IR Night Vision Magnification

[Jackal1]

Any insight is appreciated:
My understanding is digital gen1 IR night vision scopes are 'grainier' than typical daytime riflescopes, so how does that affect magnification choice for 50yd-to-200yd hunting?

• For instance, for a day scope I prefer 1-to-1.5x magnification for every 100 yards. So for a 200yd shot I would prefer a 2-to-3x magnification.
• Should the same magnifications be used when selecting a night vision or would I want a higher magnification for clarity? I am considering a night vision device with a fixed 5x magnification. To me this seems like way too much magnification but perhaps it makes sense to increase the night vision magnification for adequate clarity?

Side question: What magnification for just walking around, I assume 1x?

Note: I plan to use a separate illuminator.

 

[SharpDog]

I run a Sightmark Wraith which generally runs in the $500 range or a little more. Using the Wraith is like looking into a miniature TV screen so you are talking about video resolution like 480P. I am extremely happy with my Wraith and it is great for hogs and predators out to 300 yds. The biggest factor in range capability will be the strength of your illuminator. I got an 18650 battery-based illuminator which is about 3x stronger than the one that comes with the Wraith.




https://sightmark.com/products/sightmark-wraith-4k-mini-2-16x32-digital-riflescope

https://www.opticsplanet.com/sightmark-wraith-2-16x28-digital-riflescope.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&msclkid=5d57442765be17a6c7f526e7f51e4347&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Dynamic Search Ads>US>DSA&utm_term=opticsplanet&utm_content=Catch%20-%20All

https://www.amazon.com/Sightmark-Wr...1G53/ref=dp_prsubs_1?pd_rd_i=B07MW21G53&psc=1









https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MC17VCL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[Jackal1]

SharpDog: Thank you for all the Sightmark Wraith information

Does anyone else have inputs on idealized NV magnification verses range?

I researched some additional websites and think I learned some idealized NV magnifications might be:

• Walking: 1x magnification
• Up to 200yd hunting: 2x-to-3x magnification
• Over 200yd hunting / spotting: 5x-to-10x magnification

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Jackal1,
SharpDog provided some nifty DIGITAL NV information and the Wraiths are more akin to being a bit better than traditional Gen 1, plus having all the daylight shooting capabilities without worry of burning up the sensor.

So you are asking about idealized magnification? I am not entirely sure what you mean by that. Are we talking about a handheld unit or one mounted on a rifle? Depending on the crosshairs, shooter capabilities and skill, and target size, the amount of magnification used will depend on the shooter, whether it is day optics or night optics.

Whether you are using digital NV or Gen 2 or less traditional NV, chances are you will need an IR illuminator most of the time and you will want a good one. Even with Gen 3, there will be times you need an IR illuminator.