National Knife Collectors Association

The decision to choose between night vision devices is a critical one and requires careful consideration. It’s as important as the decision to buy it in the first place. 

How does a night vision device work?

A night vision device refers to an optoelectronic system that functions using a light converter, amplifying light by generating an image that the human eye can see. For night vision devices to function correctly, there’s a need for a minimum amount of external light like start light, moonlight or residual light from other sources.

Tiny lights or light generated by infrared (IR) illuminator and a night vision device. Some night vision devices have inbuilt short-range IR lamps with small, powerful illuminators. These offer a wide range, adjustments for light intensity and infrared light beam focus.  The electron beams fall on the photocathode and are amplified many times on a luminophore screen. 

This screen transforms the electron beams into photons and generates a visible image. Phosphorus on the luminophore gives off green light because of eye sensitivity. The human eye can only recognize colors in the 500-560 nm band, which corresponds with green and blue. With this band, it is easier to identify details than with other colors. 

How do you choose between night vision devices?

Here are a few factors to consider: 

• Consider the generation of the night vision devices, if it is Generation 1,2,3 or 4
• Consider the magnification
• Look at your budget
• Check the viewing ability of the device

Let’s take a look at some of the night vision devices available. 

1. Night vision Monoculars
2. Night vision Goggles
3. Night vision binoculars
4. Night vision scope
5. Day/Night system

Night Vision Monoculars:

Night vision monocular is a single eye unit without magnification. They are also referred to as the swiss army knife in the night vision equipment category. A good monocular is the night-time device with the most versatile function. They are lightweight and portable, making them an ideal option for head mounting.

Higher generation monoculars can attach to spotting scopes and rifle scopes and also mount directly on a weapon. They can mount in front of red dot sight for night-vision compatible firearms. Some of these devices can also adapt to a camera and for photography using a camera adapter. They are often small and light so that they can fit into a shirt pocket. 

Pros

• When you get tired, you can switch between your eyes so that the unaided eye will maintain your peripheral vision and night adaptation level
• They are an excellent option for people who intend to multitask
• They are the most versatile and also have more accessories to pick

Cons

• The single eye doesn’t feel natural and may take time to get adjusted.
• The user needs to master how to keep both eyes open so they can get the best experience. 

Night Vision Goggles:

Night vision goggles are devices that allow for viewing with both eyes. They have no magnification, and you can mount them. The fantastic thing about these goggles is that they have a natural feel when wearing them, and there isn’t so much involved in getting used to them. We have two types of goggles: a two eyepiece goggle that views using a single image tube and a two eyepiece goggle that views using dual image tubes, also called stereo vision.

A goggle is an effective navigation device, like monoculars. Double tube goggles provide stereo vision, which means that each eye will see its unique image, unlike the same object shared with both eyes. Dual perception helps in better determining distances and navigation, irrespective of where you’re going. Goggles work best in stationary observation and short-duration navigation. 

Pro

• The stereo vision makes the dual tube goggles have more depth perception enabling better navigation ability. 

Cons

• A goggle is heavier and less versatile than a good monocular. When a goggle mounts on the head, it causes the unit to go below the eyes while walking, thus making you tired with the extra weight. 
• They cannot be adapted to rifle scopes or mounted on rifles
• It has limited camera adaptation

Night Vision Binoculars:

Night vision binoculars are devices that have two eyepieces with an inbuilt magnification. They are generally heavy to mount on the head due to the big magnification lens, especially if it has a dual tube model. Also, the magnification zooms in too much, so you can’t navigate properly. They primarily magnify images at longer distances while at a stationary point.  Remember that the more magnification applied on a night vision device, the more dim the object will turn out because of lack of light.  

Pro

• They are an excellent choice for close-in sighting and maximum distance.

Cons

• Binoculars all have fixed magnification, meaning they zoom in, an exception of few models.
• It’s not easy to navigate or view close areas using binoculars.

Night Vision Scopes:

Night vision scopes are of two types. The popular style is similar to a traditional rifle scope, only bigger and heavier, and are called weapon sights. The other type attaches to a regular rifle scope and is day/night systems because it is easy to remove, and you can use the range in the daytime. Another scope can see on the night hunting is thermal scope. Check more from Ellettbrothers.

Day/Night Systems:

A day-night system is a device that mounts to the objective of traditional daylight scope or directly on the rifle objective. These systems provide light amplification and use the magnification of the daytime scope for aiming. The day/night system is used for tactical settings, especially when the sunsets. You can attach this unit in front of your rifle, and you’re good to go. Its compact size and complex lens system do not gather much light, unlike a night scope. 

If you need a system that can function both day and night, nothing beats a sound day/night system. Ensure you get a high-quality daytime scope to gather enough light.

Night vision devices were first developed during World War II and largely used in Vietnam by US solder. However, a lot has changed since WW2 with great evolution in night vision devices.  The devices were only available to solders but it is not the case anymore. Nowadays hunters are using night vision devices to make night hunting easier.

There is a unique world for hunters once the sun goes down. When out hunting at night or camping, you need the best night vision devices. It is pretty difficult seeing at night let alone hunting. So, what night vision devices are suitable for hunting?

It is worth noting that most night vision devices cost a fortune. This is why it makes perfect sense to understand the various types of night vision devices for hunting.  Having a basic knowledge of these devices and how they work can help you make an informed choice. There are different categories of night vision devices for hunting.

Night Vision Devices for Hunting

Below, we discuss the main categories of night vision devices

Night Vision Scopes

A scope is a common optical device usually handheld or mounted on the rifle. If you’re into hunting, you’ve probably used a scope. However, if you tend to hunt at night or early morning, then a night vision scope is recommended. Night vision scopes assist viewing in near-dark or complete darkness. They work by amplifying the available light to make the target visible. In fact, most do not offer any magnification but make it possible to see in darkness. Few night vision scopes offer magnification that is low from 1x to 2x and sometimes 4x magnification.

Image enhancement in total darkness relies on the amplification of the existing light. Even in total darkness, there are always bits of light present either from the moon and stars. We also have infrared light that people cannot see with naked eyes. The scopes amplify the available light enabling you to see what happens in the dark.

Night Vision Goggles

Unlike night vision scopes, goggles are handheld or worn over the head. These devices work on the same technology like night vision devices. They are ideal when you’re walking in the dark for long hours. You’ve probably seen solders where night vision goggles when attacking a place at night. These devices give you the advantage of others relying on naked eyes. While you cannot see the images as clear as they appear during the day, the goggles ensure you can maneuver your way around with ease.

This is crucial especially when using night vision goggles for hunting in thick and dark forests. It is worth noting that most wild animals have enhanced night vision. They can see 10 times better than humans at night hence the need for night vision goggles. In general, night vision goggles offer people a better experience of the night. The fact that you wear them over the head makes them convenient and easy to use. You still have your hands free to hold rifles and take down your targets in the dark.

Night Vision Binoculars

We also have night vision binoculars which are just normal binoculars but with enhanced night vision. They feature two eyepieces as opposed to scopes hence comfortable for long period viewing. A night vision binocular is one of the best night vision devices when tracking game at night. It offers enhanced night vision, better view and comfortable use for long periods. Most feature a 1x magnification thus suitable for scanning and scouting.

Thermal Scopes

Lastly, we have thermal scopes which use a different mechanism from night vision scopes.  Thermal scopes use a technology called thermal imaging. The thermal imaging technology from the scopes is able to capture heat emitted by objects. These devices basically detect different temperature variations of targets. They then transfer that entire heat-emitting area into a form of an image. This is seen as a red or blue color on your scope.

When hunting, animals emit heat which is easily detected by the scopes. You’ve probably seen thermal scopes in movies detecting persons thick in the forest. Thermal scopes have greatly grown in popularity and have many advantages over night vision scopes. They can perceive the slightest changes in temperature differences and send a signal to the scope.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, night vision devices are a must-have for a successful hunt in the dark. You’re not going to capture a game that sees 10x better than you in the dark. Depending on your specific type of hunt, you can easily choose one of the above night vision devices.

Night vision binoculars are suitable when scanning an area for extended periods. They are excellent for hunters that love to watch nocturnal nature. However, be aware of state regulations on hunting deer and bear using night vision devices. Some states prohibit the use of night vision devices for a certain game. For more details on these kind of hunting devices, you can check out OpticsAddict.com.