Most expensive night vision goggles
Superb performance comes at a cost, as do high-performance night-vision goggles; have you ever wondered what the most expensive night-vision goggles were? This article intends to answer that question.
Not only have we reviewed the most expensive night vision goggles, but only included the ones that are as good as they claim to be and are worth their price.
The highest quality night vision goggles adhere to the military standards to give excellent performance, and do so mostly using physical components. These are the analog types that deliver a natural image but they happen to be the expensive ones.
Let’s look at the valuable alternatives
Most Expensive Night Vision Goggles
| Product | Image | Check Price |
| EOTech Ground Panoramic |  |
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| L3 AN/PVS-31A |  |
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| Eotech Night Vision Goggles |  |
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| Steele Industries L3 22UM |  |
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| Armasight BNVD Dual-channel |  |
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| US Night Vision BNVD-SG Gen 3 |  |
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| ATN PS31-3WHPT 1x18mm |  |
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| TRYBE Optics NVG-50 |  |
Now lets look at the reviews…
1. EOTech Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggles
From its looks, you can easily tell that these night vision goggles are different from the rest. This is the holy grail of all-night-vision goggles out there and a beast when it comes to performance. The price is in the forty thousand range, enough to buy a small house or a decent car.
However, spending that much money on a pair of goggles is not a waste; they are worth it. You get an almost flawless image of objects in the dark, and you also get a large 97-degree field of view, so you can track a lot of objects around you without even flinching.
They use a very advanced degree of Gen 3-night vision that has been specifically tailored for the US military. They are also strong and can withstand any form of punishment.
Features
- 97-degree field of view
- Waterproof 1meter up to 2 hours
- Weighs 27 Oz.
- 30 hours of battery life (4 x CR123A)
2. L3 AN/PVS-31A Night Vision Goggles
This was designed with input from special forces, and the idea was to come up with a very capable pair of night vision goggles with a low profile, extremely high resolution, and low center of gravity without the head-borne weight. The collaboration aced it and yielded this product which based on its quality is extremely valuable even though it’s expensive.
The L3 is a gen-3 high-performance pair of goggles that utilizes white phosphor in the tubes. The system is powered using 4 AA batteries supplemented by an external connector that can be used to power it from external power.
It’s easy to mount using a normal dovetail helmet mount and includes convenient features like a low-power LED blinker to alert the user when the battery is low. Moreover, it carries a rotating design that optimizes its 40-degree field of view for a good awareness of the surroundings
Features
- High-performance Gen 3 utilizing white phosphor
- A 40-degree field of view
- LED to alert when there are only 10 minutes of battery left
- Low profile with a low center of gravity
- Manual system gains and focus adjustments for image optimization
3. Eotech Night Vision Bino-nv-w Gen Iii White Phosphor
This is another high-quality but expensive night vision goggle that’s built for the military to full MIL-SPEC standards for optimal performance, durability, and reliability. The goggles are of the Gen III type and use white phosphor in the tubes to give a more natural and realistic image of the target
It uses a single AA battery supplemented by the ability to draw power from an external battery. The field of view is 47 degrees and one can spot targets up to 2376 yards away. Moreover, it incorporates a diopter that can be used to refine the image and further enhance the visibility in the dark.
Features
- A built-in Diopter for adjustments
- Compact, lightweight, and meets full MIL-SPEC standards
- Can be operated with an external battery pack (normally uses 1 X AA battery)
- 47-degree field of view
- Weighs 19.4 Oz
4. Steele Industries L3 22UM 1x Dual Tube Night Vision Goggle
Another expensive alternative features auto-gating technology and just like most of the others on the list uses the Gen III version of night vision. The auto-gating tech adjusts the opening of the lens in response to the change in ambient lighting preventing any harm to the goggles or eye of the shooter.
The goggles feature an inboard illuminator that improves the brightness of the images when it’s completely dark. In addition, the construction is robust and effort has been made to enable it to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. You also get a generous 25 hours of battery life with the CR123 battery
All these features give the goggles great capabilities and performance which explains its price.
Features
- 40-degree field of view
- Diopter adjustment and Automatic Gain Control
- Auto On/Off
- Retention points to prevent movements when mounted
5. Armasight BNVD Dual-channel, Night Vision Goggles
This is a high-quality goggle that might be expensive but meets all the requirements for a premium gadget that meets the military standards. it utilizes a single gain control knob that lets you adjust the brightness of both tubes simultaneously, according to the ambient light that’s present outside.
The goggle can also be used as a monocular because it allows the user to rotate one tube away from the eye, and turn it off. You also get a decent field of view of 51 degrees which is great for scouring targets and helps you fully monitor the situation around you. Moreover, it includes a built-in IR illuminator, to brighten the targets on a very dark night. The construction is done using a tough composite that gives it the ability to withstand any type of harshness.
Features
- Manual gain control knob
- Tactical Monocular Cutoff turns off one tube
- 51-degree field of view
- Integrated IR illuminator
- Available with an external battery pack with 3 AA batteries (uses 1 AA battery)
- Weighs 19Oz
6. US Night Vision BNVD-SG Gen 3 Auto-Gated Goggle
When you use these pair of goggles in the dark, you will undoubtedly get a tactical advantage. Because, like the majority of the others on the list, were created with special tactical operations in mind.
Everything has been optimized and includes features like an inbuilt IR illumination, a swappable image intensifier, and a unique close-focus technology that allows the user to maintain cover even when they are as close as 9 inches away from the target.
The night vision goggles allow the user to flip up one of the tubes, which is especially useful when using the goggles to aim through a scope. Other improvements include an additional power pack and a 3x magnifier to provide the user with improved magnification in the field.
Features
- Manually adjustable gain Knob
- Close focus technology to maintain cover
- 3X magnifier
- 40-degree field of view
- Uses a single AA battery either lithium or Alkaline
7. ATN PS31-3WHPT 1x18mm Night Vision Goggles
The ATN brand always stands out when it comes to night vision optics and so does this pair of night vision goggles. It is one of the most compact and lightweight alternatives and uses advanced Gen III intensifier tubes to give you maximum visibility when it’s dark. Moreover, its design guarantees a low center of gravity, a smaller head-borne weight, and a generous field of view for maximum situational awareness.
The tubes are automatic-gain capable and will adjust the brightness depending on the present ambient lighting. Additionally, one can fold one of the tubes and utilize this pair of goggles as a monocular. It uses a CR123 battery for up to a 60-hour life.
Overall, these goggles might be expensive but you are guaranteed optimal performance reliability and robustness.
Features
- Gen III tubes with white phosphor
- 50-degree field of view
- Automatic gain capability
- Lightweight and compact
- CR123 battery is good for 60 hours
- Weighs 1.27 lbs.
8. TRYBE Optics NVG-50 Night Vision Goggles
These goggles just miss qualifying for MIL-SPEC standards, but that’s an advantage because they’re the least expensive on the list by a hair. It is difficult for a typical civilian to understand why it does not meet these standards because it provides one of the best visibilities in the dark albeit with the use of green phosphor.
The dual-channel tubes that the goggles use give the user a natural image courtesy of the Gen III tech used. You also get a 50-degree field of view for optimum situation awareness.
In terms of reliability, this pair of goggles can run for up to 20 hours from a single alkaline or CR123 battery. It’s also one of the easiest to mount and is compatible with various mounts.
Features
- 50-degree field of view
- Gen 3 Green Phosphor tubes
- Uses CR123A batteries
- Redundant dual-tube design
- Built-in Infrared illuminator and flood lens
- Weighs 1.35lbs.
Considerations When Buying Expensive Night Vision Goggles
Because these goggles are expensive, there are a few traits to look for to be able to get the best value.
Generation
Most advanced and expensive night vision goggles come with the latest technology of night vision, the Gen III in its advanced format. This is the best for low-light performance and guarantees natural realistic images.
Field of view (FOV)
How wide can you see in a single instance through the goggles is a question you should always ask before purchasing a pair of expensive goggles. A wider is good for situation awareness and allows the user to track targets easily.
Weight
This is relative depending on the user but a lightweight goggle reduces the stress on the head if it is mounted on the helmet. This makes it more comfortable and improves your general experience outdoors.
Ruggedness
Does your pair of goggles look like it can take a beating? The intensifier tubes are considered to be delicate but a good pair of goggles should have ways to safeguard these tubes from damage. Make sure your pair of expensive goggles can withstand impact, shocks, vibrations and is waterproof
Battery
How long is the battery able to last? This is a consideration for a few people especially those who intend to use the goggles for extended periods. However, most expensive goggles accommodate external battery packs, which will provide an extremely durable power supply
Infrared Illumination (IR)
The IR acts like an invisible flashlight and adds to the ambient lighting to improve visibility when it’s very dark. This characteristic present is an added advantage
FAQs
Are Night Vision goggles legal for civilian use?
Because this is a frequently asked subject, it is appropriate to address it now that we are discussing military-grade night vision goggles.
Yes it’s legal to own night vision goggles. Night vision goggles are permitted in most states, however, there is rigorous restrictions limiting their use and distribution for export, particularly Gen III models. It is advisable to first review the legislation of your area to see what applies to you.
Conclusion
The different options of expensive night vision goggles we have reviewed will give you the best service which justifies their price. You can choose any of the features that suit your needs, then go ahead and have fun in the dark.
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