[OT] Night Vision Binoculars/Monoculars Help

[malichai]

We're taking an Alaskan cruise here in a few weeks and I'm looking to purchase some night vision monoculars/binoculars/bi-oculars for night viewing of wildlife, etc. I'm looking for opinions on night vision products, not on the intelligence or lackthereof of buying these to take with me up to Alaska .

I want to spend less than $600, preferably less than $300. Anyone have any suggestions? How noticeable is the difference between Generation 1, Generation 1+, Generation 2, and Generation 2+? Thoughts on monocular versus binocular versus bi-oculars? Does anyone actually OWN any night vision products? How well do yours work?

 

[Tratyn Runewind]

Hello!

Don't own any night-vision gear myself, but HowStuffWorks is a fun technology general-information site, and has a decent article on the subject of night-vision equipment here, covering both thermal-imaging and light-intensification technologies.

They say that the difference in resolution between earlier- and later-generation gear is wide enough that it "may be disappointing" if you were getting one but expecting the other. And they also say that the tube life of earlier-generation gear can be markedly shorter than that of the newer stuff; this may be a factor for you if you plan to use the item a lot in future travels.

They even touch a bit on the issue of scopes/monoculars vs. goggles/binoculars, recommending the former for quick inspections of interesting items, and the latter for more sustained lookouts. They also mention that some models of camcorder have night-vision capability built-in; if you are considering picking up a camcorder to record your trip, you may want to look into this option as well. (Camcorders also seem more innocuous than dedicated night-vision equipment, which can raise unease and suspicion in some people - I suspect its use by the villain in Silence of the Lambs plays a role in that perception).

Anyway, hope this helps, and best wishes on your journey!