How to Find the Right Night Binoculars

Whether you are a recreational user or part of a Military/Law Enforcement/Government agency there are Night Vision Binoculars for you. They can range from very high tech night vision binoculars for surveillance to a simple night binoculars for kids to play around with. So how do you know what features would be right for you? Below are some helpful tips to help you select the right night binoculars for you.

How do night binoculars work?

Night vision devices gather existing ambient light (starlight, moonlight or infra-red light) through the front lens. This light, which is made up of photons goes into a photocathode tube that changes the photons to electrons. The electrons are then amplified to a much greater number through an electrical and chemical process. The electrons are then hurled against a phosphorus screen that changes the amplified electrons back into visible light that you see through the eyepiece. The image will now be a clear green-hued amplified re-creation of the scene you were observing.

Depending on light conditions at night binoculars perform differently. You will not see anything if there is no single star in the sky and no street lights. The lower the light situation is, the more powerful night binocular you will need. You can get Gen 1, Gen 2 and Gen 3 night binoculars. Gen stands for generation. Gen 1 are all right during a night with full moon and bright stars. For a crescent moon Gen 2 works better, and for a dark cloudy night you will need Gen 3 binoculars. Generation 1 night binoculars are affordable, Gen 2 and Gen 3 binoculars are much more expensive.

How far can you see with a NVD?

There are many different variables that can affect the distance that you can see with a Night Vision device. The larger the object the easier it is to see. If you're trying to see details we call this recognition range and if you're just trying to see whether something there is or maybe you will just see movement but won't be able to 100% determine who or what it is. This is called detection range. Another variable is lighting conditions. The more ambient light you have (starlight, moonlight, infrared light) the better and further you will be able to see. You can always see further on a night where the moon and stars are out then if it is cloudy and overcast. We typically state that you can tell the difference between a male and a female or a dog and a deer at about 75 to 100 yards. However, if you were looking across an open field and there was a half moon out you could see a barn or a house 500 yards away. Remember, the purpose of an NVD is to see in the dark not necessarily a long ways like a binocular.

Kids love night vision binoculars

For those long trips, a night vision binoculars will be help keep the kids occupied for hours at a time. They will stare out the windows for hours and discover many thing that otherwise would be missed.

When it comes to night binoculars you get what you paid for. Brand name binoculars like ATN has night vision binoculars to meet any budget and with a vast array of features.

Use of night vision binoculars

Here are some ways people use night binoculars:

• Boating

• Law Enforcement

• Military

• Photo Shooting

• Bird Observation

• Exploring caves

• Scouting

• Home Security and surveillance

• Camping

• Wildlife Observation

• Night hunting

• Nighttime navigation

Types of Night Vision Devises

You have several types of night vision devices to choose from like the night binoculars, night goggles and the night monocular. Night vision binoculars are very comfortable to use because we are accustomed to seeing with both eyes. If you want powerful night vision optics for a cheaper price, consider night vision monocular. The result you get is pretty much the same, but they cost significantly less.

Shopping online could help save you money too. Sometimes you can buy them on the Internet cheaper than in the stores and also save time and gas.