Night vision equipment has come a long way since its invention in the 1930s. Today, there are several generations of night vision equipment, each with its own set of features and benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss the different generations of night vision equipment and help you determine which one is best for your needs.
Understanding Night Vision Equipment Generations
Night vision equipment is classified into four generations, based on the technology used and the level of performance they provide. The generations are:
| Gen 3 Night Vision |
| Generation II+ |
| Gen 2 Night Vision |
| Generation I+ |
| Gen 1 Night Vision |
| Gen 4 Night Vision |
Each generation of night vision equipment offers a different level of performance and features, and it is important to understand the differences between them before making a purchase.
This is not a complete list, but the most popular generations of night vision equipment.
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Generation 1 night vision equipment is the oldest and most basic type of night vision equipment. It uses a simple image intensifier tube to amplify the available light, making it possible to see in low light conditions. These devices are typically the least expensive option, but they also have the lowest level of performance. They have a resolution of around 30-40 lines per millimeter and a typical signal-to-noise ratio of around 18. They can be used for surveillance, hunting, and other general applications.
Generation 2 night vision equipment is a significant improvement over Generation 1 equipment. It uses a microchannel plate (MCP) to amplify the light, which increases the resolution and reduces distortion. These devices have a resolution of around 45-54 lines per millimeter and a typical signal-to-noise ratio of around 25. They are also more expensive than Generation 1 equipment, but they provide a higher level of performance. They can be used for surveillance, hunting, and other general applications.
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Generation 3 night vision equipment is the most advanced type of night vision equipment currently available. It uses a gallium arsenide (GaAs) photocathode to increase the sensitivity of the device and reduce distortion. These devices have a resolution of around 64-72 lines per millimeter and a typical signal-to-noise ratio of around 29. They are also the most expensive option, but they provide the highest level of performance. They can be used for military, law enforcement, and other professional applications.
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Generation 4 night vision equipment is a further improvement over Generation 3 equipment. It uses a filmless photocathode and a gated power supply to increase the sensitivity and reduce distortion. They have a resolution of above 72 lines per millimeter and a typical signal-to-noise ratio of above 30. They are also the most expensive option, but they provide the highest level of performance. They are mainly used by Military and Law Enforcement agencies.
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Gen 3 Night Vision is the newest form of night vision technology available on the consumer level. Compared to Gen 2+, Gen 3 Night Vision technology contains multiple improvements in image intensifier tube performance such as sensitivity and resolution.
It also features improved picture clarity, more accurate color reproduction, and a wider field of view. Gen 3 Night Vision is currently the most advanced form of consumer night vision technology available in the market today.
Generation II+ Night Vision is the second generation of high-performance night vision equipment for general use. It was developed by combining the characteristics of Generation I, II, and III image intensifiers.
The resulting high quality image intensifier tubes are capable of producing better images than those found on any previous generation night vision devices.
The resolution provided by these tubes are excellent, with enhanced details that provide maximum clarity and minimum noise levels.
The new image intensifiers also feature a lower operating temperature for improved reliability in extreme environments.
The units are also equipped with a new eyepiece optics system which provides wider fields of view to further maximize efficiency in low light conditions.
These devices have been designed to be smaller and lighter than any previous models, while providing excellent lightweight performance at a reasonable price point.
Generation 2 (Gen 2) Night Vision Equipment has been around since 1987, when it first appeared in handheld monoculars and image intensified binoculars for military applications around the world.
Nonetheless, it did not become commercially available until 2004 with the release of Hunters Night Vision Monocular (HNVM). Since then it has been sold to civilians for recreational activities such as hunting and stargazing.
Gen 2+ Night Vision equipment has been an improvement on previous generations by using higher quality components such as enhanced infrared illuminators, better image intensifiers, advanced microchannel plate (MCP) arrays in the image intensifier tube, improved focus mechanisms, as well as improvements in lens coatings to name a few.
All these enhancements have made Gen 2+ Night Vision equipment significantly more effective in low light conditions than previous generations of night vision equipment.
Gen 2 equipment can be purchased in both Gen 2 non-digital as well as Gen 2 digital models at prices ranging from $700 to $2000 depending on model/capabilities/manufacturer.
Generation I+ Night Vision Equipment is a recent addition to the latest high-performance night vision device family that includes both Gen 1+ as well as Gen 2+ models available to consumers today.
Generation I+ Night Vision Equipment offers its users significantly higher quality images than those produced by Gen 1 or Gen 2 devices.
The improved image quality is owed mainly to three main reasons: superior infrared illuminators, improved image intensifiers tubes and better coatings on optics.
These improvements produce a brighter clearer picture at greater distances than any other previous generation model.
These advantages make it ideal for security personnel such as private investigators or police department patrols who need to be able to identify individuals from afar or for hunters looking for big game at longer ranges.
Generation 1 (Gen 1) Night Vision Equipment is the oldest form of night vision equipment available to consumers. It consists of an image intensifier tube that uses light entering the front lens of a monocular or scope to amplify low-light images for the user . These devices are typically used in law enforcement, military, and hunting activities.
In recent years manufacturers have been creating newer and more advanced models of night vision equipment which they have dubbed "Generation 4" (Gen 4).
However, there is no consensus among manufacturers as to what constitutes Gen 4 equipment.
While it is generally assumed that the term refers to night vision equipment with increased resolution and brightness, there are many other potential features that could be included under this umbrella term, such as Low Light Surveillance (LLS), Auto-Gating Systems, Infrared Illuminators, and Digital Image Intensifier Tubes . In addition, there are also conflicting opinions regarding the official "cut-off" date between Gen 3+ and Gen 4 Night Vision systems.
When it comes to choosing the right night vision equipment, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a basic option for general use, a Generation 1 device may be sufficient. If you need a higher level of performance for professional use, a Generation 3 or Generation 4 device may be more appropriate. It is always best to compare the features and prices of different generations of night vision equipment before making a purchase, to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
