Night Vision Binoculars
When it comes to ease of use, night vision binoculars take the cake.
Simply power them up and raise them to your eyes. They're fast and easy
to use for long range surveillance. And true to the saying that the best
binoculars are the ones you have with you, the ever-present neck strap
guarantees that they'll be front and center whenever you need them.
We've sorted this section into three categories - Gen1+, Gen2+ and
Gen3. These refer to the type - or generation if you will - of image
intensification tube that they contain, the part that turns invisible
infrared light into something you can see. With each higher generation
you'll not only see an uptick in price, but a significant increase in
the binoculars' ability to cut through the darkness.
Night vision goggles vs night vision binoculars
The difference between night vision goggles and night vision binoculars is often not easy to separate. These devices have often the same housing but still, one is called binoculars and one goggles. The only difference is the magnification – night vision goggles have true 1x magnification, which is very important, and night vision binoculars offer a magnified picture.
Why is it very important that NV goggles have true 1x magnification?
Primally they were designed for helicopter pilots and soldiers on foot. Because of that, the image has to be as normal, with no magnification, so the user had a picture like during the day. With a magnified picture the users would not have the true sense of distance, so it would be impossible to fly a helicopter, drive a car, or walk.
Night vision goggles enable the user to move freely and offer a wide field of view during the night. With night vision goggles that are mounted on the head of the user, the user can also aim with a weapon – many red dot sights on the market even feature a night vision friendly illumination.
Some NV goggles feature also an interchangeable objective lens, which gives us different magnifications. Thanks to that, the goggles can be also used as binoculars to observe objects on bigger distances.
Night vision binoculars, on the other hand, offer a magnified picture, so the detection range and recognition range can be drastically improved. The details the user can see during the night is much bigger, even on extended ranges. Night vision binoculars are available in many different magnifications, but the biggest downside of binoculars is, that the user cannot walk freely when observing. Also the field of view is much smaller, but this mostly depends on the given magnification – the bigger the magnification, the smaller the field of view.
| Chip discusses mounts, shrouds, J-Arms, and how they interface. | Dual or single tube for night vision and why? | Video comparison between high spec L3 Filmless White Phosphor, Photonis Echo Plus White Phosphor, and Elbit Thin Filmed Green Phosphor. | ||
The PVS-31, also known as the AN/AVS-31, is an advanced binocular night vision goggle (NVG) system primarily designed for use by military and special operations forces. Here are some of its intended purposes and features:
Night Operations: The PVS-31 is specifically designed for conducting night operations in low-light or no-light conditions. It provides enhanced visibility and situational awareness to military personnel, enabling them to navigate, maneuver, and engage targets effectively during nighttime missions.
Binocular Vision: Unlike monocular night vision devices like the PVS-14, the PVS-31 offers binocular vision, which provides depth perception and improved spatial awareness. This feature is crucial for tasks such as movement through complex terrain, target acquisition, and identification of obstacles or hazards.
Modular Design: The PVS-31 features a modular design that allows for the attachment of additional accessories and upgrades, such as weapon mounts, helmet mounts, infrared illuminators, and image intensifier tubes with different performance characteristics. This modularity enhances the versatility and adaptability of the system to meet various mission requirements.
Helmet-Mounted: The PVS-31 is typically mounted on a helmet using a specially designed mounting system. This configuration allows the operator to have hands-free operation while maintaining full situational awareness and mobility.
High-Performance Optics: The PVS-31 utilizes advanced image intensifier tube technology and high-quality optics to provide clear and detailed images in low-light conditions. It offers improved resolution, sensitivity, and contrast compared to older night vision systems, enabling users to detect and identify targets at extended ranges.
Waterproof and Durable: The PVS-31 is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and rough handling encountered in military operations. It is waterproof, shock-resistant, and built to meet rigorous military standards for reliability and durability in the field.
Integrated Features: The PVS-31 may include integrated features such as adjustable gain control, automatic brightness control, infrared cutoff filters, and built-in IR illuminators to enhance performance and usability in diverse operational environments.
Overall, the PVS-31 is a state-of-the-art night vision goggle system that provides military operators with a significant advantage in nighttime operations, surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition missions. Its advanced features, rugged construction, and binocular vision capability make it a critical tool for enhancing operational effectiveness and mission success in challenging environments.
