Gadget

The ability to see everything in pitch darkness is a hobby for some and a duty for others. It makes no difference what the night vision device (NVD) is used for: hunting, security or curiosity. Under any circumstances, you should have a good understanding of the features of such devices, and this rating will help you understand the best models on the market.

Criteria for selecting night vision devices

The following will be considered, which is extremely important when reading the technical characteristics of a particular product.

Binoculars or monocular

A monocular will cost less than binoculars with similar optical qualities. Such a device can be used directly from the hand, it is mounted on a helmet, mounted on a tripod, connected through an adapter to the optical sight of a firearm. It is inconvenient to observe for a long time through a monocular.

The binoculars cost more, since in most cases the optical system is duplicated in it, which is the only one in the monocular. It is comfortable for the eyes and provides a wider viewing angle. However, binoculars have a reduced area of ​​use.

Consideration should be given to the generation of the image intensifier tube (EC) used in the optical scheme of binoculars or monoculars. It is indicated in the specifications in Latin numerals: I, I+, II, II+, III, and so on. Expensive third generation models are much more vigilant than devices of previous generations.

Magnification

Do not chase a high level of approximation. The higher the magnification, the more complex and expensive the optics, as well as the smaller the viewing angle at maximum magnification. A high level of approximation requires a high-quality image intensifier tube; under other circumstances, it is difficult to understand illegible silhouettes at the highest magnification. For normal viewing of objects at the highest magnification, it is desirable to turn on infrared illumination.

Lens diameter

The larger the diameter, the brighter the final image will be. There are some exceptions to this pattern, but good optics must be large. What matters is the aperture ratio of the lens, which is the ratio of the focal length of the lens to its diameter. The smaller the final number, the more aperture optics, which does not form a too dark picture.

line of sight

It is the viewing angle of the device and is measured in degrees or meters per 1 kilometer. The larger the field of view, the easier it is to navigate the terrain. For example, when hunting, a wide viewing angle will be a significant advantage — no time is wasted on unnecessary actions.

Focus capability

Ideally, if the device can focus on the observed object automatically, also indicating the distance to it. It is desirable to correct the diopter difference.

Image Resolution

Newer models provide a detailed image that will not be achievable with first-generation image intensifier devices. Resolution is measured in terms of the number of visible lines per millimeter (l/mm) — the higher the better.

Top 7 best night vision devices in 2019 under 15,000 rubles

Below we will consider what you can get when buying the most profitable models costing from 1,000 to 20,000 rubles.

Panda 40×60

Chinese monocular with a 40x zoom and a main lens diameter of 60 mm. There is a double manual focus, diopter adjustment, shock-resistant rubberized housing. It can be used as an inexpensive device that complements the functionality of night vision devices.

Average price: 1,250 rubles.

Reviews: positive. However, some noted that in reality there is a 10x magnification and a lens diameter of 40 mm.

Pros:

• price;
• can be mounted on a tripod.

Minuses:

• is not a night vision device;
• low aperture optics.

Panda 40×60

Helios 10х40 (HS-RQ-080)

Monocular device for approaching distant objects with a magnification level of 10x. The lens diameter is 40mm. A multi-coated lens system is used to reduce glare and increase image detail. The field of view is 114 m per 1 km. It can be used as additional optics for night vision devices.

Average price: 2,800 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• high-quality optics;
• strap and carrying case.

Minuses:

• is not a night vision device;
• no diopter adjustment.

Helios 10х40 (HS-RQ-080)

NV MT Spartan 1*24 (24124) 20054

Monocular I generation without visual magnification. Observation range up to 80 m and lens diameter 24 mm. The device is designed for use with a mask. For this, there are 2 landing sockets with a diameter of 0.25 inches. In this way, a pair of monoculars can be mounted to provide stereoscopic vision. The viewing angle of one night vision device is 30°, the resolution is 36 l/mm. A pulsed infrared illumination with a wave length of 805 nm and a range of 150 m is used. This is an inexpensive entry-level night vision device, which stands out for its good technical base and thoughtful ergonomics.

Average price: 10,700 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• compactness;
• good range for the price.

Minuses:

• no optical zoom;
• case is not waterproof.

NV MT Spartan 1*24 (24124) 20054

BERING OPTICS Wake2 2.5×40 G1

NVD of the 1st generation in the form of a monocular with a magnification of 2.5x, a lens diameter of 40 mm and a range of up to 225 m. Infrared illumination (850 nm), diopter correction in the 4 D range, protection against water ingress. From one element (CR-123) of food works till 60 o’clock. There is protection against flashes of daylight — the device will turn off 2 seconds after registering a high level of illumination. The minimum focusing distance is 1 m, the field of view is 49 m at 0.2 km. The model comes in a bag and is equipped with a device that will suit not only a caver or a security guard, but also a hunter.

Average price: 11,300 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• fast optics;
• compactness.

Minuses:

• no lens cap
• no rangefinder.

BERING OPTICS Wake2 2,5×40 G1

NVMT Yukon Spartan 2×24

1st generation monocular with magnification level 2x, objective diameter 24 mm, viewing angle 25°, resolution 36 l/mm. It uses infrared illumination with a wavelength of 805 nm, which operates at a distance of up to 150 m. The NVD has a range of 200 m, and due to its wide viewing angle, it is suitable for observing moving objects. From one battery (CR123) works continuously for 20 hours. Diopter adjustment is possible in the range from -4 to +4 D.

Average price: 11,400 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• durable and lightweight construction;
• the possibility of retrofitting a microphone and an adapter for a camera.

Minuses:

• not the best optical characteristics;
• waterproof, but afraid of immersion in water.

NVMT Yukon Spartan 2×24

Bresser (Bresser) 3×25

NVG monocular type with a lens diameter of 25 mm and a threefold increase. It is distinguished by the ability to record what is happening on a memory card and the presence of a built-in display. Detection range up to 50 m. All settings are made using 6 buttons located around the screen. Powered by three AA batteries (the set is included in the delivery set). This is an inexpensive option with good optics and the ability to record video on an SD card.

Average price: 12,000 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• fixing the footage on a memory card;
• compactness.

Minuses:

• optics are not fast;
• the information content of the display is no better than the traditional scheme with an eyepiece.

Bresser (Bresser) 3×25

Yukon NV 5×60

NVD with image intensifier of the 1st generation. Magnification factor 5x, viewing angle 12°, objective diameter 60 mm, resolution 40 l/mm, minimum focusing distance 5 m, diopter refocusing of the eyepiece from -5 to +5 D. Infrared illumination with a wavelength of 805 nm provides full visibility in absolute darkness at a distance of up to 100 m. Power is supplied from one CR123A battery — 20 hours with IF illumination on. At a low level of illumination, the range increases to 300 m. It is possible to install a more powerful IF-illumination due to the presence of a special connector. The case is plastic, scratch-resistant, has a 0.25-inch socket, so it can be mounted on a tripod. The device is supplied in a case. It will be an excellent choice if you need a high-aperture monocular with a large magnification factor.

Average price: 13,000 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• high level of magnification;
• price.

Minuses:

• weight 660 g;
• no image intensifier tube protection from solar flare.

Yukon NV 5×60

Top 7 best night vision goggles of 2019

Below we will consider what you can count on when buying the most profitable models priced from 17,500 to 70,000 rubles.

Yukon Signal N320 RT 28062

Digital binoculars with night vision function and the ability to record a signal (resolution 640 by 480 pixels), or transfer it to a smartphone via Wi-Fi. You can make online broadcasts if you have fast wireless Internet. The optical system consists of a lens with a diameter of 28 mm, 4.5x zoom range, 7.7° field of view. When digital zoom is activated, the magnification will increase to 9x. The range is up to 350 meters. For power, a set of 4 AA batteries is used, or an external power bank with a USB connector. Can be used during the day — the lens is equipped with an iris diaphragm. The model is distinguished by advanced video surveillance functions and long-range, but not too fast optics.

Average price: 17,500 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• recording and transmission of video materials in real time;
• compact design, weight 350 g.

Minuses:

• small field of view;
• case is not waterproof.

Yukon Signal N320 RT 28062

Gals M 01 with mask

Wide-angle night vision monocular with I+ generation image intensifier tube and without magnification. Comes with a helmet. If necessary, delivery with optics of double approximation is possible. The lens diameter is 26 mm, the viewing angle is 37°, the range in complete darkness is up to 120 m. The device is light (290 g) and ergonomic — there is a strap for carrying and a lens cap. It will be the best choice if the maximum wide-angle optics and the presence of a mask are critical.

Average price: 17,500 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• rich equipment;
• wide field of view.

Minuses:

• no protection against solar flares;
• from one battery works up to 12 hours with the included IF-illumination.

Gals M 01 with mask

Pulsar Challenger GS 1×20

Night monocular without magnification with a lens diameter of 20 mm and a field of view angle of 40°. An I+ generation image intensifier tube is used. The resolution is 42 l/mm, the observation range is up to 200 m, the weight is 400 g. A Wearer-type seat is available, which makes it possible to install additional equipment. From one CR123 battery with infrared illumination (805 nm) turned on, the device works up to 20 hours. The case is protected from moisture, but this will not help when immersed in water. This model is the best choice for non-zooming night vision devices with a clear picture and a wide viewing angle.

Average price: 18,900 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• high-quality image intensifier;
• bright optics.

Minuses:

• not the most capacious battery;
• poor equipment.

Pulsar Challenger GS 1×20

Bresser National Geographic 3×25

1st generation monocular with 3x magnification and 25 mm objective lens. The field of view is 17 m by 100 m. Infrared illumination works at a distance of up to 60 m. The observation range of the device is up to 200 m in poor lighting conditions. 3 AA batteries are used as a battery — 4 hours of operation with the IF illumination on. The case is rubberized and has a special corrugation for a comfortable grip. It is possible to work night vision devices during daylight hours. The model stands out for its low weight (200 g) and compactness with good optical qualities.

Average price: 19,600 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• high-quality optics;
• thoughtful ergonomics.

Minuses:

• no protection of the image intensifier tube from sunlight;
• case is not waterproof.

Bresser National Geographic 3×25

Yukon Tracker 3×42

Night vision binoculars with 3x zoom, objective diameter 42 mm, field of view 20° and minimum focusing distance 2 m. Image intensifier of the 1st generation is used. The maximum possible observation distance is 250 m, but subject to the inclusion of infrared illumination. A CR123 battery is used as a battery. The model is distinguished by high-aperture optics, so in most cases it is used without IF illumination.

Average price: 24,400 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• fast and wide-angle optics;
• classic optical design — a separate lens for each eyepiece.

Minuses:

• weight — 750 g;
• The IR illuminator works only at a long distance.

Yukon Tracker 3×42

Pulsar Recon X870 5.5×50

Night monocular with 5.5x magnification, 50 mm objective lens, 5.5° field of view, 50 l/mm resolution and the ability to record what is happening through the analog video output. The zoom ratio can be increased up to 11x when using the digital zoom. Infrared illumination with a wavelength of 915 nm is used. Paired with long-range optics, this allows you to detect moving objects at a distance of up to 300 m in total darkness. The device is suitable for those to whom the multiplicity of approximation at a great distance is important.

Average price: 61,500 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• fast and long-range optics;
• good ergonomics.

Minuses:

• price;
• poor equipment.

Pulsar Recon X870 5.5×50

Veber Night Eagle M13/240

Monocular for night observations due to the registration of thermal radiation from objects. There is no optical zoom (lens diameter 13 mm, field of view 17°), if necessary, you can use digital 2x zoom. The minimum recorded temperature difference is 0.05 °C. A clear image is formed in the eyepiece — a matrix with a resolution of 720 by 540 pixels is used. If necessary, the signal can be output to a computer. The model will be an excellent addition to the night vision devices available in the household.

Average price: 67,000 rubles.

Reviews: positive.

Pros:

• high sensitivity of the thermal imager;
• built-in battery with a capacity of 3600 mAh.

Minuses:

• price;
• overall dimensions.

Veber Night Eagle M13/240

Conclusion

1. The class of the device is determined by the optics and the image intensifier used. Long-range and high-aperture optics paired with third-generation image intensifier tubes will cost several thousand dollars by themselves.
2. When choosing, you should understand what is more important — the viewing angle or the zoom factor. Understanding the impact of these criteria can significantly reduce the purchase budget.
3. For many, an important factor will be the presence of additional functions: recording video, transferring it to a computer, the possibility of retrofitting.

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