Nocturn Industries Tanto UANVM Night Vision Review

The Nocturn Industries Tanto UANVM undercuts PVS-14 weight, runs 40 hours on a CR123A, and converts to duals with the Daisho bridge. We took it hunting and driving to see if the hype holds up.

Meet the Tanto UANVM that Cuts Weight and Keeps Options Open

Nocturn Industries has created an Ultralight Adaptable Night Vision Monocular (UANVM), or what they call the “Tanto.” While severely undercutting the weight of a standard PVS-14, the Tanto also is designed for adaptability. Uniquely featuring an extruded hinge point on the back of the battery compartment, this housing will be able to be adapted to a proprietary powered articulating dual bridge mount called the TAB Tanto Articulating Bridge “Daisho” with minimal tools or extra parts.

Real-World Weight: Neck-Saving Ounces You Can Feel

First and foremost, the weight savings on this housing is no joke. Built using standard optics for a better comparison, the Tanto comes in at 8.76 oz compared to a mil-spec PVS-14’s 12.5 oz. Running this for 5 or so hours in one evening had noticeably smaller fatigue on my neck, and felt like a featherweight after running a PVS-14 paired with a helmet-mounted thermal. The weights for the final configurations of this monocular are listed below:

Weight:
8.76 oz with standard optics and a battery
9.83 oz with standard optics, battery, and Noisefighters X14 arm
7.76 oz with RPO optics and a battery
8.83 oz with RPO optics, battery, and Noisefighters X14 arm

Controls You Can Hit With Gloves

The Tanto utilizes a clicky on and off power button for the monocular to remain simple and lightweight. After a little bit of use, I have got to say I am a fan. This made power activation easier in the cold with gloves than with the traditional switch.

Built Tough: Multi Jet Fusion Housing with Claimed MIL-STD and IP Ratings

Featuring a Multi Jet Fusion polymer body, the Tanto incorporates the most modern of concepts to provide a durable and robust housing. This monocular meets and exceeds MIL-STD-810G and IP68 equivalencies according to Nocturn Industries, and has been drop tested onto concrete from the NATO 1.5 meter standard. While I was sent this housing to test and write about, I did not take it upon myself to drop test the Tanto so we will take them at their word on its reliability. In my hands, the unit feels rugged and reliable.

Power, Runtime, and the Onyx Filter Trick

The Tanto will attach to any standard PVS-14 J-arm style mount. Using a single CR123A, users can expect to get around 40 plus hours of runtime. For most of pictures in this article I have the $25 Nocturn Industries Onyx filter screwed onto the back of the eye piece. While the unit I was testing utilized a green tube, the Onyx filter turned what I was seeing into a black and white image. This filter will attach to standard PVS-14 eyepieces.

Focus Fast: Infinity Stops That Actually Help

Nocturn Industries also utilizes its own infinity focus stop rings. This will allow users to fine tune the adjustment range to set a limit on focal distances. While fine tuning the focus based on object distance isn’t difficult, I did enjoy being able to quickly focus the Tanto at a set distance by just cranking it to my previously set focus stop. Quick and simple.

RPO Lightweight Diopter: Big Weight Savings with a Bit of Grit

Aiming to save weight and decrease lead times, Nocturn Industries also makes their own RPO lightweight diopter housings. These are nearly half the weight of standard Carson diopter housings. While reducing weight, they sacrifice smooth adjustments. Focusing the eyepiece feels a bit gritty. I think this is due to the thread tolerances on printed vs machined parts, but the lightweight RPO is fully functional and I didn’t have a single performance issue with it.

From Mono to Duals: Daisho Bridge Adaptability

Now back to adaptability and the option to run two Tantos as binoculars. While most of the time a standalone set of duals such as RNVG’s, DTNVS, PVS31’s, etc. would be a better option than a set of bridged PVS-14s, those choosing to run helmet mounted thermal, or a mount such as the Noisefighters Panobridge can now have ultimate adaptability. To convert two Tantos into duals, all that is needed is the Tanto Articulating Bridge, or Daisho which should be available in the not to distant future. This will allow users to simply remove the battery cap, insert the bridge into the battery compartment, and then tighten the rear clamp screws on the bridge. Quick conversion, and then users have articulating binoculars powered by a shared battery.

Field Takeaway and Buying Options

After just a couple of nights out hunting and driving with the Tanto, I was impressed. Being used just as a monocular, the Tanto is a lightweight and durable choice. However, having the ability to later be converted to an articulating set of binoculars is a huge perk for those who want adaptability. For running thermal paired with a single Tanto, two Tantos on a bridge that is panoramic, or just wanting to be able to swap from a binocular back to a monocular to share with a friend, the Tanto paired with the up and coming Daisho will be a powerful combo. I for one love having more options and this new design gives them to me. MSRP for only the Tanto housing is $549, but consumers can choose from three different colors, or even purchase a complete setup with their preferred optics and choice from three minimum FOM ratings for Photonis 4G WP ECHO tubes.

Nocturn Industries Tanto UANVM Specifications

Pros and Cons After Night Hunts

• Pros: Serious weight savings, glove friendly clicky power, long runtime on a single CR123A, adaptable to Daisho bridge, helpful infinity focus stops.
• Cons: RPO diopter feels gritty during adjustment, MIL and IP claims are manufacturer stated, Daisho availability timing matters for buyers planning duals.

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