I have a Trijicon MK3-60 thermal so, I am good there. What I don't have is a more general-purpose NV solution to complement my thermal scope. I tried my friend's PVS-7B's, modern spec new build but, I wear glasses and those simply were not a reasonable solution for me. Plus I am not sold on a binocular-style solution for my usage and would like a bit less bulk and something I could use on a lightweight rimfire rifle (i.e. Ruger 10/22 or similar) to shoot rodents and predators on my farm at ~50 yards or less.
I have no heartburn over using GREEN night vision. I tend to think I will get better value and performance from good GREEN tubes over competing to get the more trendy (for most people) white tubes. My usage will never be long enough that eye fatigue and similar issues due to image color would be a factor. What I need is good resolution to clearly identify a target when mounted to my rifle and, the ability for general surveillance and identification for situational awareness. I have no intentions of doing things like driving at night with them or other non-standard things for Social Media likes or bragging rights!
I live in Texas, own property in Oklahoma, and travel CONUS a lot overlanding and saltwater surf fishing any chance I get. When traveling, I want to make sure I see homeless, drugged, or mentally disturbed people and wildlife before I make camp. My friend is into astronomy, so I could see using it some when I am out with him looking at the night sky.
$2500 isn't an absolute hard limit but, a "target price" so, if $3500 for example is significantly better, that is an option, especially if I need the additional performance. Mounts, helmets, and other support gear is a separate expense from the 'base' PVS-14 unit.
Is a green "Onyx" P-43 ECHO spec tube unit a good place to start? I realize FOM is the threshold most people use looking for Night Vision but, I think EBI and Halo are important in my application as well but, I don't need crazy specs. I am assuming SNR and Fixed Pattern Noise are not a big concern in today's market.
So, from the myriad of options in the market place, where do I find the better values today from reputable sources? TNVC and JRH are well known entities but, there are likely others out there that may be a good source for me to consider too. Regarding the used market, I am a bit leery there as I don't know enough to spot a good deal, a bad unit, and a myriad of other issues that come with experience so I am leaning heavily towards a real storefront business that will support me long term.
TIA,
Sid