A new experience for me

[AstroBee]

A few nights ago I managed to get out under the stars for some imaging. What made this night a little different is that I had several astro friends join me for the occasion. We got together to do some imaging which is sort of a solo process but it was also the night before the peak of the Geminids so we all bundled up and brought our comfy recliner chairs along to enjoy a night of meteor watching. Around two hours after dark my friend, Aimee, said, "Hey I've got a new toy I want to share". She pulled out a PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular which is a Gen3 model with white phosphor and she had a 6.5nm Ha filter attached to it. This monocular gives a 1x "normal" B&W view. I have to tell you, it was like being on another planet. EVERYTHING was visible. The California Nebula, Barnard's Loop, The Heart & Soul Nebulae, and don't even get me started about looking at Cygnus! The N.A. and Pelican Nebulae and the Veil along with all the nebulosity around Sadr were just popping out like looking at a B&W photo. Looking at all these nebulae in real time, with no magnification was truly like being on another planet where that is "normal". On top of that, we were seeing very faint meteors that were not visible with the naked eye even under the dark, Bortle 4 skies we were under.
I was ready to pull the trigger and purchase one myself until I learned of the price. $4200! Yikes!

[Bigzmey]

I am waiting for the prices go down on those. You can also attached it to the telescope and observe with many popular EPs like Televue or Baader.

[AstroBee]

Aimee was telling me the prices don't budge much. They are military grade and can't make them fast enough. No incentive to lower prices.

[Bigzmey]

Aimee was telling me the prices don't budge much. They are military grade and can't make them fast enough. No incentive to lower prices.

I am thinking a few years down the road when they come out with the next gen.

[kt4hx]

From what I've read, using one of those you effectively triple your aperture. In my case, 12 inch would be like 36 inches and the 17.5 inch like a 52.5 inch. That is something truly to consider!