So tell me about the NVEC ENVIS monoculars that are out there. Are they a good alternative to a PVS-14?

I too, was drawn towards the ENVIS because of it's gen 3 tube and low price.  But after exchanging emails with NVEC's .gov liason I decided against it.  He explained that it is designed as a hand held unit and that it's life expectancy when used otherwise will be short.  I'll post his email soon if  I can find it.

So yes, the ENVIS is a great deal if your sole application is hand held.  If not, you might consider other devices.

tag

Originally Posted By steven1513: I'll post his email soon if  I can find it.

Here is the email exchange that took place in May 2005.

From: Moi!. on a .gov email account
Sent: Thu 5/19/2005 2:41 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: ENVIS - Evader's Night Vision Imaging System

Q: I'm told that this works as a weapon mounted system using the ARMS #29 mount. Your thoughts?

A: Steve,
This is not a good match up. The ENVIS was not designed to be weapons mountable. You may be able to do it but the system will not service for long. A better choice would be the PVS-14, NVEC stocks, with a NVEC M69 which is fully adjustable. Check the attachment for a picture of the M69. Thanks for asking about NVEC products. Let me know if I can help you down the line.
Rocky

Q: Rocky,
Okay. How about using it with a head harness or helmet mount? Does it use the same head/helmet mounting hardware as the PVS-14? Basically, I'd like a system with as much versatility and compatibility with the PVS-14 without spending $3500+.
Steve

A: Steve,
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. The ENVIS is not helmet mountable. Great idea though. It uses the standard camera mounts threads and is intended to be use stand alone or with a camera. Let me know if we can help you pursuit of good value at an economic price.
Rocky

Originally Posted By steven1513: Originally Posted By steven1513: I'll post his email soon if  I can find it. Here is the email exchange that took place in May 2005.

That's exactly what I was looking for steven!
thank you for the insight.

If it were helmet mountable, it would be a heck of a deal.

Okay, real question -


Besides using a weapon mounted laser, HOW do I shoot a handgun with a headmounted PVS-14??


If I set the focus to max range, I can't even see my sights to line them up with a normal stance/hold.   If I pull the gun into about 1/2 way to my chest, I can see and line up the tritium dots


If I reset the focus to the front site, using a normal stance/hold, I can't even see the rear sight, and seeing the target would be a serious blur.

Okay, real question - Besides using a weapon mounted laser, HOW do I shoot a handgun with a headmounted PVS-14??

+1.  Same question for a carbine.

Meanwhile, here's a little porn for those still shopping for NVD's.  The days of $2200 MUM2's are gone.  But this gives you an idea of what 64 lp/mm looks like.  This particular tube was advertised as "Refurbished with few defects" and came with a 1 year warranty.  Thus the label on the body reads "NVM-001-R" with the "R" designating it as a refurb.  Some merchants would also call this "grade B" due to the dots.

Carbine I'm okay on.   With a NVG compatible Eotech, I can mount the NOD using a LaRue mount, or do it head mounted (little awkward)

You will need to get a pistol mounted IR laser.

Insight makes one, and if you can find one for sale expect to pay big $$$$ ($1500+)

FREE

Originally Posted By fight4yourrights: Okay, real question - Besides using a weapon mounted laser, HOW do I shoot a handgun with a headmounted PVS-14?? If I set the focus to max range, I can't even see my sights to line them up with a normal stance/hold.   If I pull the gun into about 1/2 way to my chest, I can see and line up the tritium dots If I reset the focus to the front site, using a normal stance/hold, I can't even see the rear sight, and seeing the target would be a serious blur.

.

Originally Posted By scuba_ed: .

My helmet is a Bell as well, but at least I didn't get it at Walmart .

The mount is, as Victor stated, a USGI helmet mount.  I found mine in the EE.

Peter's about to send me a Rhino arm with my new NV gear. Asked me if I wanted older metal or newer plastic model. Need some quick pros and cons of each so I can answer him.

.

The very "fast" lens of f1.0 has increadable light gathering capabilities but I would guess virtially no deapth of field. It all seems to be a trade off in one form or another.

IPSC_GUY

.

I will scan some phots in I took by candlelight - looks remarkbly like the view through a 14!!!

.

hey, can someone point me to the helmet mounting system shown in some of the previous pictures?  i mean, what mfg or part number would i need to order to build one of those spiffy helmets?  i'm talking about the device that holds the NV scope and lets you flip it up and down.
(e.g. bsbg's "bike helmet mounted MUM")  (what does MUM stand for?)

if there are multiple models, can someone net out the pros and cons of each?

anybody on EE offer them?

thanks a bunch

Originally Posted By taliv: hey, can someone point me to the helmet mounting system shown in some of the previous pictures?  i mean, what mfg or part number would i need to order to build one of those spiffy helmets?  i'm talking about the device that holds the NV scope and lets you flip it up and down. (e.g. bsbg's "bike helmet mounted MUM")  (what does MUM stand for?) if there are multiple models, can someone net out the pros and cons of each? anybody on EE offer them? thanks a bunch

Hi,

The model I used for the PICS you see is a BELL bike helmet.  I picked it up at my local Walmart <yuck>  The mount you see is a GI flip up helmet mount.  You can email me if you would like a helmet mount, I usually get good prices for these.   MUM= "Multi Use Monocular"   Hope this helps.

As a fun side note  - if  you think that's a mallard duck sleeping on the golf course and want to sneak up on it, hopefully about 20 feet away you'll see it's a SKUNK!  like I did.


Give it a w.i.d.e  berth.......

Certain camera lenses produce the same effect - no depth of field although the field of view is fine. The f1.0 Leica noctilux is remarkably like the view from the PVS-14 - anything at less than 5' is a struggle to get focused unless it is stationary. Even then, I have to move around to stay in focus when trying to read something...

Yea Pete is the man, he will give you a good deal.

FREE

Originally Posted By v188: Medic08, If you're interested in good NVD, get ahold of IPSC-GUY (Pete) here on the files.  He is a great guy, honest, and a stand up guy.  YOU WON"T go wrong!!! If you search on his name, you'll find LOTS of guys who are very happy with their dealings with him.  I just bought a new PVS14, it was even better than I expected, and had NO, repeat NO blems.

Did some quicky testing tonight in the house with the PVS-14, mounted on the head.

All was done in the basement, not much light sneaking in

- opening the safe was easy as long as I used the built-in IR illuminator and focused the unit for the right distance

- retrieving guns was a little harder.   The focal range is very short, so if you are focused for the front of the safe, the stuff in the back is a bit blurry.

- night sights were worthless on handguns - again, it's the focal range.  You could focus on the rear sights, front sights, or what's in the room - take your pick of ONE

- standard sights were worthless, w/or w/out the IR on

- Trijicon Reflex II was usable, but the reticle wasn't super well defined.

- IOR M2 - could see the reticle, but couldn't see through the scope

- Eotech 512 (non-NVG) - usable, especially on the lowest setting, but not optimum

- Eotech 552 (NVG) - worked pretty well, but head alignment is a constant issue.  You end up pretty cocked to get it lined up right


- Trijicon compact ACOG 3x - not usable

I found that with the head mounted PVS-14, the EOtech 552 in NV mode worked best. I tried the Aimpoint; didn't like it as much. I also liked the the EOtech with the 14 mounted behind it. Have not experimented with other sight systems yet

Originally Posted By fight4yourrights: Did some quicky testing tonight in the house with the PVS-14, mounted on the head. All was done in the basement, not much light sneaking in - opening the safe was easy as long as I used the built-in IR illuminator and focused the unit for the right distance - retrieving guns was a little harder.   The focal range is very short, so if you are focused for the front of the safe, the stuff in the back is a bit blurry. - night sights were worthless on handguns - again, it's the focal range.  You could focus on the rear sights, front sights, or what's in the room - take your pick of ONE - standard sights were worthless, w/or w/out the IR on - Trijicon Reflex II was usable, but the reticle wasn't super well defined. - IOR M2 - could see the reticle, but couldn't see through the scope - Eotech 512 (non-NVG) - usable, especially on the lowest setting, but not optimum - Eotech 552 (NVG) - worked pretty well, but head alignment is a constant issue.  You end up pretty cocked to get it lined up right

This is interesting. This is where I get out my soapbox. The PVS 14 IS A FLAWED DESIGN! ! ! Now before the bottles and cans start flying, sit down and take a read. Don't get me wrong it is the best thing going to date, however…

The electronic variable gain, the whole purpose is to adjust the brightness up and down. This could have been accomplished by designing an objective lens with an aperture in it like a camera lens. The effect would have been the same but with the advantage of increased depth of field is something very important. Depth of field is the area of sharp focus 1/3 in front and 2/3rds behind the plane of sharp focus. This area will get bigger with a smaller aperture. So in an instance when you are trying to do some task at arms length you could crank down the aperture and be able to see more than the subject you happen to have the lens focused on at that particular second. Trying to do just about any easy task at arms length with a NVD on for a long period of time will wear on you. One thing that can be done is get a couple of day filters, and enlarge the hole in them to different sizes experimenting with the hole size. You will figure out the relationship fairly quickly.

Second the battery compartment. The new PVS 14A has addressed the short comings in that department but the A battery packs are VERY hard to find right now and I don’t foresee them getting any easier to aquire.

The focus limiting ring is another pain in the butt. If your fortunate enough to have one of the special made AB night vision versions with the set screws that actually hold the thing in place then they are not so bad.

Other than those things the 14 is great. Employment of the unit is all about getting out in the dark and using it to actually do things. Go try and do something like change a tire on a car with your 14 on and see how much fun that is…

IPSC_GUY
SIERRA II ALPHA

Originally Posted By heron163: I found that with the head mounted PVS-14, the EOtech 552 in NV mode worked best. I tried the Aimpoint; didn't like it as much. I also liked the the EOtech with the 14 mounted behind it. Have not experimented with other sight systems yet

The really cool thing to head mount and then look through a NV compatible sight is a set of ANVIS goggles. the dual tube thing gives you depth perception as well as twice the field of view.  Some day I will get a set cobbled together.

IPSC_GUY
SIERRA II ALPHA

Originally Posted By IPSC_GUY: Originally Posted By fight4yourrights: Did some quicky testing tonight in the house with the PVS-14, mounted on the head. All was done in the basement, not much light sneaking in - opening the safe was easy as long as I used the built-in IR illuminator and focused the unit for the right distance - retrieving guns was a little harder.   The focal range is very short, so if you are focused for the front of the safe, the stuff in the back is a bit blurry. - night sights were worthless on handguns - again, it's the focal range.  You could focus on the rear sights, front sights, or what's in the room - take your pick of ONE - standard sights were worthless, w/or w/out the IR on - Trijicon Reflex II was usable, but the reticle wasn't super well defined. - IOR M2 - could see the reticle, but couldn't see through the scope - Eotech 512 (non-NVG) - usable, especially on the lowest setting, but not optimum - Eotech 552 (NVG) - worked pretty well, but head alignment is a constant issue.  You end up pretty cocked to get it lined up right This is interesting. This is where I get out my soapbox. The PVS 14 IS A FLAWED DESIGN! ! ! Now before the bottles and cans start flying, sit down and take a read. Don't get me wrong it is the best thing going to date, however… The electronic variable gain, the whole purpose is to adjust the brightness up and down. This could have been accomplished by designing an objective lens with an aperture in it like a camera lens. The effect would have been the same but with the advantage of increased depth of field is something very important. Depth of field is the area of sharp focus 1/3 in front and 2/3rds behind the plane of sharp focus. This area will get bigger with a smaller aperture. So in an instance when you are trying to do some task at arms length you could crank down the aperture and be able to see more than the subject you happen to have the lens focused on at that particular second. Trying to do just about any easy task at arms length with a NVD on for a long period of time will wear on you. One thing that can be done is get a couple of day filters, and enlarge the hole in them to different sizes experimenting with the hole size. You will figure out the relationship fairly quickly. Second the battery compartment. The new PVS 14A has addressed the short comings there but the A battery packs are VERY hard to find right now and I don’t foresee them getting any easier to get. The focus limiting ring is another pain in the butt. If your fortunate enough to have one of the special made AB night vision versions with the set screws that actually hold the thing in place then they are not so bad. Other than those things the 14 is great. Employment of the unit is all about getting out in the dark and using it to actually do things. Go try and do something like change a tire on a car with your 14 on and see how much fun that is… IPSC_GUY SIERRA II ALPHA

No bottle throwing here...<duck>  Points are very well taken especially with the adjustable gain feature.  There is a company called NAIT (North American Intergrated Technologies) that sells a NVPS-10.  www.nait.com/nvps10_gen3.htm
They use a C-Mountable lens (adjustable shutter type) system which has HUGE benefits.  I have actually purchased two of these units in my past for serious surveillance activites.  I used this feature for camcoders, cameras, and 6X TV lenses.  While NAIT has always treated me well, I think they have fallen a bit by not keeping up with present technology, BUT their C-Mountable NVD still pays dividends! I think they are the victim (like most) having a VERY hard time getting good tubes in.

IPSC_GUY - interesting observation about the iris.


I was just researching new digitial cameras, and that's a complaint about them - too much field of view!   Photographers don't want everything in the picture to be in focus.


For NVG, it would be a LOT better.   Just walking around at night, if you look at your feet it's blurry.     That's been the one surprising thing about the PVS-14 is the focus - 95% of the focus on the lens is used for the 6" to 8 feet range, the last 5% takes you out to infinity.

Victor
AB night vision makes a version of his new mini mono that takes C mount lenses. He calls it the NVM-C vice the NVM- 6 and 9.

www.abnightvision.com/id18.html

www.abnightvision.com/id23.html

I plan to build a unit based on the NVM-C with interchangable c mounts for long range observation just as soon as get my dual tube ANVIS goggles project cobbled together.

I guess that like most I too am hung up on the cool guy factor of the PVS 14. I do however realize that there is room for improvment.

IPSC_GUY
SIERRA II ALPHA

.

Any thoughts on NVG's survivability if the USA got hit by an EMP attacK?


Certainly would be great to have with most of the light out.

I dunno, but an educated guess would tell me the tube would survive, but the power suply wouldn't.

i would think if the unit was not operational at the time of the emp- most likely would survive-

HOLY COW!!  LINK to info on the Long Range IR Illuminator


I have to say, I was a *little* disappointed when I received this unit.  The mounting system is perfectly servicable, but not top notch like I'm used to in other gear.  (LaRue, ARMS, etc...)  (see bottom pics)

But when I took it out tonight, those thoughts went by the wayside when I saw the performance.   IR Torch is no marketing hype, this thing really performs!   I hope these pics do it some justice.  

I'm using a Canon digital and a PVS-14.  You can easily see where the IR Torch is on.   Most of the pics are probably 150 to 200 yards, surburban setting, fair amount of ambient light.

Oh, and lights up reflective materials - license plates, sneakers, road signs, etc... like nobody's business.

*** just did a test in the basement.  On max gain, my pvs-14 was just useable to walk around.  The built-in IR did fine.   This IR illuminator worked great, even for the close range.

without:



with:



without:



with:

How did you get that black spot? Pointing at a helogen light for a long time?

Originally Posted By amuroray: How did you get that black spot? Pointing at a helogen light for a long time?

Probably a manufacturing blem.   Many tubes have them.  


From Litton's website:

Spots* A few black spots throughout the image area are also inherent characteristics of all night vision technology. These spots will remain constant and should not increase in size or number. See the example below of an image with black spots.

Damn!

Blems come with most tubes, but there are a considerable amount of Omni V and other  tubes with no blems.  If someone is looking to buy NVD, the less the cost versus MSRP, you can "assume" it'll have blems.  But as posted above, even many of the NVD's going to the military have blems like above.

BTW,  Is there a way you can shoot some photos with that IR light on, and turn down the gain?  I'm looking at buying one of his lights, but it looks like it just washes everything out?  I wonder if that's just the dig camera, or does it look like that?

Isn't good NVD great!

Originally Posted By v188: Blems come with most tubes, but there are a considerable amount of Omni V and other  tubes with no blems.  If someone is looking to buy NVD, the less the cost versus MSRP, you can "assume" it'll have blems.  But as posted above, even many of the NVD's going to the military have blems like above. BTW,  Is there a way you can shoot some photos with that IR light on, and turn down the gain?  I'm looking at buying one of his lights, but it looks like it just washes everything out?  I wonder if that's just the dig camera, or does it look like that? Isn't good NVD great!

It IS the digi camera!! Trust me on this!!    I've always said the unit is a torch!!

Vic

Originally Posted By fight4yourrights: HOLY COW!! I have to say, I was a *little* disappointed when I received this unit.  The mounting system is perfectly servicable, but not top notch like I'm used to in other gear.  (LaRue, ARMS, etc...)  (see bottom pics) But when I took it out tonight, those thoughts went by the wayside when I saw the performance.   IR Torch is no marketing hype, this thing really performs!   I hope these pics do it some justice.   I'm using a Canon digital and a PVS-14.  You can easily see where the IR Torch is on.   Most of the pics are probably 150 to 200 yards, surburban setting, fair amount of ambient light. Oh, and lights up reflective materials - license plates, sneakers, road signs, etc... like nobody's business. *** just did a test in the basement.  On max gain, my pvs-14 was just useable to walk around.  The built-in IR did fine.   This IR illuminator worked great, even for the close range. without: userweb.suscom.net/~paulbritton/pics/NV with IR 006.jpg with: userweb.suscom.net/~paulbritton/pics/NV with IR 007.jpg without: userweb.suscom.net/~paulbritton/pics/NV with IR 016.jpg with: userweb.suscom.net/~paulbritton/pics/NV with IR 015.jpg userweb.suscom.net/~paulbritton/pics/PVS14 with IR 005.jpg userweb.suscom.net/~paulbritton/pics/PVS14 with IR 006.jpg userweb.suscom.net/~paulbritton/pics/PVS14 with IR 007.jpg userweb.suscom.net/~paulbritton/pics/PVS14 with IR 008.jpg userweb.suscom.net/~paulbritton/pics/PVS14 with IR 010.jpg userweb.suscom.net/~paulbritton/pics/PVS14 with IR 014.jpg userweb.suscom.net/~paulbritton/pics/PVS14 with IR 015.jpg

Nice PICS...Of course if we put a mount such as a Larue or ARMS, we are looking at a $75.00 price hike or more. The mount works well for its purpose I actually use my ARMS #17DR on the torch if the need calls for a quick release.  Once again nice pics...Your digi camera washes out like mine did until I worked the shutter speeds a bit.  You can see more pics here as well.
www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=23&t=262113&page=1

Originally Posted By v188: BTW,  Is there a way you can shoot some photos with that IR light on, and turn down the gain?  I'm looking at buying one of his lights, but it looks like it just washes everything out?  I wonder if that's just the dig camera, or does it look like that? Isn't good NVD great!

It's the camera.    I don't think this one will do much better, but luckily (?) I need to replace it anyway - so maybe the next one will do better.


You won't be disappointed in the performance of this light.

Originally Posted By Victor: Nice PICS...Of course if we put a mount such as a Larue or ARMS, we are looking at a $75.00 price hike or more. The mount works well for its purpose I actually use my ARMS #17DR on the torch if the need calls for a quick release.

Understood - as I mentioned, the mount works.  

So tell me about the NVEC ENVIS monoculars that are out there. Are they a good alternative to a PVS-14? I'm looking to buy something in the near future and my absolute max budget is $2500 but I would like to stay less. In other words like anyone I would like to get the best tube I can buy. A few blems are okay with me also. Anyone have any suggestions for me? Thanks in advance.

Medic08,

If you're interested in good NVD, get ahold of IPSC-GUY (Pete) here on the files.  He is a great guy, honest, and a stand up guy.  YOU WON"T go wrong!!!

If you search on his name, you'll find LOTS of guys who are very happy with their dealings with him.  I just bought a new PVS14, it was even better than I expected, and had NO, repeat NO blems.

Originally Posted By lockedandloaded: I tried to mount a PVS-14 behind a Leitz Elcan optic, but the two objective lenses were not aligned properly even though I was using the GG&G Tall mount on the PVS-14. I was going for a poor-mans PVS-17 as suggested by the Canuck dude. Anyways, if I locate a mount high enough to align properly with the Elcan (suggestions), will the tritium reticle either burn or bloom out my PVS-14 tube? Another question, where is the Nitrogen purge port located on the AN/PVS-14 unit? Last question: Any real world experience on how long a set of AA's last on a PVS-14 with the gain set very low versus very high? Does the gain adjustment have much effect on battery life? What about the IR Illuminator, does that drain the life out of them?  More importantly, what is the real world time usage on a set of AA's? Soldiers in the box report using them continuosly all night long when on patrols.

The PRI M69 Mount will give you height adjustable set up that can get the height correct. Slight miss alignment side to side can also occur. This will cause a funny shaped halo. Do what you have to to get the NVD squarely behind the reticule. About the tritium, I use my 14 behind a TA 31 and the donut is right on the edge of being too bright. It seems to be worse when operating in very dark conditions as the rest of the image drops out and the doughnut kinda halos. I crank the gain down and this helps. Burning of the reticule. It can happen but it will take a while and can be corrected to a degree by turning the unit on and putting it into a dark closet for a few hours. DON'T try this at home kids. I have shined DIRECTLY into the objective lens of an OMNI 5 (badly blemed tube) with a LASER DEVICES IR laser (5MW) for 20 seconds and it did not permently damage the tube. I am looking for a small photo filter that is called a center spot nuetral density filter (it is simply darker in the center by a bit) that I think could be used to help with this. In lieu of that I have some sheet neutral density film I may stick on a LIF to try the same thing.  

Speaking of cranking the gain down. The more I use my 14 the more I am turning it down. It seems to help the transition time for my eye to get used to complete dark when I am looking away from the NVD.

My new LONG term goal is to get a set of dual tube goggles built (read ANVIS) to wear for observation and then have a dedicated weapons sight on the weapon. Look around with the the ANVIS, flip em up to shoot. THAT will be the ultimate in PASIVE sighting. Otherwise just go with an IR laser and the goggles. Like I said long-term goal. I got to try a set of dual tube goggles and  all I can say is "Daddy likes ! ! !"

The purge port for the 14 is on the back of the upper housing on the left side. It is covered by a small screw. DO NOT REMOVE THAT SCREW or you will loose your purge.

Interesting question. People will argue Aimpoint battery life back and forth but this is one of the few times someone has addressed battery life in NVDs. Cranking the gain down does not seem to extend battery life THAT much. It does some but not as much as you would think. I use NIMH rechargeables (1.3v at best) and I carry enough for two times as long as I think I might need them. A set will last at least one night of 12 hour ops if not two. The 14 has a low battery indicating feature that will start flashing a red light in the eyepiece 20 to 30 minutes before the batteries die so you at least have something of a warning.

I have never used the onboard IR illuminator longer than a minute. I carry an IR photon micro light as an added close range IR illuminator. It is slightly brighter and it has to be squeezed to stay on. Unless I am hunting four legged critters, I try to very hard to stay passive with my night vision usage. I have an IR laser but the only time I use it is about a second or two before a round goes down range. I don't lase everything in sight.

Hope all that helps.

IPSC_GUY
SIERRA II ALPHA

Originally Posted By inkaybee: Is EBI figured more than one way? The one above says EBI@800 = .670 Mine says 2.8x 10^-11 and it lists 4.0x10^-11 as a MAX I hear such extream numbers that I think there almost has to be more than one way to express EBI? Anybody know? Also, as I understand it, Signal to Noise ratio is the amount of "good image" your tube makes over the anoumt of "bad image" or noise. If EBI is a form of noise then it seems that the SNR ought to take into account EBI.  Thus making SNR the real important number to look at. Anybody know if that is the case?

DON"T KNOW for sure about the calculation of the EBI but SNR has always been explained to me as the sparkley snow one sees when you really get into a very dark enviroment. If I have this correct the lower the SNR, the more snow you will see.  The Higher the SNR the better the tube will "see" into the darkness.

IPSC_GUY
SIERRA II ALPHA

the other night was really heavy overcast and I saw soemthing that I had not noticed before in my pvs-14. In the very center of the field of view, there was a perfectly circular area of slightly different contrast - not at all blurry and with a  razor edge (sharp delineation) between it and the rest of the fov. I could only notice it when looking at the overcast sky. What am I sseing???

Originally Posted By heron163: the other night was really heavy overcast and I saw soemthing that I had not noticed before in my pvs-14. In the very center of the field of view, there was a perfectly circular area of slightly different contrast - not at all blurry and with a  razor edge (sharp delineation) between it and the rest of the fov. I could only notice it when looking at the overcast sky. What am I sseing???

Never heard or seen anything like that. It only showed up when you pointed it skyward?

IPSC_GUY
SIERRA II ALPHA

IPSC_GUY -

nope, I could see it against any light-colored, uniform background. At first I thought that it could have been a "burnt in area" from looking at something that was too bright but no - I have not done that. It is very strange - perfectly circular area of slightly different contrast - objects in that zone are razor sharp just like the rest of the FOV. Kind of reminds me of what you would see in a SLR camera viewfinder...

thanks,

Paul

Is this still the case? does the area outside this center area appear less sharp or darker? So essentially you have a circle in your image? is this circle even all the way around? try putting it in a dark closet turned on for a couple of hours and see if this circle goes away or gets worse.

Try that and let us know what happens.

IPSC_GUY
SIERRA II ALPHA

What is the story on the chicken wire effect? I have a USNV mini-14 3rd gen.  When I got it, they said the hexagonal effect was just a visual thing  and wouldn't affect the use.  Since then I've heard stories that it a sign of a defective tube or that the tube is about to go bad. Others say that its okay.  As far as defects, one of the hex boxes is darker than all the others but thats it. As far as performance it works just as well as my PVS7D although I would have to give the edge to the 7Delta's. I didn't get a data sheet with either unit. So did I get a bum tube with the mini-14?