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 & binoculars, monoculars, night vision rifle scopes, thermal imaging, and digital night vision from the best night vision brands like Armasight Night Vision, ATN Night Vision, Bushnell Night Vision, and other top NV manufacturers.
Gen1 night vision devices are the 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 the second generation in that a 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 NVG in the use of auto-gated technology and a thinner ion barrier on the microchannel plate (MCP). Automatic gating regulates the photocathode voltage, which makes the night vision device automatically adjust to changes in light conditions. The thin 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 the previous version of night vision, and having this capability does not necessarily mean that the device is classified as Gen 3+.
We even offer Gen 4 Night Vision for advanced users. Military, Law enforcement, security personnel, nature lovers, hunters, and hikers will be amazed at the ability of these night vision systems 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.
Can a civilian own night vision?
Yes, U.S. civilians can own and operate night vision goggles and other night vision devices. However, night vision products fall under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which means you cannot take them out of the country without proper approval or licensing.
Does night vision work in total darkness?
No, night vision devices need at least some light to operate. Night vision works by amplifying available light to help us see what the human eye cannot on its own. That is why infrared illuminators are used in conjunction with night vision to improve your vision in the dark. IR illuminators emit infrared light that is not visible to the human eye. However, infrared light can be detected by night vision systems.
Buy Night Vision Products at OpticsPlanet
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 customers 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. We have night vision experts on staff to answer any night vision questions you might have!