When you choose the best optics for night hunting you may try to attain all possible features to get most out of it. IR Illuminator is either a built-in or an additional feature which uses infrared light to increase the quality of picture and range of visibility of your device Equipping your best night vision rifle scope is a controversial question you need to study beforehand prior to important decisions.
Pros and Cons of IR illuminator
Look at how you can benefit or suffer from IR illuminator when hunting at night, so that you know what to expect from your choice.
- Increased effectiveness – most devices come with built-in IR illuminator which is a short-range one but makes a real difference to the quality of the image in dark buildings or thick forests when there is not enough of light amount from natural sources. But when you get medium or long external illuminator attached to your scope, it increases visibility range up to 500 yards and the quality of the image to a great extent.
- No camouflage – although infrared light cannot be spotted with a naked eye, it can be easily detected by any night animal or with other night vision device. The problem is that built-in illuminators are always on so you will be like a citylight in the dark forest. Meanwhile, external illuminators can be switched on/off which will enable you to camouflage when needed. So, it is desirable to attain an external IR illuminator to make your outdoor activity more successful in the end.
Pay attention to all additional features to make your night vision rifle scope work for but not against you.
