Laser IR illuminator

[sir-lamp-alot]

I know this has been done to death but ive never really seen a sensible answer as to which laser IR is good and why its good other than "my mate Bob down the pub shot a fox at 900yards with his" or the person with the biggest lungs shouting loudest about theres. So what I would like to know is what makes a laser IR good (lense type, type of laser in it ect) so as I can make an informed decission on which one to purchase. And if it make a differnce I currently use a dragonfly which is on loan from a mate on a Pard 007

 

[mealiejimmy]

My personal experience with the following IR lasers includes disassembling them, inspecting the workmanship and field testing them with different NV devices
Sirius XTL (domed and undomed) - is fitted with a Yukon x2 magnifying lens. 3 power levels but does not have an illuminated tailcap. The domed version gets rid of the "black hole" but reduces range
Solaris SRX - is fitted with a Yukon x2 magnifying lens . Has an illuminated tailcap and can be supplied with a notoriously unreliable variable power tailcap
Black sun dark engine - is fitted with a Yukon x2 magnifying lens. 3 power levels, but does not have an illuminated tailcap
Lightsabre Wraith with both 850nm and 940nm pills and Yukon x2 and x3 magnifying lenses. Has an illuminated variable power tailcap
All of the above are manufactured in the UK
There's not much difference in the maximum range at which any of these can provide sufficient illumination for a safe shot, and in each case, that range will be further than you are ever likely to shoot
Things like the maximum beam width, illuminated on/off indicator and fully variable power control may, in the end make the difference to which one suits you best
I've never used a dragonfly so can't say if it's better or worse than the 4 listed above, however I note from photographs of it that it does not appear to use the Yukon lenses common to those listed above

These two Cheaper Chinese IR lasers sold by various sellers under various names

Compact IR Laser Torch

The super compact IR laser torch provides IR illumination for your digital or tubed night vision device, with a flood to spot beam. The torch is available in a 950NM covert model ideal for reducing spook of sensitive quarry, i.e boars, rats, rabbits and close range foxes. It is also available in the

www.blackwoodoutdoors.co.uk

This illuminator is roughly equivalent to the on board illuminators in the PARDs

Night Blaster VCSEL IR Laser Torch

The new Night Blaster compact VCSEL IR laser illuminator, features a focusable head to allow a wide beam or concentrated spot for a longer beam throw. The torch is powered by a single 18650 battery and includes an illuminated tail switch to show the unit is powered on.Features:Laser illumination to

www.blackwoodoutdoors.co.uk

This illuminator has about the same range performance as the 4 listed above, but uses a fresnel lens rather than the heavy, complicated and expensive Yukon lenses.
However, as the beam is tightened, the illuminated spot does tend to wander around in the field of view, which makes permanent alignment a PITA

Cheers

Bruce

 

[sir-lamp-alot]

Thank you for you detailed reply Bruce, i see the wraith is avalible with 2 differnt types of laser (850/940nm) do the solaris, sirus and black sun all have the same type of laser as each other

 

[mealiejimmy]

I believe the Solaris and Sirius are only available in 850nm (but wait to be corrected)
The black sun dark engine is also available in 940nm
Using 940nm will reduce the range by some amount depending the NV kit you use, but could be up to 30-40%

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Tim.243]

if I want to look at something out of practical shooting range say 350 yds then I narrow the beam on my srx and dial in the drone, comes out nice and clear.

I picked out that fox with the wind wrong but see it travel left then caught up with it 1/2hr later

 

[hammo]

Solaris SRX for me, illuminated power indicator, and the rotary variable power adjuster. Much better control than the three level click stop type.
I tried the XTL in a direct side by side test and found nothing between them for range or clarity really. for me, being able to wind the power right down is important; otherwise you suffer a washout - too much ir glare - when close range ratting or the like.
There is a degree of brand loyalty for some users, but in reality a few different models will all offer you great range and no dark spot in the centre of the beam.
I can't see the technology being able to reach much farther, its already able to illuminate way past 'sensible' night time shooting ranges.
Used without proper handling, these things have the real potential to cause permanent damage to eyesight!

 

[camo304]

I know this has been done to death but ive never really seen a sensible answer as to which laser IR is good and why its good other than "my mate Bob down the pub shot a fox at 900yards with his" or the person with the biggest lungs shouting loudest about theres. So what I would like to know is what makes a laser IR good (lense type, type of laser in it ect) so as I can make an informed decission on which one to purchase. And if it make a differnce I currently use a dragonfly which is on loan from a mate on a Pard 007

If it's power you want stick with the DF, if you would like a clean image then any of the above will do. The new cheap ir's are hard to beat for the money.

 

[Zio65]

Se è il potere che vuoi attaccare con il DF, se vuoi un'immagine pulita, uno qualsiasi dei precedenti andrà bene. I nuovi ir economici sono difficili da battere per i soldi.

It’s possible ? Why the different price?