Night Vision 3x - 5X lenses for the PVS-14

[CoryT]

Attaching the PVS-14 to the spotting scope is proving less than optimal, since my minimum mag is 12x. I'm looking at the various afocal lenses offered and wonder if anyone here has used enough to give an informed opinion of the relative merits.

3X Mil spec vs commercial $295 to $495
5x Mil spec vs commercial $395 to $999

In the 3x, there are no apparent differances in the spec sheets, in the 5x the commercial units have a 7.5 deg FOV vs a 13 deg FOV in the milspec.

Is there a signifigant differance in image quality? Given my limited use, I'm leaning towards a 5x commercial from a price/performance standpoint.

Any thoughts from someone who has seen/used both?

 

[IR-V]

Re: 3x - 5X lenses for the PVS-14

You're going to need the UNS or MUNS "clip on" night vision scopes to get the optimum image at the longer distances you wish to observe at.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of add-on magnification optics for the PVS-14. They all significantly diminish the amount of light entering the night vision scope, and dramatically reduce the field of view.

For me, light collection ability is "king" when it comes to key variables impacting night vision performance and "useability." I'll sacrifice the magnification long before sacrificing the capability of my night vision optic to gather light.

IR-V

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CoryT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Attaching the PVS-14 to the spotting scope is proving less than optimal, since my minimum mag is 12x. I'mm looking at the various afocal lenses offered and wounder if anyone here has used enough to give an informed opinion of the relative merits.

3X Mil spec vs commercial $295 to $495
5x Mil spec vs commercial $395 to $999

In the 3x, there are no apparent differances in the spec sheets, in the 5x the commercial units have a 7.5 deg FOV vs a 13 deg FOV in the milspec.

Is there a signifigant differance in image quality? Given my limited use, I'm leaning towards a 5x commercial from a price/performance standpoint.

Any thoughts from someone who has seen/used both? </div></div>

 

[fastford]

Re: 3x - 5X lenses for the PVS-14

in my opinion the 3x is pushing it on a pvs14, but useable.

 

[km2006dmax]

Re: 3x - 5X lenses for the PVS-14

If your wanting long range observation, look no further than the Osti set ups.

Osti lens

 

[CoryT]

Re: 3x - 5X lenses for the PVS-14

I've got a PVS-26 for the rifle and pure observation uses. I'd like to get a little better look at the 200 to 500 yard range when the 26 is on the gun. I've got a DBAL for a pointer and illumination, with a GCP-2A on the way for even better illum.

I think the 3x will do, given the extra illumination available. Tripod mounted with the pointer, I should be able to simply ID and designate targets for the shooter.

What I really want to know is if there is any real differance in image quality between a mil spec and commercial version of the lenses.

 

[IR-V]

Re: 3x - 5X lenses for the PVS-14

For the compatible night vision devices, this [from km2006dmax]is a very good recommendation: catadioptric lenses.

The catadioptric lenses are why the PVS-22 (UNS) and PVS-27 (MUNS) are the spectacular "light gathering" engines that they are.

IR-V


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: km2006dmax</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If your wanting long range observation, look no further than the Osti set ups.

Osti lens </div></div>

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: 3x - 5X lenses for the PVS-14

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CoryT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What I really want to know is if there is any real differance in image quality between a mil spec and commercial version of the lenses. </div></div>
I bought a like-new mil-spec 3x magnifier for my PVS-14. I researched the CAGE number that was printed on the label; the guy who sold it to me said it was ITT's CAGE number, but all of them are made in Singapore. That leads me to the tentative conclusion that its the same box of Cheerios with different names on it.

PS The FOV of any PVS-14 magnifier should roughly be 40 deg/magnification. The 5x magnifier spec sheet that said 13 deg FOV, instead of about 8 deg, has a misprint - the 3x magnifier has a 13 deg FOV.

PPS I like my 3x magnifier and it's always in use when the PVS is on top of my Spotter 60.

 

[CoryT]

Re: 3x - 5X lenses for the PVS-14

Thanks, that's what I thought, but it's nice to be confirmed. The 3x sounds like the right thing to do.

 

[Diesile]

Re: 3x - 5X lenses for the PVS-14

I have a 3x (unknown version) on a 14 for predator hunting. It
allows me to identify small items better in the same light that
would not work for the 14 on it's own. The fov is fine for the
75 to 225yd ranges that I normally work with.