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| | | Night Vision Buyer Guide | | |
Night Vision Buyer$’ Guide – Making
cents of your purchase
The purchase of a night vision device can afford the user with a lifetime
of night-time viewing enjoyment. However, with many brands, product generations,
and product variations to choose from, making the right decision for your
specific application is important.
Rigel Optics is a major U.S. supplier of high performance, affordable Generation
1 night vision goggles ,
night vision binoculars ,
night vision monoculars , and night
vision imaging cameras. We are leaders in this specific product category
as it affords the customer with the best overall value proposition –
highest quality night vision for the Dollar.
The difference between image intensifier
night vision, digital night vision, and thermal imaging night vision.
The difference between Generation 1, 2, and 3 devices.
The difference between night vision goggles,
binoculars, monoculars, and scopes?
The most important
product attributes to look out for when buying my night vision device?
Glossary of terms.
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| Should I buy image intensifier tube night vision, digital
night vision, or thermal imaging night vision? |
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There
are three ways to achieve “night vision”.
Image intensifier Night Vision (Green Images) |
Image intensifier night vision is by far the most widely used type
of night vision device. This works by collecting the tiny amounts
of light, including the lower portion of the infrared light spectrum,
invisible to the naked eye, and amplifying it to the point that we
can easily observe the image. Image intensification is also referred
to as gain multiplication.
Light enters a night vision product through an objective lens and
strikes a photo cathode that has a high-energy charge from the power
supply. The energy charge accelerates across a vacuum inside the
intensifier and strikes a phosphor screen (like a TV screen) where
the image is focused. The eyepiece magnifies the image.
A Night Vision phosphor screen is purposefully colored green because
the human eye can differentiate more shades of green than other
phosphor colors.
Nearly all Generation 1 night vision devices sold on the U.S market
(including those offered by such companies as Night Owl, Bushnell,
US Night Vision, & Yukon Optics) use image tubes produces by the
publicly traded company “JSC Ekran” of Novosibirsk Russia.
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Rigel Optics’ image intensifier
night vision is widely renowned as being the best in the Generation
1 category by virtue using only the top 5% hand picked image
intensifier tubes. These premium grade image intensifier tubes
have the most efficient amplification capabilities and smallest
amount of blemishes and black dots.
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Digital Night Vision (Black and White Images)
Digital night vision is similar to image intensifier night vision
in that they amplify available light and require an IR illuminator
in very low light, or pitch-black conditions. Digital night vision
collects light through an objective lens and is processed through
a highly sensitive charged coupling device (CCD) and then is projected
onto to a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) where you can view the image.
Contrary to that the name suggests however, digital night vision
cannot reproduce an image in stereoscopic color. The processed image
is viewed black and white. Digital night vision is however, not
prone to damage when exposed to light, or used during the daytime.
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Thermal Night Vision
Thermal night vision, or thermal imaging, operates by capturing the
upper portion of the infrared light spectrum, which is emitted as
electromagnetic waves (heat) by objects. Thermal-imaging devices have
infrared-detector elements that see only this portion of the spectrum.
The image is projected on a screen in black & white / gray.
Thermal imaging devices are or particular value to law enforcement
and defense by virtue of their ability to sense previous activity
or movement. For example, any heat given off during a previous movement
or activity (leaning against a wall, extinguished campfire, breathing
in cold air) are easy traced with thermal imaging devices.
Due to the sophisticated components required to manufacture a thermal
imaging device, prices generally start at $10,000 per unit.
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| Should I buy a Generation 1, 2, or 3 device? |
Generation 0
Developed during the WW2 era. Otherwise known as “active infrared”
night vision, these night vision devices emit an IR beam which bounces back
to the night vision device to create illuminated images. One major drawback
of active infrared night vision devices used during the middle of the 20th
century was the ability for hostile forces to see the bright red images
being emitted from the devices.
Generation 1
Generation 1 night vision image tubes gather available ambient light (from
stars, moon, streetlights) and amplify them as described above. Generation
1 night vision
devices must use infrared illuminators if
no ambient light is present.
Generation 1 Pros
• Offer the best return on investment for image quality and brightness
• Used by all user types – professionals and amateurs
• Very affordable
Generation 1 Cons
• Higher image quality available in Gen. 2 and Gen. 3 devices
• Non Rigel Optics Generation 1 night vision may use lower grade
optical components. Not all generation 1 devices feature same optical
quality
Generation 2
While substantially more expensive than Generation 1, Generation 2 provides
the user with better image resolution, and brighter green images through
the phosphor screen.
Micro channel plates (MCP’s) used in Generation 2 devices significantly
enhance the light gathering capability, and overall image produced. Further,
the electrons passing through the MCP are also forced into more of a linear
pattern, which in turn reduce image distortion. Unlike Generation 1 night
vision, it is possible to view objects in very low light conditions without
using an infrared illuminator.
Generation 2 Pros
• Better image resolution and image brightness over Generation 1
night vision
• Few, if any blemishes on image tube
Generation 2 Cons
• Out of the rational price range of non-government, military, and
professional users
• Restrictions on transporting overseas and using in certain applications
Generation 3
Generation 3 night vision devices are primarily used only by law enforcement
and defense agencies, but provide the user with the highest possible overall
quality. Generation 3 night vision is a step beyond Generation 2 by utilizing
gallium arsenide. Gallium arsenide has a very high electronic velocity,
which is extremely efficient at converting photons to electrons, and thus
producing the best, brightest, clearest image available.
Generation 3 Pros
• The best night vision money (and U.S. taxpayers) can buy
Generation 3 Cons
• Highly cost prohibitive – starting at $3,000.
• Restrictions on transporting overseas and using in certain applications
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| Should I buy a night vision goggle, binocular,
or monocular (scope)? |
Night Vision Goggles
The most popular form of night vision, night vision goggles give the user
total hands-free mobility with the use of a head-mount.
In providing for the best depth perception and widest field of view, all
head mounted night vision goggles feature 1.0x magnification.
Rigel Optics night vision goggles are versatile
and can easily be converted into high magnification night
vision binoculars, or mounted on Kevlar helmets
Rigel Optics Night Vision Goggles hallmark attribute:
Versatility. Rigel Optics night vision goggles
can easily be converted into high magnification night
vision binoculars , or mounted on Kevlar
helmets.
Some of our customers’ unique applications for night vision goggles
include:
• Assisting helicopter pilots in flight
• Anti piracy efforts in cinemas
• Developing photos and film
• Dining in the dark events
• Going through a Sonic Drive-Thru at night
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| Rigel 2100 Pro Night Vision Binoculars |
L.A. Times Review of Night Vision Binoculars (Click to enlarge) |
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| Night Vision Binoculars |
Like night vision goggles, night vision binoculars feature two eyepieces,
two image-intensifier tubes and two objective lenses for total stereoscopic
vision. However, long range viewing with night vision binoculars is attained
through the use of higher power lenses. Night vision binoculars can effectively
gather light from several hundred yards away, so most models feature a magnification
between 1.5x to 5.0x.
Rigel Optics Night Vision Binoculars hallmark attribute:
Choices. The wide range of night vision binoculars that Rigel Optics offers
give customers’ more choices. The Rigel 2020 Pocket Night
Vision binocular is the world smallest, lightest, magnifying night
vision binocular, while the Rigel 2500 high magnification night vision binocular
features 5.0x magnifying power, and can be used with 2 IR illuminators simultaneously.
Further many of our night vision binoculars are also tri-pod
mountable which is ideal for stealth observation from far away.
Choose your night vision binocular based on your most important user criteria
| Magnification |
Rigel 2500 High Magnification |
| Portability |
Rigel 2020 Pocket |
| Covertness |
Rigel 2300 Long Range |
Best of all worlds
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Rigel 2100 Pro |
Some of our customers’ unique applications for night vision binoculars
include:
• Caving
• Bat watching
• Stargazing
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| Night Vision Monoculars |
Night vision monoculars feature one eyepiece, one image-intensifier tube,
and one objective lens (1.5x to 5.0x). Accordingly, night vision monoculars
are generally priced at ½ of their night vision binocular counterparts.
Although the most affordable type of night vision device, one of the potential
disadvantages is the “squinting” required to see through the
eyepiece, and smaller panorama of view. Night vision rifle scopes are also
considered a monocular, with the addition of a rifle mount on the bottom
of the device.
Rigel Optics Night Vision Monoculars hallmark attribute:
Durability. All Rigel Optics night vision devices are water resistant, and
the Rigel 1500 Marine night vision monocular
is nearly waterproof. Further most all Rigel Optics night vision monoculars
are manufactured with battle-tested metal housings, maximizing both aesthetics
and durability.
Some of our customers’ unique applications for night vision monoculars
include:
• Detecting ambient light leaks
• Home security
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| The most important product attributes to look
out for when buying my night vision device? |
| Model |
Image Tube Selection |
Built In IR |
Secondary Super Booster IR Mount |
Automatic Overlight Shutoff |
LED Power Indicator |
Tolerance |
Tripod
-
Mou
ntable |
Convertable to/from Night Vision Goggles |
| Rigel 1100 Monocular (New) |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
Yes |
Yes |
| Rigel 1500 Monocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Extra Water Resistant |
No |
No |
| Rigel 2020 Binocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
| Rigel 2100 Binocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
| Rigel 2100C Binocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
| Rigel 2300 Binocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
Yes |
No |
| Rigel 2500 Binocular |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
No |
| Rigel 3200 Goggles |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
| Rigel 3250 Goggles |
V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
Rigel 3300 Goggles
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V-8S - Highest Grade Gen. 1 Available
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Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Water Resistant |
No |
Yes |
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Size Matters! Under 1 Pound!!
The Rigel 3250 compact is known for being the lightest dual-ocular Gen.
1 night vision goggle available. How do night vision goggles work? At over
1 pound lighter than other competing models, users will appreciate its ease
of use over extended periods of time. The Rigel 3250 Compact Night Vision
Goggles sets a new standard in product innovation and overall customer experience.
Binocular conversion kits also available for the Rigel 3250 Compact Night
Vision Goggles. On Sale Now!
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| Glossary of terms |
Automatic Brightness Control
An electronic feature that automatically reduces voltages to the micro channel
plate to keep the image intensifier's brightness within optimal limits and
protect the tube. The effect of this can be seen when rapidly changing from
low-light to high-light conditions; the image gets brighter and then, after
a momentary delay, suddenly dims to a constant level.
Black Spots
Usually cosmetic blemishes in the image which are inherent in the production
process. In other cases, as dirt builds on the lens, black spots are also
visible. Black spots resulting from the production process neither influence
the image quality nor interfere with night observation. Spots which form
due to dirt should be removed carefully with a soft cloth.
Bright-Source Protection An electronic function that
reduces the voltage to the photo cathode when the night vision device
is exposed to bright light sources such as room lights or car lights.
BSP protects the image tube from damage and enhances its life; however,
it also has the effect of lowering resolution when functioning.
Diopter
The unit of measure used to define eye correction or the refractive power
of a lens. In most cases, an optical eyepiece will accommodate for differences
in individual eyesight among users.
Electro-optical transducer Primary system which directs
and accelerates the photoelectronic flux taking into account the potential
difference between the photo cathode and the screen, and forms the electronic
image.
Emission Point
A pinpoint of bright light in the image area that does not vanish when
all light is blocked from the objective lens.
Eye Relief
The distance your eyes must be from the farthest element of an eyepiece
in order to achieve the optimal image area.
Gain
Sometimes referred to as brightness gain. Gain is the number of times
a night vision device amplifies light input. For a detailed description
of gain and how it can affect performance, please refer to our “First
Time Buyer Section”.
Infrared Light radiated with wavelengths longer than
those of red light.
Line Pairs per Millimeter (lp/mm)
Units used to measure image intensifier resolution.
Lumen
The unit denoting the photons perceivable by the human eye per one second.
Photosensitivity
The ability of the photo cathode material to produce an electrical response
when subjected to photons.
Recticle
The “neon colored” round aiming device found in many night
vision rifle scopes which serves as cross-hairs.
Resolution
The ability of an image intensifier or night vision system to distinguish
between objects close together. Image intensifier resolution is measured
in line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm). For a detailed description of resolution
and how it can affect performance, please refer to our “First Time
Buyer Section”.
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