I'm thinking of treating myself to an early Christmas present ie. some night vision gear.
It seems there are two types:
1 - photo multiplier tubes
2 - infrared/thermal
PMT is serious tech and expensive ($10k+) so they're out and, very annoyingly, it seems they are illegal in Oz!
Which leaves IR stuff of which there is a stack on e-bay but God knows what their quality is so my question is does anyone have experience of this kit and/or reviews or recommendations?
Whenarewethere said
10:44 AM Sep 15, 2020
If it's photography & low light performance a Nikon D750 & a fast lens & push the shadow data.
Whenarewethere said
12:21 PM Sep 18, 2020
Also you can stack photographs to reduce noise, especially in the shadow data. If doing it manually in Photoshop for example, it's NOT 25% per layer for 4 photos.
This is the correct way:
25% opacity of fourth layer.
33% opacity of third layer.
50% opacity of second layer.
100% opacity of background layer.
I have found that stacking more than 4 photos there is little to gain in reducing noise.
Using the LAB colour space for sharpening & blurring is better than RGB colour space. Sharpening the L channel & blurring A & B channels to reduce artefacts or colour noise. This is good for crappy JPG images in general.
Greystone said
10:06 AM Sep 19, 2020
IR uses an infrared light source to illuminate the area. It's detection range is limited to how far light reaches. Depending on the light frequency, a soft reddish glow is visible at the source. I believe you can get ones that are totally invisible to the named eye. IR floodlight systems are commonly used with security cameras.
TheHeaths said
11:44 AM Sep 19, 2020
We have a Bushnell IR type, that cost about $500. The unit is a 4 * 50 classification and is called a Night Watch.
We have used the unit in a number of places as we travel around, and it has been a bit of fun to have. I certainly wouldnt rave about the picture one gets though.
I would suggest that there is a good reason why other units are the price they are with respect to the viewing experience.
If we knew what the overall experience was, I dont think we would have bought a unit, even though we have enjoyed it when we used it. The issue I have is getting a good sharp focus but they may everything to do with age and eyesight and not the unit.
I can say that when we were unable to see a mob of Roos in a CP at Richmond due to the dark, we used the unit and saw them clearly only 15 meters away from our van! If you have some spare cash, and want to treat yourself, with your lifestyle in the bush Michael, you may get more use and enjoyment than we do. Hope this gives you a bit of an idea about them.
Mike Harding said
12:43 PM Sep 19, 2020
Hi Ian
Funnily enough I am looking long and hard at a Bushnell currently:
Reviews and YouTube videos of it are encouraging but, as you imply, they do not turn night into day. For me it will only be a fun toy but I haven't treated myself for a while (apart from the bottle of Macallan :) ) and I do live in the bush so I'll probably go for it. Thanks for your input.
I'm thinking of treating myself to an early Christmas present ie. some night vision gear.
It seems there are two types:
1 - photo multiplier tubes
2 - infrared/thermal
PMT is serious tech and expensive ($10k+) so they're out and, very annoyingly, it seems they are illegal in Oz!
Which leaves IR stuff of which there is a stack on e-bay but God knows what their quality is so my question is does anyone have experience of this kit and/or reviews or recommendations?
If it's photography & low light performance a Nikon D750 & a fast lens & push the shadow data.
Also you can stack photographs to reduce noise, especially in the shadow data. If doing it manually in Photoshop for example, it's NOT 25% per layer for 4 photos.
This is the correct way:
25% opacity of fourth layer.
33% opacity of third layer.
50% opacity of second layer.
100% opacity of background layer.
I have found that stacking more than 4 photos there is little to gain in reducing noise.
Using the LAB colour space for sharpening & blurring is better than RGB colour space. Sharpening the L channel & blurring A & B channels to reduce artefacts or colour noise. This is good for crappy JPG images in general.
We have used the unit in a number of places as we travel around, and it has been a bit of fun to have. I certainly wouldnt rave about the picture one gets though.
I would suggest that there is a good reason why other units are the price they are with respect to the viewing experience.
If we knew what the overall experience was, I dont think we would have bought a unit, even though we have enjoyed it when we used it. The issue I have is getting a good sharp focus but they may everything to do with age and eyesight and not the unit.
I can say that when we were unable to see a mob of Roos in a CP at Richmond due to the dark, we used the unit and saw them clearly only 15 meters away from our van! If you have some spare cash, and want to treat yourself, with your lifestyle in the bush Michael, you may get more use and enjoyment than we do. Hope this gives you a bit of an idea about them.
Hi Ian
Funnily enough I am looking long and hard at a Bushnell currently:
https://www.ryda.com.au/bushnell-4-5x40mm-equinox-z2-night-vision-monocular
Reviews and YouTube videos of it are encouraging but, as you imply, they do not turn night into day. For me it will only be a fun toy but I haven't treated myself for a while (apart from the bottle of Macallan :) ) and I do live in the bush so I'll probably go for it. Thanks for your input.