Night Vision Binoculars – Image Intensifier Scopes
Night vision binoculars and monoculars use image intensifier technology to show you a monochromatic (generally green) television image in real time.
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Working In Lowest Light Conditions. This technology detects reflected low–level ambient light (starlight, moonlight, urban glow) plus infrared illumination from the instrument itself and greatly increases it to show you moving images on either one or two miniature screens.
Huge Advantage - Depth Perception At Night. The advantage of night vision binoculars over monocular scopes is that stereoscopic vision aids depth perception at night.
Technology At A High Price. The disadvantage is that they double the cost. Some systems have a single objective lens and, simply for comfort, two eyepieces; but of course these do not provide a stereoscopic view. Prices rise dramatically as you advance from one generation of technology to the next, and you may not need the more advanced types for your purpose.
Test Products At Night. If you are shopping for any kind of night scope, test it in the darkest conditions you expect to encounter. The newer technologies show brighter images and more detail; but, outside of police and military uses, that may not be sufficiently useful to justify the added expense.
Low Magnification Improves "Context". Most night vision systems have fairly low magnification (some have none at all), although there are some models above 6x. High magnification at night adds to disorientation because of the lack of peripheral context, and distant objects may reflect so few photons that the magnification is irrelevant anyway.
Warranties And Customer Protections. When evaluating night vision scopes, pay attention to the warranty terms and read the fine print. Some manufacturers require that you purchase from an authorized dealer. And some manufacturers are in countries that are beyond the reach of warranty enforcement; so you will be dependent on a dealer–provided warranty.
Major Brands. ATN, Bushnell, Carson, Meade, Minox, Night Vision Binoculars, Nikon, Pentax, Swarovski, Tasco, Zeiss, and importers of Russian binoculars all sell night vision equipment.
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