Why is Night Vision so Expensive? + How to Make it more Affordable

Having recently tested and reviewed several truly stunning night vision and thermal imaging devices here on BBR (see ATN BinoX 4K Day & Night 4-16x Binoculars & Guide Sensmart TN650 LRF Thermal Binoculars), I have been blown away by how the technology has rapidly progressed.

However, these high-end instruments do not come cheap and as such this puts them out of reach for many, indeed I had some feedback sent to me today, where the reader asked. Great looking device, but the price is much more than the very best binoculars and a top-end SLR camera, so please tell me why is Night Vision so Expensive.

At first, I didn’t think much about this question, or any sort of an answer and almost ignored it as my feeling was along the lines of … “well it just is”!

Then I started to think, what actually makes NV and thermal imaging expensive? Is it the materials, the technology or just because the volume produced is small compared to something like a camera and then if you are on a budget (most of us), is there anything that we can do to keep the costs down?

So I decided to go do some research and below in Part 1 is what I have come up with as to why thermal and night vision is expensive, then in Part 2, I offer some ideas on how to make thermal imaging and night vision more affordable:

Part 1: Why is Night Vision Technology So Expensive?

A Deep Dive into the Factors Behind the Cost
Both Thermal and Night vision technologies have evolved from their early military roots to becoming fairly commonly used in many civilian applications like hunting, wildlife observation, law enforcement, and private security. It is noticeable to me in the last 15 years or so that I have been testing NV that this has meant that the availability has certainly improved and yes, I think the price at the low end of the market has come down (initially there was effectively no low-end market!), but at the top end, it still costs as much as ever.

So to fully understand the cost behind thermal and night vision equipment, I decided to look beyond the price tag and delve into the manufacturing, the technology involved, market dynamics, and more.:

1. Complexity of Technology

Both Thermal imaging and Night vision technologies are at their core, highly sophisticated:

Night Vision using Image Intensifier Tubes:
The more “traditional” night vision devices collect ambient light photons (like moonlight or starlight), converts them into electrons using a photocathode, multiplies them to amplify the image and then lastly displays the result on a phosphor screen.

This Image Intensifier tube is the heart of the NV device, and as you can imagine, its production is both expensive and highly specialized:

• Photocathode: This is the first stage of a night vision system, where ambient light photons are converted into electrons. Creating a highly sensitive and effective photocathode involves sophisticated materials such as gallium arsenide (GaAs), which are both rare and expensive to produce.
• Microchannel Plate (MCP): This is a disk with millions of tiny channels that multiply the electrons generated by the photocathode. Producing MCPs involves complex processes, such as chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and photolithography, which require precision, expensive raw materials, and time-consuming labour.
• Phosphor Screen: This converts the multiplied electrons back into visible light, providing the glowing green image we associate with night vision. The specific type of phosphor used is critical to image quality and adds to the production cost.

On top of this, keep in mind that these three components must be built to exacting tolerances to function correctly, and this requires specialized knowledge, precision manufacturing, and the ability to maintain quality control. Moreover, Generation 3 night vision devices, which are the most advanced devices available to high-end civilian markets are even more expensive due to their GaAs photocathodes and improved electron multiplier capabilities. These advances require proprietary technology, further driving up the price.

You can read more about this and the technology involved in my Complete Guide to Night Vision Devices.

Digital Night Vision
When I first started testing night vision equipment, devices iusing Image Intensifier Tubes were pretty much the only viable night vision technology available to the person on the street, although I do seem to remember that some camcorders had a “night vision” setting on them, but I am not sure how effective this was as I never tested them.

Since then, Digital Night Vision has exploded and now I would say we see more DNV devices on the market than analogue ones.

The main reason for this is cost, as it has brought down the price of seeing in the dark a long way. However, digital devices are also popular because you can record what you see, they are not as sensitive and can sometimes be used in the day and you can do many other clever things like connecting them to an app on your phone etc.

This has made them very useful, but at the same time it means that many digital night vision devices are very complex electronic instruments and as such this has once again driven up the cost!

More information: How Digital Night Vision Works

Thermal Imaging Technology
Thermal imaging (which detects heat rather than light) involves a completely different set of technologies but is also prohibitively expensive. It uses a sensor that detects infrared radiation emitted by objects.

• Uncooled VOx or aSi Microbolometers: These sensors are highly sensitive and are capable of detecting even the smallest variations in temperature. Manufacturing uncooled microbolometers, like those found in high-end thermal binoculars, is extremely complex. The precision required to develop these detectors and the low tolerance for defects in the manufacturing process make them one of the costliest components.
• Infrared Optics: Unlike traditional optics that work with visible light, thermal imagers need lenses and sensors that can detect longer infrared wavelengths. These lenses are often made from materials like germanium or chalcogenide glass, which are significantly more expensive than traditional optical glass. Germanium, for example, is rare and must be meticulously processed and polished to the high standards required for imaging, pushing the cost up substantially.

More information: Thermal Imaging on BBR

2. Research and Development (R&D) Costs

Another major factor contributing to the cost of night vision devices is the high investment in research and development (R&D). Companies that produce night vision equipment, especially cutting-edge models, invest heavily in improving the resolution, sensitivity, range, and overall reliability of their devices.

This investment encompasses:

• Developing more efficient sensors with better heat management and longer lifespans.
• Enhancing signal processing for clearer images, particularly in low-light and low-contrast conditions.
• Improving battery life while maintaining compact and lightweight designs.

The costs of prototyping, testing, and refining these technologies are significant, and much of this expense is passed down to the consumer.

3. Regulatory Restrictions and Limited Market

Night vision technology is often subject to strict regulations, especially for high-end, military-grade equipment. In many countries, certain night vision devices are restricted or controlled, which limits the potential market. Additionally, exporting advanced night vision technology, particularly Generation 3 systems or thermal imaging with high refresh rates, is often regulated by government authorities, further constraining the market.

This limited consumer base (compared to mass-market consumer electronics like smartphones) means that manufacturers can’t rely on economies of scale to reduce costs. As a result, the price of night vision devices remains high to account for both the cost of development and the limited sales volume.

4. Precision Optics and Engineering

Most Night vision devices designed for outdoor uses like wildlife observation, hunting ans security or search and rescue must be robust. They are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme cold, heat, rain, and dust. Therefore, these devices must be waterproof, shockproof, and resistant to extreme temperatures, while maintaining precision optics and electronics.

The housing materials used such as high-grade aluminium, magnesium, or even reinforced polymer composites are selected to ensure durability without compromising on weight. Precision engineering, tight assembly tolerances, and rigorous testing all contribute to the final cost.

5. Battery Life and Power Management

Both Night vision devices and Thermal imagers require significant power to function, especially when running high-end components like image intensifiers, infrared illuminators, or digital displays. To address this, manufacturers need to include advanced battery management systems, often based on lithium-ion technology.

While more basic (less expensive) night vision units might rely on standard AA batteries, premium models often feature custom power systems that allow for longer operational periods in the field, driving costs further.

6. Accessories and Add-ons

High-end night vision systems often come with a range of accessories that enhance their performance and usability. These might include:

• Infrared illuminators for enhancing image clarity in total darkness.
• Helmet mounts for hands-free operation, crucial in tactical situations.
• Wireless connectivity for image transfer and remote control.

These accessories, while often optional, add to the overall cost of the device, as they are designed with the same high-grade materials and engineering precision.

7. Brand Reputation

Finally, as I see with binoculars, the brand behind the night vision device plays a significant role in its price.

Reputable, established brands like FLIR, ATN, or Pulsar have built their names on providing reliable, high-performance devices, but this reputation comes at a premium. These companies invest heavily in quality control, ensuring that each unit is rigorously tested before it reaches the consumer. While lesser-known brands may offer more affordable options, they often cut corners on quality, durability, or performance, which can lead to reliability issues down the road.

Conclusion

So as you can see, both night vision and thermal imaging devices are expensive due to a combination of factors that include advanced technology, specialized manufacturing, stringent quality controls, and market dynamics. The cost of materials like infrared-sensitive components and the complex engineering involved in creating durable, high-performance devices are significant factors. Additionally, R&D investment, regulatory limitations, and a relatively niche market keep prices high.

Part 2: How to Make Night Vision More Affordable

As expensive as NV gear is there are quite a few things that you can do to keep the costs down, that can make it much more affordable should you not have the available budget to go out and get a top-tier, very high-end device.

Beware!
Before you go any further, I want to stress the following point: DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT be tempted to go and buy one of those very cheap “as seen on TV” view-at-night binoculars or other similar devices. They are a scam, they don’t have any night vision technology in them and they do not work. Indeed a good pair of low-light binoculars will perform MUCH better than they do.

Choose a Monocular not Binoculars

A monocular is basically half a binocular, so just as with standard optics, a monocular costs significantly less than the equivalent binocular.

Examples: See my article on the Best Thermal Monoculars Under $600 (£/€)

However, do keep in mind that whilst they are cheaper and smaller, there also also a number of downsides. These include being less immersive, more difficult to view detail and they often collect less light and thus are less effective or bright.

Understand the Different Night Vision Generations

Night vision devices are classified into different “generations” based on their technology and performance. By knowing what you need versus what you want, you can find a balance between cost and functionality.

Generation 1 (Gen 1): These are the most affordable night vision devices. While they offer lower performance compared to higher generations, they are still suitable for general-purpose use like basic wildlife observation, camping, and casual nighttime activities.

• Gen 1 devices can cost as little as $100 with the best ones topping out at around $500.

The downsides include a lower resolution and shorter detection range. They require more ambient light to work well and images may be grainy and less clear.

Tip: If you’re on a budget, look for well-reviewed Gen 1 devices from reputable brands like Bushnell, Firefield, or Night Owl Optics. These brands offer decent performance at a lower price.

Generation 2 (Gen 2) devices offer a marked improvement over Gen 1 instruments. They have a better resolution, longer battery life, and improved low-light performance. They are more expensive than Gen 1 but still much more affordable than Gen 3.

Prices for Gen 2 start at around $500 and go up to $2,000.

Generation 3 (Gen 3): These are the devices are typically used by military and law enforcement, and as such are very sensitive, have a very high resolution, and excellent image clarity, even in very low light without even using an IR illuminator.

However, Gen 3 devices are expensive, usually starting at $2,500 and going up to $10,000, so unless you absolutely need military-grade performance, Gen 3 devices will probably be overkill for most civilian uses. Stick to lower generations to save money.

Digital Night Vision

As I have already mentioned, Digital night vision technology offers a more affordable alternative to traditional night vision devices. Unlike image intensification tubes found in analogue devices, digital night vision uses digital sensors to capture light and convert it into images. These devices are typically less expensive.

So whilst you can still get Digital Night Vision binoculars that costs many thousands, look out for ones that still offer a good night viewing experience, but don’t feature all the other high-end connectivity and recording functions. A decent digital nigh vision binocular or monocular can cost as little as $200 with very good ones costing about $800.

Tip: Digital night vision monoculars from brands like ASP, Pulsar, Sightmark, or Bushnell offer a good value-to-performance ratio. Remember many digital models also come with built-in infrared illuminators for use in complete darkness.

AGM Asp-Micro TM160 Thermal Imaging Monocular

Buy Refurbished or Pre-Owned Devices

One of the best ways to save money is by purchasing refurbished or pre-owned night vision devices. Many reputable brands and retailers offer certified refurbished models that have been tested for quality assurance but come at a significantly reduced price.

Where to Look:

• Check sites like eBay, Amazon, or OpticsPlanet for certified pre-owned or refurbished devices from known brands.
• Look for authorized retailers or the manufacturer’s website for deals on refurbished items.

Tip: Always check for warranties and return policies when buying pre-owned night vision devices to ensure you have some protection if the device fails.

Look for Deals and Promotions

Night vision devices, like many other products, can occasionally be found on sale. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and seasonal promotions from online retailers can offer significant discounts on night vision equipment.

Tip: Sign up for newsletters from major optics retailers like OpticsPlanet, B&H Photo, and MidwayUSA to be alerted when they have sales on night vision gear.

DIY Night Vision Kits

This is something I stumbled on while doing my research for this article: For the technically inclined, you can now get DIY night vision kits for as little as $100!

I have not tried one (yet!), but it looks like these kits allow you to build your own night vision device using inexpensive components like digital cameras, infrared illuminators, and cheap optics. While the performance certainly won’t match that of a commercial device, if you are interested in the technology, it could be a fun and cost-effective way to experiment with night vision.

Rent or Borrow Thermal Imaging & Night Vision Equipment

If you only need night vision gear for a short period, consider renting rather than buying. This is a great option for casual users who don’t want to make a long-term investment.

• Some retailers and online services offer night vision equipment rentals for a fraction of the cost of buying.
• Borrowing from friends or joining local outdoor or hunting clubs can also give you access to night vision devices without the upfront cost.

Tip: Look for rental options at Hunting or Outdoor stores or specialized night vision rental websites.

Use Smartphone Add-ons

Several companies now produce smartphone-compatible night vision and thermal imaging attachments that use your phone’s camera in conjunction with an external night vision module.

For Example, see my InfiRay Xinfrared T2 Pro Thermal Eye Review

These attachments are generally more affordable than full-fledged devices and still offer decent performance for casual users.

As well as InfiRay, other brands to look for include SIONYX and Seek Thermal.

Conclusion

While night vision technology is often very expensive, there are a few ways of making it a little more affordable.

By understanding the different technologies involved, the generations of night vision, exploring digital alternatives, opting for monoculars over binoculars, and considering refurbished or DIY options, it is possible to obtain a good thermal or night vision device without breaking the bank.