Budget Night vision. $500 - $800?

StrelokM38

StrelokM38

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
11   0   0
Hey there.

Looking to get a nightvision device as a gift this Christmas. Just not really sure where to start on them so any help would be much appreciated.

Price range I'm looking at is around $500 to $800, and its mostly just for use around the yard. Any suggestions?
 
At that price range, don’t expect any thing comparable to LEO/M stuff but that shouldn’t be a problem for casual use. I’d recommend checking out sionyx. They make good budget night vision. It’s digital so you can also record videos with it. Depending on where you live and how fake it gets, you may need an IR light to go with it.

If you’re looking for analogue, you’d have to buy used and would likely get older gen stuff which is comparable to sionyx anyways. Just my oppinion. Definately recommend doing your own research. Be warned: it’s a deep and dark rabbit hole/money pit hahaha
 
Theres really not much choice.

Entry level DNVG from SiOnyx would be around your upper limit for budget.

You could try your hand at surplus soviet stuff if you don't fear rewiring circuits since old soviet 12v batteries aren't exactly something you can just buy.
PNW-57E (The E [gen2] is important there are alot of A [gen0] models which arent good.) Go for ~$600 when you can find them but its not something you that would realistically be here in time for Christmas if it were a gift. Unless you manage to get lucky and find one here.
And being Gen2 you want an IR illuminator to go with them the ultrafire amazon el-cheapo lamps work fine but I wouldn't rifle mount them or anything.

There are a few cheaper options you can do.
People have wired up their own DNVG using IR security camera lenses and off the shelf components. ~$200
And theres the Newcon optik stargate(150P) which is a very strange handheld crank operated gen 1 spotting scope. ~$250. Since its gen1 it really needs an IR flood and can't reasonably be head mounted but its a pretty nifty device.
 
Last edited:
Yeah, not really after anything crazy, just usable for yard-distances for the most part. Guessing it'll be used for keeping an eye on the nocturnal side of wildlife. Rifle mounting isn't really necessary but it could be a fun perk to have as far as the gift goes. I'll take a look at Sionyx' stuff in the meantime, thanks for the recommendation! Won't be placing the order for a little bit yet, so keep the suggestions coming.

Thanks!

Edit: Was just told it needs to be able to get some clarity across a field and such.
 
Last edited:
The ATI stuff is around that price range. Its good for what it is, but very heavy. Also try a leupold LTO, you can find them around $800 for the older models. These arent true nightvision, but they do work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom