read all the great reviews before buying and was a bit skeptical but ordered it anyway. I'm so glad I did. No, it's not a $2000 thermal camera, but yes, you can actually see objects in total darkness. I have had many problems with wild boar tearing up my pastures and needed to be able to spot them before they got me. Even a red or green lens headlight would scare her off before I got in range, but she doesn't seem to mind at all. I'm able to get closer and then turn on the headlight to efficiently control predators. The night vision image in the test report was taken on a very dark night (overcast) and I couldn't see a meter in front of me. The trees in the background were about 150 meters away. Definitely could see if any animals were about. On a moonlit night, the view is almost like daylight. Incredible night vision. The next two images showed a mineral feeder about 300 yards away (zoomed all the way out and then zoomed in). You can see the photo gets quite pixelated when you zoom in, but that's what I bought them for, so I don't mind. I am very happy with the purchase. Would definitely buy it again.