Field of View (FOV)

Field of View refers to the angle of view as measurable from the objective of a single tube/pod

The specification is written out in degrees of angle.

Many devices (for instance PVS-14, MNV-K, individual pods of DTNVS and PVS-1431 etc) have a FOV specification of around 40 degrees (compare this with human sight which has 90 degrees central view within a total of 120-140 degrees including peripheral vision).

The exact degree of FOV is possible to calculate if one knows the diameter of a tubes input window and various physical measurements and optical properties related to the lens employed by the device.

Wide-FOV devices and lenses

Some devices and lenses exceed the average 40 degree FOV and therefore lessen the tunnel-vision effect that users of night vision devices have to deal with in the field since observing any area that is not effectively an enclosed corridor requires constant panning around of the device and head.

Increased FOV on a device facilitates the users effort to cover any given area.

Such devices and upgrade lenses are marketed with users looking for an improved in both awareness and ergonomy in mind.