Night Vision PVS-4 (Gen 3), PVS-12 Aquila, or D740 - which is better?

[djarecke]

For those of you that have used each, which has the brighter tube and clearer picture for those low light, dim nights with no IR? I am interested in trying a PVS-4 (Gen 3) or Aquila as they look tough as nails and are a tried-and-true design and weight really isn't a concern.

Most of the time it would be on a .223 but I would like to have the option to put it on a .308 if the mood ever struck me. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Eric-TNVC]

"Better" is such a subjective term. Brightness of the tube, is really dependent on tube specs. Ambient or existing lighting in the environment, etc etc can also play a factor. However, speaking from a design standpoint, Gen 3 PVS-4's with their large catadioptric lenses, are the most capable of the bunch you have listed, for making the best of the existing light and producing a seemingly brighter image.

 

[the impactzone]

Id go Aquila, have never looked through a PVS4, but like the 6x Aquila for longer range shots and most of the time I don't need IR with mine if I have 1/4 moon

 

[Delta4-3]

The Aquila is my favorite dedicated scope. The only downside is the weight.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

3rd gen PVS4 hands down.

 

[Victor-TNVC]

"Better" is such a subjective term. Brightness of the tube, is really dependent on tube specs. Ambient or existing lighting in the environment, etc etc can also play a factor. However, speaking from a design standpoint, Gen 3 PVS-4's with their large catadioptric lenses, are the most capable of the bunch you have listed, for making the best of the existing light and producing a seemingly brighter image.

Must agree with Eric here along with the fact of a new/unissued L3 MX11620 25mm Gen3 image intensifier tube, we have a CR123 conversion along with a Larue mount along with a price point of $2450.00, along with a body housing refurbishment that looks better now than when they were officially released? Hard to pass up all these advantages. TNV/PVS-4 Gen3 Weapon Sight ? Tactical Night Vision Company

I will try to get some pics of comparing the two, but after all the years of taking through the tube shots, it's almost impossible to show how good an image is to another.

 

[compasscall]

Given the advancements of modern 18mm image intensifier over the 25mm image intensifiers, I'd give the nod to the Aquila. The PVS-4 in Gen III is a nice system but it's way over priced, stupid high pricing. Back before Night Optics sold of their stock, I believe they were selling in the upper $2000 range and these current offerings from various dealers are from the same initial batch/stock.

Here's a less than ideal comparison video between a Gen II PVS-4 and a Gen III PVS-4:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmC3h8ZnWiA

 

[djarecke]

Great video to show the differences! I know it's not necessarily a good video comparison, but it would be neat to see an Aquila in that same video on the same night. Everyone always says that pictures don't show much difference (and that may be true), but it's all most of us consumers have before we drop anywhere from $2500 - $9000 on some of these units.

 

[Slug-O]

Would you like me to take some photos or video out of my TNVC D740? What moon light and what range would you like? It has an Gen3 L3 tube in it

 

[djarecke]

That would be great! It would be great to see what it looked like with crappy moon, but it would really be cool to see that unit next to a PVS-4 or Aquila (I know that may be impossible). Individual pics are great, but I've always wanted to see what a PVS-4, PVS-12, CNVD-LR and CO-LR might all look like on the same night.

There must be a way for us all to meet up for a "demo night" LOL.

Would you like me to take some photos or video out of my TNVC D740? What moon light and what range would you like? It has an Gen3 L3 tube in it

 

[falcom]

D-760 through the tube video with F9800SLG ITT intensifier.
D760 - YouTube

 

[Slug-O]

The CNVD LR is the cats ass!!! I can tell ya that. I spotted deer in a ditch at 400 yards with Kyle H. The other night. I got to play with all of TNVCs toys and besides the T70 the CNVD LR Was the best..

 

[Delta4-3]

I'll try to get some pics of the Vulcan 4.5x and 6x next to the PVS-12 4x and 6x as well, on the same night, conditions, all that.

 

[GBMaryland]

Must agree with Eric here along with the fact of a new/unissued L3 MX11620 25mm Gen3 image intensifier tube, we have a CR123 conversion along with a Larue mount along with a price point of $3599.00, along with a body housing refurbishment that looks better now than when they were officially released? Hard to pass up all these advantages. TNV/PVS-4 Gen3 Weapon Sight ? Tactical Night Vision Company

I will try to get some pics of comparing the two, but after all the years of taking through the tube shots, it's almost impossible to show how good an image is to another.

What you need to do is get the 3 inch eye piece that attached to the rear of the PVS-4 / TVS-5 that changes it into a small TV. Installs right behind the course adjustment...

Then go crazy with the pictures...

If you can get one of those, then you've got a hell of a fun setup. (I had one and sold it...)

 

[GBMaryland]

BTW: I should point out that the green color above (in my post) is what you typically see in an MX-11620 Gen III PVS-4/TVS-5 tube, it's not the same as current Gen 3 green.

The reason I'm pointing this out is the video above seems a deeper green than is rendered by the older MX-11620 tubes...

 

[Colt250]

I'm trying to decide between the pvs4 gen3 and the Aquila 6x. The specs on TNVCs website show a huge difference in detection ranges. 2400 meters for the Aquila 6x and 800 yards for the pvs4. Even the 4x Aquila which would be a closer comparison to the pvs4 is still 1500 meters. If anyone has used these units side by side are those distances realistic? I like the added magnification of the Aquila but I know that realistically I won't be using if for huntin much past 4-500 yards tops. Also has anyone used the pvs4 with the daytime adapter for day use much? I was wondering what the image quality was like during the day and if it is truely ok to use it for long periods of time in full daylight?

 

[Travis S]

I have time with the 3rd gen pvs4, gen 2 pvs4, time behind 6x raptor(gen 3). The raptor which I believe is the same performance wise with the aquilla is spectacular. The pvs4 is old technology. Even the gen 3 ones are old. Yes they work but not quite as well as the newer stuff. Personally if I were looking for gen3, I would go with the aquilla or the d760. Yes it's more$ but it would be well spent. The difference is about a grand or so I believe. Buy one cry once right?

 

[the impactzone]

I run the Aquila 6x and I think 600 is going to be about max in field conditions, I shoot mine at 650 on my range with torch pro and 3x mag, sure you may take it to 1000 on a range in ideal light conditions. the 2* difference in fov from the 4x and 6x is not a problem under 100 yards 50 maybe? remembering your holdover at anything under 50 is the hard part for me