Night vision optics is a piece of equipment that has found application in various fields. Hunters and extreme travelers actively use it for rescue and civilian purposes. Previously, such equipment was available only to wealthy people. However, the rapid development of this manufactory has contributed to the fact that this product has lost its uniqueness. Therefore, you can find different models on the market, which are characterized by different pricing policies and can be used for other household purposes.
But there are two sides to any situation. And all the privileges of this variability of night vision optics become a headache for a potential novice user who steps into a store and his eyes run away from the number of offers.Â
Therefore, we propose considering a small list of criteria to which you should pay attention, which will become a springboard for further information searches.
How to choose night vision optics
It’s worth noting that this is a very complex issue. And there will be no single criterion that will immediately influence your choice and solve all your problems. So let’s take it one step at a time.
First, you should know that night vision and thermal imaging are not the same but are easily confused. A night vision device amplifies light, while a thermal imaging device detects thermal signatures.
The main difference between night vision optics is whether they are analog or digital. However, analog devices are produced less and less frequently and are usually much cheaper than digital models. And it’s the low price that makes them a great choice if you want to experience night vision without spending too much money.
Analog devices display images in predominantly shades of green. Why green? The human eye can distinguish shades of green more easily than shades of any other color. From a mechanical point of view, analog devices are more straightforward than their digital counterparts. They don’t use software, which makes them less prone to malfunction, although they are more fragile and, therefore, more susceptible to physical damage.
And digital vision is considered more efficient. Mid- and high-end models can produce color images, capture video, and support screen overlays.
While choosing night vision optics, it’s essential to understand that certain features and models are better suited for different tasks. Depending on whether you are hunting, guarding a territory, or practicing night photography, you need to choose a device with a specific set of functions and characteristics. So, night vision optics include the following: binoculars, goggles, monoculars, and scopes. Of course, there are additional types, such as a camera lens, but these are the main ones.
When choosing night vision optics, it’s essential to understand that certain features and models are better suited for different tasks. Depending on whether you are hunting, guarding a territory, or practicing night photography, you need to choose a device with a specific set of functions and characteristics. So, night vision optics include the following: binoculars, goggles, monoculars, and a spotting scope. Of course, there are additional types, such as a camera lens, but these are the main ones.
Night vision binoculars usually provide better range and clarity than monoculars, although they will be more expensive. They are used to keep an eye on, for example, to observe nature and other objects at medium to long distances. This type of night vision optics is comfortable because the user looks with two eyes, significantly easing the strain on the eyes.
Night vision goggles are comfortable for military personnel, hunters, and search and rescue teams. After all, the user does not need to hold them in their hands all the time, as the optics are mounted on a helmet or the head. This way, you can easily use a variety of improvised devices.
A night vision monocular is half of a pair of binoculars. That is when there is one channel for viewing. It has more or less the same characteristics as binoculars, but it costs much less. Some hunters even attach them to their rifles. However, this is only sometimes practical.
Night vision sights are directly mounted on air or small arms, have less weight, unlike monoculars, and you will see a reticle on the lens. Such a device will help you find an object in the dark and ensure a successful shot. They are used in the military and hunting. However, it is also in demand in games such as paintball and airsoft.
All night vision optics work on the same principle. It amplifies the available light provided by the moon and stars, and in newer models, it also uses infrared light built into the device. But there are other criteria you should pay attention to.
Resolution. This is the image quality. The picture is transmitted using pixels. And the more prominent they are, the lower the level of this indicator. High-resolution night vision devices provide a more precise image but are more expensive.
Range. Most medium-range night vision devices range about 200-250 meters. This range refers to the distance you can distinguish objects with approximately the same degree of clarity that you could differentiate with the naked eye in bright daylight. Accordingly, the further the device can see, the more expensive it is.
Magnification. If you need to see clearly beyond 250 meters, choosing a device with a high-quality digital zoom feature is likely more beneficial. Remember that zooming in sharply narrows the field of view and makes it harder to track moving targets.
Field of view. Usually, your field of view is approximately 180 degrees. It will naturally decrease as soon as you look through night vision optics. And this figure will depend on the specific optical device you are using. One of the criteria that make binoculars more expensive than monoculars is the area of space you can see.
Autonomy refers to how long your device can work without changing the battery.
The criterion of resistance to atmospheric and mechanical influences is also essential, as it reflects how long the device can last and in what weather conditions you can or cannot use it.
Equivalent Background Illumination (EBI). EBI describes how well a device can produce a clear image in dark areas. EBI is especially important for stargazing, hunting, or sport shooting.
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). SNR is another indicator of image quality. Devices with a low SNR (less than 25) produce images with more static or scintillation.
Generation. The electro-optical converter (EOP) directly affects the generation of the device. There are Gen 0, Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3. Each of them is also divided into subcategories that significantly affect the improvement of the device’s performance. This indicator generally depends on the material and technology used to develop the EOP.
The best manufacturers
Of course, we will always turn to trusted companies that have proven worthy of their customers’ trust. These manufacturers include AGM Global Vision, Nikon, Bushnell, Leupold & Stevens, Vortex Optics, ATN, etc.
These titans have earned their title of the best manufacturer for many years. This means that regardless of whether you choose binoculars or a night vision scope, you can be sure of its quality and durability by purchasing their product. Of course, a company with many years of experience and an outstanding name will be reflected in the cost of night vision optics. But, as we have already said, this quality guarantee should not be neglected. You risk spending more on repairing low-quality or repeatedly buying new devices from unreliable manufacturers.
