what is the difference between jen 1-4 night vision?

Chris Phelps · February 24, 2006, 09:26 AM

What are the differences between Gen 1,2,3, and 4 night vision scopes?

fisherman66 · February 24, 2006, 10:22 AM

$$$$$$ lots of $$$$$$$

(and resolution - with gen I the worst and gen IV being the best.)

Chris Phelps · February 24, 2006, 01:35 PM

Do they all work as true night vision, or do certain generations use IR lights?

fisherman66 · February 24, 2006, 01:52 PM

Manufacturers call an IR night scope active and non IR scope passive.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_vision

Chris Phelps · February 24, 2006, 02:52 PM

It appears to me that the IR light I mistakenly thought was the only light source (such as found on camcorders) is actually a backup light used in total darkness when there is no ambient light to be gathered. It seems that the NV will function as either, but the higher end scopes have the IR as backup.

fisherman66 · February 24, 2006, 03:12 PM

I would imagine that the Gen III and IV would provide more than enough light amplification to work in the field without IR. The lower end products would need the extra IR. In synopsis, I disagree with the statement...

Quote:

higher end scopes have the IR as backup.

The cheaper Gen I and Gen II seem to come with IR illuminators. Prices fall each time a better model comes out. I plan on waiting a couple more years before I buy; and the thermal (heat) ones my be better for my application (varminting), but a Gen III would suit me fine from what I have read. I don't want to need an IR illuminator as some animals can see that spectrum.

FirstFreedom · February 28, 2006, 01:10 PM

Yes, they all work fine as night vision scopes. Gen 1 is fine/good for short distances (under 50 yards). For making out things farther away, Gen 2 or 3 are better & better.

February 24, 2006, 09:26 AM	#1
Chris Phelps Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2005 Location: South China, Maine Posts: 814	what is the difference between jen 1-4 night vision? What are the differences between Gen 1,2,3, and 4 night vision scopes? __________________ Bushmaster Superlight AR-15 5.56mm / Custom 24" Heavy BBL Varmint AR-15 5.56mm / Ruger M77 .257 Roberts / Ruger MKI 22LR Pistol / EAA Witness 9mm Pistol / Daisy 2202 22LR / Remington Viper 522 22LR / Stevens 200 .223 / Savage 10FP 24" .308 / Mauser 98 Sporter 30-06

February 24, 2006, 01:35 PM	#3
Chris Phelps Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2005 Location: South China, Maine Posts: 814	Do they all work as true night vision, or do certain generations use IR lights? __________________ Bushmaster Superlight AR-15 5.56mm / Custom 24" Heavy BBL Varmint AR-15 5.56mm / Ruger M77 .257 Roberts / Ruger MKI 22LR Pistol / EAA Witness 9mm Pistol / Daisy 2202 22LR / Remington Viper 522 22LR / Stevens 200 .223 / Savage 10FP 24" .308 / Mauser 98 Sporter 30-06

February 24, 2006, 02:52 PM	#5
Chris Phelps Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2005 Location: South China, Maine Posts: 814	It appears to me that the IR light I mistakenly thought was the only light source (such as found on camcorders) is actually a backup light used in total darkness when there is no ambient light to be gathered. It seems that the NV will function as either, but the higher end scopes have the IR as backup. __________________ Bushmaster Superlight AR-15 5.56mm / Custom 24" Heavy BBL Varmint AR-15 5.56mm / Ruger M77 .257 Roberts / Ruger MKI 22LR Pistol / EAA Witness 9mm Pistol / Daisy 2202 22LR / Remington Viper 522 22LR / Stevens 200 .223 / Savage 10FP 24" .308 / Mauser 98 Sporter 30-06

February 24, 2006, 10:22 AM	#2
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	$$$$$$ lots of $$$$$$$ (and resolution - with gen I the worst and gen IV being the best.)

February 24, 2006, 01:52 PM	#4
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	Manufacturers call an IR night scope active and non IR scope passive. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_vision

February 28, 2006, 01:10 PM	#7
FirstFreedom Junior member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: The Toll Road State, U.S.A. Posts: 12,451	Yes, they all work fine as night vision scopes. Gen 1 is fine/good for short distances (under 50 yards). For making out things farther away, Gen 2 or 3 are better & better.