Another excellent review with no punches pulled. A tidbit of information for your audience, the Boomslangs are designed specifically for the PVS-14. That particular standard housing size (the internal dimensions of the housing) limits what can be done with wide FOV optics. We can design 50 degrees with 25mm eye relief, it just requires a different internal housing design. Therefore, the Boomslangs were designed to provide 50 degrees FOV capability that is backward compatible to almost all PVS-14 type night vision goggles currently in use. There were tradeoffs, as noted in the review, but the end goal was to minimize fisheye distortion prevalent on other wide FOV optics, while preserving as much clarity as possible while drastically increasing situational awareness.
Wow, such a well-done review, CHS. I hit 30 hours on my Boomslang Tantos last night, hiking and dirtbiking around the desert for the last month, and have found the extra FOV to be an incredible asset. These will absolutely excel on adjustable FOV systems like the RPNVG/PanoBridge/Daisho where you can dial in your preferred system resolution. Looking forward to your video on that! All around impressive lenses and a huge step forward for WFOV optics.
Just got them installed, and this video is spot on: definitely mild but noticeable drop in “crispiness” especially at the edges (L3 unfilmed WP), but extra FOV is super useful for me. Super fast shipping thanks CH Supply! (all the US distributers appear to be out of stock currently).
@@dockertonfpv 1 major con not mentioned in the video: The Boomslang lenses seem to be much pickier on the angle of your eye looking through the NOD. Straight on is fine, but if you’re off angle the blurriness is much more noticeable vs Carsons. I haven’t tested with panned out setup but seems like this would be an issue, look forward to the promised CH test of Boomslangs with panning setup.
@@yzhou05 You're absolutely right. I describe it as "finicky" compared to Carson, the image loses quality if you aren't squared up. Its pretty bad if you're bouncing around on a hike or drive and your retention system is not under tension. On a PanoBridge M7 at 15 degrees pan I was not a fan of the image drop-off during the vibrations of rough terrain. I'm optimistic about the 10 degree Daisho though and the image/FOV is really fantastic when lined up, feels significanly less like looking through a toilet paper tube.
@@goneballistic Yes, but you have to be comfortable (or at least foolish enough like me) with taking a PVS14 apart and putting it back together. It’s really not that hard, hardest part for me was finding and taking the objective retaining ring off.
I usually have low to mid expectations for reviews but holy shit you guys killed it. Not only talking about the product but also weird compatibility and edge use cases. Keep it up!
Working on it. It works really well and there is more overlap in the middle so there is more stereoscopic vision down the centre which is always a plus.
Can’t thank you enough for your reviews and product spotlights. I’m just getting into the night vision game and I’m definitely going to be ordering from Cold Harbour (as long as you ship to the US!)
Awesome and very informative video. Keep up the great work guys. Would be super cool to see a trade-up option to upgrade to these from Carsons on previously bought CHS built units (obviously if the Carson's are in good condition)
@@coldharboursupplyhumm my RPO3.0 has noticeably more chrom abb than my Carson and the difference between those two in this video is not so obvious. Also it might be very well controlled but it’s impossible to have NO chrom abb.
I understand that there is a camera challenge, but is it at all possible to show a comparison between these and the upcoming panned Daisho brigde for the tantos? As is 50 degree lenses, vs 40 degree lenses panned to 50 :)
We invite you to check out this video we made to see an in-depth comparison of a US made tube and Photonis: ruclips.net/video/-Ngicy5VKi0/видео.htmlsi=BJ_C0IkBG4Ca7gwl
@@coldharboursupply I think I misworded my question. Using boom slang lenses do I need to use a high quality L3 to have better clarity or will a photonis or elbit be about the same in regards to the edge distortion? Like say in the video the outer 10% of the field of view was distorted but does that increase with a lower quality tube?
@@ExplorinInTheWoods They will be rather similar assuming specs are the same, we find the characteristics of distortion is more so based on the lenses than the tubes in most cases except for some very fallout tubes that may not have the best quality screens.
Why is it so difficult to design a wide angle lens for night vision goggles? The reason lies in the size of the objective/eyepiece lens. The optical system of night vision (and binoculars, etc.) differs from that of camera lenses in that it is an afocal system. This means that light entering the objective lens parallel to the optical axis exits the eyepiece lens parallel to the optical axis and forms an image only inside the eyeball. In such an optical system, magnification (angular magnification) is determined by the ratio of the tilt angle tan(μ) between the light ray from the object and the optical axis and the tilt angle tan(μ') between the light ray to the image and the optical axis. When designing for equal magnification, it is relatively easy to design a lens, since the incident angle should be equal to the exit angle. However, since the apparent size of the lens increases with a wide-angle lens, the eye relief must be shortened or the eyepiece must be enlarged. Also, unlike binoculars, night vision goggles cannot be regarded as a simple afocal system because the image is created once on the photocathode. This makes the restriction even greater. The simplest way to design a wide-angle night vision system is to increase the size of the photocathode and the lens.
Very very interesting. Just looking at the results, I think I'll stick with my Carson for the time being (plus I don't have the coin), but you're always going to have a drop in clarity and increase in distortion once you start playing with FOV. Having said that, I'm impressed that both of those metrics are quite manageable with the Boomslang. Looking forward how it works out on a pano dual tube or quad tube setup, because I think that's where you'll see some magic.
@ about $1k a set I have to buy 1 set at a time and work with my dominant eye with 50 degrees for a month till I buy the other side... sucks to be poor.
?Why you shocked. Also NVG costs a lot to start with, $1k more is significant but not surprising. Costs less as an upfront upgrade than aftermarket, though I plan on keeping my old milspec/Carson optics as backups/ in case of breakage, or to build another unit.
I see the price at custom night vision is around 150 dollars less than yours. What do you do for that extra price? I'm planning to buy the j 31 on Cold Harbor since you do tinker with it to make it better, making the price higher but reasonable to do so.
That's getting good. Surprised to see people openly talking numbers, that's the only thing that matters to 99% of people but for some reason no one talks about it.
i mean im building out my tantos with them right now and the boomslangs are a $500 increase from the carsons, for 25% increased field of view, on something that already costs $3700... thats pretty worth it. 13% increase in overall device cost for 25% increase in your field of view, and thats with cheap echo+ tubes, if you had L3's or something, that increase in overall cost would be MUCH lower for the same increase in performance. its all perspective!
LOL! Yes, we hear that often, we name our 18mm product offerings (such as our Vyper NODS) based on snakes. The Boomslang is a species of Viper that has strikingly large piercing eyes that take up a large proportion of its head, and its a snake that has the reputation of having the best night vision amongst Pit Vipers. The Boomslang Viper is exceptionally deadly and we believe having Boomslang optics on your NODS will make you one with that namesake - so wear your Boomslang optics with pride and embrace the soul and night vision eyesight of one of the most deadly snakes on the planet......
Another excellent review with no punches pulled. A tidbit of information for your audience, the Boomslangs are designed specifically for the PVS-14. That particular standard housing size (the internal dimensions of the housing) limits what can be done with wide FOV optics. We can design 50 degrees with 25mm eye relief, it just requires a different internal housing design. Therefore, the Boomslangs were designed to provide 50 degrees FOV capability that is backward compatible to almost all PVS-14 type night vision goggles currently in use. There were tradeoffs, as noted in the review, but the end goal was to minimize fisheye distortion prevalent on other wide FOV optics, while preserving as much clarity as possible while drastically increasing situational awareness.
When we will get more information about 5G Tubes? :D
July
@@PhotonisDefenseNightVision Oh boy we can't wait!
@@PhotonisDefenseNightVision Awesome. May the force be with you guys!
what kind of housing design would let it give you larger eye relief
Now THIS is a lens comparison for NVGs.
You're really knocking it out of the park with your testing and comparisons.
Thank you for the support homie
Now let’s see boomslangs on a panobridge 😉
Wow, such a well-done review, CHS. I hit 30 hours on my Boomslang Tantos last night, hiking and dirtbiking around the desert for the last month, and have found the extra FOV to be an incredible asset. These will absolutely excel on adjustable FOV systems like the RPNVG/PanoBridge/Daisho where you can dial in your preferred system resolution. Looking forward to your video on that! All around impressive lenses and a huge step forward for WFOV optics.
Dude where are you? I can't even find anyone to offroad bike with nvgs haha.
I didn't think I could get my unfilmed WP RPNVG's more perfect -- but I was wrong. This is going to be my next upgrade. Fantastic video!
Fellow RPNVG enjoyer.
bros entire personality is night vision 💀
Just got them installed, and this video is spot on: definitely mild but noticeable drop in “crispiness” especially at the edges (L3 unfilmed WP), but extra FOV is super useful for me. Super fast shipping thanks CH Supply! (all the US distributers appear to be out of stock currently).
good to know, thanks
@@dockertonfpv 1 major con not mentioned in the video: The Boomslang lenses seem to be much pickier on the angle of your eye looking through the NOD. Straight on is fine, but if you’re off angle the blurriness is much more noticeable vs Carsons. I haven’t tested with panned out setup but seems like this would be an issue, look forward to the promised CH test of Boomslangs with panning setup.
@@yzhou05 You're absolutely right. I describe it as "finicky" compared to Carson, the image loses quality if you aren't squared up. Its pretty bad if you're bouncing around on a hike or drive and your retention system is not under tension. On a PanoBridge M7 at 15 degrees pan I was not a fan of the image drop-off during the vibrations of rough terrain. I'm optimistic about the 10 degree Daisho though and the image/FOV is really fantastic when lined up, feels significanly less like looking through a toilet paper tube.
so can I take an existing PVS-14 and swap out these lenses?
@@goneballistic Yes, but you have to be comfortable (or at least foolish enough like me) with taking a PVS14 apart and putting it back together. It’s really not that hard, hardest part for me was finding and taking the objective retaining ring off.
I usually have low to mid expectations for reviews but holy shit you guys killed it. Not only talking about the product but also weird compatibility and edge use cases. Keep it up!
This is why you guys are the goat.
You seem incredibly knowledgeable with this. Most likely going to go through CHS for my first non-issued monocular. Thanks for all the info!
Great video explaining/demonstrating the difference in the lenses.
I've been waiting on this video since the announcement. You guys definitely have the best videos out there. Looking forward to the RPNVG video.
Fantastic work testing. Thank you for being so thorough!
Would it be possible to make a video showing how boomslangs work panned?
Working on it. It works really well and there is more overlap in the middle so there is more stereoscopic vision down the centre which is always a plus.
Dude, well done on this video
Looking forward to the panning boomslang video 🤘
This was a very well done video, I want the new lens for my NVGs
Perfect video!
Can’t thank you enough for your reviews and product spotlights. I’m just getting into the night vision game and I’m definitely going to be ordering from Cold Harbour (as long as you ship to the US!)
Seriously epic video!
Just got my rpnvg with the boomslang 50. Highly impressed with the Field of vision.
Thank you!!! This was great!
I hope rpo makes some increased fov lenses/optics!
Binos would mean over $2K to upgrade the lenses, seems excessive to me! If these were half the price I’d be all over them!
half price will kill carson 😂
wow, what a comparison! I’m still glad I switched to the boomslangs from RPO’s. excited to get mine this week! ;)
Can you do a video on the Act in Black wide field of view optics?
Great vid!
Awesome and very informative video. Keep up the great work guys.
Would be super cool to see a trade-up option to upgrade to these from Carsons on previously bought CHS built units (obviously if the Carson's are in good condition)
Send us an email to sales@coldharboursupply.com and we can sort you out
Are these compatible with lens attachments like 3x magnifiers and camera recorders and rifle mounts?
Who makes the halligan and snake hoodie?
Safe to assume these lenses will work with JerryC devices given how the attachment anchor is adjustable?
So sick. Will you guys ever sell the argus pvs31s?
Great video! But I am curious what the chromatic aberration is like relative to the Carson and the RPO!
The footage comparison is clearly shown. If you aren't seeing any, that means there isn't any.
@@coldharboursupplyhumm my RPO3.0 has noticeably more chrom abb than my Carson and the difference between those two in this video is not so obvious. Also it might be very well controlled but it’s impossible to have NO chrom abb.
I understand that there is a camera challenge, but is it at all possible to show a comparison between these and the upcoming panned Daisho brigde for the tantos? As is 50 degree lenses, vs 40 degree lenses panned to 50 :)
We are working on it.
@@coldharboursupply Sounds awesome. Thanks!
Try it on the new Daisho bridge
Great video, how did you mount you camera to the Unit? Lookin for something but everything I found was too wiggly
We will be launching our camera adapters in a few weeks
Are y'all planning on making a protector for the new Holosun DRS-TH?
Depends if the architecture allows for something to be mounted securely.
Test Photonis Ether Eyepiece vs Carson in your eye relief tester!
Absolutely awesome review! Subb'd
will this work with a COTI?
Do you need to have a top tier L3 tube or can you get away with a photonis tube?
We invite you to check out this video we made to see an in-depth comparison of a US made tube and Photonis: ruclips.net/video/-Ngicy5VKi0/видео.htmlsi=BJ_C0IkBG4Ca7gwl
@@coldharboursupply I think I misworded my question. Using boom slang lenses do I need to use a high quality L3 to have better clarity or will a photonis or elbit be about the same in regards to the edge distortion? Like say in the video the outer 10% of the field of view was distorted but does that increase with a lower quality tube?
@@ExplorinInTheWoods They will be rather similar assuming specs are the same, we find the characteristics of distortion is more so based on the lenses than the tubes in most cases except for some very fallout tubes that may not have the best quality screens.
@@coldharboursupply awesome that answers my question perfectly
Are they compatible with ECotis?
Great video, awesome lenses. But the price is beyond absurd.
that's day and night difference wow
Any issues using the infiray thermal clip ons with them?
If you scoot the mounting bracket a bit forwards, it will work but you won't be getting a full clamp surface on the infinity stop ring.
Why is it so difficult to design a wide angle lens for night vision goggles? The reason lies in the size of the objective/eyepiece lens.
The optical system of night vision (and binoculars, etc.) differs from that of camera lenses in that it is an afocal system.
This means that light entering the objective lens parallel to the optical axis exits the eyepiece lens parallel to the optical axis and forms an image only inside the eyeball. In such an optical system, magnification (angular magnification) is determined by the ratio of the tilt angle tan(μ) between the light ray from the object and the optical axis and the tilt angle tan(μ') between the light ray to the image and the optical axis. When designing for equal magnification, it is relatively easy to design a lens, since the incident angle should be equal to the exit angle. However, since the apparent size of the lens increases with a wide-angle lens, the eye relief must be shortened or the eyepiece must be enlarged. Also, unlike binoculars, night vision goggles cannot be regarded as a simple afocal system because the image is created once on the photocathode. This makes the restriction even greater.
The simplest way to design a wide-angle night vision system is to increase the size of the photocathode and the lens.
should rock a side by side with the mnvd 51
Can you see satellites or meteorites with this optic?
Very very interesting. Just looking at the results, I think I'll stick with my Carson for the time being (plus I don't have the coin), but you're always going to have a drop in clarity and increase in distortion once you start playing with FOV. Having said that, I'm impressed that both of those metrics are quite manageable with the Boomslang. Looking forward how it works out on a pano dual tube or quad tube setup, because I think that's where you'll see some magic.
@ about $1k a set I have to buy 1 set at a time and work with my dominant eye with 50 degrees for a month till I buy the other side... sucks to be poor.
Liked and subbed
I continue to be legitimately shocked Canada allows Citizens to own NV.
Also, $1200 per set. You better NEED these.
?Why you shocked. Also NVG costs a lot to start with, $1k more is significant but not surprising. Costs less as an upfront upgrade than aftermarket, though I plan on keeping my old milspec/Carson optics as backups/ in case of breakage, or to build another unit.
Im gonna have to shave my eyelashes to get the lens that close
Is throwing a boomslang on a high spec set of dual tubes from l3 like putting an exhaust from eBay on a Ferrari?
Not quite. Depends on the setup and what the user wants.
@@coldharboursupplyI have 24UA L3 High Gain in a DTNVS. I do love the wider FOV
When we getting a Jerry 31 adapter for these lol
Fuck. Something else to buy. Gotta tell my builder to add them to my MH-1 s 😂
the resolution is really holding me back, especially at the price.
I see the price at custom night vision is around 150 dollars less than yours. What do you do for that extra price? I'm planning to buy the j 31 on Cold Harbor since you do tinker with it to make it better, making the price higher but reasonable to do so.
1200 for a pvs14 lens is wild
That's getting good. Surprised to see people openly talking numbers, that's the only thing that matters to 99% of people but for some reason no one talks about it.
@@bashpr0mpt719 . The way I see it, for the cost of a pvs 14, plus this lens, you are almost to the price range of duel tubes
I'm too poor for this. I'm gonna go back to nvg30 content.
The real problem, nothing in stock 😑
For those curious, boomslang is literally just treesnake in Afrikaans
Boom = tree
Slang = snake
For just a few more. You can get a used pvs14.
PANOBRIDGE NOWWW
Btw be aware you can grind your own lenses. It's NOT that hard. I learnt this when I just didn't want to spend a fortune on a telescope.
Missing units of measurement, no transmission spectrograph, no explanation of the optical path among other issues. You appear too close to the vendor.
That price tag is ridiculous. 2k to justify 10° I just cant see it.
i mean im building out my tantos with them right now and the boomslangs are a $500 increase from the carsons, for 25% increased field of view, on something that already costs $3700... thats pretty worth it. 13% increase in overall device cost for 25% increase in your field of view, and thats with cheap echo+ tubes, if you had L3's or something, that increase in overall cost would be MUCH lower for the same increase in performance.
its all perspective!
seems like the only ones you can buy are in sets of 2... super annoying
a single monocular requires both pieces. if you have binos, you need two pairs (4 total pieces)
Boomslang is the absolute worst name they could have picked lol wtf
Would you remember it if it were called something else?
Yes “photonis 50° lenses” is not that hard to remember and describes it perfectly. Boomslang sounds like something Id throw
@@nb1916 Guess what. Both search terms apply. Now it'll stand out in your mind as "The lenses with the retarded name."
LOL! Yes, we hear that often, we name our 18mm product offerings (such as our Vyper NODS) based on snakes. The Boomslang is a species of Viper that has strikingly large piercing eyes that take up a large proportion of its head, and its a snake that has the reputation of having the best night vision amongst Pit Vipers. The Boomslang Viper is exceptionally deadly and we believe having Boomslang optics on your NODS will make you one with that namesake - so wear your Boomslang optics with pride and embrace the soul and night vision eyesight of one of the most deadly snakes on the planet......
@@PhotonisDefenseInc. fair enough, that makes sense, I was uninformed about the snakes til now, thank you for teaching me somthing new today!
$1500 for a piece of glass 😂😂
It's 2024 why are we using composite video technology? This looks like shit from Vietnam War and it should look like Ghost in the Shell by now.
you have no clue what you're talking about do you ?