Military Night Vision Goggles give the military an added advantage in night/dark tactical operations.
Today, the advanced night vision goggles are reserved for the military. They come with Gen 2, Gen 3, or 4-night vision to provide high-quality images and great depth perception.
In this post, we are going to enlighten you in search of the best military night vision goggles available on the market today.
Without wasting any more time, time let’s get started.
Best Military Night Vision Goggles
1) ATN PVS 7-3 1x27mm Night Vision Military Goggles
The ATN PVS 7 Night Vision Goggles have Gen 3 tubes which provide excellent clarity in any situation. These goggles are made with the military in mind.
They are simple to operate and you can either carry them by hand or mount them on the helmet during extended operation.
These goggles are incredibly lightweight and portable. They weigh just 1.1lbs so you’ll have an easy time carrying them in the field.
They are powered by AA batteries and come with an internal indicator that tells you when the IR is on and the battery is low.
These night-vision goggles are built to survive the unforgiving outdoor environments. They have a weather-resistant housing, a sacrificial window that protects the lens from scratches, and Demist shields that keep the eyepiece condensation-free.
Pros
- Limited two-year warranty
- Weather-resistant and fog proof
- A sacrificial window that protects the lens from scratches
- Lightweight and portable
- USA Gen 3, Auto-Gated/Thin-Filmed
- Used hand-held or mounted
- Powered by AA batteries
- Mil-spec compliant
- Automatic brightness control
- Low battery indicator
- Night Vision Generation: 3
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Focus Range: 0.25 yds to infinity
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -2 – 6 DPT
- Objective Lens Diameter: 27 mm
- Field of View, Angle: 40 degrees
- Battery Type: AA (x2)
- Weight: 1.1 lb
- IP65 Water Resistance
- System/Lens Resolution: 64 – 72 lp/mm
Cons
- Fixed Magnification
2) AGM Global Vision PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles
The PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles from AGM global vision features a fixed 1x magnification and a 27mm objective lens.
They have an ergonomic design for easy handling and compact, rugged housing that makes them stand up to any outdoor environment.
These goggles provide unmatched optical performance. They boast fully multi-coated lenses and high-quality glass which provide clear and high-quality images in any situation.
They are also bright to the table Gen 2+ and Gen 3 image intensifier tubes that provide great image clarity even in total darkness.
Featuring a built-in IR illuminator, these night vision goggles will let you operate in total darkness without being detected. More importantly, this optic comes with a bright light cut-off feature that protects the image tube from intense light and an optional helmet mount system that you can use with the optional helmet mount system.
For added convenience, this product comes with two LED indicators in the eyepiece. One indicator tells you when the IR illuminator while the other shows when the battery is low.
Furthermore, it has a lightweight design that makes it easy to carry around and you can mount it on the head or helmet for snug, hands-free operation. In addition to everything else, you can pair this optic with the afocal magnifier lenses and get superior long-range viewing.
Pros
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof construction
- Compact, rugged design
- Ergonomic and user-friendly controls
- Built-in IR illuminator and flood lens
- Limited 3-year warranty
- Compatible with afocal magnifier lenses
- Gen 2+ and Gen 3 image intensifier tubes
- Lightweight, tough, and highly versatile
- Head or helmet-mountable for hands-free operation
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Field of View, Angle: 40 degrees
- Battery Type: Stand Alone Lithium (x1)
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -6 – 2 DPT
- Objective Lens Diameter: 27 mm
- Focus Range: 0.2 m to Infinity
- Weight: 1.5 lb
- System/Lens Resolution: 45 – 51 lp/mm
Cons
- Expensive
3) US Night Vision BNVD-SG Gen 3 Auto-Gated Bino/Goggles
When it comes to versatility and reliability, you can hardly go wrong with the US Night Vision BNVD-SG Gen 3 Auto-Gated Bino/Goggles.
Featuring Gen 3 night vision technology, this optic will let you see clearly any threat that’s in the dark. It’s suitable for military applications as well as any tactical applications.
These auto-gated googles have an automatic brightness control that you should use to adjust its brightness setting depending on the lighting conditions.
What makes it stand out among similar optics is the ability to be converted into a night vision monocular. All you have to do is to flip an eyepiece up and use it as a monocular.
It also features a Tactical Monocular Cutoff which powers down one tube of the binocular so you can stay hidden.
Thanks to the long-life battery pack, this optic delivers many hours in the field.
It also boasts a 3x magnifier which provides enhanced vision in the field and a wide field of view that’s essential for accurate target identification.
Pros
- 1x fixed magnification
- 40 degrees field of view
- 3x magnifier
- Can be converted into a night vision monocular
- Adjustable brightness control
- Tactical monocular cut-off
- Gen 3 night vision technology
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Eye Relief: 25 mm
- Field of View, Angle: 40 degrees
- Battery Type: AA(x1)
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -2.5 – 2 DPT
- Focus Range: 25 cm to infinity
- Battery Life: 36.8 hours
- Image Intensifier Color: White Phosphor
Cons
- Very Expensive
4) ATN PS15-4 Night Vision Goggles
These high-end night vision goggles use Generation 4 night vision technology suitable for military applications. They provide high-quality images and extremely clear views in the darkest environments.
These high-quality night vision goggles are amazingly lightweight for convenient portability. They also feature a 1x fixed magnification for increased situational awareness and a large objective lens which provides a decent field of view.
Unlike other night vision goggles listed above, the ATN PS15-4 optic has a dual tube design that provides greater depth perception and excellent clarity. It also boasts an IR illuminator that soldiers can use to read the navigation map with ease.
In terms of construction, the optic comes with hard plastic armoring for added durability and a fog-proof and weather-resistant housing for use in any environment.
To top it all off, it offers a generous eye relief that reduces eye fatigue during extended viewing sessions.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Dual goggle/binocular
- Optional 3x magnifier
- Water-resistant and fog proof
- Depth perception
- Generation 4 night vision technology
- Built-in IR illuminator
- Snug, flip-up headgear
- Hands-free use
- Durable hard-plastic armoring
- Generous eye relief
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Operating Temperature: -40 – 50 Celsius
- Night Vision Generation: 4
- Objective Lens Diameter: 27 mm
- Eye Relief: 25 mm
- Battery Type: CR123A
- System/Lens Resolution: 64 – 72 lp/mm
- Focus Range: 0.25 m to Infinity
- Field of View, Angle: 40 degrees
- Weight: 0.7 kg, 1.5 lb
- Diopter Adjustment Range: 2 – -6 DPT
Cons
- Fixed magnification
- No strap
5) Armasight PVS-7 Gen 2+ Night Vision Goggles
The Armasight PVS-7 Gen 2+ Night Vision Goggles offer excellent clarity in total darkness. They have an integrated IR illuminator that helps you spot targets easily in low light conditions and Gen 2+ night vision technology which provides clear images of any target in any situation.
These goggles are commonly used by soldiers across the globe. Besides, they are standard-issue night vision goggles by the soldiers in the US military.
The compact design makes them easy to carry around, while the rugged design stands up to anything that comes their way. These goggles also have a waterproof body so you can use them even when it’s raining.
Weighing just 1.5lbs, the googles are amazingly light and portable. You can either choose to mount them to your head/helmet or carry them by hand.
The ergonomic shape makes them comfortable to carry by hand and they also have simple-to-operate controls for added convenience.
These goggles offer a wide 40-degrees field of view for easy target identification and they have 1x magnification that increases situational awareness.
Pros
- High-Definition image intensifier tube
- Compact and rugged design
- Waterproof body
- 0.2 m to Infinity focus range
- Gen 2+ night vision technology
- Built-in IR illuminator and flood lens
- Limited 3-year warranty
- Ergonomic and easy to operate
- Lightweight and portable
- Can be mounted on the helmet or used hand-held
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Field of View, Angle: 40 degrees
- Night Vision Generation: 2+
- Weight: 1.5 lb
- Image Intensifier Tube: High Definition (HD)
- Dimensions: 6.4 x 6 x 3 in
Cons
- Expensive
Types of Night Vision Goggles
There are two different types of night vision goggles available on the market today. They are IR night vision goggles and Thermal night vision goggles.
Infrared (IR) Night Vision Goggles
Modern night vision goggles use IR illumination. They don’t depend on the ambient light present to create an image. Instead, they use IR rays to provide you with the target images. These IR waves come from anything that emits heat.
IR night vision goggles come in handy when you are viewing targets in total darkness. You’ll have a clear view of different targets at any range while you remain hidden.
Thermal Night Vision Goggles
Thermal night vision goggles work the same way as IR night vision goggles. However, they detect the actual heat that an object releases. These goggles provide clear target views at any time of the day. Since they depend on heat signatures to create an image, you can use them at night and in broad daylight as well.
Night Vision Generations
Night vision goggles are categorized into 4 different generations and the higher the number, the better the image clarity.
Generation 1
This is the entry-level night vision generation. It offers low-resolution and lower-quality images. It’s the least expensive among the four-generation so it’s ideal for beginners. Night vision goggles with Generation 1 technology are not ideal for military use. They not only produce poor-quality images but also have short battery life.
Generation 2
Generation 2 night vision goggles offer better image clarity than their Gen 1 counterparts. High-end models are ideal for military applications. They have micro-channel plates with glass tubes that amplify the available light to produce clear images. These goggles also come with better battery life than what Gen 1 offers.
Generation 3
Generation 3 night vision goggles are made for law enforcement personnel and military application. They come with a Gallium Arsenide chemical that produces sharper and brighter images than Gen 2. These goggles also provide a longer detection range of up to 300 yards or more.
Generation 4
If you are looking for the best of the best night vision goggles, go for those than have Gen 4 night vision technology. This generation provides high-quality and crisp clear images in total darkness.
Night vision goggles in this generation have auto-gated or filmless image intensifying tubes which provide the best image views. These high-end goggles are the best for military applications. But they have a downside of being the most expensive of them all.
How to Choose the Best Military Night Vision Goggles
Resolution
Resolution refers to the ability of the night vision optic to produce clear display and distortion-free images. Gen 4 and Gen 3 night vision goggles have a higher resolution which makes them provide clear images. For regular military applications, get a device that has a resolution that falls between 40 to 54ip/mm.
Maximum Range
This is the maximum distance that the night vision google can cover and give you a clear view of the objects in front of you. Generation 1 devices have the smallest range of about 100 yards. For military applications, look for a device that has a visual range of up to 300 yards or more.
Weatherproof
The weatherproof feature is very important in night vision goggles for military use. These devices don’t come cheap so it’s important that they stay protected from weather damage. Make sure that you go for a unit that’s fully waterproof and fog proof, so you can use it in any weather condition.
Integral Illuminator
An integral illuminator will help shed more light, especially in total darkness. An illuminator eliminates light that can be seen by humans or animals. It comes in handy when soldiers are reading the navigation maps. It’s also an important addition to your stealth mode.
Battery
The other important factor you should consider is the battery. Generally, the battery life is directly related to the night vision generation that the goggles are using. Gen 1 goggles have a smaller battery capacity, while Gen 4 units have the biggest battery capacity. Make sure that you get a device that offers a long battery life, so it won’t fail you when you need it most.
Weight
Weight is the other important factor you should look at. Lightweight night vision goggles are easy to carry and comfortable to hold during extended sessions. If the goggles are slightly heavy, make sure that you get a helmet or head mount that will take the weight off your hands.
FAQs
- Do night vision goggles work in total darkness?
It depends. Night vision goggles will work in total darkness if they have an IR illuminator or thermal capabilities. If they don’t have any of these two features, they won’t work without ambient light.
- Can night vision goggles damage your eyes?
No. Night vision goggles won’t damage your eyes. However, using night-vision goggles can cloud your eye lens with time.
- Which night vision goggles do the military use?
Most soldiers use Gen 3 and Gen 4 night vision goggles. These units provide bright and sharp images in total darkness which makes them suitable for most military applications.
Conclusion
Night vision goggles with advanced technology and high-end features can transform how you see objects after the sun goes down. These units are quite expensive, so it’s important that you invest your money in the right product.
Use Best Military Night Vision Goggles guide above to find the best and get a unit that works best for your needs and budget.
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