Anyone know anything about Night Vision?

[doglb]

Hey everyone-Looking to add a night vision scope to my AR. Does anyone know anything about them? Ive been searching the web for reviews and such, as of now I am looking for a Gen 1, (because of cost) and came across this: ATN Guardian 2.5x50.
Reviews seem promising!

Specs:
Image Intensifier Tube1st GenMagnification2.5XLens systemF1:1.2, F50mmFOV17°Range of focus1m to infinityReticleRed On GreenWindage & elevation adjustments1/8MOAIR illuminatorSuper 450mwPower supplyOne 3 voltBattery life10-20 hoursDimensions280 x 85 x 105 mm
11" x 3.3" x 4.1"Detection range150 mRecognition range100 mDiopter adjustment+/-5Operating temperature-40°C to +40°CWeight1.3 kg (2.9 lbs)

 

[CountryBoy19]

IMHO, Gen 1, go fly a kite.

Gen 1 isn't even worth their weight in scrap. There is a little cool factor involved, but the usefulness is minimal, so after to cool factor wears off they're just a toy that sits on the shelf. Gen 1 scopes are also VERY heavy.

Save your money and get a gen 2 at the minimum, but gen 3 would be best.

Gen 1 you will need a full moon night to make things actually visible, and even then, they're going to be really blurry. Very little visible range.

Gen 2 has a little bit better picture and can function with a little less light, but you will still need significant natural light. Slightly better visible range.

Gen 3 has the best picture (not very blurry) and will function at nearly no-light conditions. You can also see at decent range with Gen 3.

 

[thompal]

I'd also add that if it uses a Gen I Soviet intensifier, they tended to put out huge amounts of X-Rays, aimed right at your eye. Also, as available light goes down, if the electronics have auto-gain, the image gets VERY grainy as it amplifies more and more noise coming from the Gen I tube.

And, as CountryBoy said, they are VERY heavy.

 

[Wabatuckian]

Gen 1 will operate with IR LED light - you don't need a visible light source... Just an IR LED flashlight.

FWIW, you can use the same technique for most digital cameras. In fact, you can try it out: Take your TV remote, aim it at your camera, and watch the LED light!

 

[samot]

I have a gen 1 & a gen 3, the difference is daylight & dark. With the gen 1 you can make out anything that has eyes or the color white as lomg as you are using the IR, however its a monocular so after youve looked thru it for 30 mins with your right eye your blind once you take it away from your face. you can deffinetly see critters that cant see you, which can also land you in a scary position if not cautios. The gen 3 is a binocular with head gear it is very nice it turns night into day