BigDaddy Answers many FAQ'S and Hunters Qustions about hunting optics, binoculars, monoculars and other hunting gear .. 

QUESTION:  What do the numerical specs on optics magnifications stand for?

BIGDADDY'S ANSWER:  The first number in an optical specification represents the magnification of the optic. If the optical device is a fixed magnification it is represented by a single number followed by the letter “X” and if the optical devices [scopes, binoculars] is a variable type of magnification it is represented by a set of numbers followed by the letter “X”. The second number in an optical specification represents the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. For example, 10x50 binoculars means the binoculars have a fixed magnification of 10X with a objective lens diameter of 50MM. For example a 1-7X32 riflescope consists of a 1-7X magnification with a 32MM objective lens.

QUESTION: What are all these environmental or IP Ratings I see [ie: IPX4, IPX6, IP66, IP67) mean?

BIGDADDY'S ANSWER: Sightmark, Pulsar and fireField rates their optical devices based on the IEC 60529 Ingress Protection [IP] Rating. IP rating is formatted as “IP” followed by two digits. The first digit indicated the level of protection against solids such as dust and dirt and if no rating for solids is provided, an “X” is substituted in this position. The second digit indicated the level of protection against liquids. Products rated IPX4, IPX5, IPX6 are weatherproof or water resistant and can handle conditions such as rain, snow and splashing water. Products rated IPX7 are completely waterproof and can handle submersion up to 3.2 Feet of water.

QUESTION: How do night vision optics work?

BIGDADDY'S ANSWER: Night Vision Optics are used to amplify light energy [photons] from ambient light such as moonlight or starlight. Night Vision units use an electronic photocathode tube or a charge coupled device [CCD] that converts photons to electrons. In photocathode tubes, the electrons are multiplied thousands of times and converted back into photons through a phosphor screen, which produces an image. In CCD sensors, the captured electrons are sent to a signal processor and then sent to a display to create the image.

QUESTION: What is an InfraRed (IR) Illuminator?

BIGDADDY'S ANSWER: The IR [Infrared] illuminator acts like a flash light when there is little or no ambient light [darkness] and the beam from the IR Illuminator is nearly invisible to the human eye, but can be easily detected by light amplifying devices like night vision devices etc.

QUESTION: Can these night vision scopes and binoculars be used in sunlight?

BIGDADDY'S ANSWER: Yes, as many of the modern Digital Night Vision products like those by Pulsar, SightMark and others can be used in daylight without any concern of damaging the CCD sensor as these Night Vision units use a photo-cathode tube, however, they can only be used at night. Many modern night vision units come with a "peephole lens cover" to test the unit in daylight. This cover allows you to see an image through the device without letting too much light energy through the photocathode tube. However, it is not recommended to be used for long periods of time in daylight. If you use a night vision device in sunlight without the peephole lens cover, it is most likely you will damage the tube -- and normally void any warranty.