Nightvision with Spectacles

ICEBreaker · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 6

Dear OpticsPlanet and forum members,

I am new to the field of night vision. I enjoy hiking overnight on hilly trails and would like night vision goggles (monocular) for personal security reasons. However, I have to wear corrective glasses for my myopia. Is it possible to wear spectacles and use the night vision goggles at the same time?

Secondly, are there any recommendations for generation I goggles under US$500. It needs to fit over my right eye and can be flipped up since I only need it on and off when entering areas with lots of trees and ambush points. Otherwise I can hike unaided with star light.

How's the Bushnell Night Vision 1x20 Tactical Monocular Goggle Scope w/ Headgear?
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-night-vision-1x20-tactical-monocular-262013.html

Thirdly, how long can night vision goggles be used for? Is 5 hours of continuous operation too much to ask for?

Fourth, I understand that a lot of night vision devices use the N battery? Are these rechargeable, and are the recharger usually included?

Thank you in advance for your kind assistance.

JC

Ryan_W · Site Admin Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 427

Hi,

Some models of night vision have enough eye relief to use with your glasses, but with most of them you do not need to unless you have severe astigmatism. The NV goggles have a focusing eyepiece that allows you to focus the screen for your eye. For a monocular use as you have described, using with glasses may be necessary.

The Bushnell 1x20 monocular goggle is an excellent unit. I have used it with my glasses and it worked okay. You will have to flip the eyecup out of the way to use it with your glasses.

3-5 hours is not out of the question for many of the models, especially those without a high powered IR spotlight.

The N batteries are a non rechargeable alkaline battery that can be found at your local camera shop.
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ICEBreaker · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 6

Hi Ryan, thanks a lot for your help. I think I'll go with the Bushnell then. Thanks.

Ryan_W · Site Admin Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 427

You're welcome
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ICEBreaker · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 6

Hi Ryan,

Just one more thing. Can you recommend a goggle that also has magnification to allow me to see a bit into the distance. Built in auto/manual zoom function is preferred, but I am willing to consider models where an additional lens has to be fitted. Perhaps something similar to the Dipol D-125. Do you have that model, and how does it compare with goggles like Bushnell?

Thank you again!
JC

Ryan_W · Site Admin Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 427

Don't have anything with a zoom, and with a goggle you do not want magnification anyway. Magnification is okay with a hand held unit, but to try walking with it is like walking while wearing binoculars and is just not smart. For the goggles, it's a pain to pull them off and unhook them from the headset just to change the objective lens to add magnification and then do it all over again to go back to 1x.

The Yukon NVMT series night vision does have interchangeable lenses if this is the way you wish to go, but this is a monocular and not a binocular.

Yukon NVMT 1x24 monocular goggle

Yukon NVMT interchangeable lenses
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Ryan W.

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ICEBreaker · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 6

Hi Ryan,

Thanks for your reply again. Actually the reason why I wanted a lens attachment is because I can't decide if I want a goggle or a scope, since I have no experience with night vision. Because the terrain varies from heavily wooded areas (goggles are useful) to bare hills where one can see quite a distance (scopes would be more useful), I would like the best of both worlds.

However, I agree it would be quite troublesome to change lens in the middle of operation, and it is not something I intend to to. I will most likely stick with one or the other, just not sure which one.

Having studied the Dipol D-125, I think that is the perfect device for me. It is a monocular with various lens attachments, and can be mounted on rifles as scopes, as well as used with a head mount as a goggle. Moreover, it can also support an IR laser attachment (I think this model can). It's all modular! Why can't any other manufacturer think along this line? It's also made using light weight aluminium. Unfortunately, it is not sold by a reputable distributor like Optics Planet, and it is twice as expensive as the Bushnell if the 80mm lens is added, so I think I'll stick with the Bushnell or the Yukon.

Ignoring the lens attachment for the moment, can you comment on whether the Bushnell or the Yukon is better? Below are the specs, but I don't really know how to interpret them. And I also don't know which one is more durable and reliable.

Bushnell Night Vision 1 x 20mm Tactical Monocular 26-2013
Power x Obj.: 1x20
Viewing Range: 0.5-240 / 0.2-73
FOV, ft.@1000yds. / m@1000m: 96 / 32
Infrared Illuminator: Yes(Built-In)
Battery Type: N battery(2)
Size, in./mm: 5.4x2.8x2 / 137x71x50
Weight, oz./g: 11 / 332
Tripod Mount: No
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-night-vision-1x20-tactical-monocular-262013.html

Yukon NVMT Multitask 1x24mm Goggle with Headgear Kit 24025:
Image Tube Generation: 1st
Magnification: 1x
Lens Diameter: 24mm
Image Tube Resolution: 36lp/mm
Angle of View: 30 degrees
Diopter Adjustment: +4
Max. Range of Detection: 150m
IR Illuminator Range: 100m
Power Supply: CR123A, #V
Tripod Mount: 1/4"
Dimensions (mm): 142x82x60
Weight: 0.38kg
http://www.opticsplanet.net/yukon-1x24-nightvision-monocular.html

Thank you again for your help.

With regards,
JC

Ryan_W · Site Admin Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 427

Hi,

As image quality goes, you most likely will not notice a difference. They each have their benefits and it's up to you to decide what is more important.

The Bushnell is smaller and lighter weight, with a more comfortable and easier to adjust head mount.

The Yukon is compatible with the NVMT accessories, such as the interchangeable objectives, rifle mount kits, camera adapters, etc. The Yukon is more versatile if you need it to be.

If you will only be using it as a head mounted monocular, the Bushnell takes the cake for me, but like I said, it depends on the features that are important to you.
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Ryan W.

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Blog: http://blog.opticsplanet.com/
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Phone: 847-513-6201
Fax: 847-919-3003

ICEBreaker · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 6

Hi Ryan,

Thanks for giving me your opinion. I am ready to make a purchase. Just one last question. Can the Yukon be worn on the right eye?

Thank you!
JC

ICEBreaker · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 6

http://www.yukonopticsusa.com/index.php?good=90&detail=yes

According to Yukon it fits over the right eye only. That's a bit odd. Why do manufacturers limit the use of one particular eye? Luckily in my case, the right eye is what I want.

I would love to get the Bushnell, since it is a brand I have had good experiences with (day time binoculars). However, given the versatility of the Yukon, I will have to go with that instead. It's a cheaper version of the Dipol.

Thank you Ryan for helping me out. The good customer service of Optics Planet ensures that I shall be buying from you guys rather than to seek out the cheapest online retailer.

With regards,
JC