ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator Review

First Thoughts on the ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator

The ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator promises to extend the reach of your night vision devices, allowing for clearer target identification at longer distances. Manufactured by ATN, a company known for its digital optics, this illuminator utilizes an 850mW infrared beam to paint the night with light unseen by the naked eye. I was seeking a reliable IR illuminator to pair with my night vision monocular for nocturnal wildlife observation and perimeter security. I hoped the ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator would offer the enhanced range and clarity I needed.

My interest in this particular IR illuminator stemmed from frustrating experiences with lower-powered units. I’d been consistently hampered by limited range and fuzzy images at distances beyond 100 meters. The promise of a 300-meter effective range, as advertised by ATN, seemed like the perfect solution.

Upon unboxing, the ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator feels solid, but surprisingly lightweight. The anodized aluminum construction appears durable. The included mount seems adequate for attaching to a Picatinny rail. Compared to other IR illuminators I’ve used, like the Streamlight IR and a generic Chinese model, the ATN appears more robust, though perhaps less refined in its finish. I chose it over the Streamlight due to the advertised longer range and adjustable focus.

My initial impression was a mixture of anticipation and skepticism. While the build quality seemed decent, I’ve learned to temper my expectations with ATN products. I was eager to see if the performance lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator on a clear, moonless night in a rural setting. The area provided a wide-open field with mixed terrain. Paired with my PVS-14, I scanned the area, expecting a dramatic improvement in visibility compared to my previous illuminators. The performance was… underwhelming.

While the ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator did provide some illumination, the effective range seemed far short of the claimed 300 meters. At around 150 meters, image clarity deteriorated significantly. The beam appeared diffused, lacking the tight focus necessary for long-range target identification. Also, the adjustable mount felt flimsy and difficult to tighten securely, leading to some wobble.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use in varying conditions, my initial skepticism proved well-founded. The ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator‘s performance remained inconsistent. In damp conditions, the effective range seemed to decrease further. Condensation would occasionally form on the lens.

Durability-wise, the ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator hasn’t completely failed, but the finish is showing signs of wear. There are scratches on the anodized aluminum body. The adjustable focus ring has also become slightly gritty. Maintenance is relatively straightforward – wiping the lens with a clean cloth is typically sufficient. Compared to the performance of a dedicated weapon-mounted light from Surefire, which I’ve used extensively, the ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator is a significant disappointment in terms of both range and reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator

Specifications

• The ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator boasts an 850mW infrared output. This high-power output is intended for long-range target illumination.
• It has an effective range of 300 meters (claimed). My testing indicates a more realistic effective range of 150 meters or less in optimal conditions.
• The illuminator uses an 18650 type rechargeable battery. A battery charger is included.
• An adjustable mount is included for attaching to Picatinny rails. I found the mount to be subpar and difficult to secure tightly.
• The ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator is constructed from anodized aluminum. While lightweight, the finish is prone to scratching.

Performance & Functionality

The ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator‘s primary function is to extend the effective range of night vision devices. In this regard, it only partially succeeds. While it does provide additional illumination, the range and clarity are far below expectations.

The adjustability of the beam focus is a potentially useful feature. However, in practice, it doesn’t significantly improve performance at longer distances. The weak mount further detracts from its overall usability.

Design & Ergonomics

The ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator has a simple, cylindrical design. It is comfortable to hold, but the adjustable focus ring is somewhat stiff.

The lightweight aluminum construction is a plus. The overall build quality feels adequate for the price point, albeit not exceptional.

Durability & Maintenance

The ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator appears reasonably durable. The scratched finish is a cosmetic issue.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving lens cleaning. However, the long-term reliability of the electronics remains a concern.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator comes with a rechargeable 18650 battery and charger. It also includes an adjustable mount designed for Picatinny rails.

There are no readily available customization options beyond mounting solutions. It is compatible with any standard Picatinny rail system.

Pros and Cons of ATN IR850-Pro Long Range IR Illuminator