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Thermal and Night Vision Sets: Spot Threats and Track Game in Total Darkness

When you operate in pitch-black darkness, standard optics fail. You need specialized gear to detect threats, navigate safely, and maintain a tactical advantage. We supply field-proven night visions and thermal optics to law enforcement, active-duty military, and hunters. Whether you need heavy-duty military NVGs for a tactical deployment or reliable night vision goggles for hunting coyotes on your property, having the right system ensures you see the target before they see you.

Understanding Light Amplification vs. Heat Detection

To build the perfect loadout, you must understand how these two distinct technologies work:

  • Night Vision Technology: These systems take ambient light from the moon or stars and multiply it. The light passes through a tube and hits a phosphor screen, creating a clear green or white image of your surroundings. It is excellent for identifying faces, reading signs, and driving. However, if a target is perfectly camouflaged, they might still blend into the background.
  • Thermal Technology: A thermal image does not rely on light at all. Instead, thermal imaging reads physical body heat. A warm target glows brightly against a cold background. Using thermal goggles completely removes a target's ability to hide in fog, smoke, thick brush, or absolute blackness.

Night Vision vs. Thermal Comparison Guide

Technology Type

How It Works

Primary Tactical Advantage

Best Used For

Night Vision

Multiplies ambient starlight using a phosphor tube.

Provides a realistic, natural view of the environment.

Driving vehicles, reading details, and moving quickly through complex terrain.

Thermal Vision

Detects temperature differences in objects.

Makes living targets glow against cold backgrounds.

Spotting camouflaged threats through fog, smoke, and total darkness.

 

A split-screen comparison showing a wild boar glowing brightly in a thermal image on the left, contrasted with a person walking through a park viewed through traditional green night vision on the right.

Configurations for Every Mission Profile

Choosing the right optic depends entirely on your operational environment. We supply a full spectrum of thermal and night vision setups to fit any tactical or hunting requirement:

  • Single-Eye Scanning (Monoculars): A night vision monocular (like the Armasight PVS-14) or a thermal monocular (like the Armasight Sidekick Pro Mini) leaves one of your eyes adjusted to the natural dark. It is lightweight, making it ideal for handheld scanning, general survival, and emergency navigation.
  • Dual-Eye Navigation (Binoculars): Upgrading to night vision binoculars or binoculars with night vision gives you vital depth perception for driving and fast-paced tactical movement. These dual-tube setups are essential for moving quickly over rough terrain without tripping.
  • Panoramic Vision (Quad Night Vision): For elite reconnaissance and Tier-1 military operations, we supply quad night vision goggles like the Nocturn Industries Chimera. These use four tubes to provide a massive 97-degree field of view, closely mimicking natural human eyesight and eliminating blind spots.
  • Weapon-Mounted Accuracy (Scopes): A dedicated night vision rifle scope or a thermal rifle scope allows you to engage targets directly. These act as your primary optic, featuring built-in reticles for precision shots. We stock a wide range of models from trusted brands like iRay, Sig Sauer, and Infitac.
  • Upgrading Daytime Optics (Clip-On Thermals): If you already have a favorite glass optic, you can mount a thermal clip-on (like the Sig Sauer ECHO CV25) directly in front of it on your rifle rail. This allows you to instantly shoot accurately in pitch-black conditions without having to re-zero your weapon.

Proven Field Applications: Who Uses This Gear and When to Deploy It

Professional operators and prepared citizens deploy these dual-technology configurations when failure is not an option. Here is exactly who relies on this gear in the field:

  • Tactical Teams & Law Enforcement: SWAT officers use military thermal vision goggles to flush out suspects hiding in dark neighborhoods and deploy military thermal goggles during high-risk nighttime building clearances.
  • Predator & Feral Hog Hunters: Outdoorsmen equip night goggles for hunting and thermal goggles for hunting to track fast-moving game across open fields without spooking them with visible white spotlights.
  • Property Owners & Civilians: Prepared citizens combine night vision and thermal goggles to monitor property borders, spot trespassers in thick brush, and navigate safely during total grid power outages.
  • Search & Rescue Units: Rescue teams deploy thermal night vision goggles and specialized thermal imaging goggles to slice through heavy ground fog, smoke, and thick tree canopies to save lives when every second counts.
Two soldiers in camouflage gear and helmets advance tactically with their rifles raised, while the soldier on the right looks through deployed military nvgs attached to his helmet mount.

Featured Brands and Models in Our Inventory

To ensure you have reliable equipment, our collection features the industry's top-performing optics. Please note that these are just a few examples of what we carry; you can browse our full selection above to see every model we have in stock.

Night Vision Systems:

Thermal Systems:

Why Buy Your Optics From Atomic Defense?

Purchasing tactical optics is a major investment in your personal safety and tracking capability. You cannot risk your mission on cheap, commercial-grade toys when your life or property is on the line. We only stock high-performance night vision goggles and thermals that are actively tested and trusted by professionals.

When you shop with us, you get secure checkout, fast shipping, and expert support to help you match your optics with the right helmet mounts. Browse our complete inventory below, secure your tactical advantage, and never lose sight of the target again.

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Thermal and Night Vision Sets | Spot Camouflaged Threats in Total Darkness | Mission-Ready

Thermal and Night Vision Sets | Spot Camouflaged Threats in Total Darkness | Mission-Ready (104 Results)

  • PL76555
    Backordered

    Pulsar Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XQ50 Pro | Thermal Weapon Sight | 3-12X Magnification | 30mm Main Tube | Multiple Reticles | Matte Finish | Black

    $2,999.97
    $2,999.97 - $2,999.97
    $2,999.97
    $2,999.97
    $2,999.97 - $2,999.97
    $2,999.97

    When the avid hunter needs a dependable riflescope for both day and night time shooting, the Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro is the perfect tool for the job. F...

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  • PL76548

    Pulsar Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro | Thermal Weapon Sight | 3-12X Magnification | 30mm Main Tube | Multiple Reticles | Matte Finish | Black

    $2,999.97
    $2,999.97 - $2,999.97
    $2,999.97
    $2,999.97
    $2,999.97 - $2,999.97
    $2,999.97

    When the avid hunter needs a dependable riflescope for both daytime and nighttime shooting, the Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro is the perfect tool for the occ...

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  • VARM35-640-2
    Save $300.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Varmint V2 LRF 35-640 - Thermal Imaging Scope - 2-16X Magnification - 35mm - Multiple Reticle - Black - Built-In Laser Range Finder - Digital Zoom 1X/2X/4X/8X

    $3,295.00
    $3,295.00 - $3,295.00
    $3,295.00
    $2,995.00
    $2,995.00 - $2,995.00
    $2,995.00

    The VarmintV2's stay true to their roots by continuing to utilize many of the popular features that were incorporated into the original Varmint LRF...

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  • VARM35-384-2
    Save $200.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Varmint V2 LRF 35-384 - Thermal Imaging Scope - 3-24X Magnification - 35mm - Multiple Reticle - Black - Built-In Laser Range Finder - Digital Zoom 1X/2X/4X/8X

    $2,195.00
    $2,195.00 - $2,195.00
    $2,195.00
    $1,995.00
    $1,995.00 - $1,995.00
    $1,995.00

    The VarmintV2's stay true to their roots by continuing to utilize many of the popular features that were incorporated into the original Varmint LRF...

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  • REAC35-640-LRF
    Save $200.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision ReachIR 35-640 - Thermal Imaging Monocular - 2-16X Magnification - 35mm Lens - Laser Range Finder - Matte Finish - Black

    $2,695.00
    $2,695.00 - $2,695.00
    $2,695.00
    $2,495.00
    $2,495.00 - $2,495.00
    $2,495.00

    The ReachIR is a premium handheld observational thermal monocular series. All models come equipped with twelve micron infrared detector and a 1024x...

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  • REAC25-384-LRF
    Save $200.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision ReachIR 25-384 - Thermal Imaging Monocular - 2.5-20X Magnification - 25mm Lens - Laser Range Finder - Matte Finish - Black

    $2,195.00
    $2,195.00 - $2,195.00
    $2,195.00
    $1,995.00
    $1,995.00 - $1,995.00
    $1,995.00

    The ReachIR is a premium handheld observational thermal monocular series. All models come equipped with twelve micron infrared detector and a 1024x...

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  • RATT50-640-V3
    Save $400.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Rattler V3 LRF - Thermal Imaging Scope - 50mm Objective - 3.5X Magnification - 640x512 Resolution - Multiple Reticle - Black

    $5,295.00
    $5,295.00 - $5,295.00
    $5,295.00
    $4,895.00
    $4,895.00 - $4,895.00
    $4,895.00

    The RattlerV3 LRF 50-640 brings the once inconceivable in-lens LRF technology to the compact Rattler series. Not only that, but the RattlerV3 LRF 5...

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  • RATT35-640-V3
    Save $400.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Rattler V3 LRF - Thermal Imaging Scope - 35MM Objective - 3.5X Magnification - 640x512 Resolution - Multiple Reticle - Black

    $4,695.00
    $4,695.00 - $4,695.00
    $4,695.00
    $4,295.00
    $4,295.00 - $4,295.00
    $4,295.00

    The RattlerV3 LRF 35-640 combines a 35 mm Germanium lens These technical specs work together to achieve a detection range of 1.5 miles. The Rattler...

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  • RATT35-384-V3
    Save $200.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Rattler V3 LRF - Thermal Imaging Scope - 35MM Objective - 3.5X Magnification - 384x288 Resolution - Multiple Reticle - Black

    $2,995.00
    $2,995.00 - $2,995.00
    $2,995.00
    $2,795.00
    $2,795.00 - $2,795.00
    $2,795.00

    The RattlerV3 LRF 35-384 features a 35 mm Germanium lens, an industry-leading sub-15mK thermal sensor. These technical specs combine to achieve a d...

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  • RATT25-384-V3
    Save $200.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Rattler V3 - Thermal Imaging Scope - 25MM Objective - 2.5X Magnification - 384x288 Resolution - Multiple Reticle - Black

    $1,995.00
    $1,995.00 - $1,995.00
    $1,995.00
    $1,795.00
    $1,795.00 - $1,795.00
    $1,795.00

    The RattlerV3 25-384 pairs a 25 mm Germanium lens with an industry-leading sub-15mK thermal sensor. These technical specifications work together to...

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  • RATT25-320-2
    Backordered

    AGM Global Vision Rattler V2 - Thermal Imaging Scope - 25mm Objective - 3.5X Magnification - 320x256 Resolution - Multiple Reticle - Fixed ADM Mount - Black

    $1,295.00
    $1,295.00 - $1,295.00
    $1,295.00
    $1,195.00
    $1,195.00 - $1,195.00
    $1,195.00

    The RattlerV2 25-320 with a 25mm Germanium lens is the perfect addition to any hunter's arsenal. Equipped with a 320x256 resolution thermal sensor,...

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  • OBSE50-640-LRF
    Save $500.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision ObservIR LRF - Thermal Imaging Binocular - 50mm Objective - 3X Magnification - Black

    $5,995.00
    $5,995.00 - $5,995.00
    $5,995.00
    $5,495.00
    $5,495.00 - $5,495.00
    $5,495.00

    The AGM ObservIR LRF Thermal & Digital Day/Night Vision binoculars are some of the most technologically advanced and feature-packed optical dev...

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  • OBSE35-640-LRF
    Save $300.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision ObservIR LRF - Thermal Imaging Binocular - 35mm Objective - 3X Magnification - Black

    $4,295.00
    $4,295.00 - $4,295.00
    $4,295.00
    $3,995.00
    $3,995.00 - $3,995.00
    $3,995.00

    The AGM ObservIR LRF Thermal & Digital Day/Night Vision binoculars are some of the most technologically advanced and feature-packed optical dev...

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  • OBSE35-384-LRF
    Save $200.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision ObservIR LRF - Thermal Imaging Binocular - 35mm Objective - 4X Magnification - Black

    $2,995.00
    $2,995.00 - $2,995.00
    $2,995.00
    $2,795.00
    $2,795.00 - $2,795.00
    $2,795.00

    The AGM ObservIR LRF Thermal & Digital Day/Night Vision binoculars are some of the most technologically advanced and feature-packed optical dev...

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  • ADDE60-1280-2
    Save $500.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Adder V2 LRF - Thermal Imaging Scope - 60mm Objective - 2.5X Magnification - 30mm Maintube - 1280x1024 Resolution - Multiple Reticles - Black

    $7,495.00
    $7,495.00 - $7,495.00
    $7,495.00
    $6,995.00
    $6,995.00 - $6,995.00
    $6,995.00

    The AGM AdderV2 LRF 60-1280 exemplifies the peak in modern day electro-optical development. Just a few short years ago, doubling the resolution of ...

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  • ADDE50-640-2
    Save $500.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Adder V2 LRF - Thermal Imaging Scope - 50mm Objective - 3.5X Magnification - 30mm Maintube - 640x512 Resolution - Multiple Reticles - Black

    $5,495.00
    $5,495.00 - $5,495.00
    $5,495.00
    $4,995.00
    $4,995.00 - $4,995.00
    $4,995.00

    The AGM AdderV2 LRF is the next step in the evolutionary process in the AGM thermal riflescope lineup. Based off the ever-popular original 30mm AGM...

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  • ADDE35-640-2
    Save $400.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Adder V2 LRF - Thermal Imaging Scope - 35mm Objective - 2.5X Magnification - 30mm Maintube - 640x512 Resolution - Multiple Reticles - Black

    $4,695.00
    $4,695.00 - $4,695.00
    $4,695.00
    $4,295.00
    $4,295.00 - $4,295.00
    $4,295.00

    The AGM AdderV2 LRF is the next step in the evolutionary process in the AGM thermal riflescope lineup. Based off the ever-popular original 30mm AGM...

    View full details
  • ADDE35-384-L2
    Save $200.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Adder V2 LRF - Thermal Imaging Scope - 35mm Objective - 4X Magnification - 30mm Maintube - 384x288 Resolution - Multiple Reticles - Black

    $2,995.00
    $2,995.00 - $2,995.00
    $2,995.00
    $2,795.00
    $2,795.00 - $2,795.00
    $2,795.00

    The AGM AdderV2 LRF is the next step in the evolutionary process in the AGM thermal riflescope lineup. Based off the ever-popular original 30mm AGM...

    View full details
  • ADDE35-384-2
    Save $200.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Adder V2 - Thermal Imaging Scope - 35mm Objective - 4X Magnification - 30mm Maintube - 384x288 Resolution - Multiple Reticles - Black

    $2,595.00
    $2,595.00 - $2,595.00
    $2,595.00
    $2,395.00
    $2,395.00 - $2,395.00
    $2,395.00

    The AdderV2 35-384 is a supercharged version of the tried-and-true original Adder 35-384. Not only does it offer an incredible sensor upgrade, from...

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  • 314218550204R221
    Save $100.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Rattler V2 - 1X/2X/4X/8X Digital Zoom - 3.5-28 Magnification - 25mm Objective - Multiple Reticles - 256x192 Resolution - Fixed ADM Mount - Matte Finish - Black

    $1,095.00
    $1,095.00 - $1,095.00
    $1,095.00
    $995.00
    $995.00 - $995.00
    $995.00

    The RattlerV is improving on what is already considered the best selling thermal riflescope product family in the United States, the RattlerV bring...

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  • 314218550203R921
    Backordered

    AGM Global Vision Rattler V2 - 1X/2X/4X/8X Digital Zoom - 19mm Objective - Multiple Reticles - 256x192 Resolution - Fixed ADM Mount - Matte Finish - Black

    $895.00
    $895.00 - $895.00
    $895.00
    $795.00
    $795.00 - $795.00
    $795.00

    The RattlerV is improving on what is already considered the best selling thermal riflescope product family in the United States, the RattlerV bring...

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  • 314205550206R561
    Save $300.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Rattler V2 - 1X/2X/4X/8X Digital Zoom - 50mm Objective - Multiple Reticles - 640x512 Resolution - Matte Finish - Black

    $3,295.00
    $3,295.00 - $3,295.00
    $3,295.00
    $2,995.00
    $2,995.00 - $2,995.00
    $2,995.00

    The RattlerV is improving on what is already considered the best selling thermal riflescope product family in the United States, the RattlerV bring...

    View full details
  • 314205550205R361
    Save $200.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Rattler V2 - 1X/2X/4X/8X Digital Zoom - 35mm Objective - Multiple Reticles - 640x512 Resolution - Matte Finish - Black

    $2,695.00
    $2,695.00 - $2,695.00
    $2,695.00
    $2,495.00
    $2,495.00 - $2,495.00
    $2,495.00

    The RattlerV is improving on what is already considered the best selling thermal riflescope product family in the United States, the RattlerV bring...

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  • 314204550205R331
    Save $180.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Rattler V2 - 1X/2X/4X/8X Digital Zoom - 35mm Objective - Multiple Reticles - 384x288 Resolution - Matte Finish - Black

    $1,975.00
    $1,975.00 - $1,975.00
    $1,975.00
    $1,795.00
    $1,795.00 - $1,795.00
    $1,795.00

    The RattlerV is improving on what is already considered the best selling thermal riflescope product family in the United States, the RattlerV bring...

    View full details
  • 314204550204R231
    Save $100.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision Rattler V2 - 1X/2X/4X/8X Digital Zoom - 25mm Objective - Multiple Reticles - 384x288 Resolution - Matte Finish - Black

    $1,695.00
    $1,695.00 - $1,695.00
    $1,695.00
    $1,595.00
    $1,595.00 - $1,595.00
    $1,595.00

    The RattlerV is improving on what is already considered the best selling thermal riflescope product family in the United States, the RattlerV bring...

    View full details
  • The katana night vision device is shown resting securely inside its specialized, foam-lined hard-shell protective case, designed for safe storage and transport.
    A frontal angled perspective shows the nocturn industries katana securely attached to a Team Wendy Exfil SL helmet, with the white phosphor lens assemblies, power control, and battery compartment cap prominently displayed in the foreground.
    Save up to $1,081.00 Save $0.00

    Nocturn Industries Katana - Up to 3000 FOM Gen 3 White Phosphor & 15oz - 100+ Hour Battery

    $6,380.00 - $13,690.00
    $6,380.00 - $13,690.00
    $6,380.00
    From $5,299.00
    $5,299.00 - $13,699.00
    $5,299.00

    UANVB Katana: The Ultimate Lightweight Gen 3 Night Vision Binocular with 2600 FOM The Nocturne Industries UANVB Katana is a professional-grade , d...

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  • Backordered

    Bushnell Equinox X650 - Night Vision Monocular - 5X32mm - Matte Finish - Black - Photo and Video Modes - Includes SD Card - 3 AA Alkaline Batteries

    $169.99 - $169.99
    $169.99
    $169.99 - $169.99
    $169.99

    Bushnell Equinox X650 | Night Vision Monocular | 5X32mm | Matte Finish | Black | Photo and Video Modes | Includes SD Card | 3 AA Alkaline Ba...

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  • mh-14-eyepiece
    mh-14-objective
    Save up to $511.00 Save $0.00

    MH-14 - Gen 3 White Phosphor w/ Up to 3000 FOM & Manual Gain - Just 8.6 Oz & 50+ Hours of Runtime

    $3,010.00 - $6,490.00
    $3,010.00 - $6,490.00
    $3,010.00
    From $2,499.00
    $2,499.00 - $6,799.00
    $2,499.00

    MH-14: Just 8.6 Oz & 50+ Hours of Runtime to Command Harsh Environments. The MH-14 is a tough, lightweight night vision monocular that deliver...

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  • Soldier wearing a FAST SF Helmet with L3Harris GPNVG-18 attached and a gas mask
    Marine using the GPNVGs holding a KrissVector
    Save up to $4,340.00 Save $0.00

    GPNVG-18 - 97° White Phosphor Panoramic View for Total Awareness

    5.0 (3)
    $55,680.00 - $55,910.00
    $55,680.00 - $55,910.00
    $55,680.00
    From $51,360.00
    $51,360.00 - $51,570.00
    $51,360.00

    GPNVG | A 97° White Phosphor View to See Every Threat Clearly The L3Harris GPNVG is a top-tier, helmet-mounted night vision device made for seriou...

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  • 11P14122483021
    Backordered

    AGM Global Vision PVS-14 NL2 - Night Vision Monocular - 1X Magnification - Gen 2+ - P43 Green Phosphor IIT - Black

    $2,695.00
    $2,695.00 - $2,695.00
    $2,695.00
    $2,595.00
    $2,595.00 - $2,595.00
    $2,595.00

    The AGM PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular is a rugged, lightweight, multi-purpose night vision device that has repeatedly proven itself in combat. The ...

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  • 11P14122464021
    Save $100.00 Save $0.00

    AGM Global Vision PVS-14 NW2 - Night Vision Monocular - 1X Magnification - Gen 2+ - P45-White Phosphor IIT - Black

    $2,895.00
    $2,895.00 - $2,895.00
    $2,895.00
    $2,795.00
    $2,795.00 - $2,795.00
    $2,795.00

    The AGM PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular is a rugged, lightweight, multi-purpose night vision device that has repeatedly proven itself in combat. The ...

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  • an operator wearing uanvb fc manticore nightvision aims a rifle
    uanvb-fc manticore front-left view

    UANVB-FC Manticore - Ultralight Gen 3 WP w/ Up to 3000 FOM & Manual Gain for Total Control

    $5,499.00
    $5,499.00 - $14,030.00
    $5,499.00
    From $5,499.00
    $5,499.00 - $14,299.00
    $5,499.00

    UANVB-FC: Gen 3 WP vision with total manual gain & IR control. The Nocturn Industries UANVB-FC Manticore is a tough, lightweight night vision ...

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