Astronomy use

kenkolen · Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 3

The other night a member of my astronomy club was using a pair of gen 3 gogles. Impressive.
I don't have the available funds he obviously has and I would love some night vision.
What impressed me the most is that in my light polluted south florida skies, I could easily make out dim stars to form constellations.
Not to mention I could walk around without use of a flashlight.
What is available for that purpose?
I am not clear on which style I prefer however I am leaning to a monocular that has a available head gear so that I can drive out of the star parties without headlights. And with a monocular I can also use hand held.
Thanks
Neal

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:37 am Post subject:

Hi

In terms of performance, nightvision proceeds in steps by the generation of the product. Gen 1 is the least expensive, but with the lowest performance. You can get a decent Gen 1 monocular for around $200, such as the Night Owl Explorer, http://www.opticsplanet.net/night-owl-explorer-series-3x-monoculars.html I would also take a look at the new breed of digitals, such as the Bushnell Stealthview, http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-night-vision-5x42-stealth-view-260542.html This monocular will have much improved performance over a Gen 1 unit.
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kenkolen · Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 3

I pUrchased the stelthview 5 x 42 and recieved yesterday. Yes they are nice and clear however for my purpose not what I was looking for. I really do not want the power. I am looking for a goggle that I can use to walk around in the dark, remember these are to assist with my astronomy viewing experience. In addition I wanted a much larger field of view to view stars, not in detail however to view entire constallations.
Again I was wondering how might a pair of night vision goggles such as the Yukon's gen 1 compare?

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:25 am Post subject:

Hi

A gen 1 goggle is a Gen 1 goggle. All gen 1 products, regardless of the brand or model, use the same intensifier tubes made in the same factory in the Ukraine. Also, you will not get anywhere near the resolution or image quality with a Gen 1 product as with a Gen 3 or even the Bushnell Stealthview. Gen 1 all suffer from significant fisheye distortion at the edge of the field and resolution is typically one-half or less than a Gen 3 product. Strongly suggest you try one before you buy.
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820

kenkolen · Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 3

Do you know if Bushnell is expanding their line of Stealth View to a goggle?