We have a great selection of night vision rifle scopes, night vision binoculars, night vision monoculars and night vision illuminators from Armasight, ATN, Bushnell, Firefield, Pulsar and Sightmark. Below is our quick guide to purchasing night vision hardware.
Generation 1 night vision or Gen1 night vision devices are typically the least expensive night vision devices because they rely on ambient light to function properly. They use an S20 photocathode that provides about 1000x light amplification.
Generation 2 night vision or Gen2 has improved image resolution and light amplification because they use a microchannel plate (MCP) and an improved image intensifier tube. This coupled with an S25 photocathode will provide brightness than gen1 night vision devices.
Generation 3 night vision or Gen3 uses a new photocathode. It still has a microchannel plate (MCP) but the MCP has an improved coating which increases the tube life. The coating is an ion barrier film that causes a halo effect when looking at bright light sources. Gen3 night vision rifle scopes, binoculars, monoculars and other devices will use more power than Gen1 or Gen2 NV, but have a much better light amplification of 30K-50K.
Generation 3+ Or Gen3+ night vision devices are a little bit different than the 3rd generation devices. They use an auto-gated technology and a thinner ion barrier on the microchannel plate (MCP). The automatic gating of Gen3+ NV will regulate the photocathode voltage. This gating allows the NV device to adjust adjust to changes in your operating environment automatically. The ion barrier's thinner layer improves the image noise and luminous sensitivity. Unfortunately, the thinner or sometimes even removed ion barrier will decreases the intensifier tube life from 20,000 mean time to failure to 15,000 hours. However, night vision devices are normally replaced well before the mean failure time. Please note that automatic gating can be used on previous generations of night vision devices but having this capability does not necessarily mean that the device is classified as Gen 3+.
OpticsPlanet is the best online source for night vision products in the world! From Gen 1 night vision goggles for hobbyists, to Gen 3 Rifle Scopes for military and law enforcement, we have every type of night vision device you can imagine! Check out our full selection of night vision goggles, monoculars, scopes, thermal imaging and digital night vision from the best night vision brands like Armasight Night Vision, ATN Night Vision, Yukon Night Vision, Bushnell Night Vision and other top NV manufacturers.
Gen1 night vision devices are most affordable, but rely on ambient light to function properly. They use an S20 photocathode that provides about 1000x light amplification.
Image resolution and light amplification are improved in the Gen 2 night vision devices. Utilizing a microchannel plate (MCP) and an improved image intensifier tube, coupled with an S25 photocathode, you get better brightness than first generation night vision.
Gen3 night vision is a step up from second generation in that the new photocathode is used. A microchannel plate (MCP) is still present and the new coating on the MCP increases tube life. An ion barrier film on the microchannel plate causes a halo effect when looking at bright light sources. Generation 3 night vision devices and rifle scopes consume more power, but have light amplification of 30K-50K.
Gen 3+ night vision devices differ from standard third generation in the use of auto-gated technology and use of a thinner ion barrier on the microchannel plate (MCP). Automatic gating regulates the photocathode voltage, which makes the night vision device to automatically adjust to changes in light conditions. The thinned layer of the ion barrier improves image noise and luminous sensitivity. However, a thinner or removed ion barrier also decreases the life of the intensifier tube from 20,000 mean time to failure to 15,000 hours. Generally NV devices are replaced before reaching this point. It is important to note, that auto-gating can be placed on previous version of night vision and having this capability does not necessarily mean that the device is classified as Gen 3+.
See into the night with our attractively priced nightvision devices, built by the best brands in the world. We offer Gen 1 Night Vision all the way through Generation 3 and even Gen 4 Night Vision. Military, Law enforcement, security personnel, nature lovers, hunters and hikers will be amazed at the ability of these night vision devices to turn the darkest nights into light, and will appreciate the discounted prices at which OpticsPlanet makes the world's best night vision products available.
OpticsPlanet is an active DOD and DHS military night vision equipment supplier of ArmaSight night vision, ATN, US Night Vision, and Infrared Thermal Imaging cameras and weapon sights to the US Military (CCR Cage Code 3GP24). Our Government Sales experts (Government & Volume Purchasing Group) are proud to supply 2nd and 3rd Generation night vision gear to the US Military, Law Enforcement, Security Companies, Special Forces, Fire, Rescue, and Emergency/Disaster Response teams. OpticsPlanet.com is one of the few selected Authorized US Online Resellers for ITT Brand and advanced thermal imaging scopes from Flir and Thermal Eye.
OpticsPlanet is committed to making sure its customer have the information they need to make the right product decision. Be sure to check out the numerous night vision product reviews, and please leave reviews for any night vision device you have experience with. How to buy night vision is a common question that we are asked. Need a quick night vision intro? Take a look at our night vision information section. Our night vision bestsellers are presented in our Best Night Vision section. Have a question? Look at our Night Vision Forum, and if you do not see an answer, feel free to ask! We have night vision experts on staff to answer any night vision question you might have!
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