Night vision goggles are a must-have for anyone who needs to see in low-light conditions, whether it's for hunting, security, or military purposes. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which pair is the best for you. This guide will help you understand how night vision goggles work, what signs to look for when determining the quality of a pair, the differences between night vision and thermal imaging, and the different types of night vision goggles available.

How do Night Vision Goggles Work?

Night vision is created by amplifying the available light in the environment. Just as the eyes of nocturnal animals dilate to let in more light and help them see, NVGs and other night vision equipment can collect even tiny amounts of light to generate an image. Even at night, it is nearly impossible to find complete darkness, as there is always some light from stars or distant electric lights.
Night vision technology uses a device called an Image Intensifier Tube that collects light, amplifies it, and then projects it onto a screen. This allows you to see in low-light conditions, such as in the dark of night or a darkened room.

Some night vision equipment comes with an Infrared (IR) illuminator, which provides additional light in extremely dark conditions. This device emits infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye, to illuminate the area in front of the night vision equipment, allowing the user to see more clearly. IR illuminators are also commonly used in security cameras and flashlights. They are ideal for hunting, surveillance, and military operations as they allow the user to see in complete darkness without being detected by others.

What is Night Vision used for?

Night vision goggles can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Military: Night vision systems are commonly used by military personnel for night operations.
• Hunting: Night vision can help you see in the dark while hunting, allowing you to spot animals more easily.
• Security & Surveillance: for Private Investigators or security firms, night vision may be beneficial for surveillance operations, allowing you to see in low-light conditions without being detected.
• Outdoor activities: Night vision can even be used for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and exploring. However, there is little reason not to save money and use a torch for these activities.
  
  

Signs of Quality in Night Vision Equipment

When looking for a quality night vision scope, there are a few basics to make sure you consider:

• A high resolution: The higher the resolution, the better the image will be.
• A wide field of view: A wide field of view allows you to see more of your peripheral vision, for maximum situational awareness
• Durability: Look for goggles that are built to last, with durable materials and sturdy construction.
• Good battery life: Make sure the goggles have a long battery life so you can use them for extended periods.
  
  Bear these in mind as you investigate the different night vision systems to ensure you get something worthwhile. The following considerations are a little more complex and depend largely on your intended use of the equipment.
  
  

Night Vision vs Thermal Imaging

These two technologies can both be used to help us see in the dark, but they work in very different ways. Night vision amplifies available light to help you see in low-light conditions, while thermal imagers detect heat signatures to create an image. There are benefits to both, the choice depends on what it is you want to see.

Because it amplifies light, night vision is good for seeing any object or navigating in darkness, while thermal imaging will only show objects that give off heat, such as live animals or running engines.

If you are operating in conditions where there is light but low visibility, such as fog or heavy rain, thermal imaging is more suitable to help you spot wildlife. In these situations, night vision will amplify all of the light, but won’t be able to distinguish objects any better than your own eyes.

One Lens or Two?

Because of the general association between night vision and its use in spy movies, people usually start out looking for night vision goggles, imagining a head-mounted pair of binoculars. However, night vision systems come in many shapes and sizes, so which is best for you?

• Night Vision Monocular: Designed for use with just one eye, a monocular night vision scope can
• Night Vision Binocular: Resembling the more classic ‘goggles’ people imagine, a binocular system can be made up of two monoculars mounted together. This gives you three-dimensional vision, as the two images together create depth perception.
• Night Vision Rifle Scopes: Some monocular equipment can be mounted onto a rifle and used as a scope. This is best with a good magnification to enable long-range night shooting.

Magnification

Some night vision goggles come with magnification, which allows you to zoom in on an object. This can be useful for hunting or surveillance, but it's important to remember that the image will become less clear as you zoom in. Most night vision equipment offers some degree of magnification whether 1-4x, 1-8x or 1-16x. What you choose will depend on how far away you are hoping to see, or the level of detail you want to view in low light.

Digital Night Vision?

Digital night vision goggles use a digital sensor to detect light, rendering the image on a display screen. This can result in a clearer image, but they may not be as sensitive to low-light conditions as traditional night vision systems. Some digital systems are capable of providing a full-colour image and even recording video footage.

The Best Night Vision Goggles in the UK

With a good knowledge of these criteria, you can hopefully feel confident in choosing the right night vision equipment for you. The NVG you buy will depend on a few factors:

• Activity: If you’re looking to hunt in low light, such as within an hour of sunset, you will benefit from a scope or equipment that can be rifle mounted. If you’re hoping to spot nocturnal creatures for photography, however, a handheld binocular system or a night vision camera might be more suitable.
• Budget: If you already have a scope with good magnification and resolution, it’s more economical to purchase an add-on to get all that with night vision as well. The Pard NV007 SP LRF converts your day scope into a digital night vision riflescope with an integrated laser rangefinder and high-definition OLED display. Alternatively, the Sightmark Wraith 4K Mini 4 is a smaller day/night riflescope all-in-one, with 2-26x magnification and 8x digital zoom.

The Sightmark Wraith Night Vision Monocular is a digital system offering high-definition imaging, with a 4K resolution. It can be used hand-held, mounted to a helmet or as a rifle scope, great for airsoft, spotting animals at night, and security operations. Sightmark is known for their durable and versatile equipment. Equipped with auto-adjusting IR illumination, the system can enable low-light perception up to 300 yards away.

This forms the basis of the Sightmark 4K NVG Goggle system, which combines two of the 4K monoculars using a dual bridge system to create dual night vision.

You can buy night vision goggles and equipment in the UK for improving visibility at night when owls, foxes, badgers and deer are more easily spotted. Hunting at night is prohibited
By understanding what features are available in the night vision systems range, and the mark of a quality system, you can make an informed and confident decision when purchasing night vision equipment.