by Rod_outbak » 12 Feb 2019, 3:27 pm
A couple of points about Night Vision that I picked up from a YouTube video comparing the two types....
There are analogue and digital NV scopes on the market.
Analogue First...
The best analogue scopes are Generation 3 +, but I suspect you will struggle to source one in Australia, as they seem to be banned from export.
Analogue NV scopes use an image intensifier tube to gather the available light for the scope.
As you move up from Gen 1, the image quality improves dramatically.
As pointed out by others, these analogue scopes dont consume much power at all.
The best quality of military-grade gen-3+ scopes wont need an IR illuminator.
Plusses for analogue are low-power consumption, and the higher generation models are a very clear image, and may not need any additional illumination.
Resolution on Gen 3+ are usually higher than currently available in digital scopes.
Also, compared to digital, they tend to be less bulky scopes.
Down-sides of analogue are:
1). The tube has a defined life, and so every use shortens the life of the tube. The quality of the light intensification degrades with use, so the clock is ticking whenever you turn it on.
2). The image intensifier tube seems to be fairly fragile, and doesnt handle hard knocks well.
Basically; dont expect it to be still working if you drop it. (Not that different to some scopes, though)
3). Exposing the intensifier to direct sunlight without the cover on, will bugger it, and the tube will need replacing (expensive).
(so dont point the scope at the sun!)
4). No option for changing reticle.
5). Many analogue NV scopes use IR illuminators that are below ~850nm wavelength, and can be seen by animals.
In comparison, many of the digital NV scopes use IR illuminators above this threshold, and so arent visible to the prey.
6). Not many analogue (if any) have the option for recording direct from the scope.
7). Availability in Australia. To get better quality analogue gear, you will struggle to source it here (legally) in Australia.[Unless they've changed this in the past few years, which I doubt]
Digital NV scopes...
Pros:
1). Many digiscopes have the option to change the scope reticle. Some even allow you to download custom reticles, but it varies between brands and models.
2). Image resolution is steadily increasing, as this is very similar technology going into many high-end digital cameras, and there is a lot of work being done in improving image quality in this technology.
3). Almost all digiscopes will have output options for recording, and some even have audio as well.
4). The output options also allow for external monitors, which gives more options for watching.
5). As mentioned previously, these scopes usually use IR illuminators that are above the light spectrum that can be seen by most animals.
6). Price. For what you get, the digiscopes offer somewhat better value for money and flexibility, than the analogue scopes you can buy here on the open market. You might be able to source some of the Russian gear, but it's not cheap for the better quality, and I'd wonder if you dont get a knock on the door if you tried to source the top-shelf gear...
7). Less fragile compared to analogue systems. Still not likely to be thrilled with a drop onto the floor, but they are about as robust as most optical scopes. Also, pointing them at the sun during the shouldnt bugger them (still wouldnt reccomend it, though)
8). They dont really degrade with use (as the analogue systems are reported to do).
Cons:
1). Generally more bulky, and use a lot more power than the analogue. However, the power issue can be alleviated by external battery or power source.
2). Resolution is still behind that of the Gen 3+ gear that is available to all & sundry in the US. The sensor in most digiscopes is still quite small
3). Most digiscopes need the IR illuminator, unless it's a really bright moonlight night.
4). Price. Still tend to be somewhat over-priced for what you get.
You need to be pokking a LOT of animals to make the investment worthwhile. [Last one is my opinion...]
I have a Pulsar N750 digiscope, with built-in IR illuminator.
I also have a Gen 1 analogue monocular for spotting.
1 also have a 'Nite-Site EAGLE' NV scope adapter, which converts your rifle scope into a NV scope.
One idea I have, is to mount a couple of large IR floodlights over the area where we often see the rabbits out at night. Then, I'l be able to use the N750 from back near the house, and not have to keep moving the scope around to look for customers.
[Still think a combo NV/Thermal/Digiscope will be the ducks nuts, in the future...]
This is just what I've read, in addition to what I've learned with my 3 scopes over the past 5 years.
Take it with a grain of salt, as I'm sure there are flaws in what I've written.
However, I figured writing it down might save other people a bit of time when deciding how to delve into NV gear themselves..
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