Difficult Choices to Make
Buying your first night vision device can be one of most exciting things to do, and for many of us nerds, a highlight in our boring daily lives.The Age Old Question
When it comes to buying NODs, the two most common routes are usually Monocular and Binocular devices, each bringing various pros and cons, that the user should take into consideration before making a purchase.
Monocular Devices
Monos like the PVS-14, Nocturn Tanto and many others, have become, over time, work horses of the night vision world, allowing beginners and professionals alike, to get into the game while keeping budget under control, something that is more easily manageable with one tube, than two.
1)Much reduced price tag
2)Weight Reduction
3)Compact Size
4)Ability to bridge it with a dedicated thermal
5)Can be upgraded down the line to a Binocular
1)Reduced of Depth Perception
2)More difficult to outline objects
3)More difficult to process images
Binocular Devices
For the most advanced and experienced of users, binoculars are almost always the preferred choice, due to added benefits, and most importantly for many the cool factor. (yes, we know that’s the only reason you want them).
Binocular devices, offer an overall more rounded up and complete experience to the user, as they generally feel more natural to use than monoculars, which for some people may feel uncomfortable at first.
1) Enhanced Depth Perception
2) Reduced Eyestrain
3) Improved ability to outline objects
4) Will Impress the Girls
5) Easier to process images
1) Added Weight
2) Added Cost
3) Less Compact
4) Can’t be bridged with dedicated thermal
Common Myths To Address
In the modern age of technology, myths and misconceptions are quick to spread and hard to control, sparking doubts among beginners and causing them to choose the wrong product for their needs.
In order to combat this, we took our time to compile and address, the most frequently mentioned ones, related to the topic of Single vs Dual tubes, diving deep on them, giving user a more accurate insight.
Myth I: “Monoculars give no sense of depth”
One of the main reasons why people might tend to shy away from monoculars, is the notion that binos will provide the wearer with a sense of depth perception.
While this concept is indeed true, many users interpret this as “monos give no depth perception”, a very incorrect statement, which we unfortunately come across far too often.
Binoculars will surely provide a more natural sense of depth, but this does not mean you won’t be able to tell how far objects are with only one eye, matter of fact you will still be 100% able to figure out distances very quickly with the right amount of practice and getting used to.
Myth II: “Binoculars will give me twice the FOV”
Many people think that wearing binoculars instead of monoculars, will provide an increase of field of view, although, contrary to popular belief, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
In reality, the two images will fuse together perfectly, with no change in FOV.
Takeaways
From what we can learn today, you should not buy night vision based on presumed concepts, word of mouth or feel, rather you should always do your research beforehand, evaluate available options and budget, and with that, prioritize your personal and frequent needs, over niche and unlikely scenarios, in which you will hardly ever find yourself.