Kinda nerded out here lol,

This photograph was taken through the objective viewing system of my Elbit XLSH Gen 3 White Phosphor PVS-14, using an iPhone 18 Pro positioned behind the eyepiece.
Environmental and lighting conditions:
The photograph was captured at night using 100% natural ambient illumination, with absolutely no infrared (IR) illumination or supplemental lighting.
At the time, the moon was rising above the surrounding mountains, with moonlight beginning to illuminate portions of the distant ridgeline. This created a distinct contrast between the brighter, moonlit vegetation and the darker areas that remained in the mountain’s shadow.
The PVS-14 was able to resolve considerable detail across both illuminated and shadowed areas simultaneously.
Observed distances:
50 yards (46 meters): A birdhouse mounted approximately 7 feet above the ground is clearly visible in the foreground. Its rectangular shape, mounting post, and openings can be distinguished.
150 meters (164 yards): A pond lies beyond the birdhouse, surrounded by vegetation and trees. The image maintains visible separation between the landscape features at this intermediate distance.
Approximately 1 mile (1,609 meters): The distant mountain ridgeline is visible, with individual treetop formations distinguishable against the brighter sky. Portions of the ridgeline receiving moonlight appear significantly brighter than the areas still in shadow.
Image intensifier specifications:
Manufacturer: Elbit Systems
Tube: XLSH Gen 3 White Phosphor
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 34.6
Resolution: 72 lp/mm
Figure of Merit (FOM): 2,491
Equivalent Background Illumination (EBI): 0.71
Halo: 0.80
Photocathode Sensitivity: 2,545 µA/lm
Gain: 57,081
Performance observations:
The photograph demonstrates the tube’s ability to amplify available nighttime illumination while maintaining useful image detail across multiple distances and varying lighting conditions.
Of particular interest is the contrast between the moonlit ridgeline approximately one mile away and the darker vegetation in the foreground. Despite the uneven illumination, the image retains recognizable terrain features, vegetation patterns, and depth.
The tube’s high signal-to-noise ratio contributes to its ability to preserve usable detail under low-light conditions, while its resolution supports fine image definition.
Overall assessment:
This is a strong real-world example of passive Gen 3 night-vision performance in mountainous terrain under emerging moonlight.
No artificial infrared illumination was used. All visible detail was produced by the image intensifier amplifying naturally available nighttime light.
The photograph also represents an image captured through the PVS-14 eyepiece using a smartphone, rather than a direct representation of everything visible to the naked eye through the device. Actual visual performance may differ from what the camera records.

There’s something about walking on an empty beach in the dark with no ambient noise other than waves crashing in

Sitting on a pier in Detroit at belle isle lookin at Canada land

I recently purchased an L3 Harris Atpial-c. When I made the purchase the picture was of a used Atpial-c <5<5 (mW) and the price was $1200 which I was okay with because I'm just getting into night vision and wanted to try the civilian version just for close stuff and I also wanted to be able to send it to L3 for repairs if I need to. However when I received the unit yesterday it came with full power plates, no paper work, and the serial number wiped. I'm totally fine receiving a used full power peq for $1300ish total but I am skeptical. The unit feels solid and rubust unlike a somo. The only thing that concerns me is that the Illuminator focus knob takes two full rotations to go from wide to tight. What do y'all experts think? Should I request refund or is this a blessing

• iphone 16 pro max default app and controlling the gain on the PVS14 so that noise is minimized.
• The Orion Nebula M42
• The Pvs14 Gen 3 monocular night vision device with the following specifications:
• Photocathode Sensitivity: 2058 FOM: 2700
SNR: 37.5 EBI: .7 Halo: .7 Center resolution: 72
• Unfilmed/filmless Gated 18UM 11769 style is also mentioned.
• Sky-Watcher 300P Flextube
• @F/3.6 with nexus focal reducer .75x
• Sky-Watcher 150i
• Tele Vue 55 mm (67 mm conversion) eyepiece
• Sharpcap polar aligned and synscan pro one star alignment.
22lbs counterweights
• DaVinci Resolve Studio 21, noise reduction, histogram stretch, color modification.
• SVBONY SV220 Telescope Filter, 2" 7nm Dual-Band Nebula Filter, Reduce Stray Light, H-Alpha&o-III Narrowband Filter for One-Shot Color Camera

Got it a while ago and found it under some stuff this weekend. Just wondering if anybody knows what it’s called so I can look it up. Seems like there are some parts missing. Maybe just a washer or two but I’d like to know how it’s supposed to work. Thanks.

Both pods worked fine for about 30 mins, now the right one will not go back on. Tried new battery, power cycle, articulating multiple times, IR illuminator works, and indicator shows in both lenses, just no tube on right. Bought from [u/ApolloGearCo](u/ApolloGearCo), already emailed them to ask what can be done, we will see. Sucks dude haha

update 10/27 - seems like the Elbit tubes power supply failed, there was a higher pitched audible squeal which prompted the final shut off before inoperability. I was sent a UPS return label and already sending them back. I will say I do really like the Act In Black DTNVS Wangle housing quite a bit from the 30mins of use I got out of it. ApolloGearCo is above and beyond helpful and responsive, I’ll exclusively use them going forward after this experience thus far. 10/10 would recommend

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew whether or not there were other good lenses out there for spherical photocathode ep33 variant tubes? I have an ATN Viper X-1, which is similar EP33SF to the Ghost Hunter but in white phosphor. I initially wrote it off because it has a 1x lens with a 20-degree FOV. I mounted it on a helmet recently and it is super fun with really low distortion, considering it's Gen 1. If I could get to even a 30-degree FOV, I could have a ton of fun with this tube but at the moment it is pretty hard to walk around with such a narrow fov.

TLDR: The guy doing the review gives this unit a B. It’s fine as a starter/ rental/ loaner unit, but not for veteran users. It has everything you need to start and it works, however, other than the mounts,it is not compatible with the other accessories that work with other systems.

Hey all, looking to get into the NV game. As the title suggests, I’m looking to get the best bang for the buck in the $2-5k range. I’m open to mono or bino, just want to go for quality tech from a reputable company/vendor. Your thoughts are much appreciated.

Does anyone know a coupon code for CustomNightVision.com? Boutta spend a lotta beans 🫘

Recently, I've been putting alot of time into a VR game called "Tactical assault VR" (otherwise known as TAVR,) and havent really gotten much time into using my pvs 14 IRL. The game features a pretty good replication of NOD usage (atleast in my opinion) as it overlays an actual eyepiece over your eye(s), I've been using the single nvg right option as that is what I run IRL and have found that out of nowhere when I put them back on for the first time in awhile I was just perfectly combining the two images like how I'd been doing in VR. It wasnt some gradual warming up to the combination my eyes just randomly started doing it and the same went for weapon optics. Anyone else find it to be a random visual epiphany where your brain just clicks it into place?

I’m wanting to upgrade from my Brightpath optics to either MBS ULR or Carson mil spec optics but I can’t decide. I have an unreasonably massive boner over the fact that the MBS ULR optics provide an 8% increase in light transmission over mil spec and I also very much like the fact that they have very noticeably better edge clarity for a more usable image imo. I also REALLY appreciate that legit mil spec optics provide extremely good flare suppression, center clarity, and contrast in the image. I have Carson lens on my loaner pvs-14, and Brightpath doesn’t even compare when it comes to flare suppression. Would it be a downgrade going from Brightpath to MBS ULR optics? (Leaning towards the ULR lens)

(This is not a sale post, just a question)

I recently switched my tubes out of a PVS-15B housing to Katanas. I plan to offload the PVS-15 housing and glass and recoup some of the cost. They are in solid condition considering the age.

What is the going rate for PVS-15B housing and glass?

I saw today Iray (now becoming Nocpix) just released 2 new thermals the Micro 2 ultra and the Micro H25. So far, they look pretty cool especially the fact that you can change it from a square image to now run a circle image to match a dual band setup. They also have digital night vision overlays with it.

Unfortunately for me I committed the cardinal sin of night vision and handed it to someone who didn’t pay for any of it, and within moments my GSGM was bricked lol. Thankfully the tubes are ok but the contact pins (1 on either side) were damaged. Everything is still there but the unit can no longer reach the contacts to power ball detent devices. I’ve tried reaching out to Wilcox and searching for replacement pogo pins without success. Does anyone here know of a company that is able/willing to repair these or do I now own the coolest paperweight in the office?

Experimenting with neon-bright cordura (aimed at recent IPSC camo-gear-controversy)