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Night vision

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General fitness, health and nutrition
Published
15 January 2004
Last activity
16 January 2004
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Andy Mabbett
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  1. Lucky me; I've been asked to choose a generously- priced Christmas present.

    I'm considering a night- sight/ night vision scope, or whatever you might call such a thing, for
    wildlife watching.

    Can anyone comment on the available types? Is there a FAQ?

    Which models have IR illumination, and is that a requirement?

    What's the battery life like, and can they use rechargeables?

    Do they have a long life expectancy, or do they wear out? Are they robust, and shower/ water proof?

    How usable are they, by spectacle wearers?

    How does one go about using them with a digital camera (Nikon 995, in my case), if that's possible?

    I see that Millets have one, on offer; reduced from 1999 to 175 GBP. IS tat an "entry- level" price?

    This one looks intriguing, too:

    <http://www.sovietbazaar.co.uk/index.php?d=nvmonocular&p=nvm_hth811w>

    and they "supply to retailing outlats throut UK" ;-)

    (cross- posted)
    --
    Andy Mabbett Reply to [my first name] [at] pigsonthewing.org.uk USA imprisons children
    without trial, at Guantanamo Bay: <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/2970279.stm>
    <web.amnesty.orgENGAMR510582003

  2. Andy Mabbett said:


    Lucky me; I've been asked to choose a generously- priced Christmas present.

    I'm considering a night- sight/ night vision scope, or whatever you might call such a thing, for
    wildlife watching.

    Can anyone comment on the available types? Is there a FAQ?

    Which models have IR illumination, and is that a requirement?

    What's the battery life like, and can they use rechargeables?

    Do they have a long life expectancy, or do they wear out? Are they robust, and shower/
    water proof?

    How usable are they, by spectacle wearers?

    How does one go about using them with a digital camera (Nikon 995, in my case), if that's
    possible?

    I see that Millets have one, on offer; reduced from 1999 to 175 GBP. IS tat an "entry-
    level" price?

    This one looks intriguing, too:

    <http://www.sovietbazaar.co.uk/index.php?d=nvmonocular&p=nvm_hth811w>

    and they "supply to retailing outlats throut UK" ;-)

    (cross- posted)

    Check out these as well, seem to have a few items: cobra-optics.co.ukindex.htm

    Haven't used them myself, but I've bought stuff from their parent company before.

    Lee

    --
    Never summon Anything you can't banish. - To reply use lee.blaver and ntlworld com

  3. "Andy Mabbett" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Lucky me; I've been asked to choose a generously- priced Christmas present.

    I'm considering a night- sight/ night vision scope, or whatever you might call such a thing, for
    wildlife watching.

    Can anyone comment on the available types?

    When I had a catalogue of night vision gear, there was quite a wide choice. You needed to decide
    whether you wanted monocular or binocular vision and what sort of magnification you wanted. One of
    the binocular types had a hands-free headband. My recolllection is that the effective range was not
    too impressive, perhaps 30m on the longest range types.

    Quoted message said:

    Which models have IR illumination, and is that a requirement?

    The ones you can buy easily are probably ex-Russian first generation equipment. SFAIK, that does
    need IR illumination to work, hence, I suspect, the restricted range. If you get a chance to look
    through a current military version, which are entirely passive, you will probably be amazed at the
    difference.

    Colin Bignell

  4. Andy Mabbett said:

    I'm considering a night- sight/ night vision scope, or whatever you might call such a thing, for
    wildlife watching.

    200 quid, common as muck.

    For a start on a buyer's guide, treat them as binoculars. Many of the optical issues about field of
    view etc. are still similar.

    Quoted message said:

    Can anyone comment on the available types? Is there a FAQ?

    There are some that take camera lenses (of various mounts). Can be worthwhile if you already have a
    good investment in optics.

    Focussing of IR may be near-impossible with some mirror lenses though (because they're not all
    mirrors, but partially refractive too)

    Quoted message said:

    Which models have IR illumination, and is that a requirement?

    All of 'em. Anything that doesn't is 2 grand and upwards, and still rare as hen's teeth.

    Look at IR rabbit lamping sets, if you want a bigger illuminator. Anchor in Ripley used to have the
    IR searchlights off Chieftains at one time - about 2' across !

    Quoted message said:

    What's the battery life like, and can they use rechargeables?

    On a decent one, it should be enormous.

    Quoted message said:

    Do they have a long life expectancy, or do they wear out?

    Modern stuff should be robust. Old ones didn't like daylight or damp.

    Quoted message said:

    How usable are they, by spectacle wearers?

    They're all monoculars, so it's no big deal. Binoculars are still a gimmick. At this level of
    resolution, and with this sort of line-of-sight illumination, then you have no usable stero
    imagery anyway.

    Quoted message said:

    How does one go about using them with a digital camera (Nikon 995, in my case), if that's possible?

    Find one with a suitable mount at the back end, and a suitable camera. Still rare, although they
    are around.

    --
    Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods

  5. Andy Mabbett said:


    Lucky me; I've been asked to choose a generously- priced Christmas present.


    Just something else to consider,,i have a sony camcorder which has three or four degrees of
    night vision with IR illumination and is very effective so view and film as necessary,,nature at
    its best !

    joe

  6. "Andy Mabbett" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Lucky me; I've been asked to choose a generously- priced Christmas present.

    I'm considering a night- sight/ night vision scope, or whatever you might call such a thing, for
    wildlife watching.

    Can anyone comment on the available types? Is there a FAQ?

    Which models have IR illumination, and is that a requirement?

    What's the battery life like, and can they use rechargeables?

    Do they have a long life expectancy, or do they wear out? Are they robust, and shower/
    water proof?

    How usable are they, by spectacle wearers?

    How does one go about using them with a digital camera (Nikon 995, in my case), if that's
    possible?

    I see that Millets have one, on offer; reduced from 1999 to 175 GBP. IS tat an "entry-
    level" price?

    This one looks intriguing, too:

    <http://www.sovietbazaar.co.uk/index.php?d=nvmonocular&p=nvm_hth811w>

    and they "supply to retailing outlats throut UK" ;-)

    AIUI as a private individual you cannot legally own 3rd(?) generation night vision equipment in the
    UK, the sort the police use. The greatest you can get is 2nd gen 'Enhanced'. These are ferociously
    expensive though.

    Take a look at cobra-optics.co.ukthird generation night vision.htm

    Rgds

    Andy R

  7. [email hidden] said...

    Quoted message said:

    I see that Millets have one, on offer; reduced from 1999 to 175 GBP. IS tat an "entry-
    level" price?

    1999 to 175 eh? That's a heck of a winter Sale!
    --
    Fran If you need my email address please ask.

  8. "Andy Mabbett" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Lucky me; I've been asked to choose a generously- priced Christmas present.

    I'm considering a night- sight/ night vision scope, or whatever you might call such a thing, for
    wildlife watching.

    Can anyone comment on the available types? Is there a FAQ?

    Which models have IR illumination, and is that a requirement?

    Decide whether you want IR detection optics or light amplifiction i.e. nightsight type.

    The Nightsights are better and 3rd generation optics are good - but very expensive. On all light
    intensifictaion scopes work by amplification of existing light ... starscope, nightsite etc. ....
    green inmages full of sparklies, but OK for fun. But they do not work in real darkness as there is
    nothing to amplify ... and as it gets darker the level of sparklies (noise) increases.

    Sudden bright light cause a white out and optics take a while to recover.

    IR devices work by heatdifferences, the better ones use liquid gas (helium or simialr) to super coll
    the detector - often a very high speed revolving mirror (several thousand rpm) Image is very good,
    but high battery drain. But they will work in total darkness.

    Rick

  9. If your interested in shooting more than pictures with a night sight I have
    got just the thing for sale at the moment at the very reasonable price of
    £350 which is very cheap when compared to the £460 that most retailers are
    selling them for. it's a brand new Generation 1 night vision rifle sight
    with 2.5x magnification an inbuilt IR illuminator that is at least twice the
    power of the ones that are fitted to night vision goggles and monoculars. it
    also uses an illuminated reticule and has a water resistant aircraft grade
    aluminium body and it comes with weaver and dovetail scope mounts. the max
    range is around fifty yards when your shooting something small like a rabbit
    but viewing in the open can be up to several hundred meters and around 50m
    in complete darkness I.e dense woodland inside buildings ect when using the
    IR illuminator. the life expectancy for them is around twenty years with
    normal use but you do have to be careful not to expose them to bright light
    when they are turned as it can damage the tube, most including the one that
    I'm selling have a built in mechanism which turns them off automatically if
    they are exposed to bright light but it is still not a good idea to risk
    damaging the tube. for more specs do a search on goggle keyword D-141 night
    vision sight.
    "Andy Mabbett" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Lucky me; I've been asked to choose a generously- priced Christmas present.

    I'm considering a night- sight/ night vision scope, or whatever you might call such a thing, for
    wildlife watching.

    Can anyone comment on the available types? Is there a FAQ?

    Which models have IR illumination, and is that a requirement?

    What's the battery life like, and can they use rechargeables?

    Do they have a long life expectancy, or do they wear out? Are they robust, and shower/
    water proof?

    How usable are they, by spectacle wearers?

    How does one go about using them with a digital camera (Nikon 995, in my case), if that's
    possible?

    I see that Millets have one, on offer; reduced from 1999 to 175 GBP. IS tat an "entry-
    level" price?

    This one looks intriguing, too:

    <http://www.sovietbazaar.co.uk/index.php?d=nvmonocular&p=nvm_hth811w>

    and they "supply to retailing outlats throut UK" ;-)

    (cross- posted)
    --
    Andy Mabbett Reply to [my first name] [at] pigsonthewing.org.uk USA imprisons children
    without trial, at Guantanamo Bay: <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/2970279.stm>
    <web.amnesty.orgENGAMR510582003

  10. In message <[email hidden]>, Andy Mabbett
    <[email hidden]> writes

    Quoted message said:


    I see that Millets have one, on offer; reduced from 1999 to 175 GBP. IS tat an "entry-
    level" price?

    Should be "from 199 to 175"!
    --
    Andy Mabbett Reply to [my first name] [at] pigsonthewing.org.uk USA imprisons children
    without trial, at Guantanamo Bay: <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/2970279.stm>
    <web.amnesty.orgENGAMR510582003

  11. In message <[email hidden]>, tarquinlinbin
    <[email hidden]> writes

    Quoted message said:

    Just something else to consider,,i have a sony camcorder which has three or four degrees of
    night vision with IR illumination and is very effective so view and film as necessary,,nature at
    its best !

    What model is that, and how old is it, please?
    --
    Andy Mabbett Reply to [my first name] [at] pigsonthewing.org.uk USA imprisons children
    without trial, at Guantanamo Bay: <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/2970279.stm>
    <web.amnesty.orgENGAMR510582003

  12. On Tue, 21 Oct 2003 09:06:09 +0100, "Andy R" <[email hidden]>

    Quoted message said:

    AIUI as a private individual you cannot legally own 3rd(?) generation night vision equipment in the
    UK, the sort the police use.

    Why not ?

    Blunkett hasn't started identity cards for telescopes _just_ yet !

    --
    Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods

  13. "Find one with a suitable mount at the back end, and a suitable camera. Still rare, although they
    are around." [..]

    Sony sell a digital camera (Cybershot F717) with IR and semi IR capability. in IR mode it takes pics
    in IR resolution, in semi IR you look at the subject in IR but take pictures in normal resolution
    with the flash. I'll take some pics tonight and post them.

    Les

  14. Andy R said:


    "Andy Mabbett" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    Lucky me; I've been asked to choose a generously- priced Christmas present.

    I'm considering a night- sight/ night vision scope, or whatever you might call such a thing, for
    wildlife watching.

    Can anyone comment on the available types? Is there a FAQ?

    Which models have IR illumination, and is that a requirement?

    What's the battery life like, and can they use rechargeables?

    Do they have a long life expectancy, or do they wear out? Are they robust, and shower/
    water proof?

    How usable are they, by spectacle wearers?

    How does one go about using them with a digital camera (Nikon 995, in my case), if that's
    possible?

    I see that Millets have one, on offer; reduced from 1999 to 175 GBP. IS tat an "entry-
    level" price?

    This one looks intriguing, too:

    <http://www.sovietbazaar.co.uk/index.php?d=nvmonocular&p=nvm_hth811w>

    and they "supply to retailing outlats throut UK" ;-)

    AIUI as a private individual you cannot legally own 3rd(?) generation night vision equipment in the
    UK, the sort the police use.

    Rubbish, you most certainly can own it! It may be illegal to export from the USA under ITAR or the
    munitions regulations but there's nowt wrong with importing it. Besides which the French will sell
    very good tubes to almost anyone!

    Quoted message said:

    The greatest you can get is 2nd gen 'Enhanced'. These are ferociously expensive though.

    Take a look at cobra-optics.co.ukthird generation night vision.htm

    Rgds

    Andy R

    --
    79.84% of all statistics are made up on the spot. The other 42% are made up later on. In Warwick -
    looking at flat fields and that includes the castle.

  15. "Andy R" <[email hidden]> writes:

    [34 lines snipped]

    Quoted message said:

    AIUI as a private individual you cannot legally own 3rd(?) generation night vision equipment in the
    UK, the sort the police use.

    Really? Why?

    --
    "The road to Paradise is through Intercourse." The uk.transport FAQ;
    huge.org.ukFAQ.html [email me at huge [at] huge [dot] org [dot] uk]

  16. Andy Dingley said:
    Andy R said:

    AIUI as a private individual you cannot legally own 3rd(?) generation night vision equipment in
    the UK, the sort the police use.

    Why not ?

    Blunkett hasn't started identity cards for telescopes _just_ yet !

    I haven't heard of that law, and know people with the current US military sets (PVS-12 I think, the
    older ones are the PVS-7).

    What *is* required is an export licence if you want to export from the US, although I don't think
    you would have a problem getting one for shipping to the UK.

    Gareth

  17. Andy Mabbett said:

    In message <[email hidden]>, tarquinlinbin
    <[email hidden]> writes

    Quoted message said:

    Just something else to consider,,i have a sony camcorder which has three or four degrees of
    night vision with IR illumination and is very effective so view and film as necessary,,nature at
    its best !

    What model is that, and how old is it, please?


    Without looking i think the model no is sony trv110e. It is a digital 8 camcorder and was a new
    model perhaps 3 or 4 years ago so should be available used at a good price now.

    joe

  18. Andy Dingley said:
    LordSnooty said:

    On Mon, 20 Oct 2003 22:54:03 +0100, Andy Mabbett <[email hidden]> wrote:

    Quoted message said:

    I would strongly advise against giving andy mabbett, notorious UK troll information on this
    subject.

    This is a posting to uk.d-i-y, where Andy Mabbett isn't such a well known name as in the
    conservation groups troll-pit.

    I have no idea what AM has done to provoke the trolls. But I've never seen anyone get such a
    regular roasting from a pack of anonymous mud-slinging halfwits. And when I see one identifiable
    person getting so much stick from a peanut gallery of anonymised morons, with so little cause, I
    know where my sympathies lie.

    Now get back under your rock. We're not interested.

    Another Nildram, pedo sock puppet comes to life. I never knew you could breed!

    codesmiths.com!! Bwahahahahahahahahaha goo ga ga

    Did mabbet help in designing that troll [censored] haven?

    'You can't win 'em all.' Lord Haw Haw.

  19. (Not me guv) said:

    In article <[email hidden]>,

    Andy Dingley said:

    This is a posting to uk.d-i-y,

    Oh, so it is. I picked it up on rec.walking.

    I suspect the Mabbett fanclub of coming from the other group in the crosspost. And I feel some
    inclination to say he should know better than to crosspost between clean and infested groups.

    How interesting, you must be great at parties.

    Quoted message said:

    Note followups. Slight attempt at anonymity; I think both Andys will see through it without
    difficulty.

    Lets hope they are a little brighter than you appear in that case!

    'You can't win 'em all.' Lord Haw Haw.

  20. Andy Mabbett said:


    Lucky me; I've been asked to choose a generously- priced Christmas present.

    I'm considering a night- sight/ night vision scope, or whatever you might call such a thing, for
    wildlife watching.

    Can anyone comment on the available types? Is there a FAQ?

    Which models have IR illumination, and is that a requirement?

    What's the battery life like, and can they use rechargeables?

    Do they have a long life expectancy, or do they wear out? Are they robust, and shower/ water proof?

    How usable are they, by spectacle wearers?

    How does one go about using them with a digital camera (Nikon 995, in my case), if that's possible?

    I see that Millets have one, on offer; reduced from 1999 to 175 GBP. IS tat an "entry-
    level" price?

    This one looks intriguing, too:

    <http://www.sovietbazaar.co.uk/index.php?d=nvmonocular&p=nvm_hth811w>

    and they "supply to retailing outlats throut UK" ;-)

    I would strongly advise against giving andy mabbett, notorious UK troll information on this subject.
    Spying on young children at night is not the brightest idea a pedophile has had, we can still see
    you mabbet, if it's in a public toilet exposing yourself, or in the woods outside a junior school,
    we know who you are.

    see

    tinyurl.comrpra

    tinyurl.comrprf

    tinyurl.comrpri

    'You can't win 'em all.' Lord Haw Haw.

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