Most of us sooner or later ask ourselves this question. At first glance, the correct answer is obvious. But, having studied the issue thoroughly, we came to a rather unexpected conclusion. If you’re interested, stay tuned.
Can the night vision binoculars be used in daylight? How does a night vision binocular work? Are night vision binoculars legal? Night vision vs. Thermal imaging optics. We will share information and resolve all your doubts.
What will it be used for?
Night vision binoculars are generally used for hunting, camping, or when you need to see in the dark. However, at nighttime activities like fishing, they may be beneficial since fish are more readily visible due to their reflection of light off the water. Night vision devices may not provide enough clarity and detail needed for long-range surveillance but work best within 100 feet. They work by amplifying existing light back into visible images that appear green on the screen which makes them suitable for use during the evening or morning hours where there isn’t much ambient lighting available. Many people think night vision devices only amplify light up to 40 feet however this depends on multiple factors including type of unit (image intense tube), quality of lenses, and how much light is available.
If you are looking for a night vision binocular that can be used during the day, it’s important to know what these factors are so you can pick out the best device. To determine if an image intensified unit will work in low light conditions, look for “Light amplification” which refers to how much existing light is amplified. An older model intensifier tube amplifies incoming infrared and visible images by only 30 times while newer models amplify up to 60 or even 100 times which provides better quality images at longer distances. When considering lens quality, choose coated lenses over non-coated ones since they provide sharper clearer images with less chance of fogging when moving between different temperatures (i.e., from indoors into outside).
Can you use night vision binoculars during the day?
Anyone who has purchased night vision binoculars will answer no. Any seller will tell you about the dangers of daylight for a night vision device and will be absolutely right. But not everything is so simple in this matter. The fact is that night vision binoculars can work on two different technologies. Most of them work with an amplification tube, but not all. The other part uses more modern technology. A high-resolution sensor is installed instead of the tube. Thanks to digital technology, it amplifies weak light to visible light and projects the image onto the monitor. The sensors are quite resistant to daylight and therefore can be used during the day.
All night vision binoculars that can be used during the day have a special reminder in the instructions. Without this special instruction from the manufacturer, it is prohibited to use night vision binoculars during the day. Otherwise, the device has every chance of being broken. We emphasize that not all night vision devices equipped with a digital sensor can be used in bright sunlight. We only use those that have been approved by the manufacturer for such use. If you are looking for a versatile night vision binocular for sale, check out digital night vision binoculars with a special marking for daytime use.
How does a night vision binocular work?
Night vision binoculars intensify light invisible to levels that are clearly visible to our eyes. In conventional night vision devices, the process occurs according to the following scenario. The lens of the device collects photons of light and transmits them to the photocathode, where the photons are converted into electrons. Electrons hit the microchannel plate and cause a massive release of additional electrons. They bombard the phosphor screen, which is responsible for converting electrons into photons of light. This greenish light forms an image on the screen. Digital binoculars go through the same process, but use a digital sensor instead of a photocathode.
Different types of binoculars and uses
Night vision binoculars come in different sizes and types depending on the application.
They can range from handheld monocular units all the way up to tripod-mounted multi-tube configurations used for surveillance purposes. Most people use a night vision device like a pair of binoculars since it provides more flexibility, but there are some models that have built-in video cameras which work well when you want an extra set of eyes or just need to record what is going on around you at night. If you plan on using your unit primarily during dusk hours, consider getting one with long-range infrared illuminators so objects will be clearly visible without straining your eyes too much.
Most consumers buy their first night-vision devices as pairs of binoculars which are the most common and versatile. They typically have a minimum magnification of x20, provide an exit pupil from 35mm to 65mm in diameter, and have built-in infrared illuminators for use during dusk hours without affecting night vision capabilities. Depending on what you plan to use your binoculars for will determine how many magnification levels you need since a range is ideal when hunting or spotting wildlife at night however it can slow down your ability to spot moving objects so higher magnifications should be used with caution depending on lighting conditions.
Night vision devices come equipped with different types of lenses that allow them to work under different lighting conditions:
Clear lens – Ideal choice if using indoors because they offer maximum light transmission resulting in better image brightness and clarity.
Green lens – These are the most popular lenses because they provide maximum light amplification for use in low-lit environments such as dusk or dawn since green is better suited to penetrate natural sources of light (i.e., moonlight). They also produce a brighter image than clear lenses but may appear washed out when used under bright lights so you should avoid using them indoors unless near windows where sunlight can be blocked with curtains or blinds during daytime hours.
Infrared – Ideal choice if your primary application is surveillance due to its long-wave infrared sensor which allows it to see farther at night without significant loss of resolution, however, nighttime objects will not look as bright compared to other types of glasses makes spotting movement difficult especially on cloudy or foggy nights.
A night vision device with a range of magnification levels and lenses that will allow you to operate under varying lighting conditions is the best choice for most applications, but if your primary objective is quality surveillance or spotting wildlife at long distances then consider investing in a more expensive model with higher magnification levels as well as infrared illuminators for use during dusk hours without affecting normal viewing capabilities.
Are night vision binoculars legal?
The answer to this question depends on the country where you will be using your night vision binoculars. American citizens are allowed to use night vision binoculars in all states. But there is a ban on transportation across the border. For non-US citizens, there is a ban on viewing 3rd generation night vision binoculars. They cannot legally own any NV devices. In Canada, use is allowed, but there is a ban on night shooting.
There are strict restrictions in France and mostly use is prohibited. In Singapore will require special permission from the authorities. The Netherlands does not have a law regulating the possession of NV binoculars. Germany, Belgium has very strict restrictions on their territory. In short, always clarify the laws of your country. By showing a little respect for the law, you will retain your freedom.
Night vision vs. Thermal imaging optics
Many people confuse these two different technologies. Let’s clarify this important issue. Thermal optics react to heat and completely ignore light. Therefore, it can be used both at night and in the daytime, without fear of ruining the device. But, it does not provide such a detailed image as the NV equipment.
The image of the area taken with a thermal imager is deprived of the depth of space. It is a color map of the thermal signatures of all surfaces in the field of view of the thermal imager screen. It is difficult to determine exactly how far the target is from the observer from the image.
Night vision gives a familiar picture to our eyes and allows us to navigate freely at night. Versatile appliances are good for every day, non-professional use. If there is a serious event ahead, then we will offer you to use narrow-profile devices. If the budget allows, it is best to purchase both technologies and use them in tandem for the best results.