company news about Customers often ask how far a night vision goggles can see. The observation distance is related to multiple factors.

The observation distance of the digital night vision device does not have a fixed value*, and it is affected by a variety of factors.

The following are the key factors and general ranges that affect the observation distance of digital night vision:

1. Core limiting factors:

Sensor sensitivity and size: this is the most critical factor. Digital night vision devices use CMOS or CCD image sensors (similar to digital cameras or mobile phone cameras) to capture faint light or infrared light. The sensor's photosensitive ability (especially against near-infrared light), pixel size, size (such as 1/2 inch, 1/3 inch) and noise control level directly determine the imaging quality and effective distance in extremely low light. High-end sensors (such as Sony's Starvis series) have better performance.

Power and efficiency of infrared supplementary light: In a completely dark environment, digital night vision instruments rely heavily on their built-in or external active infrared supplementary light (IR Illuminator). The power of the supplementary light, beam angle (wide beam close range, narrow beam long distance), wavelength (usually 850nm or 940nm, 850nm brighter but visible red exposure) and optical design directly determine its "lighting" distance in the dark. This is the main determining factor of how far a digital night vision device can see in a slit environment.

Image processing algorithm: Powerful digital image processing technologies (such as noise reduction, sharpening, contrast enhancement, dynamic range optimization) can significantly improve the usability of images under low light, indirectly affecting the recognition distance.

Lens quality and focal length: High-quality lenses (light transmittance, resolution, coating) and appropriate focal length (fixed focus or zoom) are crucial to imaging clarity and long-distance observation capabilities. The telephoto lens helps to observe further targets, but it will sacrifice the field of view.

2. Ambient light source conditions:
Starlight: No moonlight, only starlight. At this time, the observation distance of all night vision devices will be greatly shortened, and the advantages of high generation are more obvious.
Moonlight: Moonlight can significantly increase the effective distance. The observation distance under a full moon is much greater than that under a new moon.
City light pollution/IR filler: Light pollution from cities or the use of active infrared fillers can greatly extend the effective observation distance, especially on low generation devices. Infrared fill light can illuminate the target, allowing the first-generation night vision device to see clearly tens of meters or even farther in the dark, but the disadvantage is that the beam itself may expose the user's position (use with caution in military use).

3. Target characteristics:
Size: The distance required to see a person clearly is much shorter than that required to see a truck clearly.
Contrast: The contrast between the target and the background is crucial. Dark objects are difficult to see against a dark background, while light objects are easier to see against a dark background.
Contour: A clear outline (such as a human figure or a vehicle outline) is easier to identify than a blurry mass.
Whether it moves: A moving target is usually easier to detect than a stationary target.
Detail requirements: The distances for distinguishing "detection" (finding something there), "recognition" (recognizing that it is a person) and "identification" (seeing who it is or the specific model) are different, and the detection distance is often used.