Night vision questions

[K_Dubbya]

Greetings all!

I am looking to make an investment in a night vision system.

First question... for use within a tactical mindset would a monocular or binoculars be the system of choice? I used a monocular NVG system overseas in Afghanistan and I loved it. Would binos offer any pros? cons?

I don't want something large or bulky that would make it difficult to use and then store if I'm on the move. I would like something that had a 150yd+ range without IR and 100+ range with IR illumination. Battery life is extremely important. Also common batteries i.e. AA would be preferred.

I am currently looking at systems by Yukon or Bushnell any suggestions?

I would like something that I could mount to a helmet or headset, possibly onto a weapon (but this is not as big of a deal)

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

-Hans

 

[redbullitt]

Price range? You will get what you pay for. I would try to swing a gen 2 or better if possible, as they are much improved over the earlier stuff.

Most setups that I would go for would be "goggle" style, so it would leave your hands free to work or do whatever. The monoculars are nice as well though since they cost a good bit less, but you wind up needing your hands to run it. I still have an older gen 1 piece around here somewhere. For what I paid and for when I got it, I have been happy with it. Be aware though, the clarity AND range is lacking on the older units. I'd suggest trying some out if you can. That will really help you see what you are dealing with.

Personally, I prefer the kind that mount in front of my day time rifle scope (ie pvs 22 etc), but that does not seem to be what you are after.

 

[Strykervet]

Uh, monocular is hands free.

I was issued the AN PVS 14. The new ones. No way I'd EVER get binos after using that. It feels odd at first, running through the woods with one eye lit up and the other not, but you get used to it and soon enough you see kind of a double image --best of both worlds.

The binos have a magnifier attachment, sure the 14's do too though. That compass was REAL nice to have. Yeah, 14's and a skullcrusher, and I've used 7's and 14's and never met someone that preferred the 7's. My helmet still has the mount attached, but then again it still has the ragtop too.

I plan on getting some just for giggles, I like to watch the stuff that comes out at night. Animals are easy to see if they look at you and you have the IR on. Stars are also AWESOME with NODs --only way to see them here. You can watch the satellites streak overhead too.

But they are pricey. Go for the best ones you can, I THINK mine were Litton? Not sure though, I can't remember.

 

[taliv]

agree completely that the 14s are better than the 7s, but there are newer binos that are even better. pretty impressive stuff available now, but man do you pay for it...

if you plan to use them, get a decent mount. they call it the skullcrusher for a reason

 

[sr642]

You never said what your budget was but if you can afford it I would highly recommend the PVS-14. It's fairly light and small and can be either helmet mounted, hand held or rifle mounted. I've used mine extensively for hog and coyote hunting and taken a couple dozen of each using it. I normally use it mounted to a bike type helmet until I spot the hog or coyote then put it on an AR behind a regular rifle scope. I also have an EoTech with NV settings but haven't used it that way as much.

taliv, when you say skullcrusher are you referrring to the plastic headband gizmo that comes with the 14? If so, I couldn't agree more, that thing gave me a headache every time after about 20 min. so I went the helmet route.

 

[Derek Zeanah]

agree completely that the 14s are better than the 7s, but there are newer binos that are even better. pretty impressive stuff available now, but man do you pay for it...

As someone who's owned and used both, I still prefer the 7's. The 14's give me a headache when I use them for too long.

Different strokes, I suppose. Could also be because I was issued 7's way back in the early 90's and they therefore feel "right" in a way no other will. I'm sticking with the headache excuse, though.

 

[skippy1729]

Anyone have any references for self-education on this topic? All I know is that the the higher generation numbers are better and more expensive than the lower numbers. I don't really want a recommendation I want to get information. Clarity, size, weight, ruggedness, reliability, battery life will determine "bang for the buck". Online references would be nice but I'll buy a book if there is a good one.

I live hundreds of miles from any store that might sell these and all you will get there is some kid hyping whatever he sells. I guess I am looking for "Night vision for Dummies"!

Skippy

 

[taliv]

sr642, yes, that strap that goes around your head that is mil issue

skippy, there are some sticky threads on snipershide in the optics, night vision sub forums that you could read. look for some of the posts there or at ar15.com by victor / TNVC. very solid info.

 

[Bill_Rights]

So here is the PVS-14-17 for about $3,800: https://gpssignal.com/NEPVS14B.HTM. That's from an outfit in Miami, FL USA called nordAtlantic USA.

What does the "-17" suffix signify?

Is this about what one has to spend for Gen III PVS-14 technology? Is there an older PVS-14 population out there, or maybe a used market? $4,000 before mount, case, compass, etc. is way up there...

Can I as Joe Civilian actually buy this? Or is it only for LE/MIL folks?

 

[taliv]

it's pretty pricy stuff, so i'd strongly recommend buying from a reputable dealer. apparently, it's pretty easy to get tubes and put them in the housing yourself and pass it off as whatever you want. most people couldn't tell the difference, and you'll only find out you've been had when it breaks and you try to use the warranty.

yes, you can buy any of the NV stuff you want. there are a couple items that are restricted (IR lasers over a certain mW, and some of the thermal imagers over a certain hz though i think that may have changed, and some combo thermal/NV devices)

 

[Bill_Rights]

Thanks, Taliv.

You mention thermal imaging. Is there anything in that category available to civilians? (whether combined with light-enhancement type or not)