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Dec 25, 2020 | 11:57 am 12707 1

Best Value Night Vision Goggles: What To Consider Before Purchase


Best Value Night Vision Goggles: What To Consider Before Purchase

So, you decided to buy night vision goggles.

The most crucial feature of goggles (unlike binoculars, monoculars, and most telescopic sights) is that they do not have magnification. This is necessary for moving, whether on foot or driving a vehicle (car, ATV). After all, one can only estimate the distance to the visible object with night vision goggles.

The second use of goggles is shooting on a weapon with a night vision-compatible sight or laser (infrared IR) for hunting.

Today's selection of TOP Night Vision Goggles is compiled:

  • AGM WOLF-7 NW2
  • Pulsar Challenger GS 1x20
  • Yukon Tracker 1×24

First, it is essential to consider several points before rushing to the store and buying night vision goggles. Before going straight to the Night Vision Store, you may have to consider a few problematic points, starting with the weather conditions in the area where you intend to use the goggles and ending with why you buy them.

Key Takeaways

  • Night vision goggles are functional optics that can be used in various fields.
  • Night vision goggles have a simple operating principle based on ambient light amplification.
  • You need to consider many criteria and compare available models to choose the right optics.

What Are Night Vision Goggles?

Night vision goggles (NVG) are optical devices that help people see in low light. They are attached to the head and project an improved image onto a display in front of the user’s eyes.

How Do Night Vision Goggles Work?

Their lenses capture visible light emanating from celestial bodies and artificial light sources. Then, the photons hit the photocathode, which transforms them into electrons. With the help of a photomultiplier, the latter is amplified and directed to a phosphor screen. The increased number of electrons allows for more photons of light, which enhances the image the user of night vision goggles receives.

This optical device is based on an electronic converter (magnifier tube) that can amplify weak light many times. Thus, like any other device based on image intensifier tubes (night monoculars, binoculars, passive night sights, etc.), night vision goggles do not allow you to see in absolute darkness. But if there is at least some light on the terrain, the image intensifier tube will amplify it many times, allowing the person wearing night vision glasses to see what is happening.

On this basis, you should think about the industry in which you will use night vision goggles. The list is extensive, but we will tell you briefly. Where the Night Vision Goggles are used:

  • night vision goggles;
  • night photography and video shooting;
  • for military and special operations;
  • patrolling;
  • object security;
  • air and sea navigation;
  • hunting and animal watching.

Types of Night Vision Goggles

There are many types of night vision goggles. All of them are intended for specific purposes and cope well with certain tasks. First, you should know that analog and digital night vision devices exist. The former enhances visible images by increasing the number of light photons, and the latter - by converting them into a digital signal. There are also thermal night vision goggles. Another classification divides all devices into active and passive models. The former forms an image thanks to infrared light, which is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and the latter relies only on the natural radiation of objects.

Top Factors to Consider When Buying Night Vision Goggles

Night vision goggles are perfect for all situations you need to watch for a long time. Compare the goggles with other devices that use a tube with an improved image. Night vision binoculars and monoculars have one major drawback: they occupy your hands. However, such a device can be quite heavy and holding it in your hands all the time can be tiring.

So, goggles' first and most crucial advantage is freeing up your hands.

What else should you pay attention to when buying night vision goggles?

  • The image intensifier tube generation or light amplification principle (digital, thermal image, IIT) is used. This influences not just the image quality and observation range but also the cost of the goggles;
  • Manufacturer. When choosing the manufacturer of the device, pay attention to the presence of a service center that services your location/area;
  • Price. Correspond the cost of the device to the benefit it will bring. Consider the tasks that you intend to accomplish with your night vision goggles. Do not buy models that are too expensive for fun or cheap for serious work.

Generations

Today, image intensifier tubes are divided into three generations. The third generation provides the highest quality, contrast and sharpest image. They differ in their advantageous direction in weight characteristics and compactness. However, the cost of a device made using this technology will be very significant.

Conclusion: the more modern the converter design, the better the image quality and high optical performance that can be expected from the goggles.

Each of the branches has its specifications. But do not forget that you should pay attention to glasses with technical properties. Let us now consider each of the parameters in more detail:

Resolution

This parameter characterizes the device's ability to display two close points or lines separately. Typically, the resolution is given in dashes per millimeter (lp). The higher the resolution in dashes per millimeter (lines) and the lower the angular value, the higher the resolution. The higher the device's resolution, the more precise the observer can see the image.

Magnification and Field of View

Unlike binoculars, night vision goggles cannot magnify an image. However, this is not always a disadvantage. A 1x magnification provides the broadest possible field of view, which is often more critical.

Spectrum

The device increases the brightness of the object thousands of times. This can be natural light or IR illumination converted into a visible spectrum. The UV range extends from 100 to 400 nm, while the near ultraviolet range nominally extends to the lower limit of 300 to 400 nm. The visible part of the spectrum can expand significantly and extend from 400 to 750 nm.

Weather Resistance

Ensure that the lightweight body of the glasses you buy is made of superstructural plastic and that the case is waterproof and can withstand heavy shock loads.

Batteries & Battery Life

Night vision goggles need electrical energy from chemical batteries, most often lithium. The longer the battery life, the less frequently you will have to change it and the less likely your goggles will suddenly fail due to a failing power source.

Weight, User-friendliness, And Size

Because of their light weight and size, night vision goggles are easy to use. However, they must be worn on the head constantly, and excessive weight may make users uncomfortable. Therefore, pay special attention to the weight of your device. Also, make sure that the helmet or skull crusher with the mobile monocular attachment fits the size of each head or helmet.

Usage

Instead of confinement, Night Vision Goggles are the most convenient night vision device for long-term observation and where it is essential to free your hands. They suit hunters, military personnel, police, rescuers, night nature researchers, speed bumpers, tourists and climbers. This equipment's ability to work effectively in low-light conditions will also be helpful for security guards, hiking enthusiasts and others.

Price

Various night vision products are usually quite expensive, but there are exceptions to this rule. The exact amount depends on the characteristics of the model, its functionality and the availability of additional features.

Options for Night Vision Mounting

Goggles that support night vision technology can use different types of fastening. The most popular option is fixing the user's head. They can also be attached to a helmet or installed on special tripods.

Conclusion

NV goggles are optics suitable for various purposes. They have a simple operating principle and several varieties, each useful to the user. When choosing NV goggles, consider many criteria. The correct combination of these criteria will allow you to navigate the available models and find the ideal option.

FAQ

What to Look for When Buying Night Vision Goggles?

When buying an NVG, you should consider key parameters such as resolution, magnification, a wider field of view, battery capacity, and price.

What Are the Disadvantages of Night Vision Goggles?

NVG is ineffective in bright light and complete darkness and does poorly in fog or smoke.

How Much Should I Spend on Night Vision Goggles?

The exact amount depends on the device’s characteristics and functionality.

Modified: Jan 09, 2025 | 04:13 pm

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