Field of View: What Is It, and Why Is It Important for Your Night Vision Binoculars

By  //  April 7, 2023

Hunting during the day is already an incredible challenge, so it’s no surprise that many hunters also look to the night for their prey. It’s a different world that requires different tools to navigate.

Night vision binoculars are among the most important tools you can have, and there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the right pair. One of the most significant is the field of view. So, what is it, and why is it so important?

The field of view is exactly what it sounds like – the amount of the world you can see through the binoculars. In practical terms, it’s the width of the visual “cone” you see in front of you when looking through the night vision binoculars. A wider field of view means you will see more of your surroundings, while a narrower one will make it feel like you’re looking through a narrower tunnel. 

In general, most night vision binoculars have a field of view between 20 and 40 degrees. The wider the field of view, the better the binoculars. However, it’s not just about the width of the view, but also about the quality of the image. A blurry, low-quality image with a wide field of view is not nearly as useful as a sharp, clear one with a narrower field.

Another thing to consider when looking at the field of view is how it affects your depth perception. A wider field of view will naturally make things seem further away, while a narrower one will make them seem closer. This can be disorienting at first, but with practice, most hunters find it makes it easier to judge distances and track prey.

It’s worth noting that some night vision binoculars have a fixed field of view, while others allow you to adjust it. It’s all a matter of personal preference, but most hunters find that having some degree of adjustment is helpful for different situations.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that field of view is not the only important factor to consider when picking out night vision binoculars. You also need to look at things like image clarity, magnification, durability, and weight. But when it comes to hunting under the stars, the field of view might just be the most essential specification of all.

Conclusion

If you’re a hunter looking to up your night game, then you need to get familiar with the field of view. It’s an essential feature of any night vision binoculars you might be considering and can make a huge difference in your ability to track and take down your prey. 

Remember that a wider field of view is generally better, but also make sure to look for high image quality and the other features that matter most to you. By finding the perfect pair of night vision binoculars, you’ll be able to see clearer and hunt better than ever before.