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Light in the dark

Night vision devices provide amazing insights into nature

Whether as a hobby or for professional reasons: Who gladly and often accomplishes nature and animal observation at dawn and night, all the same whether Camper, hunter or naturalist, seizes to night vision devices, because they permit good view with weak lighting conditions - amazing views of the animal night life included. For this purpose, the devices use existing and weak daylight as residual light - for example moonlight. But also security services or the military use night vision devices to illuminate the surroundings without a telltale glow.

However, there are a few differences in the devices, so that we would like to give an overview - and perhaps also a purchase aid - in our article today.






How night vision devices work


Depending on the type, a night vision device is able to amplify existing weak light, visualize thermal radiation from objects or convert non-visible infrared radiation into visible light. To do this, the night vision device must of course either be held directly in front of the eyes with the hand - it is therefore similar to binoculars or spotting scopes. Alternatively, there are devices that can be installed on the head or helmet, so that the wearer's hands are free to move around the terrain more easily.

The difference to thermal imaging cameras


Thermal imaging cameras do not use the available residual light, but they detect different temperatures in the environment. This makes them ideal for observing animals or people, but not for moving around in the field even in the dark or with weak residual light.


The zoom function


Many night vision devices - including our models - are equipped with a freely selectable zoom, which magnifies distant objects or animals by 2 to 2.5 times without the wearer having to move through the terrain or approach the object.

Our tip for wearers of glasses: The sharpness must be adjustable on the night vision device.








You have the choice: monocular or binocular night vision devices

Like a telescope, night vision devices are monocular and binocular - i.e. devices that are equipped with either one or two lenses. Since a monocular night vision device allows the wearer to see with only one eye in night vision mode, we recommend them for applications where the residual light is still sufficient to allow the wearer to move around without having to use a torch or other light source.

In our range we offer digital night vision devices in monocular and binocular form, which you can either hold in your hand or attach to your head. Digital night vision devices are equipped with a highly sensitive CMOS or CCD sensor, which is adjusted very sensitively. Some devices even allow you to record photos and videos of what you see on a memory card. The quality of our digital night vision devices can be compared to 1st generation devices, if not stated otherwise, although the built-in technology is slightly different. You can read more about the generations of night vision devices in the article below.

Bresser night vision - binocular with head mount

Our BRESSER Digital NV Binocular 1x is a night vision device with head mount. The integrated infrared illumination allows observation in complete darkness without any problems. The digital night vision device with a detection range of 70 meters without magnification factor is specially designed for locomotion with this device. Thanks to the supplied head mount, you can easily move through the forest or a room. But it is also suitable for observing large areas or the garden, as it covers a very large area at a glance. Thanks to the 2x digital zoom, you can look at your objects more closely without having to approach the object itself.

Bresser night vision - binocular without head mount and with recording function

Our BRESSER digital night vision binocular 3x with recording function offers a particularly high degree of observation comfort with its large display and observation with both eyes. This device also has an integrated infrared illumination for observation in complete darkness. The 2x digital zoom allows you to look at your objects more closely without having to approach the object itself. The detection range at night is 120 metres, further distances are possible with good residual light conditions. The integrated recording function allows you to save events.



The generation question: 0 to 4


Night vision devices are divided into generations - the rule of thumb is: the higher the generation, the better, but also more expensive the device.

Generation 0: These devices use infrared technology to illuminate the surroundings. Infrared light is invisible to the human eye. Night vision devices of this generation work in absolute darkness.


Generation 1:
These devices use residual light amplifiers and usually have an additional infrared lamp. Because these devices amplify the available residual light from the surroundings, they always need some outdoor lighting - moonlight, for example. Although these night vision devices do not work in pitch darkness, the amplification of the incoming light is between 1000 and 8000, depending on the device.

From Generation 1 upwards, night vision devices have a limited service life, which is due to the technology used. Generation 1 devices last up to 2000 hours, after which the technology must be replaced.


Generation 2:
Generation 2 night vision devices are equipped with a residual light amplifier and an additional micro channel plate. This further amplifies the incident light, making the surroundings even easier to see than with Generation 1 devices. In this way, the Generation 2 devices achieve a residual light amplification of up to 20,000 with a service life of at least 10,000 and a maximum of 15,000 hours. By the way: the micro channel plate ensures that the image is not only bright but also crystal clear and sharp.


Generation 3:
In addition to the residual light amplifier and micro channel plate, these devices also have a chemical component which achieves a residual light amplification of 50,000 times. The service life of these devices is around 15,000 hours. Generation 3 night vision devices provide a very bright and sharp image at night and in twilight. In addition, the range is increased and image noise is reduced.


Generation 4:
These devices are used exclusively for military purposes and are not available in the open market.

 


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