Night Vision Monocular Guide

Night vision buying guide

How to compare GEN2+, NNVT Gen 3 and Photonis Echo monoculars using the tube data, phosphor colour, condition and housing format.

A monocular should be chosen as a complete device rather than by generation name alone. FOM, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, autogating, visible tube marks, optics and the supplied documentation all affect the buying decision.

Use the exact product photographs

Through-tube photographs help show the image and visible cosmetic marks on a particular unit, but camera exposure, focus and ambient light can change their appearance. Compare the photographs with the tube sheet and written condition notes.

NNVT4 green phosphor monocular through-the-tube example
NNVT4 green phosphor through-tube example.
NNVT5 white phosphor monocular through-the-tube example
NNVT5 white phosphor through-tube example.
Photonis Echo white phosphor monocular through-the-tube example
Photonis Echo white phosphor through-tube example.

Current monocular comparison

Device Tube Confirmed details Buying position
Yaksa-14 NNVT4 GEN2+ green phosphor FOM 1499, 64 lp/mm, SNR 23.42, non-gated Lowest-cost analogue option with unit-specific QC data
PVS-14 NNVT4 GEN2+ white phosphor FOM 1400, 64 lp/mm, autogated, off-spec / blem tube Value white phosphor where the disclosed tube condition is acceptable
Yaksa-14 NNVT5 GEN2+ white phosphor FOM 1600, 64 lp/mm, autogated Balanced white phosphor option
Yaksa-14 NNVT6 GEN2+ green phosphor FOM 1400, 68 lp/mm, autogated Autogated green phosphor option
PVS-14 NNVT Gen 3 Green or white phosphor FOM 1850 green or FOM 1700 white, autogated, ABC Step up in tube class with factory QC documentation
Photonis Echo GEN2+ white phosphor FOM 1800, autogated, Photonis data sheet Named European tube platform with documentation

Value-focused green phosphor

The Yaksa-14 NNVT4 provides analogue night vision with a detailed QC sheet at the lowest current monocular price tier.

View Yaksa-14 NNVT4

White phosphor choices

NNVT4 is the lowest-cost route where the disclosed blem condition is acceptable. NNVT5 provides a higher FOM class in the Yaksa-14 housing.

View Yaksa-14 NNVT5

Higher tube classes

NNVT Gen 3 and Photonis Echo options add stronger tube data or a recognised tube platform. Compare the individual sheet rather than the generation label alone.

View Photonis Echo

Reading a tube sheet

FOM is resolution multiplied by signal-to-noise ratio. SNR indicates how clean the image remains as light falls. Resolution describes fine detail in lp/mm. Gain, EBI, halo and visible spots also affect the viewed image.

For the manufacturer's Echo range information, see the Exosens Echo product page.

Custom monocular builds

Housing, optics, phosphor colour and tube class can be discussed before purchase. A custom build normally requires around two weeks before dispatch, subject to tube availability and the requested specification.

Need help comparing two units?

Send the product links and your intended use. We can compare the listed tube data, condition and required accessories before purchase.

Contact Kaelor Works