The digital night vision equipment of the fourth generation is the best, used exclusively by the military. Even though some retailers sometimes claim otherwise, even the second-best night vision technology of the third generation is practically unreachable for civilians. With a night vision device that includes a good tube of generation 2 or 2+ and high-quality optical components, a hunter is well equipped. This makes it possible to address game even at greater distances - under good conditions and using a powerful infrared or laser illuminator, the effective range can extend to several hundred meters. The performance and lifespan of devices from earlier generations 1 and 0 decrease rapidly.
There are many different brands and types of night vision devices on the market, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand euros. The effectiveness of night vision technology is similarly varied and usually corresponds to the price: you get what you pay for. The difference in image quality between a cheap device and an expensive model is vast.
The quality of the image intensifier tube and the lenses determines whether you can only discern a vague spot or see and identify an object even in complete darkness. When buying a night vision device for hunting, you need to consider the intended use of the device and what it is worth to you. For orientation in close range, a cheap device may suffice; however, those who want to reliably distinguish a boar from a sow at long distances will need to dig a little deeper into their pockets.
In the market for night vision devices, there are a number of different, not always trustworthy providers who sometimes make promises about the performance of their night vision technology that are not realistic in practice. You should be very cautious with supposed bargains from unknown providers and used devices from the military sector. There are still a few unused night vision devices of generation 1 at high prices that do not meet the desired standard.
It should be noted that devices of the 1st generation only provide a relatively weak residual light amplification - 1000 to 8000 times compared to 10,000 to 15,000 times for night vision devices of generation 2 - and the lifespan of the devices is only about 1000 to 2000 hours: A night vision device is not worth its money if it has already reached its lifespan. This is a significant disadvantage of a used device, as the buyer does not know how long it will last. Essentially, the utility of a night vision device is proportional to its price: the higher the price, the better the image and the greater the distance from which the night vision device can be used effectively.
Yes! When hunting in Germany, night vision devices and thermal imaging cameras can be legally used as long as they are only used for observing game. Night vision devices, on the other hand, may not be allowed under certain circumstances: thermal imaging cameras or night vision devices that are mounted on the weapon or used as accessories with the scope - unless hunting law (a matter of the states!) prohibits this.
An electron tube, also known as an image intensifier or residual light amplifier, is the heart of every night vision device. When a photocathode receives light, photoelectrons are generated in the vacuum of the tube by an electric field under high voltage. When an electron hits the phosphor screen, which acts as an anode, visible light is released as electromagnetic radiation. Luminescence is the conversion of energy into light that occurs when electrons hit a phosphor screen (which serves as both an anode and a cathode). In night vision systems, the luminescence of this source is used for cathode luminescence.
An infrared illuminator is a useful addition to a night vision device. It makes otherwise invisible infrared light visible and amplifies it. The infrared illuminator acts like an invisible flashlight. Infrared spotlights with a laser as the infrared light source create a beam that can be focused with appropriate lenses. This allows for distances of several kilometers. It is in your own interest to ensure that you use eye-safe laser infrared illuminators when employing them!
A night vision device is a tool that allows you to see in the dark. This can be done in various ways, such as by amplifying residual light (residual light amplifier) or by using an infrared image converter that converts invisible infrared light into visible infrared radiation. Infrared illuminators, which are flashlights that produce light in the IR range, can also be used for this purpose.
The category of night vision technology also includes thermal imaging cameras, which convert the heat emitted by objects into visible light. However, when referring to residual light amplifiers and image converters or amplifiers, only those that operate with lower intensity than lighting devices are meant; thermal imaging cameras are treated separately.
The generations indicate the state of development and thus the performance of night vision devices. Since the latest technology of generation three is restricted to military use, in practice it mainly concerns generations 1 and 2+. Devices of generation 0 are not suitable for hunting.
In general, it can be said that the indication of the generation does not provide an accurate description of the performance of a night vision device; there can be significant performance differences between different devices of the same generation. Even between individual tubes of the same type and manufacturer, there can be visible quality differences. With a lifespan of 1000 to 2000 hours, night vision devices of the 1st generation amplify residual light about 1000 to 8000 times. Night vision devices of the 2nd generation amplify residual light 10,000 to 15,000 times and have a lifespan of up to 15,000 hours.
The performance of a night vision device that can be used for hunting is determined by a number of factors, including: the type and quality of the lens used are important factors, just like with any other optical device. The image intensifier tube used is also crucial. It can be said that cheap devices only reach about 50 meters, while high-priced night vision devices with telephoto lenses and infrared spotlights allow for precise observation and addressing at distances of up to 500 meters.