First Thoughts on the ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles Matte Black 1x18mm, Generation 2+ Green Phosphor, 58-60 Ip/mm Resolution
The ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles are a dual-tube system designed to replace the older PS15 models, promising enhanced resolution and reduced weight. Manufactured by ATN, these goggles feature Gen 2+ green phosphor tubes, a 40-degree field of view, and independent pivoting tubes for monocular or binocular use. The promise of improved situational awareness in low-light environments is what initially piqued my interest in these goggles.
As an avid hunter and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve often found myself limited by darkness, and I needed a reliable night vision solution. The listed specifications—especially the Gen 2+ tubes and the binocular design—indicated a significant step up from my older, single-tube system.
Unboxing the ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles was a pleasant experience. The matte black finish appeared robust, and the unit felt surprisingly lightweight, especially given it’s a dual-tube setup. The build quality felt solid; the pivoting mechanism moved smoothly and with a satisfyingly firm click.
I considered other options like the AGM PVS-14 (a versatile single-tube) and the Bering Optics D-790 (a higher-generation device). I chose the ATN PS31-2 because of its binocular configuration, offering potentially superior depth perception and overall viewing comfort compared to a monocular. My first impression was excitement tempered by the hefty price tag; I hoped the performance would justify the investment.
Real-World Testing: Putting ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles Matte Black 1x18mm, Generation 2+ Green Phosphor, 58-60 Ip/mm Resolution to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial field test took place during a nighttime hog hunt on a friend’s ranch in central Texas. The conditions were far from ideal: a hazy night with only a sliver of moon providing minimal ambient light. Deploying the ATN PS31-2, I was immediately impressed by the clarity and brightness of the image. I found navigation relatively easy, even through thick brush.
The goggles performed well in these challenging conditions, though I did need to adjust the diopters for each eye to achieve optimal focus. I noticed a slight learning curve associated with the binocular configuration. Initially, I experienced minor disorientation as my brain adjusted to the enhanced depth perception. However, after about an hour, the effect subsided.
There were no immediate malfunctions or failures, although the initial setup and adjustment took longer than I anticipated. It highlighted the need to familiarize myself with the controls in daylight before relying on them in a critical situation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use during various nighttime activities—hiking, wildlife observation, and security patrols around my property—the ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles have proven remarkably reliable. The matte black finish shows no signs of significant wear, despite being subjected to rain, dust, and some accidental bumps against tree branches. The unit still feels as sturdy as it did on day one.
Maintenance has been straightforward; I simply wipe the lenses with a microfiber cloth after each use and occasionally check the battery compartment for corrosion. The ATN PS31-2 has significantly outperformed my previous Gen 1 night vision monocular. The image clarity, wider field of view, and comfortable binocular viewing experience are vastly superior.
Breaking Down the Features of ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles Matte Black 1x18mm, Generation 2+ Green Phosphor, 58-60 Ip/mm Resolution
Specifications
The ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles Matte Black 1x18mm, Generation 2+ Green Phosphor, 58-60 Ip/mm Resolution boasts several key specifications. It has 1x magnification with 18mm objective lenses. Its generation is 2+ green phosphor, providing a resolution of 58-60 lp/mm.
The field of view is 40 degrees, offering a wide area of observation. The goggles utilize a CR123A battery, which powers the unit for up to 300 hours. It weighs 1.28 lbs.
The 1x magnification ensures that the image is presented at its true size without any enlargement, which is crucial for maintaining depth perception and situational awareness. The 18mm objective lens gathers light, contributing to the overall brightness and clarity of the image. The 58-60 lp/mm resolution indicates the level of detail that the goggles can resolve, directly affecting the clarity and sharpness of the viewed image.
Performance & Functionality
The ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles excel in low-light environments, providing a clear and usable image even under minimal ambient light. The auto-gain function smoothly adjusts brightness levels. This makes the transition between varying degrees of darkness seamless.
The pivoting tube design is a particularly useful feature, allowing for quick switching between binocular and monocular configurations. The 40-degree field of view provides excellent peripheral vision, significantly enhancing situational awareness. A minor weakness lies in the need for precise diopter adjustments. This can be fiddly in the dark, although once set, the focus remains consistent.
The goggles have exceeded my expectations in terms of image clarity and ease of use. Compared to my previous single-tube system, the binocular configuration provides a much more natural and comfortable viewing experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The ATN PS31-2 features a robust construction and a matte black finish. It appears durable. The weight of 1.28 lbs is well-distributed, making the goggles comfortable to wear for extended periods. The pivoting mechanism feels solid and reliable, and the controls are relatively easy to access, even with gloved hands.
The ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles are well-designed and ergonomic. However, the learning curve associated with diopter adjustment is a minor drawback.
Durability & Maintenance
The ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles appear to be built to last. The housing is made from a rugged polymer material, and the lenses are treated with ATN’s Proshield coating to resist scratches and abrasions.
Maintenance is relatively simple; I clean the lenses with a microfiber cloth and occasionally inspect the battery compartment. Assuming proper care, these goggles should provide many years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles include a basic carrying case and lens cleaning cloth. There are a variety of aftermarket accessories available, including different helmet mounts and higher-powered IR illuminators.
The goggles are compatible with standard PVS-14-style helmet mounts. This makes integration into existing tactical setups easy. While no additional accessories are included with the standard package, the availability of aftermarket options allows for customization to suit individual needs.
Pros and Cons of ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles Matte Black 1x18mm, Generation 2+ Green Phosphor, 58-60 Ip/mm Resolution
Pros
- Excellent image clarity thanks to the Gen 2+ tubes, offering a clear advantage in low-light conditions.
- The binocular configuration offers superior depth perception and viewing comfort compared to monocular systems.
- The pivoting tube design allows for versatile use in binocular or monocular configurations, adapting to different situations.
- Relatively lightweight at 1.28 lbs, reducing strain during extended use.
- The wide 40-degree field of view enhances situational awareness, making navigation easier.
Cons
- The relatively high price point might make it inaccessible for some users.
- Diopter adjustment can be fiddly, requiring some patience to achieve optimal focus.
Who Should Buy ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles Matte Black 1x18mm, Generation 2+ Green Phosphor, 58-60 Ip/mm Resolution?
The ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles are perfect for serious hunters, security professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts who require high-quality night vision capabilities. The binocular configuration and wide field of view make them ideal for navigating challenging terrain and maintaining situational awareness.
Those on a very tight budget or who only require occasional night vision capabilities might want to consider less expensive, lower-generation options. Must-have accessories include a high-quality helmet mount for hands-free operation and a more powerful IR illuminator for use in complete darkness.
Conclusion on ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles Matte Black 1x18mm, Generation 2+ Green Phosphor, 58-60 Ip/mm Resolution
Overall, the ATN PS31-2 Night Vision Goggles Matte Black 1x18mm, Generation 2+ Green Phosphor, 58-60 Ip/mm Resolution are a solid performer, offering excellent image clarity, a comfortable viewing experience, and versatile configuration options. The price is undoubtedly a significant factor, but the enhanced capabilities of these goggles justify the investment for serious users.
I would personally recommend the ATN PS31-2 to anyone who needs reliable and high-performing night vision capabilities. If you are looking for a significant upgrade to your nighttime gear, then these goggles are worth considering.