About Night Vision & Thermal Imagers
Night vision devices enable the observation of target objects and at the same time facilitate your own orientation in the dark. bei Dunkelheit. Thermal imagers use infrared radiation to visualize temperature differences.
The range of applications for such devices is extremely diverse: Not only security personnel, rescue workers, hunters or researchers rely on night vision and thermal images, but also a growing number of outdoor athletes are enjoying the technical possibilities of this extended optics.
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How do night vision devices and thermal imagers work?
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What are night vision and thermal imagers used for?
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What must be taken into account when selecting thermal and night vision devices?
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What night vision devices and thermal imagers are available?
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Accessories for these devices
How do night vision devices and thermal imagers work?
Night vision devices are binoculars or cameras with recording function, which enable observations even at dusk, darkness and night. The lack of lighting is compensated either by reinforcing the remaining light or by using infrared radiation.
Night vision devices generate a familiar picture of the environment. For simple devices, this is shown in grayscale or with a light green color. The newer models with IR brighteners and Full HD can reproduce the full color spectrum in high definition resolution.
Practical knowledge: Infrared radiation and temperature differences are usually invisible to the human eye. Infrared radiation is converted into visible light in thermal imagers and also in some night vision devices.
Thermal imagers work with infrared radiation. Its operation is explained quickly: The thermal imager receives infrared rays from the objects in the environment. Due to temperature differences at the observation targets, infrared radiation has different wavelengths. An integrated camera generates an image from these differences that highlights the heat sources optically.
Tip : Some models have a camera function for documentation purposes that stores the shots. These pictures and videos can usually be read via a USB cable on the computer.
What are night vision and thermal imagers used for?
In order not to be seen and still be able to observe, technically high-quality night vision devices are a practical equipment for various applications:
- Military, police and security services use night vision devices to monitor terrain. Thermal imagers are used to find missing items.
- Naturalists, hunters and anglers are also on the road at night and can track nocturnal animals and other observation targets by means of residual light amplification and thermal imaging technology. Even during the day, IR optics are used to spot animals with warm body temperature in dense forests.
- Night vision and thermal imagers are used for night hikers, geo catchers, camping friends or for various off-road games. The number of private users has been growing for years.
Our practical tip:
Night vision devices with automatic image focusing and automatic zoom are recommended for the observation of moving objects.
Pure thermal imagers can be used in the dark as well as during the day. They are used, for example, to check the insulation of houses or to detect moisture in the masonry. These devices help the fire brigade to detect glutnests. Thermal imagers, for example, for quality tests, are also increasingly used in medical technology, automotive technology and other industrial applications.
What must be taken into account when selecting thermal and night vision devices?
Search tip: The devices in this category of our shop are designed for mobile use .
Stationary cameras with night vision functions often use motion detectors to record only relevant situations in their recordings.
The most important selection criterion is the observation distance , i.e. the maximum distance between the device and the observation target. It is between 60 meters and over one kilometer for the current models.
Before selecting a night vision device or thermal imager, consider what you want to use the device for.
- Pure night vision devices operate with residual light amplification. Devices with infrared technology can also be used during the day .
- Thermal imagers can make living observation objects visible by their body temperature even under poor visibility, for example in fog or in forests.
Monocular and biocular are to be distinguished:
- Through monocular, you can only see with one eye.
- BI-eyepieces, i.e. binoculars with two lenses for both eyes are more pleasant to many people. However, due to the double installed optical components, these are also much more expensive.
In the additional functions, the models differ considerably in some cases:
- With simple thermal and night vision devices you can only look through and get an up-to-date impression. In most cases, enlargements are possible.
- Integrated distance meters are essential for some applications. Target aids and automatic zooming also make the use easier.
- Advanced types offer camera functions with photo or video creation for documentation purposes and interfaces for evaluating the recordings on the computer.
Practical knowledge: All night vision and thermal imagers require a separate power supply to convert the images into sharp images. It often consists of batteries or rechargeable batteries.
What night vision devices and thermal imagers are available?
Night Vision Equipment
Night vision devices are available as binocular versions or in monocular design. In binocular devices, objects can be perceived with both eyes via separate radiation paths. Models with only one beam path are narrower and more compact, models with two gears are more comfortable to use depending on the application area. All devices are comfortable to wear, and some are even equipped with a head holder for hands-free use. The observation distance ranges from 60 to 600 meters and the magnification levels range up to seven times the magnification. Different details such as a waterproof casing, integrated infrared emitters, IR brighteners as well as various setting and tuning functions, weight and power distinguish the devices from each other.
Thermal Imagers
Thermal imagers are sometimes suitable for both day and night use in monocular design. Many models are able to display the environment not only thermally, but also to display recordings via a separate monitor. Thermal imagers are often already designed by the manufacturer for a specific application area, which results in different functionalities. A craftsman needs different functions for the inspection of a building than a hunter or naturalist in the game observation.
Night vision devices with digital camera
Night vision devices with integrated recording options are available in mono and binocular form. These combined devices are usually able to record movies and individual images. The data can be stored on external SD-cards and evaluated in time-shifted or otherwise used. In some cases, the devices can record videos and pictures in HD quality and display the entire color spectrum.
Accessories for these devices
Thermal imagers and night vision accessories are available depending on the model:
- Stand for location-bound use
- Head restraints for hands-free use
- Holding loops or carabiners
- Carrying Bags
- Replacement rechargeable batteries
- Charging and data cable
- And many other practical additions.