Armasight IR850W Detachable Wide Angle Adjustable X-Long Range Infrared Illuminator

(Used on a newer higher -res Spark - a Gen 1 for which it works well, nice and bright. Another review says it does not work for Gen 1 which is a gross overstatement; it is 850nm... quite clearly... if your unit can see 850nm then it will work, if not... I won't.). Wide angle, bright, but you are constantly playing/ messing with the focus outside. Indoors you just leave it on wide. Outside it defocuses the center just like parabolic lensed flashlights (somewhat dim center). Trying to look out into the pastures I have to return it to spot (about the same size as the non-"W" model in angle, I had that one too) to see much at range, regardless of the brightness setting. I REALLY like the adjustable brightness; I can't stress that enough for Gen1 non-dimming units. Oh, when focused all the way in it actually projects the pattern of the circuitry- which is both neat but also kind of goofy. If I was trying to project a square circuit board on the side of the barn in IR at night then fine, but I would prefer a spot if possible, especially for nearly two hundred bucks. WAY to expensive for what you get. This should be a $50-$70 item, probably cost $10 or less to make. That said, it's the best I could find below military grade for MUCH more. If you aren't on a tight budget and you want something that does the job adequately, this is it. If you'll be mad about limitations of an overpriced unit, well, that's how you'll feel with this. I'm on the fence between the two, hence 3 stars.Update: about 20 hours of use, aforementioned setup still works great. One thing I noticed: One thing better about a *good* Gen I with an illuminator over using Gen III set without is eyes. Most animals (not humans, of course) have reflective retinas, so they are very easy to spot. Things I know I wouldn't have noticed with the Gen III set stand out like I'm using thermal whenever a rabbit, deer, skunk, cat, dog, horse, etc looks anywhere near me. I don't hunt, but like to see them. Of course, you could just turn on the Gen III illuminator to get similar effect, you just usually don't bc you can already see.

VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT I SPENT THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR AN ILLUMINATOR THAT (NOW I FIND) IS RECOMMENDED FOR GEN.2 AND 3 UNITS.... I HAVE A 1ST GENERATION FLIP-DOWN NIGHT VISION GOGGLE SET (MSRP APPX $900.) IN WHICH THIS UNIT IS "PRETTY MUCH" USELESS...I ALWAYS HAVE HAD SPECTACULAR FEEDBACK FOR AMAZON WITH ALL MY PURCHASES, HOWEVER, THIS PRODUCT BLOWS FOR MY APPLICATION....SHAME ON ME FOR NOT RESEARCHING FIRST....HUH....OBVIOUSLY NOT "ZON'S" FAULT......ANYWAY, I WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE BUT TO RETURN THIS ITEM SEEING THAT IT IS NOT EVEN ABLE TO BE MOUNTED ON MY GOGGLES (IMPROPER SIZE RAIL MOUNT) AND THE SITE PICTURE / DETAILS STATES THAT THERE IS A INCLUDED CONVERSION COMPONENT.....?..... NOT.....ANYWAY, I WISH AMAZON WOULD CONTACT ME AND POSSIBLY ASSIST IN A RETURN....VERY BUSY AND DON'T WANT TO BE A P.I.A. TO THEM...... SINCERELY, ANDY

I use this on a pvs14 and typically not on its highest setting. When focused it does project a square instead of a circle but that really is not a big deal. Really helps here in Texas when hunting as it lets me light up what is under the cedar trees. It can be zoomed out at closer ranges to fill your entire POV through a PVS 14

This is an outstanding IR illuminator. If you're using this on a generation 1 or 2 night vision goggle or monocular hoping that it improves the quality of your goggle please do not be disappointed when you receive it. You have been fairly warned. However if you are using this as it was intended from the manufacturer you will not be disappointed. With the angle that you can achieve it is great for close quarters or you can adjust it for long-distance viewing as well. And the battery life is outstanding. It is very durable and adjustable when mounted too.