Aeternus Night Vision Goggles Review
See in the dark
There is plenty of gear out there that assemble a full kit, but there is one piece of equipment that really ties a kit together. We’re not talking about a plate carrier, we are talking about night vision. Night vision goggles mounted on a helmet gives an operator or a tactical enthusiast a complete and menacing look. Amongst all night vision options, the Aeternus night vision goggles from Low Light Innovations (LLI) represent a significant leap forward in durability, efficiency, and customization for night vision enthusiasts and professionals. Designed with prolonged battery life, rugged construction, and modular configurations, the Aeternus is an impressive addition to the night vision market.
Our team at Core Vision Training is going to break down the Aeternus.
Specifications of the aeternus
Battery Life and Power Efficiency
One of the Aeternus’s standout features is its extended battery life. Unlike other night vision goggles that often require frequent battery changes, the Aeternus operates for approximately 40 hours on a single CR123 battery. This extended runtime is achieved by eliminating the built-in IR illuminator, a bold decision that adds an extra five hours of battery life compared to mainstream competitors. While the lack of an IR illuminator might seem limiting, it’s an advantageous trade-off for those who prioritize longer missions or outdoor excursions.
Rugged and User-Friendly Design
Durability is at the forefront of the Aeternus design. Its fixed bridge housing is touted as the most rugged and user-friendly on the market. LLI has re-engineered the joints of the pods to offer superior structural integrity, reducing the risk of mechanical failure under extreme conditions. Additionally, the improved design includes a watertight seal that ensures the Aeternus is submersible up to 66 feet, making it ideal for maritime operations or harsh weather environments.
Despite its robust build, the Aeternus remains lightweight at 535 grams without a battery, balancing ruggedness with portability. This makes it an excellent choice for users who need a dependable device without excessive weight.
Customization and Versatility
The Aeternus’s versatility lies in its modular configuration options. Users can customize the device to suit their specific needs:
Housing Colors: Choose from Black, Flat Dark Earth (FDE), Ranger Green, or Grey to match operational environments allowing the wearer to blend in, or maybe it is just personal preference.
Optics Variants: Select from RPO UL Optics, Elbit Mil-Spec Optics, or (coming soon) Anvis optics.
Intensifier Tube Variants:
Elbit White Phosphor: A budget-friendly alternative offering excellent performance with minimal spots, hand-selected for quality assurance.
L3 Unfilmed White Phosphor: Known for producing the clearest and brightest images, this is the top-tier option for users seeking unmatched performance.
This level of customization ensures that the Aeternus can meet the needs of both intermediate users and seasoned professionals.
Technical Specifications
The Aeternus boasts an impressive array of specifications that ensure superior performance:
Focus Range: 9.8 inches to infinity, allowing for adaptability in various scenarios.
Field of View: 40 degrees, providing a broad and clear perspective.
Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +2, accommodating a range of visual requirements.
Eye Relief: 25mm, ensuring comfortable extended use.
Interpupillary Adjustment: 51 to 73mm, enabling compatibility with different facial structures.
Magnification: Fixed at 1x, ideal for maintaining situational awareness.
Optics Compatibility: Works seamlessly with PVS-14 eyepiece and objective lenses.
Weight: 535 grams, balancing durability with user comfort.
Personal experiences in the Field
Our team at Core Vision Training has tried and tested the Aeternus, and we have to say the performance stands out in both durability and visual clarity. Its compatibility with MX-10160 intensifier tubes ensures reliable performance across diverse operational conditions. The White Phosphor intensifier tube options deliver crisp, high-contrast images, allowing users to detect and identify objects with ease in low-light environments.
Pros and Cons of the aeternus
Pros:
Exceptional battery life (40 hours)
Rugged and watertight construction
Lightweight design (535 grams without battery)
Highly customizable configurations
High-performance intensifier tube options
Cons:
Lack of built-in IR illuminator may limit utility in some scenarios
Premium configurations (e.g., L3 Unfilmed White Phosphor) come at a higher cost
Aeternus review wrap up
The Aeternus night vision goggles by Low Light Innovations are a top-tier choice for those who demand reliability, durability, and customization in their night vision equipment. Whether you’re a tactical operator, an outdoor enthusiast, or a professional requiring advanced night vision capabilities, the Aeternus delivers impressive performance. While the absence of an IR illuminator may not suit every user, the trade-off for prolonged battery life and rugged durability makes it a worthy investment.
For those seeking a dependable, high-quality night vision solution, the Aeternus sets a new standard in the industry.
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