Ranking night vision manufacturers

geologist

geologist

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I am looking at buying a Gen 3 NVG monocular or possibly single tube goggles. The three most common retail manufacturers that I see are ATN, Armasight, Sightmark and Night Optics. Is there any brand which is better or worse than the others?

Any advice would be appreciated.
 
Question: Why NV over thermal? Especially considering that all NV has an expiry date (tube hours, correct?).

Cost? Is NV technology more established? What can NV do, that thermal can't?


Been looking at this myself. Thermal is too damn pricey to spend on just a toy (in my case), and nightvision seems like you just aren't getting your money's worth(ie. you can spend a lot, to not get much quality and longevity in return).
 
CoonT said:
Question: Why NV over thermal? Especially considering that all NV has an expiry date (tube hours, correct?).

Cost? Is NV technology more established? What can NV do, that thermal can't?


Been looking at this myself. Thermal is too damn pricey to spend on just a toy (in my case), and nightvision seems like you just aren't getting your money's worth(ie. you can spend a lot, to not get much quality and longevity in return).
Click to expand...

I already have a FLIR 2400 handheld thermal so I am looking for an image intensifier next.

I consider FLIR better for detection and NV for moving/action.

Something I can mount on either my MICH helmet, skull crusher or my "night stalker" poorman SKS.
 
CoonT said:
Question: Why NV over thermal? Especially considering that all NV has an expiry date (tube hours, correct?).

Cost? Is NV technology more established? What can NV do, that thermal can't?


Been looking at this myself. Thermal is too damn pricey to spend on just a toy (in my case), and nightvision seems like you just aren't getting your money's worth(ie. you can spend a lot, to not get much quality and longevity in return).
Click to expand...

Civilian use, thermal is WAY better but 15k+ Price tag pick out a coyote at 400 yards, rabbit at 100 yards+

Military use, thermal can be flared out and deceived. Don't think they even bother with a system under 50k+

Civilian Night Vision, 5k gets you 200-300yard visibility of decent quality.

Military night vision 25k+ a set, the pilots have 100k+ systems, Special ops get 35-80k+ stuff I believe the general issue for combat stuff is around 20k gen 3+ Biggest difference is passive systems, distance, field of view and clarity.
 
Thankfully Canada is friendly with lots of countries that don't have ITAR restrictions but carry Gen II (xr4,xr5 etc) and Gen III night vision systems that will gladly take your money.

https:// www.actinblack.com, TNVC and Adams industries carries there product so they should be good to go if you have the coin.
 
CoonT & geologist,

Check your inbox.

Cheers,



CoonT said:
Question: Why NV over thermal? Especially considering that all NV has an expiry date (tube hours, correct?).

Cost? Is NV technology more established? What can NV do, that thermal can't?


Been looking at this myself. Thermal is too damn pricey to spend on just a toy (in my case), and nightvision seems like you just aren't getting your money's worth(ie. you can spend a lot, to not get much quality and longevity in return).
Click to expand...
 
geologist said:
$6000 can.
Click to expand...

At that price range I would likely say either get a new/used GSCI PVS-14c, or wait for a used milspec PVS-14. I am very happy with both my GSCI, as well as my L3 PVS, however I would likely lean more towards the milspec PVS, as parts and mounts don't always fit the gsci, I've needed to buy their brand name stuff.

I will try to get out and do/post a comparison between them in the next few days. Both my monoculars are reasonably high spec (GSCI FOM ~1715; OMNI VII tube in the L3.), and both were bought 'used' well under your price cap.

Depending how I'm feeling, my GSCI may be for sale in the new year ;)
 
Also, stay away from ATN for your greater than gen 1 needs... Ain't no one got time for that.

Case in point, my gen 2 ATN riflescope more or less disintegrated. Not very well made.
 
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