Digital Night Vision: SiOnyx Aurora Review

Published on January 8, 2019
Duration: 24:02

This expert-level review by Isaac Botkin of T.REX ARMS provides an in-depth look at the SiOnyx Aurora digital night vision device. It details its features, performance compared to professional analog systems like the PVS-14, and its limitations, particularly latency, for tactical applications. The Aurora is presented as a budget-friendly option for specific uses like filmmaking or hunting, but not a replacement for high-end NVGs in demanding tactical scenarios.

Quick Summary

The SiOnyx Aurora is a budget-friendly digital night vision device offering color vision and IP67 water resistance, priced between $600-800. Its main drawback for tactical use is significant image latency (50-100ms+), limiting its effectiveness for rapid engagement compared to zero-latency analog NVGs like the PVS-14.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to SiOnyx Aurora
  2. 01:54Pricing and Physical Features
  3. 02:36Iris Settings and IR Filter
  4. 03:11Display and Controls
  5. 04:11Battery and Storage
  6. 04:47Sensor Technology and Comparison
  7. 08:52Comparison with Analog PVS-14
  8. 11:13Color Night Vision Benefits
  9. 13:35Latency and Helmet Mounting
  10. 14:14Eye Relief and FOV Issues
  11. 16:36Weapon Mounting and Recoil
  12. 19:15Range Testing Results
  13. 20:44Final Verdict and Use Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key advantages of the SiOnyx Aurora digital night vision device?

The SiOnyx Aurora offers color night vision, a lower price point compared to high-end analog NVGs, and IP67 water resistance. It excels in providing better low-light sensitivity per dollar than Gen 2 analog tubes and is suitable for filmmakers, hunters, and plinkers.

What are the main limitations of the SiOnyx Aurora for tactical use?

The primary limitation is image latency, ranging from 50-60ms without stabilization to over 100ms with it, making rapid target tracking and movement difficult. Its eye relief and field of view also present challenges when helmet-mounted.

How does the SiOnyx Aurora compare to the PVS-14?

The PVS-14 is superior in extreme low light and offers zero latency, but costs significantly more ($3k-4k vs $600-800). The Aurora provides color vision and is more budget-friendly, making it a different tool for different applications.

Can the SiOnyx Aurora be used for weapon mounting?

Yes, it can be used as a clip-on device behind a red dot sight, like the Trijicon RMR. However, latency issues make tracking moving targets or performing quick transitions extremely difficult, best suiting it for static targets.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from T.REX ARMS

View all →