Night Vision Optics - Advice please!

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Has anyone bought, in the last year or so, night vision optics? If so, please let me know how(or if) you are pleased with your selection - where you bought - approx price,etc etc.Thanks!!!

-- jeanne (jeanne@hurry.now), November 23, 1999

Answers

Forgot to mention that I did find two threads in the archives on this subject - but was hoping to have a more recent up-date from someone that bought such optics in the past few months. Goggles, monocular,etc...What would be most useful? Would a rifle scope be useable off the rifle?

-- jeanne (jeanne@hurry.now), November 23, 1999.

I purchased a set of night vision goggles from:

BORIS

these are actually a pair of "monoculars" that have been turned into "binoculars", each eyepiece focuses separately, but its not really a big deal.

Go to the web page and read about different models and stuff.
These are Generation 1 Night Vision (which some people think is crap).
I have found them quite suitable for working in total darkness.
there is a intregal UV led that glows dull in the center, this thing really lights up the area around you like a floodlight!
I have not tried using a gun with them, but that's not really what they are designed for. If you plan to use a rifle, you should get a Night Vision Scope and mount it on the rifle.

I purchased them after a couple of photo people had reported good results using them and actually working and handling papers and tools and focusing up to 9 inches.

The goggles I bought were $659.

Note the following on the initial web page:

"7 20 days "no-charge" trial for items priced above $200."

I'm way past the 20 days and do not plan to send them back.
However, whatever Night Vision you choose,be sure to read the directions and leave the lens cap on unless absolutely necessary
My goggles have 2 caps with pinholes in them, so I can wear them in normally lit situations or dim situations and the lighting "appears" normal.
Once you remove the lens caps and turn the unit on, the light is amplified about 30,000 times. If you accidently do this and the goggles catch daylight or a flashlight beam or a table lamp that is on, you can burn out the tubes VERY fast.

-- plonk! (realaddress@hotmail.com), November 23, 1999.


The last time I was in Sam's, I saw night vision optics (binoculars?) I think the price was $169. I don't remember the brand or anything specific. There was only about a dozen left. This is the first time I had ever seen any there.

-- Carol (glear@usa.net), November 23, 1999.

I'm confused. Are these "night vision" products battery operated? Or collect a lot of ambient light???

would appreciate reference to archives, useful site, etc.

Thanks

-- Mr. Bob (thebobster@delphi.com), November 24, 1999.


After surveying various sources, off and on the Internet, decided to try the "Elf" scopes advertised by Heartland mailorder. Works quite well, considering it's a '1st generation' version. Weighs only 10 ounces -- a big plus because my application involves securing it to my defense weapons, and the light weight does not throw off the weapon balance.

Uses two AAA cells. Has a built-in IR illuminator (which I would NOT use --- gives away your position to the predator if the latter is equipped with a NVS too.) The device is Russian. Not bad optics (good central focus, distorted peripheral focus -- but the central is all I need to spot my target.)

Price is VERY right: $169 less $20 mail-in rebate = $149!

Satisfied, I bought two more, total of three (one for each in the household who'll be manning the weapons if things get bad.) The 3d one turned out to be defective -- progressive loss of image. Exchanged it, no sweat, now all three work fine.

800-229-2901, item #PC-7733. Good people.

P.S. Tried out an $89 scope from HarborFreight --- very heavy piece a junk. B.

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), November 24, 1999.



Mr Bob- go back and read my post just above and and click on the link to BORIS (or just click on the one I just made if it worked.)

Most of your questions will answered. Lots of specific specs on Scopes, Goggles, etc.

But to answer your immediate questions-
1) They usually run on 2 AA or 2 AAA batteries.
2) The ones I have AMPLFY the ambient light by 30,000 times.
3) The Infrared illuminator can be switched on or off independent of the operation of the Night Vision instrument

-- plonk! (realaddress@hotmail.com), November 24, 1999.


I am told that a white flare (fired at night ) will disable NVD. Good thing to know.

-- Vlad (Strelok60@yahoo.com), November 27, 1999.

If the predator fires a flare quickly put the lens cap with the pinhole-in-the-center back on your NVS. Then with the almost 'daylight' conditions that the flare will produce, pick out the predator and do some target practice.

Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), November 28, 1999.


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