bullethole1
Moderator
How much should I expect to pay for a Nightvision Scope with infrared capabilities. What is the best brand? I want one for varmint hunting. Thanks!
Nightvision Riflescopes
- Thread starter bullethole1
- Start date
Image Intensification or Thermal?
just a question i like to ask.
Image Intensification is what most folk see as Night vision. Basically it takes photons and amplifies them into a visible image on a screen. this technology can see light in the infrared spectrum (or visible). thermal sees heat.
so in a blackened room with no light at all a standard night vision device will see nothing (no light present to amplify).
in the same room a thermal scope would see any temperature differences on surfaces.
you can get a good night vision device from a few hundred to a few thousand.
thermal starts at several thousand and goes up fast.
just a question i like to ask.
Image Intensification is what most folk see as Night vision. Basically it takes photons and amplifies them into a visible image on a screen. this technology can see light in the infrared spectrum (or visible). thermal sees heat.
so in a blackened room with no light at all a standard night vision device will see nothing (no light present to amplify).
in the same room a thermal scope would see any temperature differences on surfaces.
you can get a good night vision device from a few hundred to a few thousand.
thermal starts at several thousand and goes up fast.
Some discussion you might find informative here:
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=455916
Basically most N/V will respond to I.R. light so you can use an I.R. lamp of some kind to improve the range. Even Gen 1 or Gen 0 is I.R. capable. The more you get modern the less the need for I.R. assistance becomes BTW.
Prices vary from $100 for Russian gen 0 bare-bones basic with *meh* quality through several thousand for state-of-the art gen 3.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=455916
Basically most N/V will respond to I.R. light so you can use an I.R. lamp of some kind to improve the range. Even Gen 1 or Gen 0 is I.R. capable. The more you get modern the less the need for I.R. assistance becomes BTW.
Prices vary from $100 for Russian gen 0 bare-bones basic with *meh* quality through several thousand for state-of-the art gen 3.
Zen Archery
New member
I ran with Gen 1 with advanced IR for a Year got a digital Scope (which isn't Gen 2, it's Digital meaning j can use day or night) and would highly advice the digital route. New is 1400.00 got mine used for 900.00
Double Naught Spy
New member
The problem with buying night vision gear is that there isn't exactly any sort of NV warehouse where you can go and demo various makes and models to find out what best suits you given your budget. I find this aspect to be very frustrating. Various generation levels will give you some idea of light amplification ability, but not durability or even clarity of the image.
In my opinion, opinions on various makes and models is sketchy at best, almost like gun school reviews. If somebody has something they believe is good, then they are sold on it 100%, though they may have only limited or even no experience with anything else. I have owned a total of 50 NV scopes over the years and handled maybe 5 other units from Gen I-III and I can tell you for a fact that I know what I like of what I have played with, but that does not mean I have a knowledge of what else is in the field relative to what I have used.
My suggestion is to make friends with folks in your area that might have NV and see how you like their gear. If they have something that will work for your needs and it fits your costs, then you have a decent product 'fit'.
In my opinion, opinions on various makes and models is sketchy at best, almost like gun school reviews. If somebody has something they believe is good, then they are sold on it 100%, though they may have only limited or even no experience with anything else. I have owned a total of 50 NV scopes over the years and handled maybe 5 other units from Gen I-III and I can tell you for a fact that I know what I like of what I have played with, but that does not mean I have a knowledge of what else is in the field relative to what I have used.
My suggestion is to make friends with folks in your area that might have NV and see how you like their gear. If they have something that will work for your needs and it fits your costs, then you have a decent product 'fit'.
bullethole1
Moderator
Thanks alot folks,it makes me wonder why Military troops cant take home some of their gear if they risked their lives for our freedom. My brother in law's brother is in the Military so I think I might ask him to see if he can get something although I think I heard it is prohibited 
Double Naught Spy
New member
The troops can't take home their gear because it isn't their gear. I don't think the US is keen on the idea of the soldiers taking home NV gear that costs several times as much as their rifles cost.
They risked their lives, but that is part of the package of being a soldier. Having been a soldier does not entitle you to keep gear that doesn't belong to you or gear that another soldier will need to use as well.
They risked their lives, but that is part of the package of being a soldier. Having been a soldier does not entitle you to keep gear that doesn't belong to you or gear that another soldier will need to use as well.