Night vision goggles for military
The military, for the most part, relies on night vision gadgets to navigate through potentially risky darkness. It is obvious that night vision gadgets, particularly goggles, have transformed military operations by enabling great visibility even on the most ominous nights.
The market is also saturated with different varieties of goggles each promising to revolutionize how you see in the dark while still providing value for money. Sometimes this is not the case and you end up spending thousands of dollars on something you’ll never enjoy using.
To avoid becoming overwhelmed by the variety on the market, this article is here to assist you. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 best night vision goggles for the military available on the market, as well as a shopping guide to help you make an informed purchase.
Military Grade Night Vision Goggles-Top Picks
| Product | Image | How To Buy |
| L3 AN/PVS-31A Binocular Night Vision Goggles |  |
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| ATN PS31-3W NVGOPS313W Night Vision Goggle System |  |
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| ATN PVS7-3 NVGOPVS730 Night Vision Goggles |  |
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| Armasight PVS-31 Pinnacle Elite Gen 3 IIT |  |
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| AGM Global Vision Wolf-7 Night Vision Goggles |  |
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| EOTech GPG-000-A32 Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle |  |
The detailed review….
1. L3 AN/PVS-31A Binocular Night Vision Device BNG-001-A48
Most recently a faction of the US Army has ordered the L3 PVS-31A night vision goggles which have proven to be extremely capable in terms of performance. This is because this night vision goggle incorporates some of the best technology to deliver unparalleled optical performance at the same time remaining lightweight (at 450g) for everyday use.
These 3rd Gen night vision goggles, come with a manual system gain and focus adjustment that gives one of the best image quality optimizations. Additionally, it can be had with an optional diopter lens that optimizes the operator’s preference for visual acuity.
Moreover, it’s versatile and will work with a variety of helmet mounts maintaining a low profile, against the helmet when in a stowed position. At the same time allowing the use to use it as a single monocular.
These units come with a full warranty and ample customer support to meet the expected high demand once a majority of people realize how good they are.
Features
- 3rd Gen
- Dimensions: 4.7 in x 4.2 in x 3.4 in
- Field of View, Angle: 40 degrees
- Weight: 450 g
- Battery Type: AA Lithium, Stand Alone Lithium
- Focus Range: 18 in to Infinity
- Battery Life: 24 hours
2. ATN PS31-3W NVGOPS313W Night Vision Goggle System
The ATN PS31 goggles is a 3rd gen variant of night vision. It uses 2 intensifiers tube that enhances the light from an object to give you one of the highest-quality images.
These goggles can be mounted on any helmet and work perfectly and hands-free. It features a built-in LED infrared illuminator to brighten up objects in complete darkness and allows you to properly function while using the goggle.
The goggle uses a CR123A battery that powers them for up to two hours. This may be insufficient if you intend to use the goggle for long hours. But then it’s the only downside of the ATN PS31.
The goggle is durably made with an IP65 waterproof rating, is lightweight, and has a massive 50-degree field of view to help you track your objects.
Features
- Gen 3
- Magnification: 1 x
- Focus Range: 0.25 yds to infinity
- Field of View, Angle:50 degrees
- Water Resistance Level: IP65
- Battery Type: CR123
- Weight: 1.27 lbs.
3. ATN PVS7-3 NVGOPVS730 Night Vision Goggles
The ATN PVS7-3 is the same night vision goggle issued as standard equipment to the US military ground troops. This means it’s reliable and is able to give superb performance. In fact, one of the best performances for goggles. It utilizes gen 3 of night vision to give you a quality image, and a good range.
The goggle is versatile and can be used in various ways as a head mount, helmet mount, or handheld. This is possible because it’s fairly lightweight, and features ergonomic dimensions. It’s also waterproof and able to withstand substantial abuse in the wilderness.
Power comes from 2 AA batteries that can last up to 2 days. Which makes this the perfect alternative for long usage.
More features include; an auto shut-off to put out the device in the case of a sudden bright light, an IR illuminator for extremely dark conditions, and a low battery indicator to tell you when you are down on juice.
Features
- Gen 3
- Magnification: 1 X
- Field of view: 40 degrees
- Focus range: 0.25 yds to infinity
- Battery type: AA x 2
- Dimensions: 162 mm x 76 mm x 152 mm
- Weight 1.5 lbs.
See also: PVS 14 Night Vision Monocular Review
4. Armasight PVS-31 Pinnacle Elite Gen 3 IIT
The Armasight PVS-31 is more of an exceptional gear. For those who require nothing but the best when it comes to night vision goggles.
The goggle uses an advanced Gen 3 Pinnacle Elite White Phosphor Image Intensifier. A more advanced system of night vision superseding most other gen 3 variables. This means that the goggle displays an impeccable image free from any blemishes.
The tube is also rated to have a longer lifespan of over 10,000 hours. Making it one of the most dependable goggles out there.
The Armasight PVS is versatile and capable of being used, in a variety of ways. And with a variety of accessories. It’s also lightweight weighing just 17.63 oz.
Power comes from a single AA battery but it’s able to last for more than 24 hours, with continuous usage. Other features are; an IR illuminator, an IP67 waterproof rating, a low battery indicator, and a bright light cut-off. To shut down the device in case of a sudden bright light.
All these features make the Armasight PVS-31 one of the most premium night vision goggles on the market today. Its downside however is that it carries a high price. But we can assuredly confirm that the price matches the value.
Features
- Gen 3 Thin-Filmed Manual Gain Control
- Magnification: 1x
- Field of View: 40°
- Focus Range: 0.25m to infinity
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
- Dimensions: 106 x 72 x 104mm
- Weight: 17.63oz
5. AGM Global Vision Wolf-7 Night Vision Goggles
These goggles stand out for simplicity which translates to dependability. It’s also available in two options one a gen 2+ and the other a gen 3. To give everyone performance irrespective of their budget.
The options don’t end there, the goggle comes with 3X and 5X magnification lenses as accessories used to view distant objects.
The goggle is versatile and can be used handheld or mounted, either on the head or helmet. It’s rugged robust and waterproofed and features an IR illuminator for long-range use in completely dark conditions.
What powers the goggles is either a single CR123A battery or an AA alkaline battery. Either of these batteries will give it life for up to 60 hours of continuous use.
Other features include; an automatic brightness control, an automatic shutoff system, and a 3-year limited warranty. To make these goggles one of the most valuable alternatives.
Features
- Generation: Gen 2+ “Level 2”
- Magnification:1x
- Field of view: 40°
- Focus Range: 0.25 m to Infinity
- Battery Type: One CR123A (3V) or AA (1.5 V)
- Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
- Dimensions: 188 × 122 × 70 mm
- Weight: 0.9 lbs.
6. EOTech Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle
The best of the best comes in the form of this EOTech panoramic night vision goggle. It features a unique design but this isn’t for show. It’s actually functional to give you a panoramic clear view of your objects in the dark.
The goggle has an impeccable field of view of 97 degrees meaning you can track your targets easily without even cranking your neck.
The goggle gives an excellently clear image utilizing an advanced form of gen 3 variation. It’s robust with rugged housing that can withstand an incredible amount of abuse.
The downside of these goggles is that it’s meant for military use and not forthright allowed for normal civilians. The high price point also places it further from the reach of many
Features
- Advanced gen 3
- Field of view: 97 degrees
- weight: 27oz
- Focus range: 18 in. to infinity
Military Night Vision Goggles-FAQs
What defines a military night vision goggle?
Military-grade night vision goggles are manufactured to the highest quality standards, resulting in the best performance and dependability in the field. The rigorous testing that military night vision goggles go through during the manufacturing process is what makes them reliable.
These tests ensure that the goggles can withstand the harshness of the environments in which the military operates, which is why ‘military-grade’ label is used.
Is a military night vision goggle worth it?
Yes a military night vision goggle is worth it, if you need the best type of performance, and dependability in darkness and under low light. Not all military-grade goggles come at a hefty price, an example is the ATN PVS7-3 1x27mm goggle, which is very affordable and a very popular option amongst many shooters.
Can a military night vision goggle be used during the day?
No, these goggles are designed to perform at the highest standards during the night, therefore are only optimized for the nighttime. A majority of these goggles also use intensifier tubes which cannot be used during the day.
See also: Can you use a night vision scope during the day?
What goggle does the military use?
All of the goggles reviewed meet military standards, so they can all be effective if used. The military has also used all of them in various capacities.
However, because the military requires excellent performance, and have the budget to match it, they typically opt for the EOTech Ground Panoramic goggle, which is the gold standard in terms of performance and ruggedness.
Buying Military Grade Night Vision Goggles
Generation
The Military typically use the analog types of Night vision that relies on the use of intensifier tubes to amplify the light surrounding objects in the dark.
The analog night vision comes in 4 generations. The earlier generations 0, 1, and 2 utilized an older form of technology that had a shorter range of fewer than 300 yards. Displayed low-quality images and had a shorter lifespan before they could no longer work.
The most advanced night vision is of the 3rd and 4th generations and also some later versions of gen 2. These display high-quality images, are more reliable and have a longer range. Some of them are capable of viewing objects at more than 1,000 yards.
The best military-grade night vision goggles utilize generation 3 and 4 because it presents the best reliability and performance.
Magnification
Magnification is the number of times an image visible through the lens has been enlarged over the original one. Magnification is denoted by ‘X’ and a higher X means a higher magnification.
The desired magnification depends on how the person intends to use the goggle. We have goggles on the market, mostly digital night vision, with as high as 10x magnification. Making it easy to be used from a distance.
It’s also good to note that a magnified image doesn’t always possess a similar quality to the original image. This, therefore, means that it’s not always a good idea to go for the highest magnification.
Analog night vision devices typically come with a low magnification to give the purest form and sharpest images.
Weight
This matters because night vision goggle is something you have to wear. Nobody loves wearing something that is bulky. Therefore, it’s an informed decision to compare the weight of the night vision gadget before making the buy.
Battery life
The duration of the battery on a goggle will define its dependability when in use. A good google should have a battery with sufficient juice to last the whole mission whatever it is. Look for goggles that can give you at least 5 hours of continuous use in the dark.
The type of battery is also an important consideration. we have goggles that use rechargeable batteries and others that rely on replaceable alkaline/lithium batteries. Always replacing the battery when it runs out of juice is an expensive affair in the long run.
Durability
Durability depends on the solidness of the material used and the level of protection that has been put on the goggle. This means the goggle are protected against elements such as snow fog wind and dust. A goggle should also be able to withstand a substantial amount of impact.
CONCLUSION
Getting the best military grade night vision goggles will leave you satisfied, not only with the performance it gives you, but also, how you’ll have spent your money. This is because these things do not come cheap. If you still feel indecisive, we assure you that the 5 military-grade goggles reviewed in this article will offer you the best value.
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