In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the application of the latest technologies in various spheres of human activity. Scientific and technical revolutions and the changes they contributed to start the gradual improvement and simplification of human life. Primitive people were guided only by primitive knowledge of the world during their activities, while applying the simplest skills. As for hunting, for example, their main attribute was spears. They did not yet understand the intricacies of various trades and did not possess those skills and a sufficient level of development to improve their skills. Many new discoveries from the 18th to the 21st century contributed to the facilitation of human life and contributed to the transition of humanity to a new stage of development. It is about devices which we use every day – telephone, Internet, wheel, etc. Improvements also affected specific areas of people’s lives, in particular hunting, security activities, etc. Thermal imaging devices, optical devices, improved weapons, night vision lights, and many more interesting and useful mechanisms are included in the devices whose invention greatly facilitated the implementation of work in these areas. Each device has its preferred field of use and corresponding functions, which may vary depending on the situation. For example, thermal imaging cameras for hunters are mostly safety devices, so that the hunter can navigate the terrain and see what is happening around him. For security guards, these devices are mostly used to track the movement of other objects outside the protected object. That is, the choice of the device that will be used in each specific situation is important for the implementation of the outlined tasks before the individual. Often the devices have similar functions, but due to their high prices, you need to choose one that will work best in this environment. Such a question may arise when comparing night vision devices with a thermal sight. Both devices are used mainly at night and mostly by the military and hunters. However, there are situations when it is more appropriate to use one device or another. The advantages and disadvantages of each of them and the scope of their application will be discussed further.
Night vision – pros and cons
The main advantage of using night vision sights is a clearer, closer to reality picture. The devices transmit the image as it is, without significant distortions. This is important for the work of guards because they must have a clear view of the situation outside the guarded place. Night vision scopes are also believed to be more reliable to use. This is explained by their greater research and exploitation. They are more actively used and, as a result, people know more about their functionality and the main disadvantages in using them. In addition, night vision scopes are quite affordable for the public. The prices offered by the suppliers are relatively low, which makes these optical devices popular for use. Unlike other devices, night vision scopes can be purchased for prices ranging from $200 to $2,000 on average. There is another significant advantage in the use of night vision sights – a wide range of terrain coverage. This allows the user to see a large area both in front of him and at a certain distance from him. The power supply battery of such devices is quite powerful, which allows them to function throughout the night.
As for the disadvantages, it should be noted here that night vision sights are not available for use during the day. They will not help the user, as they are equipped with special lenses that are hypersensitive especially at night. Despite the clarity of image transmission by these devices, there are certain difficulties in visualizing the image, especially when the activity is carried out during fog or other natural phenomena that make vision difficult. Therefore, when using night vision scopes in adverse natural conditions, you need to be prepared to receive a less clear image quality.
Thermal scope – pros and cons
The advantage of thermal sights is that they can be successfully used in any lighting conditions. That is, both during the day and at night, they will become reliable assistants in a certain field of activity. The principle of operation of thermal devices, in particular sights, is also a peculiar advantage. It is about their ability to scan the area and notice those objects that are invisible to the human eye. Using such sights, you can see what is in the bushes, behind a tree or other surface. This is especially important for reasons of security and greater confidence of the user that unforeseen situations will not arise. In addition, thermal sights are a kind of detectors of various prints and traces. They are especially relevant during hunting, when, for example, a hunter needs to track an animal by tracks or when the animal has already been wounded and is hiding. And, an important point of thermal sights is that the thermal picture of the area will be seen only by the user, and not by outsiders. This advantage is important for both security and search and rescue operations.
Like any device, thermal sights have their drawbacks. First, they are much more expensive than ordinary night vision scopes because they are made of more expensive materials and using the latest technologies and scientific achievements. Secondly, they are heavier and larger, which makes their movement in space problematic. Thirdly, these devices need to be set up for a long time and given some time to function properly. Although, in general, their creation is a great progress in the development of science and the facilitation of society’s life.
Differences
The advantage of thermal sights is that they can be successfully used in any lighting conditions. That is, both during the day and at night, they will become reliable assistants in a certain field of activity. The principle of operation of thermal devices, in particular sights, is also a peculiar advantage. It is about their ability to scan the area and notice those objects that are invisible to the human eye. Using such sights, you can see what is in the bushes, behind a tree or other surface. This is especially important for reasons of security and greater confidence of the user that unforeseen situations will not arise. In addition, thermal sights are a kind of detectors of various prints and traces. They are especially relevant during hunting, when, for example, a hunter needs to track an animal by tracks or when the animal has already been wounded and is hiding. And, an important point of thermal sights is that the thermal picture of the area will be seen only by the user, and not by outsiders. This advantage is important for both security and search and rescue operations.
Like any device, thermal sights have their drawbacks. First, they are much more expensive than ordinary night vision scopes because they are made of more expensive materials and using the latest technologies and scientific achievements. Secondly, they are heavier and larger, which makes their movement in space problematic. Thirdly, these devices need to be set up for a long time and given some time to function properly. Although, in general, their creation is a great progress in the development of science and the facilitation of society’s life.