All About Night Vision Binoculars

Night vision binoculars were once thought to be used by military personnel on top secret missions.  But that's no longer the case!  These binoculars are now used for recreational purposes, such as birding or hunting, and for safety.  To find the type of binoculars right for you, read on.

Eye candy

Here's how night vision works: binoculars gather existing light (from the stars or moon, etc.) through the lens.  The light, or photons, go through a tube which transforms them into electrons.  The electrons are magnified through a chemical and electrical process and then flung against a screen which changes them back into visible light.  Pretty cool, eh?

Generation upon generation

Night vision devices come in different classifications, including 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation.  Here's what that means:

1st generation is the most popular type of night vision in the world.  It will amplify existing light several thousand times, which enables you to see clearly in the dark.  1st generation night vision binoculars are the least expensive, yet still provide a sharp, bright image.

2nd generation binoculars are a little more high-tech.  The difference between these and the 1st unit is the addition of a microchannel plate, which enables the device to amplify many more times light than the earlier version.  These night vision binoculars are primarily used by professional bird watchers or law enforcement.

3rd generation adds a chemical called gallium arsenide, which provides a brighter and sharper image than the 2nd unit.

4th generation incorporates one of the largest technological breakthroughs in years.  By removing the ion barrier film and gating, this type of binocular reveals a large increase in target detection range and resolution.  This system is the cream of the crop.

Read all about it

If you are planning to use your night vision binoculars for birding, it would be most cost efficient to invest in a generation 1 or 2 type of binocular.  There are many top-notch manufacturers that create remarkable binoculars. These include Canon, Steiner, Bushnell, Swarovski, Nikon, Zeiss, and Leica. Most of these companies provide thorough product descriptions online.  Look for product reviews online as well.
         

Clean it up

Since night vision binoculars are an investment, you'll want to make sure that you properly clean and care for your product:

Blow dust off of each lens with a can of compressed air.

Clean off remaining dirt with lens cleaner and a lens cloth, using a circular motion.

Wipe the casing with a damp cloth.

Keep out of direct sunlight!  The number one reason why night vision binoculars become damaged is because of prolonged exposure to the sun.

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