How to buy your first night vision scope

May 29, 2020

 

How to buy your first night vision scope – tips and advice. Night vision – price and features. Night vision scope generations. How to use and how to keep the night vision scope. How to save money buying night vision scope. At the very start, we would like to congratulate you! The decision to buy your first night vision scope is an excellent step. Now you will not be blind even in disarming twilight when a lonely moon will no longer illuminate the dark forest. There will be no more secrets, and night prey will supplement the collection of hunting trophies. And the most important thing now is not to succumb to joyful excitement from the prospect of discovering a new world and to approach the choice of your first device carefully. A device that will become your refined eyes. we will be happy to help you with this.

Night vision scope - generations and species.

The device, without which today neither hunters, nor the military, nor even bird-watching enthusiasts can imagine their life, appeared relatively recently. In mid-WWII, German engineers began installing the first night vision scopes on tanks. These were bulky and impractical devices that were useless without infrared illumination. Toward the end of the war, compact night sights appeared that, along with batteries, weighed more than 70 pounds. The rapid development of technology has given us a great variety of night vision devices, both in terms of types and capabilities.

The main principle of device operation has not changed since the invention. The device accumulates light, enhancing the brightness of the object thousands of times, thanks to the electron-optical converter. This component is the heart of the equipment and the most expensive part. On average, its service life is limited to 3 thousand hours. Therefore this is also the period of use of night vision scope. Specifications and artistry have led to the need to divide night vision devices into generations. Today there are three generations and the so-called zero generation.

Zero generation.

In this gradation of conditional separation by device, the zero generation includes the very first samples of equipment, the production of which has been discontinued to date. Their design is so undemanding and straightforward that you can assemble it yourself by buying a particular kit.

Generation I and I +.

The most affordable and cheapest appliances. They are sensitive to light changes, limited to a distance of 100 yards and adequately display the image only in the centre, while the edges remain blurry. A significant drawback first generation products is a glass flask, which is very sensitive to the recoil and quickly becomes unusable when shooting. Generation I + partially solved the main problems of these devices. Replacing the components for manufacturing optical plates reduced the difference in the image display at the edges and in the center, as well as balanced the response to light changes. Besides, increased distance and strength. But, despite the improvements and low cost, the devices of first generations are still not too practical when it comes to long distance.

Generation II and II +.

In order not to overload you with boring technical details, just say - in this generation, image amplification occurs in two stages. As a result tactical and technical characteristics can be impressive. Recognition distance increased to 700 yards, and you can comfortably aim fire from a range of up to 300 yards. The advanced models used several engineering innovations, which reduced the size. Such devices have a lower gain, but they have much higher sensitivity. Therefore, to view the open area with their help is an exceptional pleasure. Also, they are equipped with IR illumination, invisible to animals, to work in complete darkness. And, you know, probably this is the best choice and not only for beginners.

Generation III and III +. (H3)

The design features of these devices differ little from the previous generation. The main differences are in the materials used. This made it possible to increase image quality at a distance of up to 500 yards. Besides, they practically do not need additional light sources.
These devices are highly valued by the military, who fear unmasking when using IR illumination. At the same time, even wealthy hunters avoid buying these devices due to the lack of protection against side exposure. However such protection appeared on devices of generation III +. Moreover, the decrease in brightness is dynamic, which makes it possible to use night vision scope even during the day, although the image quality will be infinitely far from ideal. Such devices are costly due to the problematic assembly process. One product takes up to 300 hours of work in a vacuum chamber. Also, I would like to mention digital devices that work on the principle of a video camera. Acceptable image quality and an abundance of settings are offset by high power consumption and the inability to use at low temperatures.

Important parameters.

Based on the above, you probably would have thought that you had enough information to choose the best night vision device for yourself. But it is not so. Choosing a device for yourself, based on generation, is not entirely correct. The beauty of the night vision scope is in the extensive range of offers as well as the price range. Therefore, do not rush to determine, based only on the description of night vision generations. To begin with, decide why you need night vision. For example, if you are hunting, then the second -generation device will be the first choice. Please note the standard hunting conditions during which you will use the device. Analyze your firing range and see how detailed the image you need. Also, optics can be a crucial point, decide what magnification you may need.. Weight, resource, size, and variety of settings are unlikely to be the primary indicator when choosing, but these are fundamental ergonomic aspects.

Price and features.

Night vision scope is an affordable and versatile device. Unlike thermal scopes, the price of the cheapest option starts at almost $ 150 and reaches $ 100000 and higher. What is the reason for such a spread in prices? Night vision devices are somewhat similar to cars - you can choose an incredible number of options and features when you buy. The ability to record images, grids and assistants for shooters, and many more options. And we are only talking about related parameters that do not affect the leading indicators. The best solution to this problem is to find a trusted and reliable seller who not only offers the best price but also advises you on the necessary functions.

First-time use of night vision scope.

In the end, we’ll give some tips, because no one doubts that you have purchased an incredible device that allows you to see in the dark. These tips relate to the rules for using and storing the instrument for beginners. Given the variety of models and types presented, we will tell you about the general rules. After all, you will receive specific information about your purchase from the seller, manual, and other articles. So, night vision scope, despite all its complexity, in a nutshell, is a straightforward thing. It is tough to break something or ruin it. Therefore, the main rule is to treat your device with care. Do not drop it and pack it carefully. Always turn off the device after use and store it with the lens cap closed. The lens is the weakest point of the invention so that you can install a special protective glass on it. Do not take the battery lightly and remove it if you are not going to turn night vision on shortly. In general, the main rule is to love and take care of your device; then, it will last you a very long time and bring a lot of incredible emotions and discoveries.