$100 Night Vision

[@Devilman666]

I'm happy you mentioned the NV that came with the collectors edition of MW2. I told them I owned the night since I was 14 and now I've been vindicated.

[@Swanhub]

Those goggles are real gen 1 NV, supposedly. Best price to performance NV if true

[@Hoplopfheil]

@@Swanhub They're digital.

[@nvgboiyes6386]

Gen 1 is way different than the mw2 nvg

[@009013M3]

When I was 14 I bought a set of LZOS ON-1x20 goggles on eBay for $450 that I earned pulling weeds at the greenhouse three miles down the road. Of course, that was back in like 2004 when you could get a gen 1+ binocular device for $450.

[@fourtyfivefudd]

But what about the MW3 version 👀 for a toy, those ones are impressive , again for a toy

[@BooDamnHoo]

Being able to detect hidden IR cameras is a good use at this price point.

[@southern.pride0]

could prob get something 50 dollars cheaper if you really looked, or maybe assemble something for around 50

[@kerbalairforce8802]

Sionix is great because it's getting attention to manufacturers to start pushing the limits of digital night vision

[@Valorius]

I agree with this.

[@1nfamyX]

Yes. Digital is the future, but the future is not now, old man.

[@stevebutters306]

Probably alright for certain hunting scenarios, mostly I see this as a way to experience night vision in novelty form for the curious who aren't willing or able to drop money on real nods

[@TrangleC]

Yeah. I can see taking this with me as a toy when walking the dog at night.

[@Valorius]

Hunting/culling is the only non-cringe use for NVGs for a citizen. Except the Sionics Aurora, which is tremendously useful for making movies. Which "real" NVGs are not.

[@ACESHOT1O1]

@@Valorius you’re cringe for thinking civilians having real nods is cringe.

[@OntarioBearHunter]

only thing around here you can hunt at night is raccoons and you just use a dog a e-call and big ass flashlight.

[@Valorius]

@@ACESHOT1O1 OK zoomer. This is America, spend your money how you want. Just keep in mind that all the money you blow on LARPer gear quickly adds up to a down payment for a house, or many other actually useful things in life. Also, your reading comprehension sucks. ;)

[@highdesertdrew1844]

I often use my NV for checking IR sensors and emitters on electronics equipment I'm working on. This would actually be perfect as I can now put my NVs back into my kit and not keep it with my tools.

[@brandonschwertley2723]

I managed to get an armasight Vega like 7-8 years ago now, which is a gen 1 unit. As an entry level NV device to get you accustomed to the various aspects and quirks of using proper tubes I think it performs well. It would also be an excellent IR illumination detector, and I got it for $100 back in the day. It basically beats out the carson device in every way except size. It is an actual tube assembly with good clarity, just poor visibility without active IR illumination. It's inexpensive units like the Vega that make you realize how important IR illumination/laser discipline is. Your entire plan can be completely ruined by one dude sitting in an OP with something like this, and seeing your IR light. Just like the Russian doctrine with SVD rifles back during the Cold War. They had an IR filter to detect IR illumination, so they could engage these targets. Whether it be a dude with a starlight scope, or a vehicle with an IR searchlight.

[@alexhdz512]

I just love how Hop does these comparison videos. Let’s people know a little more about their options and options are always good

[@igamewhenimbored7696]

Hop really is great. A curious topic, exploring accessible options, speaking to practicality with absolutely zero bullshit and humour drier than microwaved sand.

[@MrRedrooster53]

So... if I took 10 of these OPMODS, put them all spliced together on a Militiaworks QUAD upper, and ran the feed through my Vortex... I'd basically have the NGSW optic but better?

[@EXO9X8]

I thought this was going to be a flashlight review. Boy was I wrong.

[@nejinaji]

Who needs a flashlight when you can see in the dark

[@notforsaletoday1895]

It kinda is. It’s just the light projected is not visible to the naked eye.

[@LittleNemoGaming]

I was thinking this might be a good pocket "flashlight" for people when walking to their cars at night. Or other day-to-day stuff. (edit: but at night, of course)

[@danieltaylor1522]

1:36 - "What are the f'ing odds that one of these things out performs a SiOnyx Aurora at 1/10th the cost?" That's the moment I clicked the Like button.

[@Awesomo12000]

Hop we need eating carrot review

[@warphammer]

The problem is as ever. You could make a decent digital NV device by getting a custom sensor with no color filter and gigantic sensor wells, couple that with a good sized objective lens and some software to deal with the noise of really amping up the sensitivity. That would be nice. But also 'custom' and at night vision volumes it pushes the price up to 'might as well get a tube'. Or even thermal.

[@f308gtb1977]

It’s ok to kick the trolls Hop. Well done.

[@MrGreyHats]

As odd as it may sound the $100.⁰⁰ option is intriguing to me. I work at facility were individuals sometimes run outside in the night. Having something like that would be better than having nothing. Because safety of those I serve is worth it in my book.

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

It's also no big deal if you have to drop it to fight an individual as well. Urban areas are also typically well lit enough where its hard to see with the naked eye, but crystal clear on Gen 2, and probably also pretty clear on digital.

[@enzobaldwin6121]

@@DaveSmith-cp5kj I have an Aurora, and in my urban neighborhood, everybody's outdoor security cameras have built in IR lights. Even on a moonless night it's easy to see down the street. Still not a pvs though.

[@tackytrooper]

One of these carried with a highpoint would be the ultimate poverty SHTF kit!

[@LittleNemoGaming]

OMG. I kinda want to have like $300 to spend on a Hi-Point .380 and this thing and find a way to superglue it to the gun now. For the lulz/memes. And to anger people who see it.

[@nickv1008]

Or duct tape it to a Turkish 12 ga. Shotgun ($150) !

[@nickv1008]

@@LittleNemoGaming maybe a sheriff's auction, I really haven't seen hi-point used for sale....

[@musicmaestro88]

PAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

[@possumpatrol45]

@@nickv1008 Just go magnet fishing in any urban body of water, you can get a Hi-Point for free!

[@bluejay1962]

as a broke AF boi who dose a heck tone of night hikes i think i can appreciate these for what they are

[@CR67]

The OpMod is great for close range, such as indoor use for things that go bump in the night. It is very dependent on the IR illuminator, but there's no noticeable delay. I could aim a gun in real time against a moving target with the OpMod, which is something the Sionyx cannot accomplish.

[@gothamsreckoning7949]

"Turns out the odds are zero" 😄 🤣 😂 😆 from the looks of it...I'd have to agree.

[@TheMsdos25]

On the subject of ultra cheap digital NVGs it would be cool if you looked at the NVG10 (aka TKKOK M60) monocular. It appears to be a binned CCD security camera sensor repurposed for NV and can be had for around $330.

[@VictorGarciaR]

"You can get the same with a bunch of of-the-shelf parts, 50$" is bullshit. I know because I tried it for fun. I still have it in a shelf, an ungodly monstruosity powered by 3 li-ion 18650, with built in IR floodlights and based around the Runcam Night Eagle 2 coupled to a drone FPV visor. Fun proyect, but way to bulky and not even water-resistant. For 200€ I ended up with something bigger and heavier than the DNV OPMOD, that offers a little bit more resolution and binocular vision. If you are reading this because you are interested in night vision, save up some money and buy a gen2+, everything under that is more of a novelty toy than a tool

[@ColeDedhand]

You had me at $100...

[@sartorialdriver6528]

Our time has come boys. Tape two together, mount it to an airsoft bump helmet, and we're goonin'.

[@alexmaurice4274]

@@sartorialdriver6528 ye ye

[@revolvertaco7493]

still wish I could find a NV scope like we had in the army. it fit in a hand one lens and showed everything in green. wish id grabbed one

[@frankdelucey2137]

If all your reviews are like this (straight to the point) then you just gained another subscriber!

[@victorpapaavp]

I mean, it outperforms the old Mk 1 eyeball... barely...

[@toddsmith1189]

Hop no matter how shitty of a day I'm having I always come away from you videos with a smile. Keep em coming!!

[@Windowlick_]

The Carson is just as good as an Aurora, which is just as good as a gen3 PVS14

[@Version135]

Lol

[@Hoplopfheil]

The transitive cope property

[@Followme556]

@@Hoplopfheil I actually wish the Aurora was a thing when I was still doing the PI sneaky stuff. That thing would be a god send for getting good surveillance video at night, and for things like ID'ing tags in dark alleys from a distance without hitting them with a flashlight. I think if you look at it from the perspective of professional civilian use, the Aurora is a tremendous tool and is actually far more useful than real NVG from that perspective. Not to mention the ability to make awesome youtube night videos and stuff like that, which any hobbyist would probably benefit from greatly. Have you tried using an Aurora mounted to your pic rail at night for plinking or pest removal? Subscribed.

[@Valorius]

@@Followme556 An Aurora would've definitely come in handy in North Philly. (Vic is my brother)

[@Cognosapien]

Can I mount two of them on a Wilcox G24 to run it on my helmet?

[@Statusinator]

Buy one, duct tape to rifle, more money for them tendies.

[@chromosomehoarder6927]

Yeah someone sells a mount for them on eBay that's 3D printed but I mean you would be way better off with flash light

[@Version135]

Love the idea of a mount that costs 4x the price of each monocle

[@Danwise]

Use it for SHTF emergency night vision observation without a full kit. Duct tape or fashion a cover for the IR Illum so youre not given away when turning it on. Go Bag type stuff. Get home and get to the better gear. That's worth $100.

[@BrassFacts]

OPMOD "limited edition" what is this? NFT's?

[@scruggs6633]

OPMOD is Optics Planet's own brand that some manufacturers stamp into stuff as limited/special editions. Most optics that are OPMOD are just the normal optic but in FDE with "OPMOD" on the side

Maybe this is not for someone to find all security cameras in the vicinity. It's for all the security cameras to find him.

[@kenadams2124]

I always enjoy how based your Reviews are. And then I Google real Nightvision Prices and get sad....

[@TheBlackFoxMaster]

По секрету расскажу - любой видеорегистратор, который имеет ночной режим - это по сути активный ПНВ для ближнего расстояний, то есть у него есть встроенная ИК подсветка и он поможет видеть на 5-10 метров перед собой, но при этом прямо перед собой вы ничего не увидите, так как ИК подсветка будет слепить сенсор и часто линза в камере настроена таким образом что бы снимать начиная с 2-3х метров от самого видеорегистратора.

[@ShellShock794]

For the size of the Opmod, they should just add a range finder to it and then at least it has one practical tool in conjunction with moderate ability to see in the dark

[@87stickman]

I like the aurora. I have the pro and it's definitely great for static work. I'd use it to move around in open fields at night

[@lawrencerodgers9845]

How good is it with little moon/star light?

[@doghouse916]

The opmod is good for going through your gear in an indoor situation when waiving a flashlight is not advisable. Also other indoor semi secure applications.

[@cathys465]

The OPMOD would be useful for finding trail-cams in the woods at night because they emit IR. This would be helpful whether you forgot where you left your trail-cam or if you're stealing other people's trail-cams. :-(

[@jon27d]

4:00 - fun fact most cameras on smartphones can also do this. If you walk down your street at night looking through the camera on your phone you can start to pick out random lights on the outside of houses that correlate with things like security cameras and video doorbells

[@Nobody-Nowhere]

Monochrome sensors also have higher microcontrast. If you think about it, a 1080p color sensor only has 1/3rd of the actual pixels. It only has 2MP, while it needs 3x2MP. So a lot of pixels are simply interpolated. Monochrome sensor has no interpolation, its 1x2MP. So it has much higher resolution. Monochrome sensor will always outperform any color sensor, not just in sensitivity, but also in its resolution.

[@HB-kp6rl]

Hell yeah. One of the best channels out there

[@jmullner76]

Thanks for the review Hop.

[@maddog7012]

I bought an OPMOD for Christmas and I thought it was cool for very basic nv stuff, but holy Jesus the freaking screen is so damn bright

[@262fire3]

Idk but it might work for something to throw in the car or back pack and forget it. It might fit the role of oh crap I lost my keys in the field somewhere and it's dark.

[@LyleH-13]

i like the "use case" you drop right at the close of the video.

[@fixedG]

Certainly not just as good. The only use-case I can think of is as a static observation tool sorta like you mentioned but in combination with a spotlight to be used only when you spot someone. Like say you're in a guard tower and you need to surveil a dark area for intruders or escapees and you don't care about recording latency or putting rounds on target in the dark. You just need to know when to switch on the spotlights and sound the alarms because you were able to confirm there was a person where there shouldn't be a person and you don't want to leave the lights on all night even if you need to stand guard all night. But I gotta figure even low magnification would be better for that than 1x.

[@fendergrab123]

I swear I got the unbranded version of this probably 10 years ago from cheaper than dirt, but for around $50. It's sad they couldn't even update it just a little bit.

[@atomicsmith]

Great content as always Holotofpoors!

[@medikpac7105]

Hop, have you considered reviewing the Defcad BPNVGs? I made a set, and while certainly not professional level stuff, it is more usable than most digital night vision I've seen. And, at the very least, a step towards something better.

[@RustyShackleford556]

Where did you get the cameras? The night eagles are impossible to find. I've heard that there are mounts/housings for other cameras, but I can't find those files. Btw, how are they? Passable? Good for navigation? How's passive aiming? Image quality without illumination? Weight?

[@medikpac7105]

@@RustyShackleford556 long story short, Foxeer Night Cat 3s are being used and are what I have in mine. They are great cams. Small adapters can be printed to make them work, and the wiring is very easy. Keep in mind that the limiting factor is the screens, not the cameras themselves.

[@freedomfalcon]

Would like to know as well.

[@John_Prophet]

Pvs69 master race for diy nvg.

[@robertparis5680]

@@medikpac7105 same, the screens are not great, it's enough to get a pid at like 20 feet under star light, but it's a bit like a magnifying glass over an RCA screen. Still like mine, though. Also you can splice a USB plug to the 5 volt barrel to run a USB power bank instead of the 8 aa's the original plans call for. Runs well with my dual setup.

[@dmitrykarkov4747]

DUDE I WANT THIS!! I could totally use this for road trips!

[@matthewschlessman9786]

I thought bro was gunna whip out a white light and say "look, you can see in the dark"

[@mtnride4930]

I was done with buying 100 dollar night vision. I bought a PVS 14 NV monocular gen 3 white phospur tube and extremely happy with it now the magnifier is next then a good thermal imager.

[@tidypog3272]

I really appreciate this video

[@OpieInTheSmokies]

Great video. Cool device. Be cool if you could get the sionyx package in something that small. But tis a dream.

[@sciloj]

Well, for anyone who knows at least a bit about light sensors and who spent a second to find teardown photos for Aurora, it's obvious - Aurora's sensor is by more than an order of magnitude larger than one OPMOD has. It means better sensitivity, less noise, you name it. Claims that all low-light digital cameras are the same could only come from an illiterate immature person who wants to troll people with extremely broad statements. However, I should say that even a $100 device isn't hopeless - it can be modified to do a much better job at passive IR signature detection (by disconnecting the illuminator completely, at least), and that's a viable use.

[@five5105]

Ok yeah but let's see that Nerf camera now

[@EricDaMAJ]

I guess you could use it in a house to detect Michael Myers sneaking up on you. : /

[@tnh723]

duly noted. "Hop has a new video? auto play"

[@WartimeFriction]

Only thing I could think of was when you said it turned in with it's IR full blast. If you rig a way to turn it on/off remotely I imagine it can be used as an IR distraction to either draw attention or fire to somewhere you're not. This is of course incredibly far out of reach for the average citizen and pretty much anyone else.

[@zendric3]

Even then, just get an ir illuminator you can more easily remotely toggle. Probably cheaper to rig up some IR LEDs to a remote switch.

[@michaelabraham9177]

I spent years in the military. I haven't seen anything to compare to military thermals, or nvgs in a price range I like.

[@PracticalTacticalSheepDog]

Try the NightFox Corsac. They're binoculars but they work amazingly well.

[@bubblewhip382]

Hop: "Why are you making me defend the Sionyix Aurora? Stop making me defend the Sionyix Aurora!"

[@BushCampingTools]

Of course, it can't possibly be, it is simply a toy. if you want serious then u need to spend serious. We had a camera once in at work, it cost 70k Aust Dollars (it was for research purposes), so i guess at the time it was about 30-34k USD, it was like 1ft long (huge but it could basically see in pitch black and it was so nerve wracking using it as the gain was so sensitive if your forgot and had the room lights on you could damage it. Nowadays good sub HD night vision image intensifiers and or IR sub 2K USD.

[@ItzRetz]

Bro the SiOnyx Aurora is fucking insane, I had no idea something like that even existed... being able to turn pitch black into pretty much daytime is insane. I want one.

[@fiskersproductions]

Only when there is an abundance of ambient light

[@josholdham1033]

Really interesting comparison!

[@hateferlife]

Checking out animals or a bump at night. I don’t store NODs with batteries and they’re locked in the safe. At $100? They’d be good to leave in vehicles too, for when a flashlight isn’t optimal.

[@discountmorty213]

btw if your opmod carson rubber starts to turn gummy and sticky you need to use 70% alcohol to rub away the rubber.

[@IVANHOECHAPUT]

At 1:43: I wonder why using night vision instruments, everyong whispers?

[@n_worder]

Wasn't expecting ASMR when clicking on this

[@viewatyourownrisk]

Next you should do those homemade quads using low light cameras and 3d printed parts.

[@dylanwight5764]

wow, the difference is... night and day

[@Boa796]

Possibly also useful for navigating windowed dark indoor spaces if you have no other night vision device and you don't want to use a flashlight?

[@Ryknfjor]

THANK YOU for the review on the rebadged "carson mini-aura". Its been in my amazon cart for 4 years when it was $75. Now its $100 lol. Ill save my money and get something else....

[@travisjohnson2232]

I use a syonix aurora as a gun camera that fits in front of my scoop for night hunting backed by an ir light it's pretty good for identifying animals in the dark

[@slappy8941]

It's important to be able to see what you're scooping.

[@dadof41000]

Just use an IR illuminator with the Aurora and keep it set on the best resolution settings. Mine is helmet mounted and allows me to move in the dark. Can't beat it for $399 at the time.

[@Kadeo-ms6qw]

True I have the aurora black and bought a $20 ir flashlight and it works great

[@theunofficialresults231]

Love to see ya do a Sig thermal scope video.

[@oakleysv9600]

I have a PVS-14, but I want to have a dual-nod setup to some extent. How would pairing a PVS-14 for my dominant eye and a Sionyx over the other eye work out? Is that viable or is it best to just save for another PVS-14?

[@BrosephMerrick]

It would be extremely disorienting. the sionyx has a slight delay, compared to a pvs14 with no delay.

[@colby1398]

You'd probably make yourself sick, as one eye would have a slight delay over the other.

[@oakleysv9600]

@@colby1398 and​ @broseph merrick, Thanks for the feedback! I suppose I'll just have to save up more.

[@Version135]

Sounds like a headache to me.

[@yg-nq1qh]

Its not the worst thing ever... The delay isnt too terribly bad but you do gain the benefit of color identification when ambient light or ir illumination is good. In total darkness though, the noise from the sionyx will make you squint that eye shut. I couldnt find a true use for that myself so i just kept my bridged pvs14 setup

[@DonHavjuan]

It also eats those AAA batteries in about 3 minutes

[@manganvbg90]

Please review Sionyx Opsin, the new ”supposedly” NVG from sionyx. 2500 usd msrp with release date this summer

[@bubblewhip382]

Still looking forward to the opsin.

[@benskitv]

Does this mean that you're preordering the new Sionyx Opsin?

[@digitalranger4259]

I'm looking for s night vision device to aid in my view of my half acre property . Would a digital night vision device let me view my yard, considering it is mostly illuminated by low voltage lighting?

[@maximusjoseppi5904]

basically the exact same.. i couldnt even tell you changed devices.

[@dragdragon23]

I'm guilty of one of those with a collection of cheap first generation and digital junk (I do have a Torry pines thermal LOL). Who needs to start saving for the better high end, Few in my area do have super high quality NV, many have what I have and the majority have NONE!

[@J.R.1111]

Have you tried testing a cheap $100 4k camera with a Sony Starvis 2, IMX color sensor?.

[@FedericoAllegretti]

the real problem is for the "outside the usa" kids like me ... here gain a used pvs14 (that is illegal in some countries) stats from 2000+ euros ... so a 400€ aurora sport have a use in night aisoft games :D

[@HarborLockRoad]

You can find factory remanufactured ones for as little as $99.00, but the drawback is they use infra red, so the guy you're looking at can probably see you too if he has slightly better equipment.

[@johndaviddoesmith4504]

I have one of these shoved in a go bag to hand anyone for observation before movement it’s smaller than a pack of smokes and runs on aaa battery

[@BlueMarten]

- Could you pair it with a separate IR flashlight that isn't so obnoxiously obvious?

[@captaindookey]

Have you tried any of the Nightfox digital night vision devices?

[@lilnazxfunny7229]

might be really good for a neiborhood man hunt

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@shaneciccarelli-palmer2962]

I’m about to buy DTNVS gen3 white phosphor unfilmed for 10k is this a mistake or? I can send the spec sheet for a more accurate determination. Both tubes have a SNR of 37/38 left/right. From what I researched it seems these are top of the line but with that top of the price. Would I be better off getting gen 3 white phosphor thin filmed?

[@MGMan37]

If it floods out IR by default how clandestine of an IR spotter is it really? Though I suppose the emitter could always be taped over.

[@julian23561]

Ever considered featuring autisti-vision like the BPNVG or the PVS-69?

[@scott_hunts]

Thoughts on the dirt cheap 12-30 dollar Ir illuminators on Amazon?

[@dreamkiss4u]

that is what i was telling so many people about color night vision on other devices and told them its not night vision its just low light sensor but not real night vision and we debated for a while lol...specially on the new cheaper priced color night vision security cameras for the home.

[@Valorius]

There is a guy on ebay that modifies this Carson opmod unit with an Iphone camera that has 90x60 FoV (which can be used vertically or horizontally, obviously) and 1x zoom, with a built in 940nm illuminator. Here's a side by side video comparison with a PVS-14: kzbin.infou-T1HcYMFTg It's useful for indoor use, for ....whatever? I have one and use it for shooting racoons trying to get into my cornfield at night from a short range elevated position. Poor fkers never know what hit them.

[@rev-mikemckay9750]

He pulled the listings/quit making them about 18 months ago. Haven't been able to find them since his price went almost to the base Syonix cost.

[@Valorius]

@@rev-mikemckay9750 I can get you in touch with the guy if you want, I chat with him on signal. I believe he has a newer updated version now. The Sionyx is a much, much higher res unit obviously, the beauty of the CQBR as he calls his Carson OPMOD mod is that it weighs like 2 or 3oz and can fit in a shirt pocket. He modified it to work with a go pro mount, so when I snuff out raccoons with mine I attach it to the rail of my AR with a CMMG Bravo 22 kit in a 45 degree offset and use it in conjunction with an IR laser. I make headshots at 30yds no problem that way, and I don't have to wear anything on my head. I'm ex infantry and have a genuine well earned hate for helmets, so this is a huge plus for me.

[@rev-mikemckay9750]

@@Valorius Yes, please do. I am on Signal, too, but I guess not the right channels.

[@rev-mikemckay9750]

@@Valorius Just trying to figure out how to exchange addresses without going through the public. I am on Signal, too (mostly APIII groups and some prepper/survival & political. Interested (still) in the updated versions. Thanks

[@Valorius]

@@rev-mikemckay9750 Leave a comment on the mauna loa sunset video on my page, i have all the comments set kick into auto moderation, so you can leave your email without anyone seeing it but me.

[@zendell37]

How's that TMP/MP9 you were shooting at the end? I've always wanted one, but I doubt they can be anything special.

[@Hoplopfheil]

The trigger is so bad it feels like the gun is broken. I love it.

[@zendell37]

That's the problem with niche guns. Never worth the price of admission. I should get old friends with eccentric gun taste and hope they get Alzheimer's. Not hope, per se...but not complain too much if it happens.

[@pianorags]

On my OPMOD at night i have a white screen with IR off but with it on the image is in negative form, What's wrong?

[@frast9201]

Wonder when the Opsin vid drops.