At Custom Night Vision, we get questions every day from customers looking for the best bang for their buck—especially when it comes to white phosphor binocular night vision under $5,000. Whether you’re getting started in the hobby, need a capable setup for hiking or training, or just want a solid pair of binos without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a breakdown of three budget-friendly, high-performance options—all priced under $5,000 before tax.
1. RNV-31
Price: $4,084 (with active promo code)
View the RNV-31
The RNV-31 (formerly known as the Jerry 31) has earned its place as one of our most popular white phosphor binoculars—and for good reason. With upgraded optics, manual gain control, IPD stops, and NNVT tubes in the 1400–1600 FOM range, this system delivers serious value. It also includes a battery pack, soft case, eye cups, and more.
If you’re a hobbyist or just want a dependable, entry-level bino with solid specs, the RNV-31 is hard to beat at this price.
USE CODE RIX31 for 5% off and FREE BATTERY PACK
2. RNV-31S
Price:$4,799
View the RNV-31S
The RNV-31S builds on the RNV-31’s strengths, offering a refined housing design and an improved optical system that mimics the look and feel of PVS-14 optics. It’s still manual gain, uses the same NNVT tubes, and comes as a finished good—meaning no tube swaps down the line. That said, its sleek, Western-style design and better glass give it a noticeable edge in overall performance and visual clarity.
If you’re willing to stretch the budget slightly for a more polished package, this is your pick.
3. Molded Katana with NNVT Tubes & Mil-Spec Optics
Price: Just under $5,000
Customize with the Binocular Builder
This is the bino we’re most excited about. The molded Katana features a U.S.-manufactured housing with a lifetime warranty, mil-spec optics, and NNVT white phosphor tubes—all for under $5,000. You won’t find an IR illuminator, but you do get independent pod shutoff, rugged construction, and top-tier ergonomics.
What truly sets this option apart is its upgradability. The molded Katana is built with standard 18mm Western-style tube compatibility. That means you can upgrade down the line by dropping in Gen 3 tubes like L3s or Elbits—without having to replace your entire setup. Your investment today lays the groundwork for future growth.
Final Thoughts
If you live in the U.S., you’re in the only country where civilian ownership of Gen 3 night vision is legal—something worth taking advantage of. While NNVT tubes offer solid performance, Gen 3 should always be your long-term goal if you’re serious about the night vision game.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a solid secondary setup, these three options give you great flexibility, performance, and value without going over the $5K mark.
Still have questions?
Call us anytime—we answer the phone almost 24/7 (unless we’re sleeping).
Or reach out via Instagram DMs or the chat box on our site. We’d love to help you build the right setup.
