Understanding Different Types of Night Vison Optics

There are many night scopes on the market today. Each year, companies release hundreds of models of fundamentally different devices. To understand which night vision scope to choose, you need first understand them. You will have to take into account a lot of parameters: the caliber of the weapon, the chosen method of hunting, working distances, and much more. The best devices are considered starlight night vision scope. But let’s deal with the types of goods in more detail.

Devices based on electro-optical converters

Despite numerous developments for hunting in conditions of poor visibility, sights based on electro-optical converters remain the most widespread. Therefore, first, we will talk about them. There are 3 generations of these devices.

The first generation of night vision sight

1st generation is one of the most popular types of such devices. The price of the product is not too high. The cost of such products is lower than that of more advanced generations. The sight consists of:

1. Lens. There is a convex lens. It is made of enlightened glass. The larger the lens diameter, the greater the luminous power of the device. Weight and size also depend on this parameter.
2. Eyepiece. Consists of a convex lens with a large curvature. The devices use eye cups. They are exposed at the desired distance from the pupil. Indicators of this parameter are 30 – 40 mm.
3. Electron-optical converter. Located between the objective and the eyepiece. It is this device that is responsible for the ability to night vision.

This design is universal for all generations of scopes. Modern devices allow working at distances of 50 – 150 m on average. The weight of such goods does not exceed 1 kg.

Second generation

The second generation of the night vision rifle scope is an expensive but technically perfect product. Manufacturers here have increased the distance of object recognition. A person is noticeable at 600 m, and small details can be seen at 250 – 300 meters. Advantages of the second generation:

• does not light up the visual field;
• it is possible not to install infrared illumination. High-aperture and sensitive optics allows you to see well in the lowest light conditions;
• looking for a target in a passive mode of operation;
• illuminators with a wavelength of 850 nm can be installed.

This scope will suit most hunters.

3rd generation

The 3rd generation night vision rifle scope is the most effective of its kind. The latest technologies and materials are used here. The increased sensitivity of the photocathode and high-aperture optics give a very clear picture. Aimed fire can be fired at distances up to 500 meters.

Advantages:

• increased service life up to 10,000 hours;
• lack of flare;
• clear picture in the lowest light conditions;
• the ability to install infrared illumination with a wavelength of more than 900 nm.

The disadvantages of devices of this class include the high price. By the way, IV generation devices have already been developed. But they are even more expensive than the third variety.

Digital sights

In these sights, photons fall on a light-sensitive matrix. After that, the image is immediately displayed on the display. The operation of this type of night scope is similar to a camera.

The whole process is performed by a small device called an image intensifier. The more photons, the stronger the intensity of the electrons. In this case, the image will be brighter.

Objects do not reflect light equally. Therefore, in the eyepiece, we see characteristic green silhouettes. The color of the image is not necessarily green. Now you can buy a night vision scope with a black and white picture. The price of such a sight will be higher.

In any case, before choosing a night vision scope, you must understand what kind of animal and from what distance you want to hunt.