Having a clear vision at night is impossible for human beings. Even those people with the sharpest eyesight cannot see clear images at night. This is why you need to have a night vision device that provides you with maximum benefits.
There are several night vision devices that you can find which include binoculars, monocular and goggles. The best night vision goggles are perfect for short range observation and they are basically used for navigation. If you are going for hunting or nature observation, having night vision goggles can improve your vision.
Because there are many products on the market today, selecting the right night vision goggles can be pretty tough. You need to get a durable and comfortable device that will work well and doesn’t break your bank. Below are 5 things to consider when buying night vision goggles.
Clarity
The clarity of a night vision device is the ability to differentiate between objects that are near each other. It is important to consider the clarity of the device especially if you are using it for tactical purposes. The higher the resolution of the device, the higher the clarity.
You need to get night vision goggles that provide you with excellent vision at night. But you need to pay more for such a device. You cannot get the same performance when you have a cheap device. In most cases, expensive devices provide you with greater visibility at night.
Durability
As compared to other optics, night vision devices are expensive. You don’t want to spend your money on a device that will not last long. Since you will part with a hefty price, it is equally important to look for a device that can serve you for many years. You should also consider other factors that affect the durability of the device like being waterproof. You don’t want to end up with a device that is not waterproof yet you intend to use it during rainy days.
Ergonomics
Good night vision goggles should be comfortable to use. When you are selecting one, you need to pay attention to three major things that determine how comfortable the device will be. This includes the size, weight, and ease of use. The three factors are ideal to think about to help you get a good device. If you find a model that is uncomfortable, then this means that you cannot operate it with ease.
Another thing that you should check is how you intend to use the device. For instance, do you want to wear the goggles on your face when moving around? If so, you need to look for a lightweight model. If you have a heavy device, you might experience strain on your neck and this can also force you to view from a static position.
IR illuminators
This is another important factor that you should consider when buying night vision goggles because it makes the images clear and brighter. Check out if the device you want to buy features IR illuminator or whether it is possible to attach one if it doesn’t have. Most of the night vision devices need light to work so it is great if the one you are choosing has an IR illuminator. Otherwise, you might not get the best performance from the device especially on a pitch black night.
Generations
There are different generations that are available and the more advanced the technology, the better the device. Today, you will find four generations which include the following:
- Gen 1- This is the first technology that is dated back in the 1960s and it was first used in the Vietnam War. Devices with this ancient technology cost less on the market today and you can use them without IR illumination. They just require some moonlight to function.
- Gen 2- This technology is an improvement of gen 1 in various aspects like the clarity, size and general performance. These devices are lightweight, compact and portable and they utilize a Micro Channel Plate. They also cost more than gen 1.
- Gen 3- These are the top night vision devices that you can find on the market today but they carry a higher price. Because of their exemplary performance, they are used in the US military and special forces. They have the best resolution, perform well in low light and longer ranges of 300+ yards. Additionally, they are also reliable, durable and have a life expectancy of more than 10,000 hours.
- Gen 4- This is a new generation that is in its early stages and not common among civilians. The devices have a removable protective coating on the MCP that increases image clarity by up to 20%.
Final Words
The main difference between night vision goggles and other night vision devices is that the goggles do not have magnification. I really don’t think it is a great idea to walk with magnified vision because it can bring you harm. However, you can find some goggles that use magnification especially those that are used in long-range surveillance.
After checking the above tips, choosing the right device should not be a challenging task. Once you know the features of the device, it is easy to pick a device that matches you’re your needs.