I bought the Night Quest 160 in 1997 when the product first hit the market. As a Army veteran I'm familiar with the various military night vision devices.

The NQ160 has to be compared to the military devices, and in that regard I find it identical. The device will work at every light level short of total darkness, and with its Generation III intensfier tube makes for excellent viewing on even moonless nights. The device is identical in performance to the military's ANPVS-7, and I understand it has the same intensifier tube.

The NQ160 features self-protection from bright lights, even though I'm careful to keep the lens covers on. It's amplification level is automatic, and it's rare to find a light level low enough that the device runs "wide open."

The only disadvantages are the same as with the military version... being a monocular, there is no depth of field. And, since there's only a 40-degree field width, the view is something like viewing the world through the narrowness of an empty toilet paper tube. But, that is the limitations of the technology... not the device.

I've had this night scope for 14-years, and it is one of my prized possessions. I will never part with it. If you've only seen Russian surplus night vision technology, you haven't really seen the technology. Take a peek at a dark world through this thing and you'll understand.

The two AAA batteries offer a fantastic service life of up to 60 hours. I have replaced the batteries only twice in 14-years. Also, the 3rd Generation tube is rated at about 20,000 hours of use before failure occurs. I don't think it's possible to reach the service limit of the tube. The NQ160 is certain to be working when it's included in my will.

It's also waterproof, and quite shockproof... it is NOT delicate. Both the front and the rear features variable focus... the front for distance, and the rear for corrective vision. Both adjustments are very tight, so once set they will not accidently shift just because you sit the scope down or store it in its case. The device will focus close enough to read small print under star light... I've looked at many maps by the light of the night sky.

Expensive then, and expensive now. The price doesn't seemed to have budged even though the patent expired a year ago. However, adjusted for inflation the scope does cost less.

Customer Service

Never needed service.

Similar Products Used:

Vietnam PVS-2, PVS-4 PVS-6, PVS-7 and many Russian surplus devices.