The night vision optics was originally designed for military use. However, presently the night vision optics have been finding practical applications for campers, hunters, farmers, and most people looking forward to exploring the unexplored after-dark world.
If you were new to discovering the technology, consider learning the description of its basic terms and performance parameters. It would help you immensely in choosing the best night vision monoculars for you.
Main aspects to choosing a night vision device
Apart from choosing between several available options such as the night vision binocular, monocular, or goggle, the biggest decision would be about the desired image quality. If you wonder about the image quality of the night vision device, rest assured it would be the direct function of the method employed for image intensification. The arena of night vision optics entails such common differences, popularly known as generations.
Let us delve into the different generations of night vision optics.
- Generation I
The optics uses a photocathode tube for providing a decent performance at an affordable price.
- Generation II
These units come equipped with a micro-channel plate for light amplification and reducing distortion of the image.
- Generation III
The intensifier tube of the night vision optics would come equipped with Gallium Arsenide. It would help produce a relatively sharper and brighter image.
- Generation IV
The optics have been known to employ Gated Filmless tubes, which is the advanced and the latest technology used for providing superb low light level performance along with increasing the high light level resolution by three times.
Differentiating night vision monocular and binoculars from the daylight opponents
The night vision monocular and binoculars would differ from their daylight opponents in one way only. The night vision monoculars and binoculars, as the name suggests would be used for viewing during the night, whereas, the daylight opponents would be used for viewing at great distances. Based on the size of the device and the amount of ambient light, the various generations would differ in image detection such as –
- Gen I units would cater to your image detection at a maximum length of 75-750 yards
- Gen II units would cater to your image detection at a maximum length of 100-1000 yards
- Gen III unite would cater to your image detection at a maximum length of 150-1250 yards
- Gen IV units would cater to your image detection at a maximum length of 200-1400 yards
However, the maximum range for detail image detection of an average-sized device would be approximately 10-100 feet. A good example would be devices used for viewing wildlife.
Working on all night vision devices
All night vision optics would need some light to work. However, most units would be inclusive of an infra-red illuminator. It would enable its usage in complete darkness. Based on the strength of the infrared illuminator, night vision detection would extend to a hundred yards. It enables a reduction in the viewing range by nearly fifty percent.
The price of night vision devices
It would be worth mentioning that technology, as with good things, comes at a price. The cost of every generational advance would increase by two to three times.