DoubleUp
Well-known member
I thought I would post this update in case some of you are interested in trying it. I bought the Photon from 6mm06 after he decided he was not going to keep it. I knew that it had some hiccups but thankfully nothing like the X-Sight fiasco.
I've taken a couple of reds (100 yds), a coyote (240 yds), and most recently the bobcat (daytime also at 240 yds). The reds were taken without a doubler and while I was able to make the shot, it really wasn't as focused as I had hoped.
So, I purchased a doubler from UNV and immediately saw a dramatic improvement in focus and clarity. Coyote and bobcat killed with the doubler installed. One thing I had noticed was that on near full moon conditions, the focus wasn't a problem without the doubler as the ambient light was sufficient to see without IR.
I also noted that the doubler cut down on the entry of ambient light which I expected would happen, and it also cut back the amount of IR penetrating the scope. Maybe I should say the doubler required more IR than without. I was using a T-20 IR with 15%, 50% and 100% capability plus focusable lens.
I could see well to make a shot to 250, maybe 300 and get a definite ID on the animal. I could also see another 100 yds or so beyond that on full power IR full focus. We all know that seeing beyond you target animal at night is a great help.
Now 6mm06 has been fully invested in trying to help me as all this NV stuff was new to me. He suggested that in correspondence with someone in the UK that had suggested cutting a 22mm hole in a Butler Creek lens cover to sharpen the focus when not using a doubler. So, I decided last week to give that a try as the Photon with the doubler is a great bait site outfit, but too much mag for calling.
Here are three short videos showing the 4.6 XT with and without the Butler Creek and 22mm hole installed. You can decide for yourselves whether you think it would help you or not. A 22mm hole is pretty close to 7/8", so I used a 7/8" paddle bit drilled lightly from both sides of the cover.
I have so far, due to inclement weather, only been able to do 60 yds. for a test for 6mm06 which is the distance of his bait site. Hopefully I can do 100 and 150 to give you a comparison. To me, it makes the 4.6 focus and clarity approximate the result with the doubler, but without the extra magnification. Your results may vary of course. Just thought I'd pass it on for those who are interested.
I've taken a couple of reds (100 yds), a coyote (240 yds), and most recently the bobcat (daytime also at 240 yds). The reds were taken without a doubler and while I was able to make the shot, it really wasn't as focused as I had hoped.
So, I purchased a doubler from UNV and immediately saw a dramatic improvement in focus and clarity. Coyote and bobcat killed with the doubler installed. One thing I had noticed was that on near full moon conditions, the focus wasn't a problem without the doubler as the ambient light was sufficient to see without IR.
I also noted that the doubler cut down on the entry of ambient light which I expected would happen, and it also cut back the amount of IR penetrating the scope. Maybe I should say the doubler required more IR than without. I was using a T-20 IR with 15%, 50% and 100% capability plus focusable lens.
I could see well to make a shot to 250, maybe 300 and get a definite ID on the animal. I could also see another 100 yds or so beyond that on full power IR full focus. We all know that seeing beyond you target animal at night is a great help.
Now 6mm06 has been fully invested in trying to help me as all this NV stuff was new to me. He suggested that in correspondence with someone in the UK that had suggested cutting a 22mm hole in a Butler Creek lens cover to sharpen the focus when not using a doubler. So, I decided last week to give that a try as the Photon with the doubler is a great bait site outfit, but too much mag for calling.
Here are three short videos showing the 4.6 XT with and without the Butler Creek and 22mm hole installed. You can decide for yourselves whether you think it would help you or not. A 22mm hole is pretty close to 7/8", so I used a 7/8" paddle bit drilled lightly from both sides of the cover.
I have so far, due to inclement weather, only been able to do 60 yds. for a test for 6mm06 which is the distance of his bait site. Hopefully I can do 100 and 150 to give you a comparison. To me, it makes the 4.6 focus and clarity approximate the result with the doubler, but without the extra magnification. Your results may vary of course. Just thought I'd pass it on for those who are interested.
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