The addition of infrared devices has revolutionised the capabilities of the modern hunter. These devices have made target detection so much easier in any light or weather condition. However, it can be a daunting choice when picking between thermal and digital night vision devices for hunting. Do you spend a few thousand dollars on a thermal device? Or do you play it safe and choose a night vision optic instead? This blog will explain the specific use cases for each device and how to best utilise them.
Thermal vs Digital Night Vision
Thermal devices display targets as heat signatures, highlighting the hottest parts of an object’s body. The thermal sensor picks up heat emission, processes them and displays them on a OLED screen.
On the other hand, digital night vision amplifies available light, to render objects visible in low light. The CMOS sensor converts the information into pixels, displaying them on a OLED screen. The image shown is in black and white but it’s a realistic image.
Generally, digital night vision tends to be cheaper than thermal imagers. However, thermal devices can detect objects further away and require no light source to operate.
Why Choose Thermal?
Hunting with thermal optics greatly elevate detection capabilities by allowing you to spot targets in virtually any light conditions, even in complete darkness. Therefore, if you are hunting in an environment that has no ambient light you will need a thermal device.
They also have long detection and identification ranges. For example, the Nocpix ACE H50R LRF Thermal Scope is a long range expert. It has a 2600 meter detection range and can identify an object at 700 meters. So, if you’re hunting at long ranges, a thermal scope is the ideal choice.
Furthermore, thermal devices can still operate in tough weather conditions. It’s IR sensor can cut through conditions such as heavy rain or dense fog to produce a clear thermal image. Likewise, they can still detect heat through light shrubbery and bush.
Why Choose Digital Night Vision
Some hunters may choose to opt for a night vision device as it gives a realistic image. Unlike a thermal image, night vision images show the true form of a target in black and white or green. So, what it lacks for in detection range, it makes up with better detail. This makes target identification greater. In addition, night vision scopes are significantly cheaper than thermals. This allows hunter to hunt at night without breaking the bank.
As technology continues to evolve in this field, the image quality of these devices improves exponentially. The HikMicro Alpex 4K A50EL Night Vision Scope with LRF has a 3840×2160 pixel sensor. This ensures optimal image quality even at it’s 28x maximum magnification. It also has night time detection range of 400-500 meters depending on the light conditions. This means hunters can still shoot accurately at long distances.
Moreover, One main advantage of digital night vision is that it highlights the animal’s eyesight. This ensures hunters can easily follow humane hunting guidelines and shooting practices.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing between thermal and night vision for hunting comes down to preference and scenario. If you are operating in harsh weather conditions or shooting at long ranges, thermal devices would be the go to. However, if you prefer life-like images and require eyesight, then night vision is the ideal choice.
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