Defining It

Normally, when you’re using a camera, even if its night vision, you would see the image as it is. Of course, it could be because there is enough source of light. However, there are times when its complete dark or the light will not be sufficient to help you determine an image.

Your next best option is the thermal night vision. Rather than using light, it makes use of a broad spectrum of light. Any device with a thermal night vision can capture those that belong to the upper portion. These are colors that are emitted by objects that are hot or warm-blooded such as human body.

Who Uses Thermal Night Vision

With respect to surveillance, thermal night vision is often integrated to covert cameras, so you can still monitor animals, objects, and people that are on your premises. You don’t need to set up lights, since the technology itself will already tell you if there are beings nearby. Thermal night vision devices are also mounted on vehicles of law enforcers, especially when they are on manhunt or when they need to keep track of suspicious cars within the area. Even at significant distance, they can already come up with images of model and maker of a vehicle. You would also find goggles, binoculars, and monoculars with thermal night vision technology. It has also used by soldiers and other military personnel particularly in time of battles.

Thermal imaging can also be used by firefighters when they need to see images despite the smoke, by construction workers who need to check any heat leaks, and by psychologists who observe certain animal and human responses.

The Benefits

Thermal night vision provides quite a number of advantages to users. First, you can catch your suspects in real time. Some surveillance cameras would still have some lag time. As mentioned, with thermal night vision cameras, you can see even in the midst of darkness. After all, this technology does not depend on light but on heat. Moreover, if you know how to read results well, you can instantly determine which ones are inanimate objects and which ones are not. Thermal night vision can still work well even in drastic weather conditions, such as the presence of fog, rain, mist, and haze.

The Downsides

There are, however, some potential issues that you would face when it comes to thermal night vision. On top of the list is the fact that this technology is pretty expensive. Since there are not a lot of equipment that come with thermal night vision, most of them are sold cheap. You also need adequate knowledge to know how to read the different colors that you can see perhaps on your monitor.

Types of Thermal Night Vision Devices

So far, there are two general classifications of thermal night vision devices including night vision monoculars. You have the uncooled and the cooled ones. They differ in a lot of aspects. For instance, if you want something that can definitely last for a very long time, you need to get those thermal night vision equipment that are uncooled. They can work well if you’re in an environment that is room temperature.

Meanwhile, you have the cooled thermal night vision devices. These are far more sensitive than the uncooled ones, so they get easily damaged. Moreover, with their vulnerability, you have to pay a very high tag price. The good thing about them, though, is they can detect a temperature as low as 0.2ºF and even if the object is located around one thousand feet from where you are.

But Wait

Before we go into details about night vision goggles, let us try to differentiate them first from night vision binoculars. It seems like both have already been used interchangeably or that the differences have become so unclear. As a potential user, though, it is important that you know what these differences are, so you do not end up getting binoculars when you want night vision goggles and vice versa.

Both of them differ in their viewing lenses. Binoculars have two of them, which add more depth perception. This means that when you look at an object, you actually have two views of it; however, both will be joined into one. Binoculars, moreover, also have two image tubes for night vision capabilities. Of course, night vision goggles only have one of the objective lens and image tubes.

They also differ in price. Because night vision goggles are far simpler than binoculars, they are priced a lot cheaper. They are also lighter in weight. That is why they are preferred by many. They add more mobility and flexibility.

The Benefits of Night Vision Goggles

Perhaps you have already read some of the advantages of using goggles over binoculars or other scopes. However, we can expound them a bit. Goggles with night vision capabilities are more convenient. Besides the fact that Night vision goggles lightweight, they can also be mounted, so you do not really have to use your hands to hold them.

Because of convenience, the night vision goggles are ideal to use for surveillance and observation. The story of law enforcers may have also convinced you that these devices are truly dependable when you need to see through the darkness and when you need speed and agility during emergencies.

Like night vision binoculars, goggles do not hurt your eyes. Because you have two eyepieces where you can look into, you can avoid suffering from eye strain, especially if you are going to utilize the night vision goggles for a very long time.

How to Look for the Right Night Vision Goggles

These days you have to be very careful when you are looking for ATN night vision goggles. Some of the shops would sell you mediocre ones, thinking that you would really not know the difference between good or bad ones.

Therefore, when you are shopping for a night vision goggles make sure you are buying them in reputable store. The products should also come from well-known brands such as ATN.

You also have to know where you are going to use the night vision goggles. They are usually classified in terms of generation. The night vision goggles that belong to the first generation are more effective if there are other sources of light such as the moon and the stars. However, if the area is completely dark or there is no additional source of light, you have to select night vision goggles that belong to generations 2 and 3. Do not forget to ask for the best magnification for your application.

Here are 4 of the best ATN night vision equipment that you can buy:

FLIR Patrol IR

This ATN night vision camera utilizes a technology called thermal imaging. This allows your ATN night vision equipment to monitor individuals—and even animals—covertly. It has an ability to reveal the temperature or heat signatures of both animals and humans, so for example you can instantly know if someone is in your home. The ATN night vision camera can also magnify the resolution to up to 4 times, so you can clearly spot the position of your suspect. The device has been so effective that it is also commonly used by law enforcement agencies since the early part of the 1980s.

Another great thing about this ATN night vision cameras are you can also add this into your vehicle. It can also withstand changing weather conditions should you decide to install this outside.

ATN Night Vision Binoculars

Thinking of camping or hunting at nighttime? Don’t feel too safe. Always bring with you an ATN night vision binocular. This one runs using a technology known as opticoelectonic system. This means that for you to properly utilize the device, you have to make use of voltage power. Nevertheless, the images will appear very clear and sharp. It’s as if you’re actually walking in daylight.

The ATN night vision binoculars also come with protective covers. They are meant to protect the objective lens from scratches and other possible things that could cause damage to your lenses. They can also filter out light, so when you look into the binoculars at daytime, you don’t feel the glare. The ATN night vision binoculars also contain pin holes, where you can check the condition of your device whenever you’re going to use it in broad daylight.

ATN Night Storm 1 Yellow

If you’re thinking of looking at objects at a great distance, this ATN night vision device is one of the best buys. With the use of its high-quality Intensifier tube, you can actually amplify the light as much as 35,000 times. It also has its own infrared illuminator, which permits you to “see” in total darkness. Moreover, whenever you buy this one, you also get a camera adapter, which you can immediately add into your usual camera. You can then transform it into your own ATN night vision device.

Night Spirit-2

This is ideal for individuals who want something basic. This is also perfect for those who are starting out with night vision devices. This is a type of an ATN night vision monoculars. Needless to say, though, it’s packed with a lot of great and essential features.

First, it’s lightweight, so you can bring this with you anywhere you go. The lenses are also multicoated, so you can properly source out lights that would help you see images a lot clearer and brighter. You can also use this in a total darkness because it has its own infrared illuminator. The device is also rugged. It doesn’t get damaged when soaked in water or exposed to fog.

Indeed, ATN night vision devices are your best options if you want to have more fun and security at nighttime. Furthermore, you have many choices available, so you can definitely pick one that suits your needs and wants.

That’s where technology kicks in. Thanks to science we can use night vision to do all sorts of things. With the proper equipment we can hunt, take pictures or even fight wars in the dark. We can also perform surveillance and search and rescue missions.

Here’s how it works: Your night vision product will take existing light and amplify it through an objective lens, which then focuses on an image intensifier. A photocathode located inside the intensifier converts the photon energy into electrons. The electrons in turn strike a phosphor screen creating a viewable image. In reality it looks like you’re watching television on a green screen.

Atmospheric conditions can affect night vision. For instance, if it’s cloudy, foggy, or overcast, night vision can be compromised. The clearer the night, the farther one will be able to see with night vision technology. It should also be noted that night vision shouldn’t be magnified, as light is lost during the magnification process making it more difficult to see.

Night vision devices include:
- Cameras
- Binoculars
- Scopes for firearms
- Goggles

If you think that using a night vision device on a frequent basis might be harmful, you couldn’t be more wrong. Night vision products are no more harmful than a television or movie screen. It doesn’t emit radiation or other harmful rays and there’s no reason for it to cause blindness.

Early in the 19th century earth tone colors were prevalent for the hunter.  However, the emphasis was more on style and an elegant nature for a gentleman seeking social recognition rather than being suitable for a stalker.  The popular fitted pattern in its time was completely devoid of comfort or practicality.  However, legitimate hunters distinguished themselves from the woodsmen who conceded to fashion in order to display their status in society.  They demanded that the clothes be loosened regardless of style or their social status.  By the second half of the 19th century, the focus was more on a comfortable fit and materials offering protection from the elements.

Research in the 20th century told us with certainty that many animals do not see or register colors the way man does.  The size of their eyes and many other factors determine the way they see. For example, the deer is a grazing animal with night vision. Their heightened visual senses at dawn and dusk make them perfectly capable of avoiding obstacles while running through a timber in the dark.  This might also suggest that bright colored clothing is entirely appropriate and decreases the risk of hunting accidents.  But don’t forget, if the camouflage garment contains UV brighteners, you will not increase your chances of taking one home.

If you have the opportunity and good fortune to hunt for bighorn sheep, consider a few tips during the planning stages of your trip.  You will need functional, lightweight equipment including a good pair of binoculars.  Mountain sheep have vision several times sharper than man and they maneuver with ease over treacherous terrain.  The best chance for a trophy is to approach covered completely in camouflage.   What does nature have to offer in this situation?  

 Advances in technology give us sophisticated weapons, night vision binoculars, GPS, computers, video cameras and a wide selection of earth tone colored and camouflage patterned outer wear made according to a certain standard or safety requirement.  However, as state regulations are enforced to make this activity safer, it is logical to assume that UV brighteners and manmade materials are not really camouflage at all and possibly provide a false sense of security.

Do you still think of our hunting ancestors as primitive?  After all, they needed an advantage and one intelligent solution gave them an edge – camouflage.  It might have been as simple as smearing ashes or mud on their faces or hiding them behind leafy twigs.  Even in the earliest days, the hunters must have been mammoth specialists.  Spears chipped from stone found among the bones of these animals support this theory.  We also know that bones were used as weapons along with the element of surprise and various ways to lure their prey into traps.  None the less, our ancient ancestors were very good at what they did.  After all, where would we be now without their expertise?  How will the art of camouflage evolve into the 22nd century and will it have a positive or negative effect on the hunter?