Night vision binoculars

The present invention relates to optical devices that enable a viewer to observe objects at night or during other low-light conditions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handheld binocular system that can be manufactured at low cost for sale to the general public. A night vision binocular assembly () capable of converting low light and infrared energy into a visible image. The night vision binocular assembly () includes at least one objective lens assembly (), image intensifier tube (64), collimator lens assembly () and diopter cell assembly () encased in an easy to assembly waterproof housing (). The objective lens assembly (), image intensifier tube (), collimator lens assembly () and diopter cell assembly () are all supported by a common base structure () within the housing (). As a result, variations caused by thermal expansions and contractions are evenly distributed among the various optical elements, thereby preserving a predetermined optical relationship between those elements. Simple button controls () are used to operate and adjust the night vision binocular assembly (). The button controls () are disposed on a common circuit board (). An elastomeric structure () is disposed between the circuit board () and the interior of the binocular housing (). The circuit board () is affixed to the interior of the binocular housing () in a manner that compresses the elastomeric structure () against the binocular housing () to provide a water tight seal. The elastomeric structure () has switch membranes or domed portions which extend through apertures () in the housing () creating both a fluid impermeable seal with the housing () and a means for the tactile engagement of the switches on the below lying circuit board ().