ACT in Black DTNVS Build Kit: What’s Included and How to Build It

June 16, 2026 | Superior Tactical Editorial Team |

The ACT in Black DTNVS is one of the most respected articulating dual-tube binocular housings in night vision — and buying it as a build kit lets you spec exactly the system you want while saving over a complete unit. Here’s what a DTNVS build kit includes and how the build comes together.

What is the DTNVS?

The DTNVS (Dual Tube Night Vision System) from ACT in Black is a bridge-style, articulating dual-tube binocular housing. Two tubes deliver true binocular depth perception, and the articulating bridge lets you reposition or stow the pods. It comes in two main variants we carry: the manual-gain flagship DTNVS-MG and the more accessible DTNVS-14 — see our DTNVS-MG vs DTNVS-14 comparison to pick.

What’s in a DTNVS build kit

A DTNVS build kit is housing-only:

  • Included: the DTNVS housing plus the lens/optic options you select at checkout.
  • Not included: the two image intensifier tubes — you supply them or add them through us.

What you need to complete a DTNVS build

  1. The DTNVS housing (MG or -14).
  2. Two image intensifier tubes, matched as a pair. The DTNVS-14 accepts standard MX-10160 (18mm) tubes; confirm compatibility for your chosen housing. Tube spec drives most of the cost and performance — see our image intensifier tube guide.
  3. Optics / lenses, selectable with the kit.
  4. Assembly — DIY, or send your tubes to us for professional assembly, collimation, and testing.

DTNVS-MG or DTNVS-14?

The DTNVS-MG is the full flagship with a dedicated manual gain dial; the DTNVS-14 hits a lower price point using PVS-14-style optics and standard 18mm tubes, with manual gain via the power knob. Full breakdown in our DTNVS-MG vs DTNVS-14 comparison.

Build it yourself or let us assemble it

A binocular build is forgiving, but collimation matters. If you’ve built before, the DTNVS is a refined platform to work on; if it’s your first build, our techs assemble, collimate, and test DTNVS builds in-house so it’s ready to run.

DTNVS vs. other builds

Weighing the DTNVS against AB Night Vision’s RNVG or a single-tube PVS-14? See our full RNVG vs ARNVG vs DTNVS vs PVS-14 comparison.

Shop the DTNVS-MG build kit · Shop the DTNVS-14 build kit

About the Author
Superior Tactical Editorial Team
The Superior Tactical editorial team has over a decade of hands-on experience in the night vision and tactical optics industry. Our staff includes former night vision technicians, NVG trainers, and longtime industry specialists who have evaluated hundreds of image intensifier tubes and system configurations. We source, test, and write about Gen 3 night vision from a position of direct experience — not spec sheets. Every product we carry has been personally vetted, and every article we publish reflects real-world knowledge of how this equipment performs in the field.

Recent Posts

Categories