So you’re faced with a dilemma: do you want to put a night vision scope or a thermal scope on top of your rifle?
The choice can be a tough one, and which one is right for you will come down to a few factors, such as what your unique requirements are, as well as what you’ll be hunting and at what time of year.
But first we need to start with what the difference is in the first place. This short post should shed some light on that; by the end of this article hopefully you have a better understanding of which will work better given your unique situation.
Night Vision vs. Thermal Scopes
Digital night vision is sort of like a regular digital camera, but more sensitive. Basically, most night vision sensors pick up and amplify available light on the visible spectrum (though they will be able to leverage extra sensitivity with help from an infrared light by Sniper Hog Lights, too).
Digital night vision detects light then usually converts it into a signal using a special sensor, which is then fed to a display. Because of this, most night vision scopes are not as effective in complete darkness; but even outdoors in very dark places, there is usually enough visible light for most night vision scopes to work just fine.
As a general rule, night vision scopes provide better overall image detail than thermal scopes, and as a result, they can provide more solid target identification in some instances. It is important to note however that this is not simply always the case.
Unlike digital night vision scopes, thermal scopes (and other thermal optics) use digital thermography to detect heat, not light on the visible spectrum. This heat is detected by a sensor on a germanium lens and then processed into an image that is projected onto a display.
Thermal scopes have two main aspects that determine the quality of the display image. These are the sensor resolution and the NETD rating, which determines how sensitive the scope is to thermal gradients.
Many thermal scope displays are multicolored, but there are some that are monochromatic or which have multiple display color palette options, some newer thermals even have No-Thermal Eye color palettes . Most have several different reticle styles to choose from.
Ultimately, the main difference between thermal and night vision scopes has to do with what type of radiation they detect; night vision scopes usually just detect visible light whereas thermal optics are sensitive to thermal radiation which is invisible to humans.
Is One Better Than the Other?
While it can’t be stated outright that one of these two optics systems is better than the other, being aware of their relative advantages can help you make a better informed decision about which one will serve you best.
Though it is not always the case that digital night vision produces a higher clarity image, it is usually the case. As a result, they are typically better at target identification than comparable thermal scopes. It is also important to recall that as the level of ambient light decreases, the less effective night vision scopes are.
As for thermal scopes, they work in complete darkness. Even if there was absolutely no ambient light, a thermal scope would be able to detect a heat signature. As a result, they are more effective for detection than they are for ID, though some offer high resolution displays and very sensitive NETD ratings that make them pretty good at target identification, too.
Thermal scopes also tend to offer superior detection ranges than digital night vision optics, since thermal radiation can easily penetrate fog and other adverse atmosphere conditions, whereas IR light and visible light often cannot. Some good thermal scopes can detect targets at ranges in excess of 3400 yards, far greater than most digital night vision optics.
On the flipside, because the technology associated with most night vision scopes is more simplistic, they tend to be significantly more affordable. If you’re on a budget and need a night hunting optic, a night vision scope might be a viable cost-effective alternative to a thermal scope.
Some digital night vision (with a day mode) and thermal scopes can also function during daylight hours, Most digital night vision scopes have a full color day mode, whereas thermal scopes may have color screens the sensor does not see color like a camera does. This can make them serviceable for hunters who use their rifles not only at night but also during the day, - but using one scope for both daytime and nighttime hunting would prove no issue.
This versatility does give digital night vision and thermal scopes an advantage over tube style Night Vision referred to generally as Gen 1, Gen 2 & Gen 3 Night vision. Digital Night Vision and Thermals can be more easily sighted-in during daylight hours. All three styles of night vision can be easily sighted-in even at night or in the cold with our heated thermal targets available at Dark Night Outdoors!
Which Is for You?
Thermal scopes are inherently better than Digital Night Vision in predator hunting situations.
If you’re looking for an optic that will work in any ambient light or weather conditions, and you often pursue game at night at significant ranges, a thermal scope might be the best option despite the potentially higher cost.
As for digital night vision optics, if you need a more affordable option, more sensitive image quality for more positive target identification, or don’t need the greater detection ranges offered by most thermal optics, this option might prove superior.
Get the Right Optic the first time at Dark Night Outdoors! We will help you acquire the best Night Vision or Thermal Optic for your specific needs, hunting situation and budget. We Guarantee what we recommend, if it falls short of your expectations we will swap it for what you want.
Shop the Best Thermal Scopes in the Industry Here
Here at Dark Night Outdoors we carry the best brands in thermal scopes, including but not limited to PULSAR, iRay, and Nocpix, along with a select range of Thermal Scopes. For more information, see our collections and if you have other questions before you buy or need a specific recommendation, get in touch with us.
