Night vision allows humans to explore the unknown world and demands the military, security, outdoors, etc. However, the human vision system is limited by the intensity of light and cannot see the target clearly in the dark. To solve this problem, humans invented night vision devices using photoelectric conversion technology to achieve night observation.
Night vision devices are mainly divided into two categories: low-light night vision devices and infrared night vision devices. Low-light night vision devices are photoelectric imaging technology that use night vision goggles with image intensifier tubes to enhance the weak target image illuminated by night sky light for observation. Infrared night vision devices are infrared technology that uses infrared radiation or reflection of the target and background to achieve observation. They are divided into active and passive types: the former uses infrared searchlights to illuminate the target and receives the reflected infrared radiation to form an image; the latter does not emit infrared rays and relies on the target’s infrared radiation to form a “thermal image,” so it is also called a “thermal imager.”
So, what is the difference between night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices? What are their respective application scenarios? And how to choose them? This article will introduce and analyze the following aspects.
Night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices differ greatly in principle and function, so they have advantages and disadvantages. We can compare them from the following aspects:
- Clarity: Night vision binoculars use low-light enhancement technology to amplify and enhance the weak target image illuminated by night skylight, forming a clear visible light image. Infrared night vision devices use infrared technology to convert the infrared radiation or reflection of the target and background into electrical signals and convert them into visible light images. Generally speaking, night vision binoculars have higher clarity than infrared night vision devices because they are closer to the real color and details. In contrast, infrared night vision devices often have black-and-white or green images with low recognition.
- Distance: The observation distance of night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices depends on their magnification, objective lens diameter, sensor resolution, and other factors. Generally speaking, infrared night vision devices have longer observation distances than night vision binoculars because they do not depend on environmental light sources but use the target’s own or actively emitted infrared rays to observe. For example, ORPHA Alpha DB550+ digital night vision device, with 5-30 times digital zoom, can observe 2000 meters distance environment in daylight or low-light conditions and 500 meters distance in a dark environment.
- Weight: Night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices also have different weights, mainly depending on their structure, materials, batteries, and other factors. Generally speaking, night vision binoculars are lighter than infrared night vision devices because their structure is relatively simple. In contrast, infrared night vision devices need more electronic components and batteries to achieve infrared function. For example, WildGuarder Owler1 digital night vision device weighs 900 grams.
- Power consumption: Night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices also have different power consumption situations, mainly depending on their working modes, battery capacity, and other factors. Generally speaking, infrared night vision devices consume more power than night vision binoculars because they need more electric energy to emit or receive infrared rays. For example, ORPHA Alpha DB550+ digital night vision device uses 6 AA batteries, which can work 8 hours in daylight and 5 hours in dark mode.
- Price: Night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices also have a big price difference, mainly depending on their brand, performance, function, quality, and other factors. Generally speaking, infrared night vision devices are more expensive than night vision binoculars because their technology is more complex and their function is more powerful.
Night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices differ greatly in application scenarios because they suit different environments and needs. We can compare them from the following aspects:
- Military: Night vision devices have a wide range of applications in the military field, such as night aiming, driving vehicles, reconnaissance photography, etc. Night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices can be used in these scenarios, but they have different advantages and limitations. Night vision binoculars can provide clearer images, closer to the real color and details, but they need a certain amount of environmental light source. Otherwise, they cannot work. Infrared night vision devices can work in complete darkness, unaffected by light, but the image recognition is not high. If using active infrared night vision devices, they may be discovered by the other party.
- Civil: Night vision devices also have many uses in the civil field, such as outdoor exploration, wildlife observation, security monitoring, etc. Night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices can be used in these scenarios, but they have different focuses. Night vision binoculars can provide a more comfortable observation experience, more suitable for daytime and low-light observation, but they cannot be used in complete darkness. Infrared night vision devices can be used in complete darkness, more suitable for night and covert observation but they need more power and weight.
- Digital: Night vision devices also have a lot of innovation and development in the digital field, such as taking photos and videos, digital zoom, mobile phone remote control, etc. Night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices can have these functions but have different performances and quality. Night vision binoculars can provide higher image quality, more suitable for shooting beautiful scenery and animals, but they need more storage space and transmission speed. Infrared night vision devices can provide more function integration, such as GPS positioning system, electronic compass, barometer, etc., more suitable for achieving various tasks and goals. Still, they need more complex operations and maintenance.
Night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices also have a lot of precautions when buying because they have different types, brands, performances, prices, and other factors. We can refer to the following aspects:
- Type: Night vision devices are generally divided into two types: low-light night vision devices and infrared night vision devices. Low-light night vision devices use low-light enhancement technology to amplify and enhance the weak target image illuminated by night sky light, forming a clear visible light image2. Infrared night vision devices use infrared technology to convert the infrared radiation or reflection of the target and background into electrical signals and convert them into visible light images. The advantage of low-light night vision devices is that the image clarity is high, close to the real color and details, but the disadvantage is that they need a certain amount of environmental light source. Otherwise, they cannot work. The advantage of infrared night vision devices is that they are not affected by light and can work in complete darkness. Still, the disadvantage is that the image recognition is low, and if using active infrared night vision devices, they may be discovered by the other party.
- Brand: There are also many brands of night vision devices, but the reputation and quality are not the same. The most well-known brands in the world are ORPHA, BUSHNEL, and YUKON. ORPHA is a German military enterprise with a high quality and precision tradition in Germany. It is the world’s first brand of night vision devices. BUSHNELL is the oldest optical equipment brand in the United States. It is the designated optical product supplier of the US military. It is the world’s largest telescope brand. YUKON is a well-known brand of night vision devices in Belarus. It is the world’s third-largest brand of night vision devices. It has a relatively high-cost performance. Of course, if you pursue the highest-cost performance, Wildguarder Owler1 is a very good choice.
- Performance: The performance of night vision devices mainly depends on the generation of image intensifier tubes, magnification, objective lens diameter, sensor resolution, and other factors. The higher the generation of image intensifier tubes, the better the image quality, but the higher the price. Currently, only first-generation and second-generation night vision devices are sold in China. The United States controls the third-generation and fourth-generation, and cannot be sold in China. The higher the magnification, the farther the observation distance, but the smaller the imaging. The larger the objective lens diameter, the higher the light transmission rate, but the heavier the weight. The higher the sensor resolution, the clearer the image, but it also consumes more power. When buying, you should weigh your needs and budget.
- Price: The price of night vision devices also varies greatly depending on the type, brand, performance, function, quality, and other factors. Generally speaking, infrared night vision devices are more expensive than night vision binoculars because their technology is more complex and their function is more powerful. When buying, you should choose according to your needs and economic ability and not unthinkingly pursue high-end or low-priced products.
Conclusion
In summary, night vision binoculars and infrared night vision devices are optical observation devices; they have advantages and disadvantages suitable for different application scenarios and needs. Night vision binoculars can provide clearer images, closer to the real color and details, but they need a certain amount of environmental light source. Otherwise, they cannot work. Infrared night vision devices can work in complete darkness, unaffected by light, but the image recognition is not high. If using active infrared night vision devices, they may be discovered by the other party. When buying, you should consider your type, brand, performance, price, and other factors comprehensively and choose the product that suits you.