As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to test out various pieces of gear over the years. Recently, I got my hands on the Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular, and I’ve been putting it through its paces in a variety of scenarios. If you’re in the market for an affordable entry into the world of night vision, you’ll want to pay attention to this review.
First Impressions and Design
Right out of the box, the Firefield Nightfall makes a strong impression. Despite its compact size, it feels solid and well-built in the hand. The rubber-armored housing not only provides a comfortable grip but also instills confidence in the device’s durability. At just 15.2 ounces, it’s lightweight enough for extended use without causing fatigue, which is crucial for those long nights in the field.
One of the standout design features is the large 50mm objective lens. This gives the monocular a distinctive shape and contributes significantly to its light-gathering capabilities. Initially, I was concerned that this might make the device front-heavy and awkward to use, but I’m happy to report that the ergonomics are excellent. The balance is well thought out, making it comfortable to hold and operate for extended periods.
The button placement on the Nightfall is intuitive and user-friendly. The large, easily locatable buttons are a godsend when you’re fumbling around in the dark. There are just two main controls – power on/off and the IR illuminator switch. This simplicity is a big plus in my book, as there’s nothing worse than struggling with complicated controls when you’re trying to spot game or investigate a noise in the night.
One aspect of the design that I particularly appreciate is the weather-resistant construction. Living in an area prone to sudden rain showers, I’ve had more than one piece of gear ruined by unexpected moisture. The Nightfall’s ability to shrug off damp conditions and resist fogging is a significant advantage for those of us who don’t let a little bad weather keep us indoors.
Optical Performance
Now, let’s get into the meat of the matter – how well does the Firefield Nightfall actually perform? As a Gen 1 night vision device, it’s important to set realistic expectations. This isn’t military-grade equipment, but for its price point, the Nightfall delivers impressive results.
The monocular offers 5x magnification, which strikes a good balance between bringing distant objects closer and maintaining a usable field of view. Speaking of which, the field of view is about 15 degrees, which I found to be more than adequate for most situations. The resolution comes in at about 36 lines per mm, which is quite good for a Gen 1 device in this price range.
In terms of actual visibility, I was pleasantly surprised by what the Nightfall could reveal. On a clear night with some moonlight, I could easily spot and identify objects out to about 150-200 yards. The large 50mm objective lens really earns its keep here, gathering an impressive amount of ambient light to create a clear, green-tinted image.
The built-in infrared illuminator is a key feature, especially on darker nights or when trying to peer into shadowy areas. With the IR activated, I found I could see clearly out to about 75-100 feet, even in near-total darkness. This proved invaluable during a recent coyote hunt, where I was able to spot a pair of eyes reflecting in the darkness at about 100 yards and confirm it was indeed a coyote before taking the shot.
It’s worth noting that the image quality is at its best in the center of the field of view, with some expected blurring around the edges. This is common for night vision devices in this class and doesn’t significantly detract from its usefulness. The depth of field is relatively narrow, which means you’ll be adjusting the focus frequently as you scan from near to far objects. However, with a little practice, this becomes second nature.
One interesting feature I discovered is that the intensifier tube continues to function for several minutes after you turn the device off. This can be useful for conserving battery life during intermittent use, but it also means you need to be careful about exposing the lens to bright light sources even after powering down.
Ease of Use
One of the Nightfall’s greatest strengths is its simplicity and ease of use. The two-button control system is straightforward and intuitive. Power on, activate the IR if needed, and you’re good to go. This simplicity is a real asset in the field, where fumbling with complex controls can mean missing that crucial moment.
Focusing the Nightfall takes a bit of getting used to, as there are two separate adjustment rings – one on the objective lens and one on the eyepiece. The trick is to first focus the objective lens on your target, then fine-tune with the eyepiece focus. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes quite quick to dial in a sharp image. I found it helpful to set a “base” focus for an average viewing distance and mark it on the housing, making it easy to return to a good starting point.
One aspect that I really appreciate is the use of standard AA batteries. I’ve been caught out in the past with devices that use obscure battery types, so being able to pop in AAs from my flashlight or grab some from any convenience store is a big plus. With an estimated 20-hour battery life (even longer if you’re conservative with the IR illuminator), you’re unlikely to find yourself suddenly without power in the field.
Real-World Performance
I’ve had the opportunity to use the Firefield Nightfall in a variety of scenarios, from hunting to home security to simple nighttime nature observation. In each case, it’s proven to be a reliable and useful tool.
For hunting, the Nightfall has extended my effective hours significantly. Being able to clearly see game movement in low light conditions has been a game-changer. While it’s not powerful enough for extreme long-range observation, for most hunting scenarios, it’s more than adequate.
In terms of home security, the Nightfall has been excellent for investigating strange noises or movement around the property without giving away my position with a bright flashlight. The tactical advantage of being able to see clearly in near-total darkness cannot be overstated.
One unexpected bonus I discovered was the Nightfall’s usefulness for stargazing. On clear nights, it reveals far more stars than are visible to the naked eye. While it’s no substitute for a proper telescope, it’s a fun way to casually explore the night sky.
Pros and Cons
After extensive use, here’s my breakdown of the Nightfall’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Affordable entry into night vision technology
- Compact, lightweight, and ergonomic design
- Uses standard AA batteries
- Weather-resistant construction
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Decent image quality and range for the price
- Versatile for various nighttime activities
Cons:
- Limited range compared to higher-end night vision units
- Some image distortion, especially around the edges
- IR illuminator can be visible to others at close range
- Requires frequent refocusing due to narrow depth of field
Final Thoughts
Is the Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular a top-of-the-line night vision device? No, it’s not. If you’re a professional or someone who needs the absolute best in night vision technology, you’ll want to look at higher-end Gen 2 or Gen 3 devices. However, for the average outdoor enthusiast, casual hunter, or homeowner looking to enhance their ability to see in the dark, the Nightfall offers impressive performance at a very reasonable price point.
The combination of good optical quality, ease of use, and durable design makes the Nightfall a solid choice for those looking to dip their toes into the world of night vision. It significantly enhances your ability to operate in low-light conditions without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re tracking game, keeping an eye on your property, or just exploring nature after dark, the Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular is a reliable companion that will help illuminate the darkness. It’s a testament to how far night vision technology has come that such capable devices are now within reach of the average consumer.
If you’ve been curious about night vision but have been put off by the high prices of professional-grade equipment, the Nightfall offers an excellent entry point. It may just revolutionize your nighttime activities and open up a whole new world of nocturnal adventures. Give it a try – you might find yourself looking forward to those dark nights in the field!