Unfortunately, super people with abilities not inherent to the average person lives only in movies or on the pages of fantasy books. Moreover, these super abilities are manifested in simple things. For example - the superpower, the ability to be invisible or scan a person with his eyes, and so on. And the funny thing is that the animal world is endowed chiefly with these abilities from nature. But man was deprived of these abilities.
For this reason, he tries to improve himself with modern technology and devices. And, let's be objective, he has succeeded in doing this quite well over the last centuries. Today we will discuss the ability to see in the dark. It would seem to be nothing special at first glance, but it would be a handy skill under certain conditions. It would make it easier to hunt and not spend much money to buy night vision devices, which came into our lives in the last century. And this happened because of the military events that unfolded on the continents. The ability to strike the enemy accurately when he least expected it was a critical task. So scientists became concerned with how to help intelligence under cover of night to locate and obtain the necessary information. And quite successfully, as we can see. But the war was over, and the invention continued and rapidly developed and used everyday life.
Night vision technology
We learn, scan, and process the world around us thanks to our eyes. But unfortunately, the human eye mechanism is not perfect because it perceives what we see only when it is enough light. In the darkness, we lose visual acuity; we can hardly distinguish even large objects nearby. So what should those who serve, work or hunt do at night? The answer is simple - use a night vision device. The principle of operation of a night vision device is that it captures a matrix of reflected light from objects, amplifies it, and turns it into an electronic signal. In this case, we must remember that this device is not perfect because it needs to work at least as small as a light source. Usually, it is moonlight. Otherwise, you have little chance to see what you want, even with this device. Of course, there are alternatives to the simple UAV that will help you to scan the area and hit the exact target. Let's say a modification of the modern world of already familiar night vision goggles. And we are talking about thermal imaging goggles. Its principle is slightly different from the usual PNV and shows, as we already understand from the name, the objects around emitting heat.
But the differences between devices of this type are not only in their work's principle but also in their appearance. There are several types of this device. They perform the same functions but vary in their exterior design.
It is impossible to say precisely what the most popular type of UAV is because each of them has certain advantages, and it also depends on your convenience and the situation in which you use it.
Let's start with the well-known model. Namely with night vision goggles. It's not hard to imagine their appearance. It's a portable device that you fix on your head and frees your hands. And that's a significant advantage. But you have to be careful. After all, the better the device itself, the more likely it will be heavier, so its neck will not withstand for a long time.
The second option combines analog and digital viewing, with an optical lens and a digital LCD that allows you to see what the night-vision technology sees.
A night-vision monocular has identical properties to a binocular. But it has only one viewing channel. You either hold it in your hand, or some scopes have the features already mentioned, making it easy to see what's going on and allowing you to aim and shoot immediately.
Now imagine that wonderful day when hunting season comes around. We know that this is usually the fall season. Even though night hunting is prohibited in some states (so you need to take care of all hunting permits according to the region in which you are going to make a foray into wildlife), in the fall, it starts to get dark quickly early. For this reason, such a device will come in handy.
Although you will spend much time choosing this device to find the best option for you, in this article, we want to help you and draw your attention to the most popular companies producing NV devices.
FLIR
FLIR Systems is the world's largest manufacturer of thermal imaging cameras. It was founded in 1978 in Oregon as a company developing high-performance, low-cost infrared (thermal) imaging systems for airborne applications. FLIR got its name from the first letters of the phrase "Forward-Looking InfraRed." Since the late 1980s, FLIR has been the most significant (among technology companies) private employer in Oregon, surpassing another Oregon-based technology giant, Tektronix.
In 2003, FLIR Systems acquired Indigo, a leading developer and supplier of a wide range of infrared products, including cooled and uncooled infrared detectors and camera cores. Since then, FLIR has invested financially in numerous related markets, technologies, and products to expand its solution set and serve a broader range of customers.
FLIR has several operating areas: The Surveillance Segment provides advanced imaging and recognition capabilities for a wide range of security and public safety agencies. The OEM segment provides thermal imaging components used by third parties to build their imaging systems. This segment also includes companies that develop applications for smartphones and mobile devices. And the Detection segment is sensing devices for identifying and suppressing chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats to external and internal security and commercial applications. Today, FLIR's advanced systems and components are used for a wide range of thermal imaging, situational awareness, and security applications, including on-board and ground surveillance, condition monitoring, navigation, recreation, research and development, manufacturing process control, search and rescue, transportation safety and efficiency, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, and chemical, biological, radiological and threat detection.
TRIJICON
Since its inception, TRIJICON was founded in 1981 and has earned a reputation as a leading manufacturer of sighting systems. Innovative applications of tritium and fiber optics have been the company's hallmarks. The company's products are MIL-SPEC standard and have proven their reliability in many military conflicts over the past decades. These products have earned the trust of many military units and are now in service with the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Special Operations Forces, and law enforcement agencies in many states. In addition to the U.S. military, TRIJICON products are popular with hunters and athletes worldwide. Innovative technology and military standards make TRIJICON products the benchmark for high-end optics!
ATN
ATN is an American manufacturer of observation and sighting devices. They have long established themselves on the market with high-quality indicators. Their distinctive feature is a powerful electronic component and the availability of many useful options. In creating all devices, manufacturers use advanced technology, which allows you to get an effective optical technique. The combination of powerful dual core processors and a low-power matrix with high resolution has enabled it to obtain robust and energy-efficient devices. All devices are equipped with various sensors, allowing you to get the most detailed and clear images when observing the target, even in the most low-light conditions.
The sights of the latest series have a unique design. The devices are made in the manner of classical telescopic sights with a central tube for the possibility of mounting on 30 mm rings. The scopes can be mounted on smooth-bore or rifled weapons. The aluminum housing is IP66 waterproof. Thanks to this material, it is lightweight and compact. Because of its simplicity and lack of big buttons on the case, it is considered an excellent option for beginners who are just getting acquainted with the devices of this class.
PULSAR
Pulsar is a recognizable brand whose quality is confirmed by millions of positive customer reviews. But in addition to the quality, this firm has earned respect due to its price available to both beginners and experienced hunters. Sights from this company can be installed on firearms, pneumatic weapons, and crossbows.
The design of modern digital devices consists of a photosensitive matrix and display, which uses a system of forming images using infrared radiation. It consists of a vast number of light-sensitive matrixes which release electrons under the action of light. Thus converting the energy in the display into an image. These signals are processed in seconds, so you can watch what's happening in real-time. And this feature of its functionality has several following privileges: operation at any time of day and it does not affect its working resources: no sensitivity to the influence of intense light sources: the details of the image of objects located at a distance: resistance to mechanical action because it is equipped with a waterproof housing and all models of this company used in a wide range of operating temperatures: a simple and reliable attachment to arms.
These parameters have established Pulsar in the world market of night vision devices. Even though they have recently appeared, they have already proved their effectiveness, which was appreciated by hunters and the representatives of different spheres of activity.
EOC
Another reliable supplier of night vision devices on the world market. Until now, we have considered only American companies, but this company is located in Europe, in Germany. This country has often proven that it can produce things worthy of their price and, most importantly, quality. On their official website, you can find many variations of night vision devices: monoculars, binoculars, glasses, sights, and so on. Their devices combine a compact, reliable design, excellent performance, and ease of operation at an affordable price. Therefore, new hunters should pay attention to the models of this manufacturer to begin their acquaintance with devices that are necessary during night hunting.
AGM
It is undeniable that all of the companies mentioned above involved in the development of night vision devices have earned the right to be called the best. But there is still one company that is ahead. And we are talking about the AGM Global Vision.
Reviews about the NV models from the American company, designed and created by leading technologists and engineers in the field of precision instruments, are exclusively favorable. They are popular among representatives of persons employed in special services, as well as among professional hunters, mountain climbers, scientists in biology, ecology, climatology, etc. For 65 years, the brand has been one of the leading ranking companies, producing a rich range of tried and tested NV units and accessories. Among them: are monoculars, night vision goggles and binoculars; sights for night hunting; infrared illuminators; image intensifiers, second and third generation (Gen 2+; Gen 3+), eyecups, batteries, safety glasses, etc. The company offers a choice of devices, the body of which is made of a special aluminum alloy used in aircraft construction, with an additional set of lenses and batteries.
Binoculars, monoculars, glasses, or other devices used at night belong to different generations - I, II, II, III, and III+. Belonging depends on the technology implemented in this or that model. But they all work based on the light flux from photons and their ability to be converted into an image on the screen. Based on this, the observer sees an amplified image of the environment, which cannot be seen with the naked eye. The main criterion in these models, which is worth paying attention to when choosing a night vision device, is the system that enhances the image on the device's display. The 2nd generation appeared due to a mighty leap in vacuum electronics and its components. The main element of the image intensifier tube is the plate with microchannels. Devices of the third generation are equipped with a photocathode, acting based on gallium arsenide, which increases the degree of sensitivity over time. Accordingly, based on these parameters and the materials that are used to create these models, the cost of the device you choose depends.
This article gives examples of the most popular models on the market of night vision devices. But the choice is up to you. Buying such a device is highly responsible and depends on many factors. Apart from the fact that you should clearly define for yourself in what situations and for what purpose you are going to use it, you should also take care of its storage and operating conditions to serve you well.
When you go to a website or a store that shows a wide range of such products, it is straightforward to get lost and spend money from your pocket. So take the proper time for this process, consult with reliable people who know about it, choose a few options, and watch their video reviews. Carefully study the advantages and disadvantages of your models and only then make your choice. And go for those manufacturers who have earned respect in the world market, check the certification and go only to official stores that will be able to provide documents confirming the quality of the product.