Fog and rain work by reducing the level of light, which affects the clarity of images. This can be partially rectified by purchasing instruments that have infrared illuminators. These accessories are often included as part of the device, but it is also possible to buy them separately if necessary. Night vision scopes collect ambient light from the environment using a special tube.
There are three different kinds of device called Generation 1, Generation 2 and Generation 3. They range in complexity, with the latter two kinds tending to be more expensive as they have mechanisms that boost their capability to gather light. As weather conditions deteriorate and it becomes harder for the devices to pick up ambient light, some users prefer to use infrared illuminators, which are included in a range of our night vision goggles.
The accessory works by sending out a beam of light, which consists of a wavelength that cannot be picked up by animal and human eyes. This can cover fairly large distances, and is ideal for those using their instruments in the dark. In addition to revealing objects in low-light conditions, night vision devices fitted with infrared illuminators can greatly enhance the images produced by the goggles.
This means that Generation 1 instruments may perform on a level with Generation 2 products, thanks to the accessory. The improvement in clarity of the image is also evident in Generation 2 instruments that utilise illuminators of this type.
Imagine you have just invested in a great piece of Generation I night vision binoculars. You’ve already tried them out and seen some animals in your garden that you didn’t think you’ve ever see – badgers and hedgehogs – and are planning a moonlit adventure to some nearby fields because you’ve heard from other wildlife enthusiasts that deer have been spotted there.
Here are a few tips to help keep your night vision binoculars in top form and keep you enjoying local wildlife.
1. Only use night vision devices in the dark. It may seem like stating the obvious, but using night vision devices in daylight or around bright flashlights or car headlamps could damage them.
2. Handle with care. Night vision devices aren’t usually shock proof despite their tough outer image! Treat them as you would a camera or camcorder.
3. Travel with advice. While Generation I night vision devices are not usually regulated, you might find that more high-tech models are restricted from country to country. Get some advice. And note that electronic baggage security checks will not damage your binoculars.
4. Do not try and adapt/modify your equipment yourself. You might be tempted to replace your lenses with stronger ones – don’t! The lens in your equipment is designed to work in harmony with the casing and changing it could affect focusing ability and light reflecting properties.
5. Protect your eyes. Look out for headaches and eye strain particularly if you are prone to these when watching television or using computers.
While most of us don’t have access to the kind of diverse wildlife we see on television documentaries, we shouldn’t overlook the wildlife which is – literally – in our own back yards.
In most British fields and gardens we have access to badgers, hedgehogs and birdlife such as owls. Even urban parks play host to urban foxes, and further out in the countryside deer are commonly found.
All of these fascinating and truly wild animals have one thing in common: they are notoriously shy and nocturnal, meaning that you are only really going to see them under a cloak of darkness.
Night vision optical devices refer to binoculars or telescopes that have been designed to assist night time viewing. They are usually divided into three groups: Generation I, Generation II and Generation III. Generation I is regarded as the best equipment for most amateur wildlife watchers, given the balance of price, manageability and result.
Night vision optical devices allow you to see up to a distance of 10 to 400 feet, depending on your equipment. Despite their name, night vision optical devices do require a small amount of light in order to work.
If you think that you will be regularly using your night vision optical device in poor weather conditions (such as fog or rain) or in total or near darkness, than it is probably worth investing in an infrared illuminator which increases the distance and quality of your view.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get closer to the wildlife on your doorstep.