, and can deliver Next Day to UK, or 3-5 days US (when export licence is approved)

Should you have any questions on set up etc I would be more than pleased to assist you.
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Best Regards

Paul Stewart
www.scottcountry.co.uk

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

I guess I am behind on my night vision research when I came across this thread. I did research on the optic and I have to say that, I am impressed. That will now go on the top of my when I have the money list. This is a great alternative to a greenish night vision optic that I can never afford. Thanks for the information and great reviews Xshot and Scott.

 

[GCMxVeGeTa]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

This one is pretty good too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5l4l9mkbDk

Seems to work well but the range isn't very far on that video.

 

[Xshot]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GCMxVeGeTa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This one is pretty good too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5l4l9mkbDk

Seems to work well but the range isn't very far on that video. </div></div>

That's one of the better ones out there. He's got the image controls adjusted to properly to eliminate snow and minimize blooms and glare from objects nearer than targets, while using IR illumination.

IR range, in zero ambient light, depends largely on the terrain and size of game/varmints hunted. I'm detecting and tracking raccoons 100 yards out with the on-board IR. If needed, I'll purchase the TNVC "da Torch" IR illuminator for extended range. I've read its good out to 300 meters.

 

[ranger1183]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

At face value the Pulsar n550 nv scope has a lot to offer. This scope sounds great, but there is always a catch.

Put it on a tactical rifle and how well does it hold up to recoil? According to the Pulsar-nv website, “The riflescope can be mounted on a wide range of hunting weapons including those of large calibers (shock resistance is guaranteed if cartridges with muzzle velocity not exceeding 6000 Joules are used).” 6000 Joules will typically cover the energy of a 300 grain Sierra Match King fired from a 338 Lapua Magnum. But is that fired from a hunting weight rifle or a heavy tactical rifle? Can the scope hold up to the repeated hammering of shooting a whole string of shots? That’s a video that I would like to see.

Also, what sort of warrantee does this scope have? A Lifetime guarantee perhaps? The scope costs between $1,400 and $1,800(?) here in the States. That’s a lot of money for a scope that might not be replaced. These are some of the questions that need to be addressed.

 

[waynea96]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xshot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll keep it for varmint hunting since it's well under a grand.</div></div>

Wish this price were still the case. I'd order one right now. Looks real nice though.

 

[ceylonc]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: waynea_91</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xshot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll keep it for varmint hunting since it's well under a grand.</div></div>

Wish this price were still the case. I'd order one right now. Looks real nice though. </div></div>

Unfortunately, dealer cost easily exceeds $1K. I can provide a special 'Hide member deal for this scope if you're interested.
One thing to understand is these scopes are still trickling into the USA & availability is spotty. I've had a LOT of interest & am having to apply a "first come, first served" policy.

As far a recoil is concerned, I don't own a .338 Lapua and don't have the opporunity to demo the recoil threshold. I'll ask my rep at Pulsar on Tuesday what he says about the warranty coverage with regard to recoil breakage & post his answer on this thread.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: waynea_91</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xshot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll keep it for varmint hunting since it's well under a grand.</div></div>

Wish this price were still the case. I'd order one right now. Looks real nice though. </div></div>

I can provide a special 'Hide member deal for this scope if you're interested.
</div></div>
PM me with a price. I am interested.

 

[waynea96]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

PM me the Hide member price also please. Thanks.

 

[davwil]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

Could you PM me the Hide price as well? Thanks

 

[ceylonc]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: davwil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Could you PM me the Hide price as well? Thanks </div></div>

Check your PM. Thanks for getting in touch.

As a question to the original poster, have you played with the reticle options yet? If so, what did you think?

 

[Xshot]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

Yes, the black reticle is good for daylight. FYI - you can lower the lens cover to block extra light.

I've cycled through the provided reticles and settled on the cross hair with center dot. I have not down loaded any from the Pulsar web site.

 

[Xshot]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

My Pulsar Digisight failed today. I am retuning it to Optics Planet and gave them the option to send a new replacement, if they don't have one in stock, then a full refund is due.

Too bad, I really like the sight. The manufacturer provides a 3 year warranty and offered to extend it to 4 years when I registered on their web sight.

Sceen just went white, no image.

 

[scottcountry]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

Hello all

We have plenty of Digisight N550's in stock, can offer a 3-4 day service to the USA

However, we have to send with an Export Licence, so will have to wait on that being cleared before shipping.

We are offering a Special Price of (UK Sterling) £979.95 which includes the rechargable battery pack and batteries.

We have plenty on the shelf.

www.scottcountry.co.uk

 

[BHE]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

Hello,

We are dealers for the Digisight here in the USA. We are currently running tests on an AR-15 (Designated Marksman Rifle)for law enforcement purposes. A video of 200 yard night shots will be up soon on our website this week. If you have any specific questions you can pm me here or email me at [email protected].

DigiSight N550- $1,680.00 US
Includes: rechargable batteries, case and shipping to any of the continental states (48)

Look forward to becoming more involved on this site. It is a great source of information.

Byron Hairrell- Lead Engineer
BHE
York, SC
[email protected]
www.bhemfg.com

 

[DesertDenizen]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

Very late to this thread but only because I have been checking out night vision units lately and the Pulsar N550 caught my eye. I have yet to actually see one up close but based on the reviews and videos that have been posted, this scope looks tough to beat. The only drawback is the size. It's listed at 13.5" overall length which is too big for my M4 carbine, which is one of the rifle's I would likely mount it on. I wonder if Pulsar will introduce a smaller version, with less electronics perhaps, to accommodate those of us who have no interest in recording what we see.

Byron, that was a cool compilation of the N550 in action; maybe I missed it but were those 200 yard shots made in total darkness with no IR added? I can't really afford Gen II but this unit came very highly rated. I have also considered the ATN MK350 and the Yukon 2.5x50 Target NVRS, both Gen I but also highly rated and $1000 less than the Pulsar. Has anyone here compared these scopes against each other? If so, what have you found? Thanks a lot and a Merry Christmas to all!

 

[Xshot]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

Keep in mind the overall length includes the cupped eye piece. I have mine mounted an AR-15 with an ACS stock for carry and shoot. If I need to I can switch to a lower with a PRS stock and lengthen the pull about 1 1/2 inches for prone or bench shooting.

 

[D_TROS]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

Any new reviews out there folks?

I saw some reviews on the clarity (still looks amazing for the price), but I am more interested in the durability, and usability. Also, ability to hold zero over long periods of time/use.

Guess I am just looking for the "catch" of this seemingly good deal.

Thanks in advance,
DT

 

[pwc001]

Re: Anyone seen Pulsar's Digisight N550 NV scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: D_TROS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any new reviews out there folks?

I saw some reviews on the clarity (still looks amazing for the price), but I am more interested in the durability, and usability. Also, ability to hold zero over long periods of time/use.

Guess I am just looking for the "catch" of this seemingly good deal.

Thanks in advance,
DT </div></div>

Check the night vision sub forum.