A long time ago, on an Army base far away, I began my military career training to be a Cavalry Scout. This reconnaissance-oriented occupation was all about observing the battlefield undetected, whether we were in a vehicle or traveling on foot. Of all the tactics we were taught, none were as important as leveraging every asset at our disposal to our advantage, including the time of day. Scouts learn to operate under the cover of darkness to an extreme degree. After nearly a decade within the ranks, I had the opportunity to use and abuse multiple generations of night vision optics under some of the most austere conditions. A few of those optics appear in the movies, but some of them required non-disclosure agreements. I recently had the opportunity to evaluate commercially available digital night vision optics in the form of the Sionyx Aurora Pro.

Above: Nestled snugly in a near-impermeable case, the Sionyx Aurora Pro has more than enough protection to survive strong impacts and adverse atmospheric conditions.

Affordable Versatility

Sionyx uses digital night vision technology — as opposed to the analog tubes used by most of its competitors — to give you a view of the midnight realm in full-blown technicolor. After spending years staring at varying shades of green or gray, I was eager to get my hands on a system that could revolutionize how we interact with the dark.

Above: When the Trijicon MRO and Sionyx Pro are properly aligned, nighttime range training becomes a walk in the park.

If you’ve ever looked at what it costs for a third-generation night vision optic or a FLIR thermal optic, you’ll quickly learn that it’s not an inexpensive purchase. For thousands of dollars, you can have the latest analog, monochromatic optic. Now look at the top model that Sionyx has to offer, just south of a grand. They even offer financing for those of us who don’t have fat stacks of Benjamins lying around. Models with fewer features are even less expensive, making Sionyx a widely accessible option for those who need to see in the dark.

Options. As if Seeing in the Dark Wasn’t Enough …

There are several models to choose from (Aurora Sport, Aurora Black, Aurora, and Aurora Pro) each with their own pros and cons. Every optic is water- and dust-resistant, and submersible down to 3 feet for 30 minutes, which means any Sionyx optic is safe to use in the most torrential downpours. A clear, scratch-resistant lens cover keeps your view crystal-clear without having to worry too much about abrasions, and each model has been drop tested from 1 meter onto concrete. Durability in harsh conditions is great, but how do these digital optics differ from their analog counterparts? 

All models have built-in memory, because they not only allow you to see in color in the dark, they also double as a digital camera which has settings comparable to a DSLR, including the ability to adjust your aperture and shutter speed. An accelerometer will let you take panoramic pictures in landscape or portrait modes. Sionyx optics will also film video at 720p with an adjustable frame rate of up to 60 frames per second. Remove the micro OLED 1024×768 eyepiece, and you’ll be able to increase the storage capacity with your choice of MicroSD card. I recommend choosing a high-quality MicroSD with fast transfer rates. 

In addition to these standard features, the Black, Aurora, and Pro models offer additional benefits. They are weapons-rated up to .223/5.56, and both the Aurora and the Pro feature GPS, compass, metadata, and accelerometer recording. The Pro tops out the memory features with 256 gigabytes of onboard memory, and a 32-gigabyte MicroSD card. Sionyx also offers an attachable IR light that enhances visibility through the optic, as well as a Picatinny rail adapter that allows you to mount the optic to your favorite weapon. 

Above: Jeff Stroud (aka Freebird) eagerly prepares to engage targets previously obscured by the dark.

The applications for a night vision optic dramatically increase when it’s paired with the right mounting options. With the use of a Wilcox helmet mount, rail adapter, and your choice of tactical head gear, you can walk around with this optic hands-free. Ram Mounts makes ruggedized device cradles, and with the right one, you can attach the optic to the handlebar or storage rack of an ATV or snowmobile. 

Impressive Performance

My first impression of the Sionyx Aurora Pro was the protective polymer case in which it was delivered. If you’re familiar with Pelican cases, you won’t be disappointed with the case Sionyx provides — it’s durable, sealed against water and dust with a one-way pressure valve, and features snap latches and a carry handle. Inside, the optic is nestled snugly in molded polyethylene foam. Two spare batteries and a neck strap also accompany the optic, but I was surprised by the absence of a manual. Figuring out how the system works on my own seemed easy enough, but I did contact
Sionyx about it. Their team promptly emailed a digital version of their operating manual along with a list of recommended optimal settings.

Above: Capable of macro photography, Sionyx allows professionals to geotag small but important details.

Charging the optic took less than an hour to bring all three batteries to their full capacity. When first powering up, note that there are three viewing settings — Day, Twilight, and Night — which can be set with a quick turn of an adjustment ring on the front of the optic. Inadvertently using the wrong setting will not harm the optic’s sensors (another benefit to using digital night vision), and the transition is nearly instantaneous.  

Above: Poorly lit suburban areas become brilliantly exposed.

Viewing the surrounding landscape outdoors is phenomenal, but I also wanted to see how it stacked up to being indoors with nearly zero ambient light. Some of my military scout training included many years of urban combat, which is a cool way of saying “stumbling through pitch black buildings using optics that afforded less-than-adequate depth perception.” My first impression of the Aurora Pro Night Color mode didn’t provide the clearest picture, but the device has several built-in “Night Tone” viewing options, such as Night Color, Green, and Grayscale, all easily interchangeable with the push of a button. Grayscale, after adjusting the focus and contrast, seems best for pitch-black indoor conditions, with very little loss of depth perception. 

If you’re familiar with some digital photography basics, you’ll enjoy the customizability of the Aurora Pro’s camera settings, which allow the shutter speed, brightness, contrast, zoom, and focus to be adjusted. The adjustments are straightforward and simple to understand. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the optic could focus for short-range macro photography, and the panoramic option works better than some phones I’ve owned in the past.

Wi-Fi is featured on every Sionyx model, which allows you to utilize an app available on iOS and Android devices. This app lets the user see what the optic is looking at in real time, adjust the optic’s settings, take pictures, and record video remotely. Sionyx chose Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth because it offers longer ranges, faster transfer rates, and less latency. Ideally, you’ll want to have as unobstructed of a line of sight between optic and device to improve connectivity range and quality. 

Admittedly, app usage may present the optic’s only downside. The app can tend to be quirky if the connecting process isn’t performed exactly right, and it can be frustrating to troubleshoot. Along with wireless communication comes a small amount of lag, which seems to be one of the biggest complaints when sifting through reviews on the app store. But remote and mobile wireless observation with a little lag is a fair compromise over being tethered to a cumbersome hard-wired device.

Above: Creatures of the night can no longer hide in the darkness.

Wi-Fi capabilities open a realm of clever uses for the optic. For the purpose of surveillance, placing the optic discreetly within 20 to 30 feet will give the user the advantage of viewing the intended target while being able to monitor from a concealed location. A sensitive onboard microphone will pick up and record quiet noises many digital cameras ignore. Even more impressive, and my favorite application so far, is mounting the camera to an ATV and going partial blackout mode. Pair the optic to your phone and you can see farther down the trail than you could by running on headlights alone. With the proper Ram Mount setup, your ATV or snow-machine can be as stealthy as the Batmobile. I should caution you though: Because of the wireless communication latency, the faster you travel with this optic, the less time you’ll have to react to sudden changes. This just means you need to ride/drive with caution and be aware that what you’re seeing may be a few tenths of a second behind.

A Night at the Range

To test its capabilities on a firearm, I reached out to the guys at 906 Tactical and gave it a run at a night range. Weather conditions at the range were typical of a January night in Upper Michigan — 15 degrees F, overcast, and as close to pitch black as you can get in the snow. Jeff Stroud, the owner and instructor of 906 Tactical, helped with testing, and was able to clearly identify silhouette targets at 150 meters and rough shapes beyond 200 and using Night Color mode. Picatinny rail mounting was a breeze, and before long we were ready to ring some steel.

Above: Utilizing a head mount keeps hands free for light-sensitive repairs or pest control.

Technical specs of the Sionyx Black, Aurora, and Pro have the optic rated for .223/5.56 weapons systems, and 906 Tactical provided several demo guns. First up was a silenced Daniel Defense Mk18 with Trijicon MRO sight, mounted high enough to be level with the center of the Pro’s objective lens. After some adjustments to the Aurora, we had a clear view of targets between 50 and 150 meters, and full use of the MRO’s 2-MOA dot. The .223’s recoil had no effect on image stability. There was a brief flash of washout in the Sionyx optic after shots were fired, but it recovered rapidly. We even ran it mounted to two versions of a Galil Ace, in 5.56 and 7.62x39mm, equipped with a Holosun 510c reflex sight and an Athlon 1-4x magnified optic. 

If using night vision on a weapons system, I recommend pairing it with a holographic or dot sight that’s capable of projecting in green light and has a night vision setting. When using the Sionyx with a Holosun 510c, I noticed the green reticle was less intense and didn’t overwhelm the targets with its brightness. When using a magnified scope, make sure you can place the Sionyx Aurora in front of the sight’s objective lens. This will allow you to use the Aurora’s zoom capabilities cumulatively with the scope and get a much closer look at your target. Just be aware that, without a rubber eye cup, the green indicator light on the side of the optic does give off a small amount of visible light.

NV Isn’t Just for Professionals

Many people associate night vision with professional tactical teams. While that’s certainly an effective use for night vision, there are many others that could benefit from having an affordable night-capable optic.

Every year, I hear another story about someone who was out hunting until sunset, got lost, and ended up with a nasty case of hypothermia because they spent the night getting turned around trying to find their way back. With a digital compass and onboard GPS, the Sionyx could be very helpful in such a situation.

Above: From Left to Right: A scene in natural ambient light; “twilight” mode; night grayscale; night color.

Say a storm rips through your neck of the woods and you must go out to assess the damage. Just take a photo with the optic, and you’ll have GPS coordinates to the location of said damage. You can then provide photos and exact coordinates to responders or repair crews.

Anyone familiar with trail cameras understands how frustrating it can be to capture an image or video of a species you’re after. With a Sionyx optic, you could record your own high-resolution observations with metadata included.

Above: ARs are great to shoot under normal conditions, but being able to train under the stars elevates the experience to a new level.

Individuals could utilize it for personal and home security to survey a yard, large property, or even look downstairs into your living room. Late-night thrill-seekers could use it for recording their adventures. Medical personnel arriving at the scene of an accident in the middle of the night could quickly find someone in need of attention. The point I’m trying to make is that having a quality night vision system that’s this affordable opens so many opportunities that were previously unreachable.

Final Thoughts

Based on my previous experiences, I can say that Sionyx devices offer a substantial nighttime capability to just about anyone who has a need or want, with more features and a lower price point than the majority of conventional night vision devices. Affordability and versatility are often key decision-making factors when choosing a tool or piece of equipment to purchase, and Sionyx offers both. If you’ve been hesitating to invest in night vision because of the prohibitive costs associated with it, Sionyx night vision optics might be just what you’ve been waiting for. 

Sionyx Aurora Pro

Above: Ram Mounts offers the right hardware to mount the optic to your choice of off-road vehicle.

Included:

• Aurora Pro color night vision camera
• Hardshell waterproof case
• 2 camera batteries
• USB charge/data cable
• 32GB MicroSD card

MSRP: $999
URL: www.sionyx.com

Shop Sionyx at Optics Planet

[Editor's Note: It's worth mentioning that Sionyx Night Vision can be found on Big Daddy Unlimited. Read about it here on RECOILweb. The Savings on a Sionyx Sport, will pay for more than a year of BDU, and the unit will cost about the same as a used Glock.)

-Click here for a Big Daddy Unlimited Trial month for 99 cents.-

More on Night Vision

• How to set up your Rifle for Low-Light/No-Light Conditions.
• Night Vision 101.
• GBRS Group: Shadows that Bite.
• Night Vision Helmet Setup Guide.
• Night Vision Goggles: A Double Primer Comparing Two Models
• Unobtainium Gear Active Night Vision Recording System: Taping what you see.

Elsewhere in OFFGRID #43, we have some very specific technical articles on night vision related topics: technical specifications on tubes, accessorizing night vision compatible weapons, and setting up helmets for night-vision use. But the rapid proliferation of civilian-accessible night vision options over the last several years has left a lot of interested consumers chewing on the dust of “experts” (real or imagined) who have spent hours, or years, conducting research or amassing trial-and-error experience. 

If you’re night vision curious but unsure of where to start, we present “Square One.” Don Edwards is a Ranger Battalion and Special Forces veteran with literal decades of night vision experience in real-world operations. He previously worked as the director of government and law enforcement sales and training for Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC) before starting his own company, Greenline Tactical, that specializes in training government agencies and civilians in night vision-specific principles for marksmanship, weapons handling, and tactics. 

Above: “Being able to see in the dark is a superpower,” says Don. Fortunately, it's a superpower that's becoming more widely available to civilians. – Photo by Real Dirty Media.

Regardless of whether you call them NODs (Night Observation Devices), NVGs (Night Vision Goggles), NVDs (Night Vision Devices), or I2 devices (Image Intensification), we sat down with Don and got the answers to some entry-level questions about what this equipment does and what you should think about before you cross over to the dark side … 

RECOIL OFFGRID: Give us a brief overview of how image intensification (I2) works.

DON EDWARDS: Image Intensification tubes amplify existing light, so you have to have some ambient light for them to work at all. They’re specifically optimized to see Infrared (IR) and Near Infrared (NIR) light the best, so even light you cannot see with the naked eye will make them work.

What applications do you see or hear your civilian students using night vision for? 

DE: My civilian students who own and use night vision are into all sorts of things. Some just like to go out with buddies and shoot at night. Others are hunters. Night hog hunting is one of the fastest-growing segments of the hunting market. Many are preparedness-minded individuals.

How does night vision fit into your overall security and preparedness plan now that you’re out of uniform? 

DE: Being able to see in the dark is like having a superpower. I bring them with me just about everywhere, especially when I travel. In an emergency, I can see potential danger and avoid it. When used along with illumination, even a white flashlight, it can also greatly extend how far you can see in the dark. It also allows me to remain undetected if I want to gather information about the environment prior to choosing a course of action.

Above: In true no-light environments, an IR illuminator can make a significant difference in your ability to navigate and acquire targets. Photo by Real Dirty Media.

Night vision devices are classified by generation. Most commonly, we see devices labeled “Gen 2” or “Gen 3.” What is the difference? 

DE: In the late 1980s, Gen 2 gave way to Gen 3 technology. Since then, all image intensification tubes made in the U.S. are Gen 3. Any current-production Gen 2 devices probably have tubes made in Europe. The primary differences are some of the coatings on the inside that allow better light transmission and amplification. Current U.S.-made Gen 3 will almost always outperform Gen 2 tubes, especially in the lower-light conditions — the darker it gets, the more you’ll notice Gen 3 performing well. There are I2 tube manufacturers in Europe who are manufacturing Gen 2 tubes that rival the performance levels of some Gen 3 devices, but you aren’t going to get that level of performance for the entire life of the device. The Gen 2 will usually begin to degrade sooner and get to unusable levels way before the Gen 3 would.

In what situations would you say Gen 2 (or older) is an acceptable compromise, versus when you might really want a Gen 3 setup?

DE: Gen 2 tubes are still being made, since the U.S. closely guards the Gen 3 technology and restricts exports through ITAR. I’d say it would be fine if you got a great deal on a device that was Gen 2 — otherwise, if you’re buying new, get the best. That would be Gen 3. For some situations when there are lots of lights, like streetlights and such, a good Gen 2 device is preferred by some people.

We see different night vision tubes described as “filmed” or “unfilmed.” What does this mean? Is one better than the other? Or is each better for specific applications?

DE: Unfilmed is a name for I2 tubes manufactured by L3Harris. Technically, we categorize them as being “less filmed.” What I mean by that is they have found proprietary ways of eliminating or reducing the thickness of some of the barriers between the different layers inside the tube. In an optic, the more lenses or protective coatings that light has to pass through, the greater the chance of loss of light. The same is true in I2. Being able to minimize this inside the I2 tube can translate to up to 20 percent or even more increase in performance. Filmed, or thin filmed as they are called, devices are still very capable and continue to get better, but generally the unfilmed tubes will display better performance as it gets darker and darker.

Above: Night vision is one component of overall low-light preparedness, and does not negate or override the need for a high quality white light. Photo by Real Dirty Media.

What is auto-gating? What does it do for end users? Are all NVDs auto-gated?

DE: Auto-gating (AG) is a great feature and has been with us for over 20 years now. Any Gen 3 Night Vision made in the U.S. within the last 20 years will have auto-gating. AG is basically a throttle control that senses when the tube is receiving more light than it needs or can handle, and reduces the amount of power being drawn from the battery. This will cause fewer photons to be energized into electrons, therefore protecting the tube from getting oversaturated and potentially damaged. A side effect of this is that we see increased battery life over the old models because of this.

Let’s talk a little about types of devices themselves. The single-tube PVS-14 is considered by many to be the “entry level” device acceptable for defensive applications. What are some pros and cons to this type of device?

DE: The PVS-14 as of now is still the standard issue NVG to the U.S. Military. That’s gradually changing, but it’s still the workhorse of the Night Vision world in my opinion. I have described it as the Glock 19 or AK-47 of the Night Vision world. Just so dependable, and reliable, and versatile. Some of the pros to it are affordability compared to dual systems, and versatility — it can be head-worn, handheld, can be easily carried in a pouch or day pack, used in conjunction with a camera or smartphone for pictures, and even mounted behind a red-dot optic on a rifle. The only real con is that when wearing it, you are only receiving visual information from one eye. 

Should I wear it on my head or mount it on my rifle?

DE: Head mount, hands down. This is the way it was designed: to be head-worn and used with a laser aiming device on a weapon. The main reason for the past popularity of weapon-mounting is that there didn’t used to be civilian-legal options for people to do this. The PVS-14 is rated for recoil up to 5.56, as required by government contracts, but in my experience, it will not survive continuous use like that. Also, it needs to be mounted behind a Night Vision-compatible red-dot optic such as an Aimpoint. The danger in this is the possibility of the red dot burning a permanent spot on the tube over time. Even auto-gating may not prevent this. Wearing on your head allows you to walk around in the dark and move freely. If it’s on the rifle, you have to point the gun at whatever you want to see in the dark.

Photo by Real Dirty Media.

If I am wearing it on my person, what would be the benefit to investing in a helmet versus using the stand-alone “skull-crusher” mount?

DE: Many people want to go for the non-helmet-style mounts. There are several companies that make them, and (despite the nickname) they can be quite comfortable. Their usefulness ends, in my opinion, when you start to do more complex stuff. If you are mostly stationary or not engaging in much activity, then they are great. But even walking around the woods at night can cause most of them to flop and wobble around on your head. Most people do not need or want a ballistic helmet — I still recommend one of the affordable, unarmored “bump” helmets. A rigid mounting platform that keeps things where you want them makes a huge difference, and can be had for around $300.

If one tube is good, is two better? What are the advantages of dual-tubes over the PVS-14? Do you get double the field of view?

DE: First, let me address field of view (FoV). Sadly, no, you don’t increase your FoV with duals. By the way, the FoV on monocular and binocular NVGs is 40 degrees. What you get with duals is binocular vision versus monocular vision. Our brains rely heavily on visual input to process information and make decisions. We are used to seeing things with both eyes. Being able to see with both eyes in the dark can exponentially increase your ability to move quickly and accomplish complex tasks. This is why Special Operations people who spend a good portion of their time wearing NVGs prefer binocular NVGs hands down.

If I invest in a dual-tube setup, do I need articulating tubes?

DE: Articulating tubes are a nice feature. I like them, but they’re not a deal breaker. To many, it isn’t that important of a feature. Fixed-bridge-style NVG housings can be slightly more rugged.

What accessories do I need to consider? We’ve heard people talk about counterweights, battery packs, IR flashlights, lasers, magnifier rings, etc. Besides the NVD itself, what else makes a functional, effective night vision system? 

DE: Night vision is a system. It helps if you think of it that way. If you have a Night Vision device, you need a way to wear it — let’s say a helmet. You will also need a way to attach it to the helmet, this is called the mount. There are several different models of those out there that provide varying features to the end user. Now, if you are going to be using it along with a rifle, you need to look at some of the various Laser Aiming Modules available to you. These are the key parts of the system.

Counterweights are a plus. If you are wearing a monocular, it may not be that big of a deal. With a dual-tube device, I consider it a must-have. It may seem counter-intuitive at first to add more weight to your head, but putting a counterweight in the back sort of balances out the see-saw on your head. Without it, the goggle is constantly pulling down on the front of your face, and by the end of the night you will have sore neck muscles.

Photo by Real Dirty Media.

Another good idea piece of gear would be a handheld IR light. Not for the weapon, that’s covered by your laser device. A handheld IR light source basically gives you a flashlight that only you (and others wearing Night Vision) can see. That can come in handy in many different situations.

Not everyone can afford top-of-the-line, U.S.-made night vision that’s on-par with military-grade products. Night vision units produced offshore, or assembled in the U.S. with foreign tubes, often lower the cost threshold for entry. What are some of the pitfalls to be aware of when going this route? What are you sacrificing to get that (relative) affordability?

DE: Well, to start with, I try to buy American whenever I can. I hate to say it, but the old saying “buy once, cry once” can’t be truer when it comes to night vision. It’s literally a superpower, and it’s worth saving up for quality equipment that is going to not only last, but will be there for you when you need it the most. A friend of mine has a saying that $1,000 worth of flashlights is better than $1,000 worth of night vision. What he means is that $1,000 worth of Night Vision is probably going to be a waste of money. Also, the cost difference between good quality imported tubes built into devices here in the U.S. is not really much of a discount, so if you’re looking at spending thousands of dollars, save a little more, and make sure you’re getting something quality. 

[Editor's Note: This Article First Appeared in OFFGRID #43. Photography by Real Dirty Media]

Don Edwards

Don Edwards is a retired 20-plus-year veteran of U.S. Army Special Operations. He began his career in 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, where he was a participant in Operation Just Cause. He retired from 20th Special Forces Group, where he served as a team sergeant, weapons sergeant, and intelligence sergeant during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He has served for five years as the use-of-force training manager and primary instructor at the ATF National Academy in Glynco, Georgia, instructing in tactics and firearms as well. Don has worked as tactical adviser to the Department of Defense since 2008 serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and is a FLETC-certified firearms instructor.

Don is the former director of training for TNVC and is now the owner/operator of Greenline Tactical LLC. Greenline is a leader in night vision operations training, offering real-world tactical and defensive training to law-abiding civilians, state/local law enforcement officers, and SWAT teams as well as conventional and special operations military units around the country.

Sources 

Greenline Tactical  > www.greenlinetactical.com

More on Night Vision, Tactical Gear, and Firearms

• Plate Carrier Types: To Each Their Own.
• Front Toward Enemy: Tyr Tactical Plate Carriers.
• Upgrading the Tyr Tactical Pico-DS.
• How to Set up a Plate Carrier.
• AR Mag Pouch Faceoff: No One Size Fits All.
• EDC, Range, and Battle Belt Setups.
• How to set up your Rifle for Low-Light/No-Light Conditions.
• GBRS Group: Shadows that Bite.
• Night Vision Helmet Setup Guide.
• Sionyx Aurora Pro: Color Night Vision Review.
• Night Vision Goggles: A Double Primer.
• Unobtainium Gear Active Night Vision Recording System: Taping what you see.