Cosmetic grade (tube blemishes)
How many small dark spots a night vision tube has in its picture, and where. Spots are cosmetic flaws, not a measure of how well the tube sees.
What it means
Many night vision tubes show a few small, fixed black spots in the picture. They come from tiny flaws in manufacturing. Sellers grade tubes by how many spots they have, how big they are and where they sit. The view is often divided into zones: zone 1 is the center, where spots are most noticeable, and the outer zones are more forgiving.
Grading systems are the seller’s own. One may use levels such as 1, 2 and 3; another lists spot limits per zone; another promises “no zone 1 spots”.
What it changes in the field
Spots don’t change how bright or sharp the tube is. A spot near the edge is easy to forget. One in the center can be distracting, especially if it sits where you look for an animal or where the reticle sits on a scope.
Tubes with more cosmetic flaws are often sold at a lower price for the same performance. For a hunter, that can be a good trade.
What to look for
- What the seller’s grade means: ask for the written spot limits by zone.
- Whether the grade is separate from performance figures like FOM, so you know what you are paying for.
- How the seller handles a spot you find unacceptable when the unit arrives.
- Spots that appear or grow after purchase may be a warranty matter; check the terms.
How we use it on this site
We record the cosmetic grade as the maker or seller states it. It is not scored.