Suggestions on A Night Vision Monocular?

[foot45]

Hello,

I've been looking for a night vision monocular that can operate without any ambient light present and is in the price range of $200.00. Has anyone had any experience with NV monoculars and can recommend a quality brand?

From what I've seen online the ATN AMT Night Star 1st Gen Night Vision Monocular NVMNNSTR10 seems the best for the money. I really know very little about such gadgets but the ability to power up an infra-red illumination seems like something I'd want in a no-light situation.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!



^ here's what the night star looks like, and it cost around $190.00 online


Also found two more in my price range, anyone had any experience with either of these:



^ATN Night Storm-1 Stealth Black Gen 1+, 3.5x Night Vision Monocular


^ Yukon Advanced Optics 3x42 Night Vision Waterproof Monocular


Will likely be used while camping, so lack of ambient light is something I need to consider

 

[Gunman21]

That looks like a solid buy for the money. Infra-red seems to be a plus when no ambient light is available.

I would like to know how this could be used with an EOtech Holographic sight??? What makes other Night Vision devices so expensive? Some monoculars and goggles are priced $3000 to $5000 without thermal capabilities. What are you paying for?

 

[foot45]

Hi Gunman,

I suppose I will have to defer to an expert on its use with a holographic sight, but I did read that the Yukon Advanced Optics can fit on a 1/4" rifle mount. So maybe you can use that particular NV with your EO Tech.

 

[Avenger29]

I would like to know how this could be used with an EOtech Holographic sight??? What makes other Night Vision devices so expensive? Some monoculars and goggles are priced $3000 to $5000 without thermal capabilities. What are you paying for?

Quality. Clarity. Durability. Reliability.

These are your basic gen. 1 stuff. Not very impressive, plan on using an IR source with them (there are filters out there for various flashlights). They also have durability/longevity issues.

If you wish to use NV with a weapon, then you need a sight that will go dim enough for NV, or it will burn an image in your tube.

I've basically been told not to bother with NV unless I was shelling out the big bucks (Gen 2+ and better). And from what I've researched...well, you get the picture. There's a reason I have no NV gear of my own.

 

[highorder]

I've used the $200 stuff, and I'v had the opportunity to use the AN/PVS-14.

The cheap stuff is pointless.

The good stuff doesn't need IR illumination, but an IR laser makes targeting/designation a breeze.

The AN/PVS-14 is a good piece of kit. They are not cheap.

 

[jmorris]

I've been looking for a night vision monocular that can operate without any ambient light present and is in the price range of $200.00.

If by operate you mean drain batteries and watch cigarettes glow in the dark, they are out there. If you want one that won’t be a waist of money you’ll have to save up a little longer. A spot light with a red lens in the hands of someone that knows what they are doing is better and cheaper than any gen I, II and some III’s.

 

[Winston_Smith]

A spot light with a red lens in the hands of someone that knows what they are doing is better and cheaper than any gen I, II and some III’s.

Can you explain this technique a little more?

 

[foot45]

Thanks for the advice everyone,

So Gen. 1 NV is essentially just a gimmick? Would it provide any reliable illumination, or is it basically just a toy?

I doubt I'd be using the monocular during an emergency, it would basically be for observing wildlife at nighttime at a distance of less than 30 yards. Could a ~$200.00 monocular be used for this purpose, or am I out of my mind?




I am currently looking at buying this:
Yukon Advanced Optics 4x50 Night Vision Monocular

And the reviews seem positive enough. But if the NV is essentially just a toy and can serve no practical application, I suppose I will have to rethink the entire purchase.

 

[highorder]

It's hard to say anything good about spending $200 when I've used both.

Save your money, the Gen-1 stuff is worthless.

 

[skoro]

So Gen. 1 NV is essentially just a gimmick? Would it provide any reliable illumination, or is it basically just a toy?

It's extremely limited. Gen 1 will give you a fuzzy, narrow view a little less useful than what you'd see with a small, cheap flashlight with weak batteries. It's only advantage is that its IR illuminator isn't visible w/o another night vision scope. But I don't know anyone who's used one who wasn't disappointed.

Save up for a Gen 2 scope. They actually let you see in the dark and are a BIG improvement over Gen 1. A Gen 2 will allow you to see fairly well w/o use of the IR illuminator in most situations. If it's really dark, like a rainy night in the woods, then the IR may be necessary and it will REALLY light the place up. They cost in the $1000 range, though.

 

[strambo]

I've basically been told not to bother with NV unless I was shelling out the big bucks (Gen 2+ and better). And from what I've researched...well, you get the picture. There's a reason I have no NV gear of my own.

Same here, a $200-$400 unit, still has you out $2-400 bucks, with not much to show for it.

Unfortunately the military spoiled me, so only Gen III would suit me and I can't afford it (yet). There are some good deals on Gen II + on occasion, that perform almost as good as Gen III, but we're still talking near 2K.

A Litton PVS-14, same quality as the military units, best price I've seen is around $3,300.

Don't be too discouraged...you started out your post talking about "lack of ambient light" all units need some light to amplify, only Gen III allows you to see with very little ambient light.