Common Questions about Night Vision

Night vision is one of the departments that brings up many questions from customers.  With our large selection of Bushnell Night Vision, Yukon Night Vision, ATN Night Vision, and more, it is easy to get submerged into the world of night vision devices.  Night vision is a very special technology that is also very fun and exciting, yet many cannot imagine what type of use is applicable to them.  Do you need a night vision equipment device?

Many outdoor enthusiasts use nightvision such as night vision binoculars for camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and nature viewing. Other uses include surveillance, search and rescue, and property management.  The main science behind night vision is the image intensifier tube, which amplifies ambient light by accelerating electrons and striking a phosphor surface just like a television set.  If there is no light, then the device will not work.  As the generations graduate from Gen 1 night vision all the way up to Gen 3 night vision, the intensifier tube increases in quality, thus improving the amount of illumination.  Gen 4 night vision devices only removes protective coatings from some surfaces. 

Protecting your digital night vision investment means avoiding usage during the daytime.  They may be used for short periods of time with day filters on them but this is also discouraged.  Remember, 80% of the cost of the device is the intensifier tube.  Even with the lens caps on, the tube may end up with burned images on it if left on.  Night vision riflescopes are made to withstand the recoil up to .308 Winchester caliber.  Any more than that and your eyes are in trouble.

To learn more about night vision and its applications, check out our extensive how-to pages about how night vision works and how to buy night vision.  OpticsPlanet is the number one resource and retailer of night vision.  Don’t be left out in the dark.