Night Vision Binoculars Review | Safari Binoculars

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I have never actually owned a pair of night vision binoculars as they were always a little to pricey for the average field guides salary, but often had guests bring pairs on safari and always had fun seeing what was out there during the night. Now with prices coming down all the time I think it is possible to get a pretty decent pair of cheap night vision binoculars. This is my night vision binoculars review, based on research I have done and on the few pairs I have been fortunate enough to use.

So what are night vision binoculars monoculars? Night Vision scopes, monoculars and binoculars are electro-optical devices that amplify existing light. 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... phew!

You dont actually look through a Night Vision binocular, you actually look at an amplified electronic image on a phosphor screen. The little light that is available enters the Night Vision product through an objective lens and strikes a photo cathode. This cathode has high energy charge from the power supply. The energy charge accelerates across a vacuum inside the intensifier and strikes a phosphor screen which is similar to a TV screen, where the image is thenfocused. The eyepiece then magnifies the image for you to see.

Why are the images always green? Because the human eye can differentiate more shades of green than other phosphor colors.

The Generation Game: Nightvision equipment is based around different Generations. These Generations essential indicate the level of technology used in the unit.

Generation 1 - Night vision night vision binoculars / monoculars / bioculars / goggles
These are the least expensive units and were actually introduced during the Vietnam war. They generally have a maximum range of around 80m and usually have a basic infrared illuminator built in. Generation 1 night vision devices usually have a higher power requirement and can emit a high-pitch, low-level noise. These products are not suitable for photography and typically have a drop off in quality around the edges of the image. They have many practical applications and are useful for wildlife watching of animals such as badgers or foxes at fairly close range.

Generation 2
Night vision devices with Generation 2 are primarily used by law enforcement or for professional applications, they offer good performance in low-level light conditions and have very little distortion, making them well suited for use with video or still cameras. They are excellent for prolonged observation of wildlife at a distance and for close observation of small animals. Generation 2 night vision devices amplify light about 20,000 to 30,000 times, which makes them very good in low light conditions. To give you an idea, you can see a man at 600m with a full moon, 300m in starlight and 90m on a dark overcast night.

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.

Generation 1 Night Vision Monoculars
Yukon 5x42 Ranger Digital Night Vision Monocular - Approx: £290 Features an upgraded Sony CCD for improved imaging. Coupled with the addition of a variable gain control dial (brightness/contrast control), this offers noticeable performance advantages over the previous model. Because the unit uses a CCD with the image viewed on a built-in LCD screen, the unit cannot be damaged by bright light sources. Variable gain contol allows you to adjust the image based on an individual scenes lighting level.
The built-in high power Infrared Illuminator - the right-hand lens of the device - is covert (invisible to the human eye at approx. 940nm) and throws a beam out to over 100m. In ultra low light levels this provides the unit with its own light source. The power output of the illuminator is also controllable offering maximum flexibility in image brightness/contrast. The unit offers true 5x optical image magnification through the left hand lens of the device. Currently competitive products can only achieve higher magnifications through digital magnification which means a loss of resolution. A Video Out facility (lead included) means that the unit can be linked to a recording device such as a DVD Recorder/Video Recorder /Camcorder or alternatively to a monitor. Running on 6 x AA sized batteries, the unit is supplied with two battery cradles (for quick battery change), a 12V car adaptor and a UK mains lead. The unit will happily accept the latest NiMH rechargeable batteries (2700mAh) - in fact, these are the recommended power source when out in the field. A screw thread is built-in to the base allowing attachment to a tripod. > > Buy now on Amazon.co.uk
Generation 1 Night Vision Binoculars
Yukon Tracker RX 3.5x40 Night Vision Binoculars Approx £419 The Viking RX 5x40 utilizes dual IR illuminators (long and short range), on/off mode, IR setting and battery level. Yukon Advanced Optics engineers kept versatility and comfort in mind when creating the Viking series of night vision binoculars. Each of the Viking series of night vision binoculars are similar yet different. The Viking RX 5 x 40mm is the most powerful night vision binocular in the Viking series. Yukon Viking RX 5x40mm Night Vision Binoculars 25024 come with removable, individual, collimated, doubler lenses, and can be transformed to a 2x24 unit by removing the 40mm lenses.
The Viking RX 5 x 40 night vision binocular has a 5x magnification and an 40mm objective lens. Yukon Viking RX 5x40mm Night Vision Binoculars 25024 12 mm eye relief allows for comfortable viewing while the 400 m to 500 m range of detection makes this unit perfect for long distance viewing. Viking RX 5 x 40 mm Night Vision Yukon Binoculars 25024 are ergonomically-designed with rubberized body and are perfect for a long expedition; the lightweight (21 oz.), compact binoculars (without doubler: 6.9 x 4.8 x 2.8 in.; with doubler: 8.8 x 4.8 x 2.8 in.) Yukon Viking RX 5x40mm Night Vision Binoculars 25024 is surprisingly comfortable, making your viewing experience that much more enjoyable. Like all Viking models, the Yukon RX utilizes a dual eye diopter adjustment with central focusing, and a wide field of view (30 degrees with doubler and 15 degrees without doubler). The water resistant Viking utilizes a soft, one-piece eyecup to prevent external light distortion and light leakage from the device, allowing the user to remain hidden in the night. # Compact, Lightweight, Erganomic Styling # Partial rubber armouring, comfortable slip resistent grip # Multicoated optics # 2x image magnification # Built in Lencaps # CR123A 3v Lithium Battery (not included) # Independent eyepiece focus # Centre dial front focus control # Built-in Infa red illuminators for use in very low light/total darkness # Green LED 'Tube on' and red LED 'IR' on indicators > > Buy now on Amazon.co.uk
Similar Night Vision Binoculars and Monoculars available:

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