Sightmark Ghost Hunter SM15070 Review – Comparing to Model SM14070 

As every good hunter knows, the ability to see in the dark is a powerful tool that helps even the playing field between hunter and prey. 

But all too often the hefty price tag that accompanies these types of devices is enough to discourage hunters from adding them to their arsenal.

Have you been on a hunt of your own for affordable, dependable night vision devices to help take your hunting experience to the next level? If so, one of these Sightmark Ghost Hunter products might be just what you need.

Let’s have a quick look at these two devices that are fast turning into the modern-day, budget-conscious, hunter’s best friend. 

About Sightmark

Back in 2007, Sightmark blew away the audience of the SHOT show with their response to the constantly changing needs of the outdoor industry. Since then, Sightmark has gone on to receive multiple awards and has earned numerous patents for their top-notch designs.

Today Sightmark is a market leader with a presence in over 40 countries and retail relationships with many top retailers. Sightmark has headquarters in both America and Bulgaria, where these products are manufactured. 

What are Gen 1 Night Vision Devices?

Generation 1 night vision devices are like the big brother to GEN 0 technology. Gen 1 night vision devices has a long history. They were patented by the US Army and were first introduced during the Vietnam War.

Gen 1 night vision devices essentially allow images to be produced in extremely dark areas. Today, these innovative devices are used by law enforcement agencies, the military and civilians for a range of applications. 

Sightmark Ghost Hunter

The SM14070 and SM15070 are night vision devices, proudly brought to you by Sightmark. The SM14070 is an award-winning night vision monocular that is suited toward nighttime use as well as during twilight. The SM15070 is a set of night vision binoculars that should be used at nighttime.

SM14070 vs SM15070

The SM14070 and SM15070 are both top selling Sightmark devices. Featuring many similarities and a handful of differences, each product boasts impressive features.

The deciding factor between the two is personal preference: it’s mainly dependent on whether a monocular or pair of binoculars best suit your needs.

Let’s compare the two. 

How are they different?

• The SM15070 are NV binoculars while the SM14070 is a NV monocular. 
• The SM14070’s battery life lasts slightly longer without IR.
• The SM14070 requires two AA batteries while the SM15070 requires two AAA batteries.

In which ways are they similar?

• Both devices can be used as a handheld tool or mounted as headgear.
• Both devices are extremely affordable.
• Both devices have a resolution of 36 lines per mm.
• Both devices come with a carrying case, head mount and lens cloth.
• Both devices have magnification 1x.
• Both devices include the automatic shut off feature when exposed to bright light.

Tube EP 33-U (Photocathode Type, diameter, sensitivity, resolution) 

The type of tube used in both the SM15070 and SM14070 is an EP33-U. An S25 multi-alkaline photocathode with a diameter of 24mm and a typical sensitivity of 200 is featured. The resolution of this photocathode is 30 lines per mm.

Display resolution

The SM15070 and SM14070 possess a resolution of 36mm per line. While this measurement of units is more than decent for a night vision device found in this price range, it’s not the most high-quality resolution available on the market. To put this statement into context, Gen 3 devices typically have a range of between 64 and 72 per line mm.

Magnification

You will find magnification of 1x on the Sightmark Ghost Hunter SM14070 as well as on the Sightmark Ghost Hunter SM15070. Across the different price points of night vision devices, you will note that magnification is usually between 1x and 3x. While it might not sound like it, having a lower magnification is actually better. This is because the higher the level of magnification the narrower the field of view  becomes.

Field of View

Field of View is the observable area that can be seen when using a night vision device and is directly related to magnification. Generally speaking, the higher the magnification; the lower the Field of View. Thanks to its lower magnification, both these devices share the same Field of View properties, being 30º, 54m @ 100m or 162.4ft @100yd.

IR Illuminator

IR Illuminators are a must have in night vision devices, so it’s great that this functionality is included in both the SM15070 and the SM14070. On both devices the IR wavelength is 805mn and the intensity measures at 75mW.

The Design 

Both the SM14070 and SM15070 have housings of durable glass filled nylon. Both devices are lightweight and designed with durability in mind. You may also use them with a head mount as night vision goggles.

Sightmark Ghost Hunter SM14070 Dimensions & Weight

Sightmark Ghost Hunter SM15070 Dimensions & Weight

Battery Life

The Sightmark Ghost Hunter SM15070 has a battery life of 20 hours with IR and 72 hours without IR. The Sightmark Ghost Hunter SM14070 also has a battery life of 20 hours with IR but boasts a slightly longer battery life of 72 hours without.

Warranty

When it comes to workmanship and defects in material, all Sightmark products fall under the Sightmark Limited Lifetime Warranty. For other defects, both of these Ghost Hunter products are warranted to be free from defects for a period of 3 years.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the SM14070 and SM15070 are great devices packed with nifty features and helpful functionalities that the hunter of today will appreciate. They are great units for their price. While perfect for casual users and novices, you can’t expect super high quality, high resolution night images from them.

Are high quality and high resolution images must haves for you? Then you’ll need to consider a Gen 3 device or opt for a digital night vision product that offers high quality night vision imaging while still falling in the same price bracket as these.

So, what do you say? Will you be hunting ghosts with a Ghost Hunter product? Or do these night vision devices just miss the bullseye on your list of requirements?