It’s not unnatural to consider buying night vision goggles. Since human beings are not nocturnal, it is the best way of achieving clear vision at night. However, before you decide to visit the store, you have to ensure that the goggle is worth your dime. Remember they are not cheap and buying them isn’t as simple as picking sunglasses. You have to do thorough research on the available options to settle for one that suits the kind of purpose and experience you want. To help you decide, we came up with the top factors to consider when buying night vision goggles.
Image Quality
One of the most important things to consider when buying night vision goggles is the quality of the image you want to get. This means that you have to pay close attention to the resolution. Look for a high-resolution NVG to achieve a clear and sharp image. You need night vision goggles that make it easier to see details in the dark.
Field Of View
The field of view is the area that you can see through the goggles. It is a crucial factor, especially if you plan to use the device for activities such as hunting or surveillance. Night vision goggles have no magnification features like binoculars and other telescopic sights, so going for a wider field of view puts you at a great advantage. A larger field of view will give you a better view of your surroundings, while a smaller field of view will make it easier to focus on specific objects.
Generation
Night vision goggles come in four different generations, with each generation being an improvement over the previous one. The higher the generation, the better the image quality, but you’ll also have to dig deeper into your pockets.
Generation is what powers the performance of your goggles. So, you have to do extensive research on the features and functionality before buying the goggles. The current generations of night vision technology range from Gen 1 to Gen 4 as follows:
- Gen 1: First introduced during the Vietnam War, these goggles amplify available light to create an image. They are the most affordable and widely available but offer the lowest image quality and range.
- Gen 2: These devices use special plates to amplify available light, resulting in a brighter and sharper image and range than Gen 1.
- Gen 3: This is the most advanced generation. The goggles have a larger viewing range and better image quality than Gen 2. They are expensive but widely used by military forces, law enforcement, and hunters.
- Gen 4: The newest improvement of Gen 3, they use a different type of technology that increases image clarity, resolution, and light sensitivity. They are the most expensive and are still not common among civilians.
Conclusion
Night vision goggles have many benefits such as improved visibility in darkness and safety while driving or walking at night. However, since they are quite expensive, you have to consider whether the features offered match their cost. Other necessary factors to keep in mind are the battery life, durability, weight, and comfort.
