Night vision optics like Sightmark’s Photon RT digital riflescopes and the sensors used in these devices have come a long way in a short period of time. Traditional night vision optics generally referred to as Gen 1, Gen 2 and Gen 3, have lost a ton of ground to digital night vision over the past several years, partly because of improved imaging and partly because of versatility.
While traditional night vision devices would have suffered irreparable damage if used during daylight, today’s digital riflescopes are perfectly compatible with daytime use. In fact, Sightmark Photon RT series digital scopes incorporate a special scope cover with a peephole designed to allow the perfect amount of light into the optic for crisp, richly contrasting digital imaging.
Hunt till You Drop!
Why is this important? It’s critically important, at least to Texans and an increasing number of forward-thinking states, because hunters can now use digital scopes like the Photon to hunt deer during daylight hours, then shift automatically to night hunting for feral hogs, predators and varmints. Like weekend-warrior football, playing both offense and defense, I like to call it “iron man hunting.” Honestly, if you can handle it, your hunt can last a solid 24 hours… or longer. Hunt until you drop!
Until recently, the Sightmark Photon XT 4.5×42 was a favorite digital night vision riflescope among hunters. For a mere $500, you could have quality digital night vision, also compatible with daytime hunting, with imaging on par with Gen 1+, encroaching on Gen 2. Hunters jumped at the game-changing opportunity. Even better, the Photon XT included video-out capability, so hunters enjoyed more success and were capturing memories forever. Unfortunately, the video quality could be better, and people have struggled with finding seriously reliable DVR recorders capable of handling recoil.
Sightmark RT digital riflescopes are successors to the long-reigning Photon XT. Sightmark’s new Photon RT digital line of optics includes an improved sensor and 640×480 AMOLED display for detailed imaging for both day hunting, as well as night hunting. The Photon RT also features built-in video recording, an increased detection range compared to Sightmark Photon XT scopes, more powerful onboard infrared illumination, and Stream Vision App-compatible WiFi for viewing the display on a connected smartphone or tablet, remote control, transferring files, and downloading firmware upgrades. The Sightmark Photon RT digital riflescope even includes onboard video, eliminating the need for problematic DVRs, or pesky cables and really improves video quality.
Iron Man Hunting… Just How We Like it in Texas
If you’re down our way and think you’re up for a little iron-man hunting yourself, think about what types of optics may best fit your needs. It certainly makes sense to consider a day/night rifle scope designed for both day and night use to eliminate unnecessary trips in and out of the woods to change equipment.