OVNI Night Vision eyepieces

The OVNI-B night vision binoviewer from OVNI Night Vision is manufactured in France, it integrates an "Astronomy Grade" intensifier tube, which is one of the innovations developed by OVNI Night Vision. It features 27mm focal length eyepieces along with 31.75mm (1.25") and 50.8mm (2") barrels, making it compatible with a wide range of telescopes. Weighing 500 grams, it incorporates recent technological advancements aimed at enhancing night sky observation.

OVNI Night Vision eyepieces

The OVNI-B does not experience light loss or backfocus issues and can be used directly in prime focus without requiring a Barlow lens or Optical Corrector Assembly (OCA). Additionally, it supports afocal observation, allowing it to be placed over a standard eyepiece that functions as a focal reducer. This enables low magnification and a wide field of view for deep-sky observation. For increased magnification, the OVNI-B can be used with a Barlow lens. It can also be used handheld, similar to binoculars, and is compatible with camera lenses for imaging applications. Some of the OVNI-B features include:

• Autogated technology: Protects the intensifier tube from exposure to bright light.
• Manual gain control: Adjusts brightness levels to reduce or eliminate scintillation, particularly when using filters.
• Diopter adjustment: Customizable for different vision requirements, accommodating myopic and astigmatic users as well as those wearing glasses.
• Interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment: Ranges from 53mm to 72mm, allowing for adjustment based on individual user preferences.
• Optical coatings and internal design: Includes anti-reflective blackened edges and multi-coated lenses to enhance contrast in visible and near-infrared light.
   

The OVNI-B is available in three versions, with FOM (Figure of Merit) being the primary measure of intensifier tube performance. Each unit includes a tube test report detailing its specifications. For users in the United States, the OVNI-B is ITAR Free, meaning it is not restricted by International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The "Astronomy Grade" intensifier tubes are specifically manufactured for astronomy. They combine elements of GEN3 filmless/unfilmed tubes with the extended lifespan of GEN3 thin-filmed tubes, optimizing performance for night sky observation.

The OVNI-B supports multiple configurations:

• Prime focus: Directly attached to a reflector telescope.
• Afocal mode: Used with an eyepiece and afocal adapter.
• Handheld use: Functions as night vision binoculars with front lens attachment.
• Magnification increase: Achieved by adding a Barlow lens or Powermate.
• Filter compatibility: Can be combined with a filter wheel and afocal adapter for customized observations.
   

OVNI-B usage guidelines

• Designed for dark conditions only (avoid daylight, bright lights, and strong artificial sources).
• Not water-resistant (should not be used in rain or submerged).
• Warranty: 2 years (does not cover misuse, unauthorized modifications, or accidental damage).
   

The OVNI-B specifications

• Manufacturer: OVNI Night Vision (France)
• Intensifier Tube: "Astronomy Grade" intensifier tube
• Available Versions:
  • - FOM 2200-2400
  • - FOM 2400-2600
  • - FOM 2600-2800
• Weight: 1.19 lbs (540g)
• Power Source: 2 AA batteries
• Field of View: 40°
• Focal Length of Eyepieces: 1.06 in (27mm)
• Barrel Sizes: 1.25" and 2" (with filter thread)
• Front Lens: 1.06 in (27mm) F/1.2
• Mounting Options:
  • - Prime focus (direct telescope attachment)
  • - Afocal use (with eyepiece)
  • - Handheld use
  • - Camera lens attachment (via C-Mount adapter)
• Interpupillary Distance (IPD) Adjustment: 2.08 in - 2.83 in (53mm - 72mm)
• Diopter Adjustment: Independent adjustment for each eye
• Manual Gain Control: Brightness adjustment
• Autogating Feature: Protects the intensifier tube from sudden light exposure
• Coatings: Multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective blackened edges
• Resolution (Center): 70 to 74 line pairs per millimeter
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): High sensitivity for detecting faint objects
• Luminance Gain: 55,000 to 75,000
• Equivalent Background Illumination (EBI): 0.1 to 1
• Figure of Merit (FOM): Key performance measure based on resolution × SNR
   

The OVNI-B comes with various accessories for adaptability in different observation modes

• 1.25" and 2" Barrels (with filter threads)
• CS/C-Mount and M42 Adapter
• 27mm (1.06 in) F/1.2 Front Lens
• Safety Lanyard & Travel Bag
• Flexible & 360° Rotatable Eyeguards
• Tube Test Report (includes FOM, SNR, EBI, resolution, etc.)
   

Optional accessories

• Afocal Adapter (Available in 3 sizes)
• Smartphone Adapter (For image/video capture)
• Camera Adapter (For DSLR/Mirrorless cameras)
• Filter Adapter (For 1.25" & 2" filters)
• Nebula & Dark Sky Filters
• Barlows & Focal Reducers
   

In summary, the OVNI-B night vision binoviewer is compatible with a variety of telescopes and observation methods, including prime focus, afocal mode, and handheld use. Features such as autogating, manual gain control, diopter adjustment, and IPD adjustment allow for flexible customization. The included accessories make it adaptable for various optical setups, and the "Astronomy Grade" intensifier tubes are engineered for long-term astronomical use.

OVNI-M

The OVNI-M is an intensifier eyepiece designed exclusively for astronomy. It allows astronomers to enhance their observations with the latest night vision technology. With a 1.02-inch focal length and a 1.25-inch barrel, the OVNI-M is compatible with a wide range of telescopes. Weighing 8.47 ounces and standing 3.94 inches tall (excluding the eyecup), this device is built to revolutionize celestial observation.

Manufactured in France, the OVNI-M integrates an "Astronomy Grade" intensifier tube. It can be used at prime focus with a telescope’s 1.25-inch barrel or in an afocal setup with another eyepiece, effectively acting as a focal reducer. The device can also be used in conjunction with a Barlow lens to increase magnification. Additionally, it supports handheld use and can attach to camera lenses.

This eyepiece is useful for both visual observation and astrophotography. It is compatible with astronomy cameras such as ZWO and QHY, as well as DSLRs from Sony and Canon through the OVNI Camera Adapter accessory. Some of the OVNI-M features include:

• Autogated Intensifier Tube: Protects the device from high light exposure.
• Manual Gain Control: Allows users to minimize scintillation, particularly when using filters.
• Diopter Adjustment: Adapts to the eyesight of different users, including those with myopia and astigmatism.
• Rotatable Eyeguard: Adjusts to the facial structure of each observer.
• Anti-Reflective Coating: Inner edges are blackened and multi-coated for improved contrast in both visible light and near-infrared wavelengths.
   

The OVNI-M is available in three versions, distinguished primarily by their Figure of Merit (FOM), a key performance measure:

• FOM 2200-2400
• FOM 2400-2600
• FOM 2600-2800
   

Each unit comes with a test report that includes measurements for FOM, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), equivalent background illumination (EBI), gain, sensitivity, and resolution. Pricing information is available through OVNI Night Vision’s website or authorized dealers.

The OVNI-M specifications

• Focal Length: 1.02 inches
• Field of View: 40°
• Barrel Size: 1.25 inches
• Front Lens: 1.02 inches F1.2
• Weight: 8.47 ounces
• Dimensions (excluding eyecup): 4.17 inches x 2.44 inches x 1.65 inches
• Battery Type: CR123 Lithium
   

The OVNI-M comes with various accessories

• 1.02-inch F1.2 Front Lens
• 1.25-inch Barrel with Filter Thread
• CS/C-Mount Adapter
• 1/4 UNC Side Thread for Tripod Use
• Safety Lanyard
• Travel Bag
• Rechargeable CR123 Battery
• Tube Test Report
• Optional Accessories Available
   

The OVNI-M supports multiple observation methods:

• Prime Focus: Directly inserted into a telescope.
• Afocal Mode: Used with a traditional eyepiece via an adapter, acting as a focal reducer.
• Handheld Use: Can be used like binoculars with a front lens or attached to a camera lens.
• Barlow Magnification: Works with a Barlow lens or Powermate to increase magnification.
• Filter Integration: Compatible with filter wheels and individual filters for improved contrast.
   

In summary the OVNI-M is an advanced night vision eyepiece with an intensifier tube that enhances deep-sky observations, and its compatibility with various telescopes, eyepieces, and cameras makes it a flexible tool for both amateur and professional astronomers. With features like autogating, manual gain control, and filter compatibility, it provides an optimized viewing experience.

Conferences given by Jonathan Kobs during the 2024 Sky and Space Meetings

The latest conference is now available on the Ciel & Espace magazine's YouTube channel. The video can be viewed below with real-time subtitles in multiple languages available for non-French speakers.