Many are puzzled over the issue of choosing a thermal or night vision sight. We will shed some light on the most fundamental factors in using both scopes to help sort out this dilemma. We will analyze each device's pros and cons in detail and point out their differences. After reading, you will not have blank spots on this topic. So, let's begin.
Night vision – pros and cons
Pros
One of the most significant advantages of night vision is that it gives our eyes a comfortable, familiar three-dimensional picture. It's easy for us to navigate. We are great at calculating distances to objects and targets. This has a positive effect on the accuracy of shooting. In the case of pursuit of the target, we do not risk injury in the thickets, as the equipment provides an excellent overview of all the terrain details.
A definite plus is the lower price compared to thermal imagers.
Night vision provides an extended range of target detection and recognition.
Night vision scopes provide a greater degree of magnification than thermal imagers. The resolution of night sights through optics rather than pixels is undoubtedly better. The picture in the night vision scope will be more detailed at high magnification. Working with very long distances is the prerogative of night vision scopes. Thermal imagers cannot yet compete with them in this matter.
In general, night vision scopes better endure all the hardships of field life and adverse weather conditions. They are more durable, last longer, and are trouble-free in operation. Night vision generally has a more comprehensive operating temperature range. If you have to work in extreme cold, the choice is only in favor of night vision.
The field of view of a night vision scope is more significant than a thermal imager. They are lighter, the operating time without recharging is much longer.
Minuses
Sensitive to bright light sources, side illumination. Small, poorly lit objects can be lost against bright lights. They do not always give a good picture in the side or background light. The obvious disadvantage is that it cannot be used during the day.
If the target has a camouflage similar to the background of the terrain and does not move, then the night vision scope will not see it.
The use of the NV sight in the rain, fog, snow, smoke will not be effective. If the target is hiding in dense thickets, then night vision will not help. Sandstorms will also conceal the mark, and the sight will fail.
Night vision requires light to work. It can be very scarce, but the scope will only work with IR illumination without it. For covert surveillance, this is an apparent failure.
For hunting, you need to be puzzled by the wavelength of the infrared flashlight. It must be higher than that which can distinguish the game animal. Otherwise, the hunter will betray his presence.
Thermal scope– pros and cons
Pros
The indisputable advantage is that the thermal imaging sight can be used day and night and in absolute darkness. At the same time, the device will not betray its presence in any way, which is essential for covert surveillance. It can replace the day and night sights, which will significantly reduce the weight of the equipment in the backpack.
Thermal imagers have excellent visibility through dense foliage, rain, fog, snow, and smoke. They have no equality in this matter.
Thermal cameras have some digital advantages - they allow you to record events. You can set up automatic recording after a shot or choose another scenario to your liking. It is easy to share your files with loved ones, record on your phone, or broadcast online videos. A lot of additional information can be displayed on the screen of the thermal imager. For example, a rangefinder, a picture-in-picture function, connecting a sight to a weather station with data output to the screen, using several sighting grids and systems. This gives additional opportunities for adjusting the fire.
In addition, the thermal scope can be used on multiple rifles without the need for zeroing. It is enough to start several weapon profiles and save all the settings once in the device's memory. You just need to enter his profile and immediately use it when changing weapons.
The thermal sight has an exciting one-shot zeroing function. The night vision scope cannot boast of such a function.
Some traces of animals lying, human presence, or thermal traces from a car engine can be seen for several hours. These marks are impossible to see with the eye but are easy to see with a thermal scope. Moreover, the thermal imager will detect traces of the target's recent presence when its trail has almost cooled down. This works for a blood trail in the dark. It glows on the screen of the thermal imager.
Cons of a thermal imager
Thermal imagers have a significant drawback - the image is two-dimensional, devoid of volume, and contains almost no precise details. It is difficult to judge the actual size of the target, its remoteness, and correctly recognize it. For example, let's take a coyote lying motionless. In sight, it is impossible to remember how far it is. Is it minor or adult? It is easy to confuse it with a fox, a wolf, a dog. Only when the animal moves are it possible to recognize the posture, manner of movement, behavior by the silhouette and somehow identify it. Working with a thermal imager requires reading the image correctly, and it will take some time to acquire it.
On the contrary, in a night vision scope, under favorable conditions, the species, genus, age of the animal, and how far away it is will be visible.
The second disadvantage of a thermal imaging sight is the problem of using it on targets with a temperature close to or equal to the environment. For example, let's take hunting for snakes or crocodiles. They are cold-blooded, and most likely, the thermal imager will not cope, or it must be susceptible, which is unlikely for a scope. We will get the same in a hot area when the walls and stones heat up during the day and will glow for a long time at night against the background of the cooling earth. And living organisms and machines dissolve against the backdrop of a warm landscape. Working with a thermal sight requires getting used to and correct interpretation.
Differences
The difference lies in the principle of operation. The screening process has limitations in terms of the number of pixels and the size of the pixels themselves. A pixel picture cannot be enlarged indefinitely without clarity, contrast, and quality. The possibilities of optics are undoubtedly more advanced in this matter. For night vision, optics are used, and for thermal imagers, thermal sensors are connected to a processor with a monitor.
A considerable number of factors can affect the performance of a thermal imaging camera. Optics tolerate temperature extremes better than electronics. Sometimes, it takes some time to start and warm up the equipment, and it just doesn't exist. The Thermal Scope is a relatively heavy piece of equipment with high-capacity batteries that run out fairly quickly. Their work is limited to hours, and optics can work for days.
In addition, thermal imagers can be mounted on weapons up to .300 calibers. Due to the strong recoil of the gun, large calibers can only serve night vision optical sights.
At the same time, the thermal imager will see the target through fog, rain, snow, smoke, dense foliage. The camouflage will not deceive the thermal sight, and it will quickly detect the target, provided that its temperature differs from the background.
To understand what suits you best, you need to consider many factors that we have talked about. It is possible that choosing one of the scopes will not meet all your needs. If the budget allows, the best option would be to purchase both scopes. A thermal sight should be used for working in difficult weather conditions, exchanging information and events unrelated to extreme conditions and distances. And for professional use and better orientation, it is better to use a night vision scope.