| If you spent any time researching night vision devices, | | | | vision scope to be only used recreational use, |
| you have probably noticed that prices seem to be all | | | | especially when 1st generation technology provides a |
| over the board. One unit can cost several thousand | | | | passable image for most applications. |
| dollars while a unit that appears to be similar in size | | | | One distinctive characteristic of a 1st generation unit is |
| and magnification costs a couple of hundred dollars. It | | | | the high pitched whine that is heard when turning it on. |
| can become very confusing as to why the prices | | | | This sound is usually very soft, and it is not a problem |
| could be so vastly different. The reason why prices | | | | for most users. You may also notice that the edges of |
| vary so much is primarily because different | | | | images are slightly blurred or distorted. Both of these |
| 'generations' of technology are being implemented into | | | | features should be expected with 1st Generation |
| the many devices that are available. | | | | Technology. |
| There are currently 3 generations of night vision | | | | Second and third generations are very similar, and |
| technology available on the commercial market. Each | | | | many times you will see them included together within |
| generation has brought about improvements in the | | | | the same product description. Beginning with the 2nd |
| performance of the unites, but the improvements have | | | | generation the "micro-channel plate," or MCP, was |
| also increased the retail prices of these units | | | | added to the image intensifier tube. The addition of the |
| considerably. Do the improvements justify the cost | | | | MCP resulted in a clearer image, and reduced the |
| increments? That is really a personal decision you will | | | | amount of natural and infrared light that was |
| have to make depending on your needs, and what | | | | necessary in order to see an image. |
| you are willing to spend. | | | | The most current 4th generation has made giant |
| Night vision technology was initially developed for | | | | strides in improving the technology. It has made |
| military applications, and over the years the technology | | | | significant improvements in contrast levels, and has |
| made its' way into law enforcement uses. Today this | | | | reduced the amount of light needed even further. As |
| technology is available to anyone that can afford to | | | | this technology becomes commercially available, you |
| use it. While the most common uses of these devices | | | | should expect even more of a drop in 1st and 2nd |
| are still military and law enforcement; they are | | | | generation products. |
| becoming increasingly popular with security companies, | | | | At the end of the day, picking the right unit is mainly a |
| private investigators, hunters, photographers, and | | | | matter of preference. Think through what you need, |
| nature enthusiasts. | | | | and what you can afford, and then find the right unit |
| First generation instruments are most common, simply | | | | for you. Take the time to do your research. In the long |
| because they are the most affordable. It is hard for | | | | run, it is well worth your time. |
| most people to justify spending over $2,500 for a night | | | | |