These use IR to see in total darkness. When I first tried it out, I was heartbroken because I could barely see anything. This was because the day cap was still on the unit.Once the day cap was off, and the IR activated, my jaw dropped at what I could see. I am somewhat familiar with night vision, and this ranks up there with units that cost far more.I chose this unit over other models due to low price and large 31mm objective lens. Other units' smaller 26mm lens gather less light.The pros:1 very easy to hold and use, light weight2 intuitive design with buttons where they should be3 manual focus easy and works great4 the IR give clear image in total darkness within 50 yards. Beyond that distance, quality begins to degrade.5 the USB port enables an external power source! Yes, this unit does NOT require batteries if you use the USB to connect to a power source such as power bank or USB charger outlet.6 large view screen7 large 31mm objective lens. Perhaps this is why this unit compres favorably with models costing twice as muchMinor con:On battery power the IR isn't powerful enough at distance. You'll need the USB powered mode to extract extra IR range. But this is probably to conserve battery consumption, so I don't consider it a flaw.I'm so impressed, I might buy another. The quality and performance is the level of units twice the price. Shipping was fast.One last unexpected benefit was the soft shell case it came with. The instructions were in simple, easy to understand English. The entire package was professionally put together.Very well executed!Easy to use for all ages. Good value for the cost. It isn't top of the line, but works well. If you are buying your first night vision product, I recommend it. I have not tried the photo or video yet.Did not line up with my eye. Did not come close enough to my eye. Moved a lot laterally. Could not use my thermal with it and see. Thought it might be my face. Tried a different brand product and what a difference. Maybe I got a bad unit. When this unit closed it was just locked. Would not go closer to my eye. I’m a newbie at this so what do I know.Bought a different brand and when I pushed it closer to my eye it kept moving towards my eye until it was flush with my face and just perfection. Again. Maybe I got a bad one.After this unit I tried theLIVIQILY Tactical Hunting L4G24 CNC Mount Aluminum Frame Helmet Accessories Mount Arm for PVS 15/18Fixed all my problems.Hope it helps anyone that is new to this like me.mode selection is is a little difficultGot these for my husband for Christmas. He loves it. Played with it a bit at the house. Took great pics of our dogs in the pen. Clear pictures near and far. He's a Deputy and says they will come in very useful for night time stake outsworks fineI believe this to be a new mount here on Amazon and it is exactly the same as the Wilcox G24 mount but, at a fraction of the price. If these other companies would charge a fair price for things there would be no need for copies but, $400-500 is just totally a rip-off for a part that costs maybe $40-50 to make. This mount is quality made aluminum and has all 3 of the adjustments to adjust NVG location and fit perfectly on my Team Wendy ballistic helmet. Very happy with my purchase.It's IR not night vision. Not to clever as it useless in reality spewing out or lights