Night vision devices are mainly divided into three categories: active infrared night vision devices, low-light night vision devices and infrared thermal imagers. ‌ ‌

‌Active infrared night vision device ‌ : This night vision device shines infrared beam outward at the target, and converts the reflected infrared image into visible image, suitable for night aiming, driving vehicles and reconnaissance photography. Its advantage is that it is not limited by illumination, can be used in a full black environment, and the price is relatively cheap. However, the observation distance is close and easy to be found by the other side, so it has been less used in the military.

low-light level night vision device : using the low-brightness natural light reflected by the target at night, such as starlight, moonlight, etc., through enhancement and amplification to reach the naked eye. Low light night vision is a passive working mode, can better hide the user, suitable for military, criminal investigation, night monitoring and other special work. The technology of low light level night vision instrument is mature and the image quality is good, but the cost of core components is high.

‌thermal imaging infrared instrument ‌ : Based on the principle of infrared radiation of objects, the target can be identified by the difference between the target and the background itself. Thermal imaging infrared is not affected by smoke and trees and other obstacles, can be used day and night, is the most advanced night vision observation equipment. Although it is expensive and mainly used in the military field, it is expected to be promoted in the civilian market in the future with technological advances. For example: Onick NP-1600 low light night vision