| Night Vision Buyer$’ Guide – Making cents of your purchase |
The purchase of a night vision device can afford the user with a lifetime of night-time viewing enjoyment. However, with many brands, product generations, and product variations to choose from, making the right decision for your specific application is important.
Some of the information in this buyers guide that relates specifically to 1 vendor has been supplied by them directly for reproduction on this site. |
| The difference between image intensifier night vision, digital night vision, and thermal imaging night vision. |
| The difference between Generation 1, 2, and 3 devices. |
| The difference between night vision goggles, binoculars, monoculars, and scopes? |
| The most important product attributes to look out for when buying my night vision device? |
| Glossary of terms |
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Should I buy image intensifier
tube night vision, digital night vision,
or thermal imaging night vision? |
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| Image intensifier Night Vision (Green Images) |
Image intensifier night vision is by far the most widely used type of night vision device. This works by collecting the tiny amounts of light, including the lower portion of the infrared light spectrum, invisible to the naked eye, and amplifying it to the point that we can easily observe the image. Image intensification is also referred to as gain multiplication.
Light enters a night vision product through an objective lens and strikes a photo cathode that has a high-energy charge from the power supply. The energy charge accelerates across a vacuum inside the intensifier and strikes a phosphor screen (like a TV screen) where the image is focused. The eyepiece magnifies the image.
A Night Vision phosphor screen is purposefully colored green because the human eye can differentiate more shades of green than other phosphor colors.
Nearly all Generation 1 night vision devices sold on the U.S market (including those offered by such companies as Night Owl, Bushnell, US Night Vision, & Yukon Optics) use image tubes produces by the publicly traded company “JSC Ekran” of Novosibirsk Russia.
Rigel Optics’ image intensifier night vision is widely renowned as being the best in the Generation 1 category by virtue using only the top 5% hand picked image intensifier tubes. These premium grade image intensifier tubes have the most efficient amplification capabilities and smallest amount of blemishes and black dots.
Rigel Optics’ image intensifier night vision is widely renowned as being the best in the Generation 1 category by virtue using only the top 5% hand picked image intensifier tubes. These premium grade image intensifier tubes have the most efficient amplification capabilities and smallest amount of blemishes and black dots. |
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Rigel Optics Image Tubes:
little to no blemishes |
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Other Generation 1 Night Vision Image Tubes:
many sizeable blemishes |
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| Digital Night Vision (Black and White Images) |
Digital night vision is similar to image intensifier night vision in that they amplify available light and require an IR illuminator in very low light, or pitch-black conditions. Digital night vision collects light through an objective lens and is processed through a highly sensitive charged coupling device (CCD) and then is projected onto to a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) where you can view the image.
Contrary to that the name suggests however, digital night vision cannot reproduce an image in stereoscopic color. The processed image is viewed black and white. Digital night vision is however, not prone to damage when exposed to light, or used during the daytime. |
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| Viewing through a digital night vision device. |
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| Thermal Night Vision |
Thermal night vision, or thermal imaging, operates by capturing the upper portion of the infrared light spectrum, which is emitted as electromagnetic waves (heat) by objects. Thermal-imaging devices have infrared-detector elements that see only this portion of the spectrum. The image is projected on a screen in black & white / gray.
Thermal imaging devices are or particular value to law enforcement and defense by virtue of their ability to sense previous activity or movement. For example, any heat given off during a previous movement or activity (leaning against a wall, extinguished campfire, breathing in cold air) are easy traced with thermal imaging devices.
Due to the sophisticated components required to manufacture a thermal imaging device, prices generally start at $10,000 per unit. |
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Viewing through a thermal imaging device.
Photos courtesy of Flir Systems |
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| Should I buy a Generation 1, 2, or 3 device? |
| Generation 0 |
| Developed during the WW2 era. Otherwise known as “active infrared” night vision, these night vision devices emit an IR beam which bounces back to the night vision device to create illuminated images. One major drawback of active infrared night vision devices used during the middle of the 20th century was the ability for hostile forces to see the bright red images being emitted from the devices. |
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| Generation 1 |
| Generation 1 night vision image tubes gather available
ambient light (from stars, moon, streetlights) and amplify
them as described above. Generation 1 night vision
devices must use infrared illuminators [hyperlink] if no
ambient light is present. |
| Generation 1 Pros |
- Offer the best return on investment for image quality and brightness
- Used by all user types – professionals and amateurs
- Very affordable
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| Generation 1 Pros |
- Higher image quality available in Gen. 2 and Gen. 3 devices
- Non Rigel Optics Generation 1 night vision may use lower grade optical components.
- Not all generation 1 devices feature same optical quality
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65mW Infrared Illuminator |
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| Generation 2 |
While substantially more expensive than Generation 1, Generation 2 provides the user with better image resolution, and brighter green images through the phosphor screen.
Micro channel plates (MCP’s) used in Generation 2 devices significantly enhance the light gathering capability, and overall image produced. Further, the electrons passing through the MCP are also forced into more of a linear pattern, which in turn reduce image distortion. Unlike Generation 1 night vision, it is possible to view objects in very low light conditions without using an infrared illuminator. |
| Generation 2 Pros |
- Better image resolution and image brightness over Generation 1 night vision
- Few, if any blemishes on image tube
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| Generation 2 Pros |
- Out of the rational price range of non-government, military, and professional users
- Restrictions on transporting overseas and using in certain applications
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| Generation 3 |
| Generation 3 night vision devices are primarily used only by law enforcement and defense agencies, but provide the user with the highest possible overall quality. Generation 3 night vision is a step beyond Generation 2 by utilizing gallium arsenide. Gallium arsenide has a very high electronic velocity, which is extremely efficient at converting photons to electrons, and thus producing the best, brightest, clearest image available. |
| Generation 3 Pros |
- The best night vision money (and U.S. taxpayers) can buy
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| Generation 3 Pros |
- Highly cost prohibitive – starting at $3,000.
- Restrictions on transporting overseas and using in certain applications
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Image through Generation 3 device.
Photo courtesy of ITT |
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| Should I buy a night vision goggle, binocular, or monocular (scope)? |
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| Night Vision Goggles |
The most popular form of night vision, night vision goggles give the user total hands-free mobility with the use of a head-mount [hyperlink]. In providing for the best depth perception and widest field of view, all head mounted night vision goggles feature 1.0x magnification.
Rigel Optics night vision goggles [hyperlink] are versatile and can easily be converted into high magnification night vision binoculars [hyperlink], or mounted on Kevlar helmets [hyperlink] |
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Image through Generation 3 device.
Photo courtesy of ITT |
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| Some of our customers’ unique applications for night vision goggles include: |
- Assisting helicopter pilots in flight
- Anti piracy efforts in cinemas
- Developing photos and film
- Dining in the dark events
- Going through a Sonic Drive-Thru at night
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| Night Vision Binoculars |
| Like night vision goggles, night vision binoculars feature two eyepieces, two image-intensifier tubes and two objective lenses for total stereoscopic vision. However, long range viewing with night vision binoculars is attained through the use of higher power lenses. Night vision binoculars can effectively gather light from several hundred yards away, so most models feature a magnification between 1.5x to 5.0x. |
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| Information below courtesy of Rigel Optics Night Vision. |
| Choose your night vision binocular based on your most important user criteria: |
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| Rigel Optics Night Vision Binoculars Viewing Distance Chart |
| Model |
Lens Size |
Magnification |
Viewing distance under half-moon |
Super booster IR compatible? |
Extended viewing range with Super Booster IR |
| Rigel 2500 Binocular |
100 mm |
5.0 |
350 yds |
Yes. 5200/5100 model. |
100-250 yds |
| Rigel 1100 Monocular |
80 mm |
3.6 |
250 yds |
No |
N/A |
| Rigel 1500 Monocular |
80 mm |
4.0 |
275 yds |
No |
N/A |
| Rigel 2300 Binocular |
80 mm |
3.6 |
250 yds |
Yes. 5200/5100 model. |
100-250 yds |
| Rigel 2100 Binocular |
64 mm |
2.7 |
200 yds |
Yes. 5275 model. |
100-200 yds |
| Rigel 2100C Binocular |
64 mm |
2.7 |
200 yds |
Yes. 5275 model. |
100-200 yds |
| Rigel 2020 Binocular |
50 mm |
2.2 |
190 yds |
Yes 5275 model |
100-200 yds |
| Rigel 2150 Binocular |
35 mm |
1.5 |
175 yds |
Yes 5275 model |
100-200 yds |
| Rigel 3200 Goggles |
26 mm |
1.0 |
150 yds |
Yes. 5275 model. |
100-200 yds |
| Rigel 3250 Goggles |
26 mm |
1.0 |
150 yds |
Yes. 5275 model. |
100-200 yds |
| Rigel 3300 Goggles |
26 mm |
1.0 |
150 yds |
No |
N/A |
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| Rigel Optics Night Vision Binoculars Product Weight Chart |
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| Rigel Optics Night Vision Binoculars Lens Size Chart |
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| Night Vision Monoculars |
| Night vision monoculars feature one eyepiece, one image-intensifier tube, and one objective lens (1.5x to 5.0x). Accordingly, night vision monoculars are generally priced at ½ of their night vision binocular counterparts. Although the most affordable type of night vision device, one of the potential disadvantages is the “squinting” required to see through the eyepiece, and smaller panorama of view. Night vision rifle scopes are also considered a monocular, with the addition of a rifle mount on the bottom of the device. |
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| The most important product attributes to look out for when buying my night vision device? |
| Rigel Optics Night Vision Features & Benefits Chart |
| Model |
Image Tube Selection |
Built In IR |
Secondary Super Booster IR Mount |
Automatic Overlight Shutoff |
LED Power Indicator |
Tolerance |
Tripod-Mountable |
Convertable to/from Night Vision Goggles |
Rigel 1100 Monocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
Yes |
Yes |
Rigel 1500 Monocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Extra Water Resistant |
No |
No |
Rigel 2020 Binocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
Rigel 2100 Binocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
Rigel 2100C Binocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
Rigel 2300 Binocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
Yes |
No |
Rigel 2500 Binocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
No |
Rigel 3200 Goggles |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
Rigel 3250 Goggles |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
Rigel 3300 Goggles |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
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| Glossary of terms |
- Automatic Brightness Control An electronic feature that automatically reduces voltages to the micro channel plate to keep the image intensifier's brightness within optimal limits and protect the tube. The effect of this can be seen when rapidly changing from low-light to high-light conditions; the image gets brighter and then, after a momentary delay, suddenly dims to a constant level.
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- Black Spots Usually cosmetic blemishes in the image which are inherent in the production process. In other cases, as dirt builds on the lens, black spots are also visible. Black spots resulting from the production process neither influence the image quality nor interfere with night observation. Spots which form due to dirt should be removed carefully with a soft cloth.
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- Bright-Source Protection An electronic function that reduces the voltage to the photo cathode when the night vision device is exposed to bright light sources such as room lights or car lights. BSP protects the image tube from damage and enhances its life; however, it also has the effect of lowering resolution when functioning.
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- Diopter The unit of measure used to define eye correction or the refractive power of a lens. In most cases, an optical eyepiece will accommodate for differences in individual eyesight among users.
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- Electro-optical transducer Primary system which directs and accelerates the photoelectronic flux taking into account the potential difference between the photo cathode and the screen, and forms the electronic image.
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- Emission Point A pinpoint of bright light in the image area that does not vanish when all light is blocked from the objective lens.
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- Eye Relief The distance your eyes must be from the farthest element of an eyepiece in order to achieve the optimal image area.
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- Gain Sometimes referred to as brightness gain. Gain is the number of times a night vision device amplifies light input. For a detailed description of gain and how it can affect performance, please refer to our “First Time Buyer Section”.
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- Infrared Light radiated with wavelengths longer than those of red light.
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- Line Pairs per Millimeter (lp/mm) Units used to measure image intensifier resolution.
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- Lumen The unit denoting the photons perceivable by the human eye per one second.
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- Photosensitivity The ability of the photo cathode material to produce an electrical response when subjected to photons.
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- Recticle The “neon colored” round aiming device found in many night vision rifle scopes which serves as cross-hairs.
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- Resolution The ability of an image intensifier or night vision system to distinguish between objects close together. Image intensifier resolution is measured in line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm). For a detailed description of resolution and how it can affect performance, please refer to our “First Time Buyer Section”.
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