I've been reading this thread with a great deal of interest because I've
been thinking for a while about buying some night vision gear for survey
work, but haven't got very far because of lack of experience with this type
of equipment. The thread has actually answered a lot of questions that I had
about this technology.
If you surf the internet you will see that there are several generations of
night vision optics (Gen 1, 2 & 3). Gen 1 is the most basic technology,
relatively cheap and generally available to everyone. Gen 3 is the most
advanced technology, appears to be available mostly for military purposes,
and a single set of optics can cost several thousand dollars.
As far as I can see, the optics that Paul and David use are based on Gen 1
technology. If you believe the advertising blurb on the night vision
websites, Gen 2 & 3 technologies give vastly improved night vision over Gen
1 technology.
It would appear from previous comments that Gen 1 instruments are not that
useful as a serious tool. Has anyone on this list used Gen 2 or 3 night
vision optics for nocturnal wildlife surveys (either for detecting wildlife
or for observing animal behaviours) and, if so, is it worth the investment?
Stephen Ambrose
Ryde, NSW
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of Paul Dodd
Sent: Wednesday, 23 July 2008 9:36 PM
To: 'Peter Shute'; ; 'David Adams'; 'birding aus'
Subject: Spotlighting thoughts and advice
Peter,
I have a night-vision monocular also. I wouldn't consider it a serious tool
for night birding, but it is a bit of fun. To answer your questions:
- Birds and other animals are distinguishable from the surrounding foliage,
just. Bear in mind that everything is green (just like in the night-vision
effects in the movies). Bird and animal eyes do tend to glow, especially
when you consider the answer to the next question...
- The monocular includes an infra-red light. Switching this on makes a huge
difference. You would have to be careful with a separate and higher-powered
infra-red spotlight, because the night-vision devices are so sensitive that
any bright light (even "bright" infra-red) can cause permanent damage.
- Mine was around $US200. I think it's a Bushnell device. I bought it from a
seller in the US on eBay.
- Mine has 4x magnification.
Paul Dodd
Docklands, Melbourne
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of Peter Shute
Sent: Wednesday, 23 July 2008 1:57 PM
To: ; David Adams; birding aus
Subject: Spotlighting thoughts and advice
Some questions about the monocular:
- do things like birds stand out against foliage, or is it just like
looking for them in daylight? Do their eyes glow at all?
- could it be enhanced by the use of an infrared spotlight?
- what sort of cost?
- what magnification?
Peter Shute
wrote on Wednesday, 23 July 2008 1:32
PM:
> David
>
> I recently bought a relatively cheap night vision monocular
> that I have successfully used to watch Tawny Frogmouths,
> spiders, wombats, possums, etc, and on a fairly well moonlit
> night, I was able to make out horses and alpacas up to 400
> metres away (and well before they detected my presence).
>
> It is not really suitable for spotting things while you are
> on the move so I normally find a good location and wait to
> see what turns up (until I run out of patience). The
> advantages of remaining still and not shining bright lights
> is that creatures come quite close and behave normally.
>
> I don't know whether a night vision device would suit your
> requirements but it may be worth considering.
>
> Regards
>
> David
>
>
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