The Bushnell Equinox X650 Night Vision 5 x 32 Monocular is specifically designed to cater to the needs of budget-conscious consumers. Despite its affordable price, it boasts several features that are typically found on more expensive models.
Upon initial inspection, the monocular’s budget-friendly construction is apparent, as it is made mostly of plastic and feels surprisingly lightweight in the hand. With a weight of 13.8 oz (391g), it’s not the lightest monocular, but it certainly delivers more than is typically expected at this price point.
Key specifications
Image capture: Infra-red sensitive CMOS sensor
Magnification and objective lens: 5x / 32mm
Range: 650 ft (198m)
Storage: MicroSD card enabled
Weight: 13.8-ounces (391g)
Dimensions: 7.5 x 3 x 3-inches (19.05 x 7.62 x 7.62cm
Durability: Plastic case, no waterproofing.
Battery type: 3x AA
Equipped with a powerful built-in IR (infrared) illuminator, this monocular facilitates clear viewing in low ambient light or even in complete darkness. The 32mm objective lens effectively gathers light, which is then processed through a digital CMOS sensor module and displayed on a micro-liquid crystal display (LCD).
The images on the LCD can be magnified 3.0, 4.5 or 6 times, depending on the model. However, it’s worth noting that higher magnifications may result in grainy images due to the limitations of available light.
Bushnell Equinox X650 Night Vision 5×32 Monocular: Design
- Simple, well-spaced controls
- Eyepiece with adjustable diopter
- IPX4 waterproof
The Bushnell Equinox X650 Night Vision 5 x32 Monocular features a durable plastic case with a textured surface for a secure grip. It is designed with four well-spaced buttons on the top, including a power switch, a mode button and a separate rocker button for digital focus adjustment.
The eyepiece end is equipped with a rubber cup and a diopter focus wheel to control the LCD screen focus, while the objective lens end features another focus wheel and a lens cap with an integrated filter for daytime use. Additionally, it includes an infrared illuminator under the objective lens, allowing for clear images up to 650 feet (198m) away.
The monocular also boasts a Picatinny rail for easy attachment to a rifle or similar equipment and a rubber cover that protects the mini USB port, MicroSD card slot and video out connector. Moreover, it is designed with a tripod fixing point for stable mounting. On the opposite side, there’s a convenient hand strap to support the unit’s bulky build. The battery compartment, which houses three AA batteries, is located under the eyepiece for easy access and replacement.
At first, we noticed that the focus wheels were quite stiff, requiring the use of both hands to operate the unit. One hand was needed to hold the monocular to the eye, while the other was used to adjust the controls. Although the top-mounted digital focus controls functioned effectively, locating them was somewhat challenging, and we often had to take the unit away from the eye to make adjustments.
We were able to reasonably adjust the diopter for the LCD screen, but we found ourselves holding the unit a few inches away from the eye to achieve optimal focus. However, doing so narrowed the field of view, which was not ideal in practice.
The waterproof covering on the controls posed a challenge when trying to obtain a clear image. The shutter release mechanism required substantial pressure, resulting in blurry photos. It was also noted that using a tripod could assist in addressing this issue. Additionally, applying slow and steady pressure to avoid blur was necessary, as the camera had a tendency to turn off during the process due to the multifunctional nature of the shutter release, which also serves as the on-off switch.
Bushnell Equinox X650 Night Vision 5×32 Monocular: Performance
- Good but basic monocular
- Difficult not to get blurred images
- 650 ft (198m) night vision range
During our test, the Bushnell performed reasonably well. However, the daytime photos may only be suitable for basic identification, and the nighttime photos could have been better. But as a convenient and affordable entry into night-vision activities, the Bushnell Equinox might be worth considering.
The unit seemed to get confused by bright lights at night. If the sensor picked up too much light, the unit readily switched to daytime mode, which was a bit too sensitive. This could be controlled by looking away from the light source and slowly returning, but the unit would benefit from being less sensitive.
When using digital zoom, the images appeared grainy as expected. However, the unit also has a body-mounted focus wheel, which somewhat reduces the need for digital zoom. Additionally, a daytime filter is provided to limit the amount of light reaching the sensor, preventing overloading the CMOS infrared sensor. This caused the image to have a red tinge and increased contrast sharply.
The filter isn’t necessary at night, and this is when the Equinox performs best. Although the camera functionality is limited, the Infrared booster, mounted underneath the 32mm objective lens, provides pleasing results. During our test at a lake, we discovered an unexpected feature of the night vision monocular. We were able to watch fish because the water’s surface was very still at night, so the infrared booster didn’t bounce too much light back at the sensor, enabling us to watch fish at a decent depth.
We also observed bats catching insects under trees, although it was challenging to follow them due to the tiny 32mm objective lens.
As long as you don’t need high-resolution images taken at night, the Equinox performed well for its intended use. It could be an interesting and engaging tool for a nighttime walk with parents and children.
Bushnell Equinox X650 Night Vision 5×32 Monocular: Functionality
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- Capable of day and nighttime use with filter
- Ability to capture photos and video
- Low-res images
The dual functionality of the unit, catering to both day and night use, is a valuable feature. However, similar to several other features, its performance is limited. Daytime shots were challenging to capture without blurring, due to the pressure required to press the shutter release. During nighttime, the unit required less shutter release time, yet the resulting images were of low resolution, rendering them suitable only as snapshots. While younger individuals may find this less problematic, as they tend to prioritize function over quality, discerning adults may struggle to obtain usable imagery from the camera.
The digital zoom offers three positions but only enlarges a portion of the original image, leading to increased grain as the zoom is extended. At night, the digital zoom was not worthwhile. Nevertheless, the camera features a body-mounted focus wheel, which proved to be a beneficial addition.
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However, an issue arises when using the focus wheel, which places the hand in front of the IR illuminator, effectively deactivating the camera. Consequently, an over-the-top hand position is necessary for focusing, making it challenging to hold the camera steady.
Adjusting the IR booster at night yielded varying results. Increasing the brightness often led to the camera overloading the sensor and switching between IR mode and daytime. Setting a specific brightness proved to be less problematic overall, with personal preference playing a significant role in this regard.
Should you buy the Bushnell Equinox X650 Night Vision 5×32 Monocular?
The Bushnell Equinox X650 Night Vision 5 x32mm Monocular is a versatile option suitable for various purposes. While it doesn’t excel in any specific area, it delivers satisfactory performance overall. This monocular is suitable for hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and homeowners interested in observing nighttime wildlife activity. Additionally, it can be used for stargazing: although its camera capabilities are limited, the focus range and light handling are more than sufficient for this purpose.
If the Bushnell Equinox X650 Night Vision 5×32 Monocular isn’t for you
Consider the Night Fox Prowl night vision goggles for a hands-free experience, the Goyojo handheld thermal imaging camera for an entry into thermal imaging, or the Night Fox Cub digital night vision monocular for a compact,budget-friendly option.
How we tested the Bushnell Equinox X650 Night Vision 5×32 Monocular
We put every instrument through a rigorous review to test each instrument thoroughly.
Each instrument is reviewed in many aspects, from its construction and design to how well it functions as an optical instrument and performs while out on location.
We look at what accessories are included and suggest other equipment if this would benefit the experience.
Each team member carefully tests each instrument and is knowledgeable about its subject areas. Hands-on experience with each instrument is a vital part of the process.
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