The higher up you go, the more expensive the optic will be. This helps with range and clarity, making it the best of the best so far.Įach gen has its own price tag. This added a filmless technology to the optics, meaning the need for the ion film is gone. Gen 4: This is the latest and the greatest technology available.There is also an ion barrier film added to increase the tube life. Gen 3: This generation adds a gallium arsenide to the photocathode for a brighter and sharper image over the gen 2 optics.This allows for the light to pass through the tube in a brighter and sharper image. It works as an electron amplifier and is placed behind the photocathode. The price of the gen 2 comes into play because there is an added micro-channel plate (MCP) that amplifies the existing light more. Gen 2: The big difference here is the price.They come in at a lower cost, but the issue is the clarity of the image. These optics use the basic principles of amplifying the existing light several thousand times. Gen 1: This is the most common optic on the market right now.What is that? Well, it is how advanced the optic is in terms of night vision technology. Not every optic is going to have this information, but for those that do it can be confusing if you aren’t familiar with what it is. Image Credit: įor various optics, you find that there is often mention of Gen 1-4 somewhere in the information. However, if you prefer the best of the best, then the best advice is to carry batteries with you when hunting so you never miss a moment. If you can work with a scope that isn’t Gen 4 and top of the line, then your battery life goes up. This is the biggest gripe with most night vision scopes. These batteries drop down to performing at only half of peak performance when the battery life drops below 50%. If you use alkaline batteries, then you’ll find the time cut in half. Consider how long you plan on being out with your scope. This can range from a few hours all the way up to 18+. There is also the amount of time you have with your optic on one battery life cycle. They are built to last longer and keep the performance at its peak till the end of the battery life. However, and this is big, they are more expensive than your standard battery.

If you want the longest performance out of your optic, this is the route you should go. The battery that shines the brightest is the lithium battery, though. There are a few different types out there from your standard alkaline to rechargeable.

Battery Lifeīatteries are what keep these types of optics going. What it comes down to is what you intend to use your device for. There is no one is better than the other, though. For an optic that has night vision compatibility you have to add in the extra price which can add up for many people. The optic attachments are going to be on the less expensive end, as you will not have to worry about the optic itself. It truly comes down to what you want out of your device. For others, they want an optic that can do both with ease. For some people, that is all they want, so they can easily switch between day and night without worry. There are some that you are going to have to attach to your existing optic to get the night vision. Not every night vision device is going to be an optic. If you are looking for a long lifespan to use for years, then that does add to the price. If you are going to use it a handful of times, you don’t need a top of the line scope in most cases. Determine how much you want to use your optic and go from there. Yes, they are going to be more expensive, but our list includes everything from lower to higher end on the price scale. The saying “you get what you pay for” holds true with buying a night vision optic. While going to a reputable manufacture comes with a price tag, that price tag means quality ingredients to make your optic the best it can be. Why? They make high-quality products with great reviews for long periods of time. No matter what kind of optic you are going for, the reputation of the manufacture is going to save you time and money.

Ar optics digital sentry night vision