Thermal imager and night vision device: what they are, differences, pros and cons

For what purposes are thermal imagers and night vision devices made? Very often novice hunters do not understand the difference between these devices. When someone advises to buy a thermal imager for a hunting trip, sometimes people buy a night vision device instead, and as a result - the hunt is disrupted. How can you tell the difference between the two to make the right choice?

What is a night vision device

A night vision device makes it possible to perform the same actions at night as during the day. It helps you navigate, drive a car, and track large animals. 

Night vision goggles come in the following types:

• binoculars;
• monoculars;
• scopes;
• eyeglasses.

In addition to hunting they are used for other tasks. Night vision devices are used during military operations, while on duty at border or customs posts, as well as in rescue operations or major accidents at night.

The main principle of operation of the night vision device is that it transforms the picture with the help of celestial lights - the moon, the stars - into a more perceptible one for human vision. Simply put, in it you can see with the vision of a night beast.

Pros of the device:

• Works for a long time.
• More pleasing picture to the eye.
• Affordable price.
• Allows you to drive at night. For this reason, also suitable for quite peaceful purposes - for example, for drivers of large trucks.

Cons:

• Can't detect a target by heat trace.
• Designed only for night hunting, it makes no sense to wear it during the day.

Features of thermal imagers

This device allows you to see what is inaccessible to the naked eye. For example, a fresh trail of animals, unextinguished cigarette butts or thermal traces from a recently passed car. Thermal imaging for hunters allows you to choose the right trajectory of game movement. It also allows you to determine if there is another group of hunters, which saves time, and go to another location.

Advantages:

• Works at any time of day.
• It can be fully customized for terrain and weather.
• Video can be recorded on a flash drive or streamed to a monitor. Hunters will have something to remember watching footage of them catching game.

Of the disadvantages can be highlighted:

• Not suitable for novice hunters, as it requires skills and experience.
• Works only directly, without obstacles, like glass.
• Does not see branches and bushes.
• Only sees targets that emit heat. For example, if a deer has hidden behind a tree, you can not see the tree. Bottom line: the game is spooked and the cartridge is wasted.
• More expensive than thermal imaging.

For more successful night hunting, experts advise to use a night vision device with a thermal imager together. As a rule, the thermal imager is attached to the night vision device. This way, the hunter can see everything that can be hidden from sight using only one of the devices. The same method is used by the military when they need to work accurately on a target.