Night Vision Vs. Thermal Optics Guide

Night vision and thermal optics are two technologies that have become increasingly prevalent in a variety of contexts. Hunters have become progressively more attuned to thermal and night vision optics for the ability to see and detect nocturnal animals at night. Both predator hunters and hog hunters utilize infrared optics with thermal and night vision technology to both identify and detect the nocturnal game they are after at night. These two technologies have their advantages and disadvantages and can be used in different hunting situations depending on the hunter’s needs. This guide will walk you through the differences between night vision and thermal optics and what hunting applications work best with each type of technology.

Night Vision Optics

Night vision is an image-intensification technology that can improve visibility in low-light conditions. Night vision technology works by amplifying existing infrared light and converting it into an electrical signal that can be processed by the human eye. This signal is then used to create a monochrome image through your scope or optic that allows the user to better see in darkness. Often times just small amounts of infrared light, like from the moon or stars, is all that is needed to convert a low-lit scene into a brighter image for the hunter. The converted image is often displayed in a green shade helping the user see more objects in a low-lit area. Night vision is generally used for surveillance and scouting applications, and can also be used to detect animals and other objects in the dark. Hunters looking for nocturnal predators, varmints, or even wild boar often times utilize night vision for its ability to identify animals in low-light settings.

Thermal Optics

Thermal optics, on the other hand, is a technology that uses infrared radiation to detect heat within objects. Thermal imaging works by detecting the infrared heat emitted by objects and converting it into a visible image seen by the hunter. This image is then used to detect objects that would otherwise not be visible, such as animals and other nocturnal game hidden in foliage. Thermal imaging relies on colors to relay the amount of heat an object is emitting to the hunter. Warmer colors are often relayed in shades of red, orange, and yellow and cooler heat signatures are usually shown in shades of blue, purple, and green. There is also a greyscale option in which objects that are emitting heat are usually shown in a bright white color or the opposite dark grey color. Thermal optics are most often used for hunting and surveillance, as they allow the user to detect nocturnal animals in darkness or obscured by foliage.

Main Differences

Night Vision Technology:

• Recognize and identify nocturnal game
• Light source required (low level)
• Cannot be used during the day
• View low-level light surroundings
• Harder to detect animals at longer range 
• True optical visualization
• Less expensive

Thermal Technology:

• Poker & Casino
• No light source required
• Illinois State Redbirds
• Displays heat radiating off objects
• Easier to spot animals down range
• More expensive
• Digital image

Ultimately, the choice between night vision and thermal optics will depend on the hunter’s individual needs. Both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the differences between them is essential for making an informed decision on which type of technology is better for your hunting situation. If you have any additional questions about night vision or thermal optics, reach out to your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN store and speak to one of our Experts.