Night vision goggles
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Oregon
Night vision goggles
I'm looking at picking up a set of night vision goggles and wondered if anyone here had any input. I'm looking at some in the $400 and under range (gen 1+). The brands in the running are ATN, Rigel, and US Nightvision. So far the Rigels look the best. Opinions and experience welcome.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Shreveport, LA
Well, I cant give you suggestions on what is going to be more reliable than the others, but things you may want to think of:
Gen 1, which is likely all youre able to get in GOGGLES (different models may be cheaper) will be uncomfortable in all but the darkest situations.
Do you need a self illuminated unit? Quite a few units offer onboard infrared lights that are either momentary on, switchable on, or both.
Do you need, or want magnification? If youre going to be using them for a combo of upclose and then far away work, the 3x mag can get quite awkward.
How long do you plan on wearing them? If you have long times ahead of you, the more attachment points to your head, the better. The chin strap makes you feel like a goob, but are WELL worth it.
If youre planning on using them for hunting, a monocular goggle set will be very good for you.
I think that's about it..all I can think of. The biggest question is what will you be doing with them??
Gen 1, which is likely all youre able to get in GOGGLES (different models may be cheaper) will be uncomfortable in all but the darkest situations.
Do you need a self illuminated unit? Quite a few units offer onboard infrared lights that are either momentary on, switchable on, or both.
Do you need, or want magnification? If youre going to be using them for a combo of upclose and then far away work, the 3x mag can get quite awkward.
How long do you plan on wearing them? If you have long times ahead of you, the more attachment points to your head, the better. The chin strap makes you feel like a goob, but are WELL worth it.
If youre planning on using them for hunting, a monocular goggle set will be very good for you.
I think that's about it..all I can think of. The biggest question is what will you be doing with them??
Still kicking!!
Joined: May 2003
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From: Kalispell, Mt.
Gen 1 night vision is easy to fry with a sudden bright light. And it doesn't take much to be considered bright. Gen2 and 3 goggles have better protection against burn outs. Keep in mind that you are looking through a machine into what is basically a little TV set for each eye. Your depth perception is not there..at least with Gen1 models. I'm not real familiar with the later model ones, but I used 1st Gen in Vietnam, and a friend also has a Gen1 set that doesn't do much to impress me. Yeah, you can see, but not a long way off nor as clearly as you'd like. Perhaps the later models would be the best route to go, depending on your need for one.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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definately not like in the movies, find a dealer that will let you test them out. They all work OK, even the monoculars, if you're in a dark closet or something. It's completely differant if you're trying to function stealthy in the woods.
They also don't make you invisible. Most have a red light that shoots out the front, and it just amplifies that light, unless you have bright stars out or something.
They also don't make you invisible. Most have a red light that shoots out the front, and it just amplifies that light, unless you have bright stars out or something.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Colorado
I bought a Busnell, gen1, 2.5X illuminated monocular a few months ago. My suggestion, if you are serious, buy gen2 or 3 only. It's fun, but has very limited range, and the visual resolution leaves a lot to be desired. Mine also has a directional microphone but I have found no use for that feature yet.
As for the 'red' light comment earlier, infrared is invisible to the human eye.
As for the 'red' light comment earlier, infrared is invisible to the human eye.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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Owned a pair of Russian made Gen 1+ googles for a while.
Not much use for thier price in my opinion.
They were useless in heavy woods at night unless you used the built in illuminator.
The IR illuminator was actually slightly visible when on- it looked like a "cherry" from a lite cigarette when viewed in the dark.
Under most circumstances without the illuminator- you could see almost as well without the googles as with them.
BTW- the Russians are known for hight quality opticals.
Not much use for thier price in my opinion.
They were useless in heavy woods at night unless you used the built in illuminator.
The IR illuminator was actually slightly visible when on- it looked like a "cherry" from a lite cigarette when viewed in the dark.
Under most circumstances without the illuminator- you could see almost as well without the googles as with them.
BTW- the Russians are known for hight quality opticals.
Posting Guru
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From: Colorado
Originally Posted by rikfish
As for the 'red' light comment earlier, infrared is invisible to the human eye.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Chatsworth, CA
my aunt works for the border patrol and she had these awesome Gen 1 night vision goggles. I'll ask her what kind but I'm sure they are way more than $400 bucks. What the hell do you need night vision goggles for anyways Pro? 
nevermind you don't have to answer that question! 
nevermind you don't have to answer that question!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Oregon
Actually, they are for a friend. She wants to get them for her husband for when he's out in the middle of night trying to nail the varmits going after the chickens. Plus, she thinks he'll just have fun with them. I realize the gen 1+ are severely limited but its all her price range will support. All of the models that I have in the running have IR support, flash protection, and decent headgear. They are comparable for fov and range. Mainly I'm hoping somebody can comment on the brands I'm choosing between. As mentioned, the Rigels look the best so far and I believe they are russian, which coincides with the previous comment about the russian nv being pretty good.
I'll get a set for myself eventually but I'll go all out and spring for the gen 3.
I'll get a set for myself eventually but I'll go all out and spring for the gen 3.
Posting Guru
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From: Chatsworth, CA
Originally Posted by 95-F-350-4x4
my aunt works for the border patrol and she had these awesome Gen 1 night vision goggles. I'll ask her what kind but I'm sure they are way more than $400 bucks. What the hell do you need night vision goggles for anyways Pro? nevermind you don't have to answer that question!
nevermind you don't have to answer that question!
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Chatsworth, CA
Originally Posted by proeliator
Actually, they are for a friend. She wants to get them for her husband for when he's out in the middle of night trying to nail the varmits going after the chickens. Plus, she thinks he'll just have fun with them. I realize the gen 1+ are severely limited but its all her price range will support. All of the models that I have in the running have IR support, flash protection, and decent headgear. They are comparable for fov and range. Mainly I'm hoping somebody can comment on the brands I'm choosing between. As mentioned, the Rigels look the best so far and I believe they are russian, which coincides with the previous comment about the russian nv being pretty good.
I'll get a set for myself eventually but I'll go all out and spring for the gen 3.
I'll get a set for myself eventually but I'll go all out and spring for the gen 3.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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Hey- something important now that I know what the intended use is.
Googles are not the best for using guns sights since you either focus on the target or the sights- but not both at the same time.
For night time shooting, I would get a night vision scope made for guns.
Now if your making a suit out of women skins- thats a whole different ballgame
Googles are not the best for using guns sights since you either focus on the target or the sights- but not both at the same time.
For night time shooting, I would get a night vision scope made for guns.
Now if your making a suit out of women skins- thats a whole different ballgame
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Post Fiend
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From: Oregon
Well, considering that he uses a semi-auto riot shotgun I don't think he aims much. One of the reasons goggles make more sense then a sight. I hadn't thought that they could get stuff like that at the BX. I'll have to ask around. I had a friend on active duty but he died over there a couple of months ago in a firefight. Rip Bob. Still, I'm sure I know somebody who knows somebody...
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Chatsworth, CA
Originally Posted by proeliator
Well, considering that he uses a semi-auto riot shotgun I don't think he aims much. One of the reasons goggles make more sense then a sight. I hadn't thought that they could get stuff like that at the BX. I'll have to ask around. I had a friend on active duty but he died over there a couple of months ago in a firefight. Rip Bob. Still, I'm sure I know somebody who knows somebody...
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