Night Vision

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Night Vision scopes and binoculars are electro-optical devices that intensify (or amplify) existing light instead of relying on a light source of their own. The devices are sensitive to a broad spectrum of light, from visible through infrared. An accessory illuminator can increase the light available at the infrared end of the spectrum by casting a beam of light that is not visible to the human eye.

You do not look "through" a Night Vision product, you look at the the amplified electronic image on a phosphor screen.

Light enters the 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.

Like cameras, Night Vision products have various image magnifications. The distance at which a human-sized figure can be clearly recognized under normal conditions (moon and star light, with no haze or fog) depends on both the magnifying power of the objective lens and the strength of the image intensifier.

The two main technologies used today have allowed scopes to be broadly grouped into three categories:


Generation 1
These are the least expensive units. They generally have a maximum range of around 80m and usually have a basic infrared illuminator built in. They have many practical applications and are useful for wildlife watching of animals such as badgers or foxes at fairly close range.

Generation 1 scopes amplify the ambient light between 150 and 400 times. Image focus is perfect in the centre of the eyepiece, but slight distortion occurs to the outside of the field of view.

Generation 1 units usually have a S-10 or S-20 photocathode with electrostatic inversion and electron acceleration to receive gain. Generation 1+ tubes have a fibre optic plate on the front of the tube and have improved gain.

Generation 2
These scopes provide good performance in low light levels with low distortion. They are excellent for prolonged observation of wildlife at a distance and for close observation of small animals, for example bats leaving a roost.

Generation 2 scopes amplify light by 20,000 to 30,000 times, making them far more effective in low light conditions. Typically, you can see a man at 600m with a full moon, 300m in starlight and 90m on a dark overcast night. The image 'sparkles', which can be off-putting to start with, but geometric distortion is virtually eliminated and the focus is 100% across the eyepiece.

Generation 2 units usually have an S-25 photocathode with a microchannel plate to achieve gain. They normally use fibre optic inversion. They use automatic gain control so are not usually damaged by brief exposure to bright light. Infrared illuminators are usually sold as an extra. Some units have the option to attach to cameras and videos. Additional lenses may also be available.

Generation 3
These units use gallium-arsenide for the photocathode and a microchannel plate for gain. In Europe their sale is generally restricted to government departments and the military.

With regards to value for money, a moncular is a better option than a binocular. A monocular has a larger objective (front) lens, thus lets in more available light. Also, with binoculars, you are paying effectively double as they have two sensors.


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