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- Alfred Mendoza
- June 1, 2023
Hunters rely on particular devices to see in the dark, identify targets, and make accurate shots within the shortest possible time. In choosing between night vision vs thermal optics, there are crucial elements that you need to consider. We tested both of these devices and laid out everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What’s The Main Difference Between Night Vision & Thermal Optics?
Night vision scopes allow you to see in dark or poorly lit environments by collecting and amplifying ambient light or near-infrared light. The visible light energy is reflected in the game, and a detector receives and transforms it into an image. The green-hued vision you’ve seen on movie clips are examples of NV images.
By contrast, thermal scopes detect radiation and don’t require any visible light to generate your targets’ images. They use infrared scanners to measure heat signatures of humans, animals, or objects that produce heat and translate those into images. Various colors are used to represent temperature intensity; the hotter the target, the lighter the image.
Unlike NV scopes, thermal imaging scopes can generate pictures of a game even when it’s camouflaged, standing still, behind thick bushes, or hidden in smoke or fog. However, they aren’t a good option when hunting in extremely cold weather conditions
Night Vision
PROS
- Able to create “natural” looking image
- Clear and crisp image
- Good for wide-angle views
- Better at target identification
- More budget-friendly
CONS
- Dependent on ambient or artificial light
- Not good for long-distance sighting
Thermal
PROS
- Not dependent on visible light
- Bullet availability are everywhere
- Can be used daytime and nighttime
- More suited for 24-hour surveillance and long-distance detection
- Good for search and rescue operations
CONS
- Handicapped by extremely cold weather conditions
- Low-quality image
Night Vision Scopes - A Closer Look
Night vision scopes work like flashlights to help you see in dark environments. They are specifically designed for nighttime use and take advantage of ambient or artificial light. A few NV scopes have advanced technology that uses IT illuminators to make images a lot clearer, even in pitch darkness.
A night vision scope is best suited in an area with some illumination and no impediments such as thick or tall foliage. Learn how to make night vision goggles here.
Digital Night Vision
The digital night vision scope is a recent classification of night vision scopes used during day time. It transmits light through an objective lens and converts this into digital pictures viewed on a screen. It’s typically cheaper than a traditional night vision scope. The image quality this one produces can be compared to a Gen 2 technology
Generation & Classification
Night vision scopes can be classified into three. The higher the number, the more costly the device. But you will get clearer pictures, farther detection, and longer battery life.
- Gen 1 technology is the cheapest and can work well at about 75 yards.
- Gen 2 can produce brighter and crisper pictures. Its range is about 200 yards.
- Gen 3 is a high-end model that is often used by many law enforcement and military personnel. It provides excellent images and offers more amazing features. It’s range hovers around 300 yards.
Why Use NV Scopes For Hunting
Night vision cameras are good tools for night hunting. Using NV scope intensifies ambient or artificial light so you can obtain clear pictures of your targets. They illuminate your target to help you recognize the animal you’re sighting and increase your chances of getting a clean shot.
Night Vision Scope Drawbacks
Thermal Scopes - A More Detailed View
Thermal imaging technology detects subtle discrepancies in temperature and then utilizes those minute discrepancies to produce a picture. Using infrared cameras, thermal scopes read heat signatures emitted by animals, people, and objects. [1]
You can detect warm targets at a much greater distance using thermal scopes. Many night hunters prefer a thermal scope because it can see through barriers such as foliage, smoke, or fog that would otherwise obscure your vision.
Color Palettes
Why Use Thermal Scopes For Hunting
A thermal imaging camera can read heat emitted by living or non-living things. It can be used to detect targets at a greater distance than an NV scope.
Many hunters and military personnel prefer thermal technology because it offers more advanced features, and it can work equally well both day and night. It’s best suited for 24-hour surveillance and commercial inspections. If you like to have clearer pictures, choose one that has a high resolution.
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Thermal Optics Drawbacks
The image that thermal imaging technology generates is not as sharp as an NV scope. While it’s spot-on when it comes to target detection, it’s not good at target identification. If you’re not used to hunting, you won’t be able to tell whether the game you’re sighting is a deer or a hog. It might be hard to determine if the person you’re looking through the device is an ally or a foe. You may also want to look into the legality of thermal scopes in your state.
Some Factors to Consider - Thermal vs Night Vision Optics
Pricing - Night Vision vs Thermal Imaging
The price tag is a critical consideration for many people when buying a night vision device. The price you are willing to pay for a scope should also depend on your intended purposes.
NV riflescopes are generally affordable. By contrast, thermal imagers are more expensive, especially if they have advanced features like wifi, high resolution, and video recording capabilities.
Environment
Night vision and thermal riflescopes are vital tools for rapid target detection and acquisition. Before using a scope, determine the kind of environmental conditions that you will be using it for.
A thermal imaging camera is ideal for day time use and bright light conditions. If the field is foggy, smokey, dusty, or your target is camouflaged, a thermal scope is what you need. But in extreme weather conditions like freezing temperatures, it’s best to mount a night vision scope.
Night vision vs Thermal Scope - Detecting Targets
A thermal imaging camera detects differences in heat even when it is located at longer distances or obscured by some elements like fog or smoke.
It doesn’t need any visible illumination to generate an image of people, animals, or objects.
By contrast, a night vision scope requires some light for game detection. It also needs enough contrast to produce reliable pictures.
Durability
Night vision and thermal scopes are both durable and made of high-quality materials. Most of them are shock-proof, water-proof, and fog-proof.
Night vision and thermal riflescopes can withstand 30-caliber recoil.
Night Vision vs Thermal Optics - Our Final Thoughts
Whether your choice is a night vision or thermal scope, the ability to produce usable pictures and make accurate shots best depends on several factors. These include environmental features, the time you scout or hunt for game, weather conditions, distance, and other shooting purposes.
If you’re going to hunt deer, feral hogs, or cold-blooded animals in an open game field with natural or artificial illumination, a night vision scope is a practical choice. It’s also a dependable companion in extremely cold environments.
A thermal scope would be better if the environment has many bushes, debris, tall grasses, fog, or smoke. It’s also useful when the visibility is low, and the viewing is at greater distances.
