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Night Vision PVS 14 Filters

Rerun7

Rerun7

Furious George
Full Member
Minuteman
    • Feb 18, 2017
    1,906
    2,112
    Fayetteville, Arkansas
    #1
    What are some of the best filters to help increase contrast?

    Is there anything that would make the image similar to a white phosphor?

    I saw the Wilcox amber filter but not sure if that would make it easier or harder to view than the normal green.
     
    #2
    The main plus of the amber filters for me has been putting them on thermals to reduce the brightness into the eyeballs ...

    But I don't use the plastic wilcox any more ... I use several nice clear glass filters I've accumulated over the years ... but they are hard to get. One bunch comes from Switzerland and cost about $100 a piece. People keep trying to productionalize them in the USA, but unrelated issues keep side-tracking the effort. Maybe one day.

    ... Is there anything that would make the image similar to a white phosphor?
    Click to expand...

    Yes and I have two of them ... but they are currently unobtainium.
     
    Last edited:
    #5
    In regards to the filters on thermal, what’s the best one you’ve found that reduces backsplash but doesn’t degrade the image/contrast?

    I have that same struggle and even on the lowest brightness setting it’s still harsh once my eyes are adjusted to the night.
     
    #6
    I have also replaced my plastic amber Wilcox with a purple-ish one that is closer to what you want. Not listed on their industry-oriented website, but available from https://isquarednightvision.com/ (which has a certificate issue today but is safe) or I can get you Pete Lesbo's contact information directly if they don't respond through the website shortly.

    Here's what mine looks like. It even screws it securely. There's a Wilcox amber filter in the woods somewhere because they just pop on... and off.

    33466699438_2751bf3293_b.jpg
     
    #7
    I just run Amber/yellow ocular, and a 720nm obj. for several years . never removed at night for several years . Been so long, I should take both off and see what the pvs14 looks like in natural tube tone .
    .
     
    #9
    I use the Wilcox amber filter, it's the one with the big rubber ring and replaces the eye cup, right? I love it. Everything still looks green really, but what it does is prevent that green glow around your eye that can be seen forever and a day at night. The rubber eye cup causes my eye to sweat and/or steam up the (steam resistant) demist shield. So yeah, I love mine.

    I saw a laser filter recently for PVS7B/D and there was just one and I was wondering if it'll work with PVS14, and if so, does this help prevent IR laser damage to the tube?
     
    #10
    ...
    In regards to the filters on thermal, what’s the best one you’ve found that reduces backsplash but doesn’t degrade the image/contrast?

    I have that same struggle and even on the lowest brightness setting it’s still harsh once my eyes are adjusted to the night ...
    Click to expand...

    All three of the glass filters I have are very clear, no degredation. I'm used to them, but a very experienced night/thermal hunter I was out with recently looked thru mine an exclaimed "That's awesome!" with a tone of voice that indicated he was not just being sociable :)

    I've used the old sepia and "red hot" pallets on the FLIR cores ... and the wilcox ambers ... but the glass filters are king ... at reducing eye strain and maximizing image clarity.
     
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    #11
    Strykervet said:
    ...I saw a laser filter recently for PVS7B/D and there was just one and I was wondering if it'll work with PVS14, and if so, does this help prevent IR laser damage to the tube?
    Click to expand...
    Yes, the PVS7 and 14 are the same objective threads etc. DO try to get the LIF that screws in. There is a slide on one, but it falls off and you loose it.

    Even if not working around lasers, I always run a LIF as a sacrificial filter. Just like I do with my camera to protect the lens itself from damage. So, worth it anyway, everyone should have one. But yes, just like how a high power laser will destroy your eyeball, lasers will over-power the II in your NODs so if ever around aiming lasers, get a LIF. Even reflection from yours can be tricky and damaging.

    Also, the LIF has an awesome color to it in the sun, so photos of your unit look awesome :)
    33466699398_5c0dd3d992_b.jpg
     
    #14
    Yup, I have a small bag of those ... mine have threads on the front also (the one in the pic might as well) and I've barely been able to thread in the USGI 3x magnifier up there.
    I think softcock is to blame for my learning about these critters, about 5 years ago !! :D
     
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    #15
    wigwamitus said:
    All three of the glass filters I have are very clear, no degredation. I'm used to them, but a very experienced night/thermal hunter I was out with recently looked thru mine an exclaimed "That's awesome!" with a tone of voice that indicated he was not just being sociable :)

    I've used the old sepia and "red hot" pallets on the FLIR cores ... and the wilcox ambers ... but the glass filters are king ... at reducing eye strain and maximizing image clarity.
    Click to expand...

    Do you mean the same filters you were talking about for the PVS14?
     
    #16
    Well, we've got front end filters and backend filters. The three glass filters I use on the backs of thermals, can also be used on the backs of 14s ... in fact were made for 14s ... but for me using them on backs of thermals is much higher priority.

    The ZOMOs I use on the fronts of the 14s only ... and don't even use them as much as I should, but they block some things I need to see, like some dots and some vis lasers and the COTI image. So while in theory they are always supposed to be on there. In fact, they are usually not.
     
    #17
    Yeah, I bought a couple of those zomie filters as well but ended up removing them.

    It’s extremely dark in the valley where I hunt until the moon gets over the hills so for the first couple hours my NV struggles and any dimming from a filter makes it that much harder to see. I try and do it without adding IR lights as I haven’t found a good flood yet to use for navigating in the woods and doesn’t blind you from the reflection off leaves, etc.

    Thermal is a different story, the backlight on it is enough to blind you in those conditions.
     
    #18
    wigwamitus said:
    Yup, I have a small bag of those ... mine have threads on the front also (the one in the pic might as well) and I've barely been able to thread in the USGI 3x magnifier up there.
    I think softcock is to blame for my learning about these critters, about 5 years ago !! :D
    Click to expand...
    -
    I always grab them off the 720's ebay and order them, and I have given to friends who don't have . I was told about them several years back and I always use them as a sacrificial lens also .
    I just never take the 720 off the Obj. . There is just nothing better than a 720nm to cool off a full moon in a grass field or take the edge off when you got some industrial or rural ambient in the outskirts that fucking with your scanning .

    I run yellow tints on the Occular that I got off Arron F. years back . he had a good idea and printed a sweet plastic housing back then to hold color lens's and screw in to ocular .
    .
     
    #19
    Yup, I actually got the tip about the 720s from Aaron who attributed the tip to you.
    And I got one of Aaron's filters. In hindsight, I should've got 50 of them ! :D
     
    #21
    720 to the 760nm cut-off range ? . I would not know, Unless I was just doing a close compare sidexside @ night .
    the fine tech./photo geek stuff not my forte . but 720 probably the sweet spot ( my guess ) .
    And another 'just a guess ?' You probably see ok @ night you need to cut-off (light color frequencies) anywhere below 800nm .

    with all the digital computer editing for Pic's. now. the fine art of Filters on film probably just a lost art . But someone with photo. formal training is the person to talk to . But normally you using these ( nm filters) for 'daylight' photo. and basically that what you doing is cutting of frequency ranges of color/light .

    720
    http://www.hoyaoptics.com/pdf/R72.pdf

    760
    http://www.hoyaoptics.com/pdf/IR76.pdf
    .
     
    Last edited:
    #22
    wigwamitus said:
    The main plus of the amber filters for me has been putting them on thermals to reduce the brightness into the eyeballs ...

    But I don't use the plastic wilcox any more ... I use several nice clear glass filters I've accumulated over the years ... but they are hard to get. One bunch comes from Switzerland and cost about $100 a piece. People keep trying to productionalize them in the USA, but unrelated issues keep side-tracking the effort. Maybe one day.



    Yes and I have two of them ... but they are currently unobtainium until we can figure out how to productionalize them.
    Click to expand...
    Would love to see this come true if you do PM so I can get some for testing might get our unit to get some the Wilcox or others don’t last long in a sandbox they get scratched and useless. But that’s how they make their money.
     
    #32
    I notice with my IR laser the bloom is obscuring the target till I'm out a couple hundres yards. Running a filter that knocks down my green laser. What filter is recommended for my IR laser bloom problem. Where to get one would be helpful.
     
    #35
    shoobe01 said:
    I have also replaced my plastic amber Wilcox with a purple-ish one that is closer to what you want. Not listed on their industry-oriented website, but available from https://isquarednightvision.com/ (which has a certificate issue today but is safe) or I can get you Pete Lesbo's contact information directly if they don't respond through the website shortly.

    Here's what mine looks like. It even screws it securely. There's a Wilcox amber filter in the woods somewhere because they just pop on... and off.
    Click to expand...

    So, does the Isquared' purplish filter create a similar effect when attached on the ocular side to create a white phosphorish look? Do you have any pictures filtered and unfiltered you can share?

    Are there any companies that sell LIF filter or are they restricted for purchase? I've seen past sales ranging from $25-$150, would like to find something affordable to act as a sacrificial lens.

    Also, I have not been able to find any good explanation about the benefits of running IR filters on NVDs. Can someone please post a link to an article or old post?
     
    #36
    The occular filter does that to some degree, I have no equipment to measure the effects and it's REALLY hard to photograph usefully. Had a second 14 for a bit here, put it on a terrible bridge mount and walked around; do prefer the filtered view. Worth it. I have also (briefly) used WP, and they are odd in the enhanced splash and night vision ruining of your eyes, but are brighter as promised. But pricey!

    I get things like LIF off surplus stores, eBay. There are no knockoffs I know (there ARE knockoff front end assemblies for e.g. ACOG so careful there), so cheap ones are worth it. I pay $20-30 for all mine as you've seen on the low end. I am sure they are restricted from export, and may even sometimes be "stolen" USG property, but have no serials, are consumable, etc. so no one seems to care AFAIK.


    toeheadAR said:
    Also, I have not been able to find any good explanation about the benefits of running IR filters on NVDs. Can someone please post a link to an article or old post?
    Click to expand...
    I for one don't follow this part. IR filters? Do you mean the LIF or something else?
     
    #37
    Yeah man, I have the Wilcox amber filter that pops off... I think it was the only one out when I got it. Engineers and their bullshit. I've yet to lose it but I guess I've been lucky. I do like the thick rubber ring on it though and have considered maybe just taping it on.

    I do need that LIF one day though and I'm pretty sure that's what he means by "IR filter". One of mfg. or another custom made me a set of goggles when I was still high speed enough to use 'em out of this green impregnated polymer that's still got the frag rating. Oughta call 'em back up and see if they'll make me some like the Wiley's that are thin with nothing but two velcro straps and a piece of foam around the edges.

    Yeah, I'm damn careful with the lasers. My LRF has a class 4 Nd:YAG. My question about the LIF's was whether or not they offer any protection to the unit with respect to PEQ's, ie, will one prevent a tube from burning out or spotting if it gets lazed or sits on one image for too long?

    Oh, just a tip, some of you know this, but Butler Creek flip caps with a pinhole drilled in the center work much better IMO/E than do the rubber caps they come with and may fit better if you use those small replaceable Wilcox lenses like I have.
     
    #38
    toeheadAR said:
    So, does the Isquared' purplish filter create a similar effect when attached on the ocular side to create a white phosphorish look? Do you have any pictures filtered and unfiltered you can share?

    Are there any companies that sell LIF filter or are they restricted for purchase? I've seen past sales ranging from $25-$150, would like to find something affordable to act as a sacrificial lens.

    Also, I have not been able to find any good explanation about the benefits of running IR filters on NVDs. Can someone please post a link to an article or old post?
    Click to expand...

    Here's a link to some before and after pics using a snb filter with a green phosphor tube.
     
    #39
    Rerun7 said:
    What are some of the best filters to help increase contrast?

    Is there anything that would make the image similar to a white phosphor?

    I saw the Wilcox amber filter but not sure if that would make it easier or harder to view than the normal green.
    Click to expand...

    This is a filter from Sure Shot Night Vision. Take a look...I think it smoothes the image and my eye sees more contrast. ETA: I realize you were asking about filtering green and that I am starting with white but thought it maybe useful info anyway.
     
    Last edited:
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    #40
    LIFs are bandpass filters that block a couple frequencies of high power lasers used by (mostly enemy?) tanks and so on. Powerful units like LRFs that might damage the image intensifier. Supposedly there is a newer one that also blocks more modern bands. Supposedly, if there's a missing raised bit on the tightening rings (or two) it's the new style.

    What frequencies? They are secret and the few I have seen are not trustworthy or comprehensive so not gonna list it.

    They are worth having as sacrificial lenses/filters as they cut input only a tiny bit, and are very secure. Enough lasers around (even around my house!) that I like to keep this stuff on when available for protection even if it only might help. Sad they aren't generally available, but I sure had them on when I had an ACOG. Only issued two eyes!
     
    #41
    shoobe01 said:
    I for one don't follow this part. IR filters? Do you mean the LIF or something else?
    Click to expand...

    A couple of people posted in this thread about the differences between a Zomei IR760 and the IR720 filters. I'm sure if the IR filters do this but I also understand some filters block out the red dots making a red dot scope useless.

    Thanks for sharing the before and after pics, the filtered image of the rifle seems like a big difference in clearing up the noise/fuzziness in the image. I can see the difference in the tractor image as well but not as much as the other. Are both the tractor and rifle pics using the SNB filter?
     
    #42
    aggiez28 said:
    Wilcox amber filter is very clear. i have used one and was happy with it
    Click to expand...

    I have 2 of the wilcox ambers ... got them back in 2014 ... I thought they were great at first ... but after about 50 weeks of 10 hrs per week use, they got scratched up to the point where they now live in the parts box as emergency spares.

    The glass ones (starting getting in 2016) are 10 times more clear to start with and haven't scratched any of those up yet.
     
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    #43
    It looks like the LIF filter is a green blocking notch filter that approximately blocks wavelengths from 515-560nm. This is based on an old ARFCOM post. So I would guess that there is a small chance that there are commercial manufacturers/camera filters that are available. Problem is finding them.
     
    #44
    toeheadAR said:
    A couple of people posted in this thread about the differences between a Zomei IR760 and the IR720 filters. I'm sure if the IR filters do this but I also understand some filters block out the red dots making a red dot scope useless.

    Thanks for sharing the before and after pics, the filtered image of the rifle seems like a big difference in clearing up the noise/fuzziness in the image. I can see the difference in the tractor image as well but not as much as the other. Are both the tractor and rifle pics using the SNB filter?
    Click to expand...
    Yes, the SNB filter was used for the picture of my rifle
     
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