Cheapest gen 3-night vision
The Gen 3-night vision gives you extremely good performance, and you will enjoy high-resolution images as well as a long 10,000+ hours of useful life. This however comes at a price, because Gen 3-night visions aren’t cheap.
The Gen 3-night vision devices are significantly more expensive than their Gen 2 and Gen 2+ counterparts. This article however seeks to draw attention to the cheapest alternatives available.
5 Cheapest Gen 3 Night Vision
- ATN PVS14-3 1x27mm Night Vision Monoculars
- Sightmark AN/PVS-14 1×24 ITT A Grade Night Vision Device
- AGM Global Vision Wolverine Pro-6 6x Night Vision Rifle Scope
- TRYBE Optics GEN 3 PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular
- Armasight CO-MINI Bravo Gen 3 IIT Clip-On Night Vision Scope
The detailed reviews….
1. ATN PVS14-3 1x27mm Night Vision Monoculars
This is a gen 3-night vision monocular designed for the US military. It gives out good performance inherent to the Gen 3-night vision albeit enhanced with the use of an auto-gated thin film. It also utilizes high-quality optics and variable gain control to achieve the highest image resolution, depending on the lighting surrounding an object.
The best characteristic of this device is its lightweight, which makes it portable and easy to use. in addition, the single AA battery it uses will give a lengthy 50 hours of use. Another appealing feature is the built-in IR illuminator that helps with visibility in extremely low-light conditions. Overall, this is an excellent Gen 3 gadget if image quality is your concern. The US military uses it as standard equipment, therefore you can expect the best reliability and performance.
Features
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 27 mm
- Length: 4.5 x 2 x 2.14 in
- 40 degrees Field of View
- Eye Relief: 25 mm
- Proshield Optical Coating
- 50 hours of battery Life
- Waterproof
- System/Lens Resolution: 64 – 75 lp/mm
- Auto-Gated/Thin-Filmed
- Battery Type: AA
- Weight: 0.78 lbs.
2. Sightmark AN/PVS-14 1×24 ITT A Grade Night Vision Device
The Sightmark PVS-14 night gives you the best versatility of any 3rd Gen night vision device. You also get dependability and performance in the same package because it was inspired by the military. It can be operated either hand-held or mounted on the user’s head using the headgear that is included or a helmet mount. With the appropriate accessories, the Sightmark can also be used with a weapon, and it’s easy to attach.
Overall, this gen 3 Night vision device gives better images than most other night vision devices. It becomes more alluring when you take into account that it is lightweight, and its robust nature enables it to withstand a lot of harsh conditions. The durability is further underlined by a 3-year warranty on the tube and a lifetime warranty on the housing.
Features
- Magnification: 1x
- Eye Relief: 25mm
- Lens System: 26mmF/1.2
- Lens Aperture: 25mm
- Diopter Setting (D): +2, -6
- Waterproof
- Low Battery Indicator
- Automatic Brightness Control
- Integrated IR Illuminator
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
- Operating Temperature: -50°C to +55°C
- Dimensions: 4.5in x 2.3in x 2in
- Battery Type: 1 (One) AA 1.5V
- Weight: 12.5oz
3. AGM Global Vision Wolverine Pro-6 6x Night Vision Rifle Scope
This rifle scope is the most rugged night vision alternative available on the market. It features a scratch-resistant surface and is waterproof making it easy to use under harsh conditions. This scope performs admirably in a range of applications like hunting and scouting for targets. It does well even with weapons of higher recoil due to the generous eye relief. An in-built IR illuminator also helps you to view targets in extremely low lights.
This scope guarantees your accuracy over 300+ yards. This is aided by the adjustable reticle and easy-to-use functionality. Moreover, 2 AA batteries give you a decent life of 40 hours and you get a limited 3 -year warranty. In terms of night vision rifle scopes, this is a great deal, and it’s very affordable given how reliable and durable it is.
Features
- Magnification: 6 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 100 mm
- Image Intensifier Color: White Phosphor
- System/Lens Resolution: 64 – 72 lp/mm
- Eye Relief: 45 mm
- 7 degrees Field of View
- Easy to operate
- Adjustable projected reticle
- 2 AA batteries
- Dimensions: 285 × 108 × 91 mm
- Weighs 3.25 lbs.
4. TRYBE Optics GEN 3 PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular
Trybe specializes in manufacturing quality optics that shooters use with great satisfaction. If you desire a simple-to-use night vision monocular, that still offers you good performance then consider the trybe PVS 14. This is one of the best night4 vision monoculars considering it uses a filmless image tube and employs an auto-gated power supply. It provides exceptional accuracy in a variety of applications, including hunting, scouting, and tactical use, thanks to its wide 40-degree field of view.
In addition to being reasonably priced, this monocular is also adaptable and may be worn on the head or used handed. Its battery gives you more than 50 hours of life, and the white phosphor imaging makes it possible for you to use it for extended periods of time. Overall, this is a great choice and one of the cheapest Gen 3-night vision.
Features
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 25 mm
- 40 degrees Field of view
- 64-81 lp/mm
- Waterproof up to 66′ (20m)
- Thin Filmed (XLSH)
- White phosphor intensifier
- Compliant with MIL-STD-810
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.75 x 2.5 in
- Battery Type: AA
5. Armasight CO-MINI Bravo Gen 3 IIT Clip-On Night Vision Scope
This is a clip-on device that turns your normal scope into a night vision scope. You get great capabilities from its gen 3-night vision that also comes at a cheap price. This clip-on night vision is easy to mount and can be used with either an AA battery or a CR123A Lithium battery that will give a life of more than 40 hours.
Although relatively affordable compared to the other gen 3 products on the market this is still a pricey device. But the cost has been offset by the number of features included in it. some of the most attractive features are a quick-release mount, a lightweight design, and a variable gain control that lets the user adjust the brightness depending on the surrounding.
Features
- Magnification: 1 x
- 20 degrees Field of View
- Exit Pupil: 27 mm
- Variable gain control
- Bright light cut-off system
- Battery Type: AA Alkaline, CR123A
- 20 mm Eye Relief:
- Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny
- System/Lens Resolution: 64 – 72 lp/mm
- Image Intensifier Color: White Phosphor
- Bravo, Minimum 1400 FOM Image Intensifier Tube:
- Weight: 1.6 lbs.
6. Armasight Nyx-14 PRO 3 Night Vision Monocular
A superb choice if you need a monocular with the latest Gen 3 technology for outdoor use. This monocular is made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and exceptional performance. Another fantastic feature is the built-in class 1 laser IR illumination, which brightens the image even more for sharper results.
This is one of the most affordable analog-gen 3 monoculars, though not as inexpensive as any of the digital variants. You might look into it if you want dependability, simplicity, and high image quality, which are important in any activity like hunting or tactical operations.
Features
- Gen 3 Night vision
- 40-degrees Field of view
Generations of Night vision
Night vision comes in 4 generations each with a different capability
Gen 1– It is the earliest type of night vision technology, has the shortest lifespan (about 1,500 hours), and produces images of the lowest quality. Additionally, you receive a viewing range of about 70 to 100 yards.
Gen 2– This night vision is more advanced than Gen 1. The image is better than that of a Gen 1 and you can see up to around 200 yards. You also receive a longer lifespan of around 5,000 hours
Gen 3– It’s better than Gen 2 and significantly more advanced than the rest. This night vision gives a viewing range of 300+ hours, very high-quality images, and a long lifespan of 10,000+ hours
Gen 4– This is an upgraded form of Gen 3-night vision. Contrary to Gen 3, it employs a filmless MCP and gives out better images. It however fails in reliability compared to the Gen 3, therefore, isn’t widely used.
See also: Generations of night vision explained
Uses of Gen 3 Night Vision
- Security Surveillance
- Search and rescue operations
- Hunting
- General patrols at night
Gen 3 Night Vision- Buying Guide
These are the characteristics to look for in a gen 3-night vision device.
RESOLUTION
Because night vision with intensifier tubes is analog, they measure image quality using line pair per millimeter Lp/mm. The more the lp/mm the better the image. gen 3-night vision generally has a resolution ranging from 62-78 lp/mm. It’s however good to realize that the quality of the image depends on more than just the resolution. it also depends on the image tube technology
IMAGE TUBE TECHNOLOGY
Various upgrades have been made to the Gen 3 tubes to make them deliver even better image quality. Some of the most common are;
- Auto-gated power supply– This automated method of regulating light intensity inside the tube. The tube dims as a result of switching on and off countless times each second.
- Thin filmed– A thin film is attached to the Multichannel plate (MCP) to prevent blooming.
- Filmless– These devices do not have a film on the MCP and this improves light transmission under low-light scenarios. It’s a known secret however that these tubes don’t hold up as long as filmed ones.
IMAGE INTENSIFIER COLOR
The image intensifier has a phosphor screen with different colors. The most common is the green color but we also have night vision that uses a white phosphor screen. None of these offers a noticeable advantage, white phosphor however offers prolonged eye comfort. And can be comfortably used for more than 8 hours.
BATTERY
A good battery is important to the longevity of the night vision device out in the field. A battery should give you a life of at least 4 hours. A rechargeable battery should also be preferred to the one that you have to replace. This is because replacing a battery becomes expensive in the long run.
MAGNIFICATION
A night vision device’s magnification, indicated by the letter “x,” allows the user to see the target closely. Variable magnification is more helpful because it allows you more options to decide what is preferred, based on how close you are to your target. The minimum and maximum levels of magnification are expressed by two numbers, such as 3-8x.
Gen 3-Night Vision-FAQs
what is better between night vision and thermal?
Night vision works by amplifying the ambient lighting while thermal imaging relies on thermal energy released from target objects. in the absence of light, night vision will not function unless you are using an IR illuminator. The thermal imaging will still function.
What generation of night vision does the US military use?
The US military currently uses the Gen 3. Although the government has communicated plans are to issue advanced versions of the Gen 3. In keeping up with the various advancements made in gen 3.
What is the best way to protect night vision devices?
The most important method is to keep the device away from bright light. Most devices incorporate protective mechanisms, but nevertheless avoid bright light because night vision devices are designed to work under low-light conditions. The other thing is to avoid impact because it may result in the breakage of the lens.
CONCLUSION
This article gives the most in-depth analysis of the cheapest Gen 3 night vision, that will give you the best value for your money. The buying guide provided will also help you make an informed decision if you prefer an alternative that is not included on this list. In general, the Gen 3 outperforms every other night vision product on the market. It’s also what is used by the military due to its dependability.
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