A requirement for some in military, law enforcement or security occupations is being able to see clearly at night through night vision binoculars. But there's a lot to learn about, from the different models to capabilities and how you want to use them.

You'll also want to take into account how others have perceived certain night vision goggles for sale, technical specifications and features that will help you out on the job. Along with choosing the right device for you, sign on for training courses offered by the distributor or manufacturer. There are also other occupation-specific training options available through independant agencies.

Consider learning more about the following:

1. Explore the concept of night vision goggles generation and how that affects your night vision device.

2. If you're using binoculars with night vision for more than occasional use, learn more about technical specifications.

3. As part of your night vision goggles education and training, find out about ranges of clarity and in what conditions they work best.

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Learn more about how infrared night vision goggles work

You won't be able to select or use night vision instruments appropriately without learning first about how the technology works. Be curious and ask a lot of questions.

I recommend: Get a history of night vision instruments from GlobalSecurity.org. Read about how night vision works as well as performance and technical items to consider from ITT Night Vision.

Read reviews of night vision glasses

Educate yourself on all the intracices of the different types of devices offered. Not only do you have to choose the kind of device, such as goggles, glasses, binocoluars or others, you'll have to choose what kind of features you need as well.

I recommend: See how customers rated dozens of night vision goggles at OpticsPlanet. Read a Gizmodo review on EyeClops Night Vision Goggles.

Attend a training course on night vision optics

Get the most out of your night vision instrument by learning how to use it properly and to its full extent. Improving range and resolution are just some tricks that a qualified instructor can give. You'll also want to test out your goggles using simulations so that when you need them in real-life action scenarios you won't be surprised by anything.

I recommend: Special night vision goggle training for pilots can be found through Bell Helicopter Textron. US Night Vision offers a variety of training programs for military, law enforcement and security personnel.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before purchaing night vision binoculars, ask the distributor for a demonstration. Or, ask if you can try them out for a period of time and return them if they aren't up to your standards. You want to be sure the investment is worthwhile.

Night vision devices work by amplifying natural light sources to provide a green screen. Alternatively, thermal or infrared night vision goggles capture the light given off as heat from an object. Night vision glasses with digital imaging are also available. Use night vision optics in professions that require the ability to see in the dark. Law enforcement, military branches, security organizations, surveillance companies, camping, fishing and hunting all commonly rely on night vision binoculars.

Purchase night vision equipment by generation number. Devices range from zero to four with increasing sensitivity and better resolution as the number increases. Devices classified as generation three meet military specifications but are more expensive. Accessories allow hands free operation, increased power and better image quality. Narrow down the choice of night vision equipment by considering the following:

1. Select manufacturers that offer the highest quality on night vision optics and product guarantees.

2. Review product specifications, brands and features to get the best deal for your budget.

3. Consider less expensive night vision devices for your small business.

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Assess products and features on night vision optics

Pricing differs drastically by product generation, brands and included features, shop online for product comparisons. Additional accessories to choose are riflescopes, monoculars, camera equipment and binoculars to enhance night vision optics.

I recommend: Locate night vision goggles for sale by generation, price and brand at Night Vision Planet. Compare features on night vision riflescopes at Binoculars.com. Look for night vision camera kits from Morovision Night Vision for image capture and surveillance.

Purchase military night vision goggles directly from the manufacturer

Night vision equipment is expensive. Take advantage of bulk order discounts and extended warranties to protect your investment. Shop directly from the manufacturer or an authorized dealer for the latest technology tested to meet the demands of your industry.

I recommend: Shop night vision products manufactured by leading supplier American Technologies Network Corporation, all products come with a 2-year warranty and ship with batteries and needed hardware. N-Vision Optics specializes in providing night vision optical equipment rugged enough for use in harsh outdoor conditions.

Find inexpensive night vision glasses through sale or rentals

Even with comparison shopping and online discounts, night vision devices may be too pricey for your small business budget. Consider used night vision goggles and clearance prices for discontinued products. Rent or lease night vision products for a fraction of the cost.

I recommend: Find discount prices on name brand night vision binoculars from Scopes n' More. Save money with a weekly or monthly rental on needed night vision devices at Rigel Optics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Strict regulations control exporting night vision optics outside of the US. An export license is required for all generation three devices. Generation four devices are not eligible for export.

Night vision goggles aren't just for military and police special operations. They are also used by professionals from civilian pilots to security guards.

There is a large variety of night vision gear at different levels of quality and price. Before you buy, make sure to review the following essential terms.

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Generation number

The generation number of night vision goggles refers to what sort of optical technology is used in the model. First generation night vision technology is currently the most widely used.

I recommend: American Technologies Network explains the technical differences between the various generations of night vision goggles and how each is typically used.

Monocular

Monocular night vision units are models that are looked through with one eye. While most night vision goggles are binocular models, requiring the use of both eyes to see through the unit, monocular units are also available. These may be handheld or mountable as goggles or on weaponry.

I recommend: Infrared1 shows how a monocular night vision unit may be put to a number of uses, including as a monocular goggle unit.

ANVIS

Aviator Night Vision Imaging Systems, or ANVIS, refers to night vision goggles created specifically for use by plane and helicopter pilots.

I recommend: Photonics.com gives an explanation of how ANVIS are employed in the aviation industry.

Near and far infrared light

Night vision goggles work by capturing and displaying what would otherwise be invisible infrared light. Near infrared light is closest to visible light. Far infrared light is thermal, so certain types of goggles turn heat into visible light.

I recommend: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration gives an explanation of the difference between near and far infrared light.

Thermal imaging

Thermal imaging is one of two methods for night visioning. Thermal imaging captures the far end of the infrared spectrum and renders it visible.

I recommend: MoroVision Night Vision explains how night vision goggles use thermal imaging to render light from the infrared spectrum into visible frequencies.

Image enhancement

Image enhancing night vision technology works by capturing small quantities of available light, both ambient and infrared, and magnifying these quantities to bring objects into visible sight.

I recommend: HowStuffWorks gives a detailed explanation of how image enhancement technology is employed in night vision goggles.

Whether you are involved in the security industry or simply want to keep your business safe at night, it can be helpful to get to know night vision optics. The ability to see at night or in a dark area can improve your sense of safety at night, and it might even save you money in damages caused by potential intruders. You will have many options depending on your needs and personal preferences, but learning the night vision goggles types and styles should be your first step before shopping for them.

You don't need to learn the details about each night vision goggles generation, but it is helpful to know your options before purchasing night vision devices. Consider some of your available options:

1. Give night vision goggles a chance if you want hands-free night vision.
   
2. Consider buying binoculars with night vision.
3. Check out monoculars that allow you to see well in the dark.
   

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Take a look at night vision goggles for sale

You might have heard of the night vision goggle, but you may not have ever actually considered using a pair. If you need to see outside at night, or even inside a dark building, you should think about buying either new or used night vision goggles. The ability to see in the dark when you or your business are most vulnerable to danger can be important. The fact that such goggles are hands-free adds more convenience to the process of security at night.

I recommend: Night Galaxy is one of the places to buy infrared night vision goggles. Get a good deal with a night vision goggles sale at Night Vision Mall.

Check out night vision binoculars

If you want the option of seeing at night and then switching to your regular vision quickly, night vision binoculars are best for you. Unlike night vision goggles, binoculars simply stay around your neck until you need to raise them to eye level in order to see clearly in the dark.

I recommend: OpticsHQ.com sells night vision binoculars at a discount. Binoculars.com specializes in night vision equipment like binoculars, and offers several types and styles.

Consider night vision optics for just one eye

If you want night vision equipment that is lighter than goggles or binoculars, give night vision monoculars a try. Whether you hold these in your hand while on the job or mount them on your person, this unique departure from night vision glasses offers you versatility and a lightened load. Check out the night through one eye with a monocular night vision device.

I recommend: Morovision Night Vision carries a selection of night vision monoculars. Check out the array of monocular devices at N-Vision Optics.