A night vision binoculars can be used for multiple purposes, and it is always convenient to have one. Moreover, it is an essential equipment for hunters, naturalists, security guards, and campers. Manufacturers offer different models that are quite diverse and use more or less different technologies.
In this article, you will discover 7 tips to help you make the right choice.
1- First inquire about the legal aspect of your purchase
Before buying your night vision binoculars, first, check to see if the country’s legislation allows for the use of this equipment and does not impose any restrictions on its use. It may be that the online purchase of this type of device is allowed in a country but not permitted for personal purposes.
Indeed, the laws vary from one country to another. Above all, it is essential to ensure that the use of this equipment will not cause legal problems to the user.
Some countries prohibit the use of night vision equipment for security reasons or at least put restrictions on its use in the territory. While others prohibit its use with a hunting weapon for example. Therefore you should ask the administrations concerned if the equipment is authorized and is there any restrictions and conditions of its use.
This will prevent you from unpleasant happening. And since a night vision binoculars cost an average of a few hundred dollars, you will be sure that you will not lose your money by buying equipment.
2- Pick for an advanced generation
Regarding night vision binoculars, the term generation refers to the technology used in the light intensifier tube of the model. This feature largely determines the quality and sharpness of the images.
There are currently 4 generations of night vision binoculars.
• The first-generation binoculars are widespread. It is developed by Americans during the Vietnam War. These are night vision binoculars cheap and inexpensive.
• The second generation is more developed in technology. It introduces the micro-channel or MCP which serves to more amplification and provide a sharper image than the first generation. But be aware that a second generation night vision binoculars are on average 3 times more expensive than another first generation.
• Third-generation devices contain gallium arsenide, a chemical that improves the brightness and sharpness of images. This category is reserved for professional use, and it takes a few thousand bucks to get binocular.
• The fourth-generation binoculars are characterized by increased light intensification compared to products of other generations. These binoculars are also reserved for strictly professional uses and are the most expensive.
3- Choose a binocular that weightless!
Night vision equipment is frequently used for camping or hunting activities. This requires maximizing the weight of the stuff. For this reason, it is essential to select materials that would be the lightest. Nightvision binoculars would be more comfortable to carry especially if it is planned to walk for a long distance.
4- Preferably buy a new binocular
In general, night vision equipment is susceptible and works for a well-defined lifespan. Many consumers purchase used night vision binoculars and discover the equipment has lost performance and did not display the images as they would like.
This is perfectly normal, as the electronic parts inside the device are designed to work for a period determined by the manufacturer. When you purchase used night vision equipment, you have no idea how many hours it has been used.
To avoid this problem, always buy a new night vision binoculars to take advantage of all the hardware performances.
Discover 3 good reasons not to buy a used appliance.
5- Prefer a night vision binocular that offers multiuse
Many users purchase night vision equipment for a single activity. However, it is more beneficial to choose for multiuse that would be more convenient and allow a more diversified use.
Whether for night hunting activities, observation of wildlife or flora at night, or surveillance, multipurpose equipment is significantly more economical despite its relatively higher cost.
6- Choose waterproof and fog resistant binoculars
The weather conditions for using a night vision binoculars may vary from region to region. It is, therefore, more interesting to choose a waterproof material that is resistant to bad weather and fog. Waterproof and fog proof binocular would also be convenient for use in areas with higher humidity.
Indeed, humidity is known to damage electronic devices in the long term, that’s why it is essential to choose resistant and suitable equipment.
7- Pay attention to these three characteristics!
When buying a night vision binocular pay attention particularly to these three features:
- The Magnification
- The Field of View
- The Diameter of The Lenses
Indeed, the magnification is the ratio between the actual size of an object observed with the naked eye and that observed by binoculars. The higher the magnification, the better the device.
The field of view is expressed in angular degrees or meters. It varies proportionally with magnification.
As for the diameter of the lens, it is expressed in millimeters. The larger the lens, the more light there is for the vision mechanism and therefore the brighter the image.
Conclusion:
You can now choose the night vision binoculars best suited to your needs.
Night vision binoculars are being used more and more and can be used for different activities. Before buying, first, make sure that the laws of the country permit its use. If this is the case, opt-in this case for advanced generation equipment, multipurpose, new, lightweight, and resistant to weather and moisture.
Your night vision binoculars must also have satisfactory technical characteristics especially the magnification, the field of vision and the diameter of the lenses.