bassackwards
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2009
- Messages
- 6
I have gen 2+ night vision and a DIY modified IR filtered video camera that I use to hunt wild hog at night. Both of these work well at close range but are worthless past 30yds. I have had very poor results using IR filters on existing LED flashlights that I have. They simply do not have sufficient output in the IR spectrum to see very far using my nightvision or camera.
I don't like using my night vision because I can't shoot while using it. When I remove my night vision goggles, it takes several minutes before I get my nightsight back and I get motion sickness when I am moving with it on. I don't have this problem at all when looking at the display on the video cam though. As a result, I want to explore what available options there are that are capable of viewing objects over 100 meters away by either using other camera options or by getting a good IR light to use with my camera without spending a fortune doing it.
Camera Options…
I have seen the impressive images from FLIR cameras that do not use illuminators. Are there any relatively inexpensive cameras, or DIY camera modifications, capable of long range imaging similar to FLIR?
I have been trying to research my options, but since IR is not visible light, illuminators are not rated in lumens like normal lights. The only ratings I have seen are in watt usage, of which the most powerful emitter I have found is 3W. I have no idea if this is even remotely close to being powerful enough to accomplish what I am looking for but I fear it is not. The other problem is that IR comes in a wide range of wavelengths. Assuming my camera can see this full range (no idea if it can), is there a difference in what IR wavelength that should be used in the light? Can you see farther or with higher resolution with longer IR wavelengths?
IR Light Options…
I want a powerful thrower style IR light that I can use in combination with my video camera since it has a powerful zoom that I can use to spot the hogs from long distances. My current cam setup uses an IR filtered flashlight on a modified flashlight weapon mount that is screwed to the bottom side of the video camera in the tripod mount. It would be great if I could use a similar set up in the new setup.
I am probably capable of modding an existing platform to accommodate an IR emitter. Ideally I would like to have an IR light thrower capable of easily illuminating objects well over 100 meters away. I really do not want to spend more than 150$ or so on this light if possible. What options are available with this kind of output?
As an added bonus, it would be awesome if this same light were able to accommodate a good UV emitter that could be swapped out in place of the IR emitter, so I could follow the blood trail to track my kill and not lose it in the woods in the dark.
P. S. If I end up building a light or camera, I promise to post a DIY write up on how to do it. Thanks for the help.
I don't like using my night vision because I can't shoot while using it. When I remove my night vision goggles, it takes several minutes before I get my nightsight back and I get motion sickness when I am moving with it on. I don't have this problem at all when looking at the display on the video cam though. As a result, I want to explore what available options there are that are capable of viewing objects over 100 meters away by either using other camera options or by getting a good IR light to use with my camera without spending a fortune doing it.
Camera Options…
I have seen the impressive images from FLIR cameras that do not use illuminators. Are there any relatively inexpensive cameras, or DIY camera modifications, capable of long range imaging similar to FLIR?
I have been trying to research my options, but since IR is not visible light, illuminators are not rated in lumens like normal lights. The only ratings I have seen are in watt usage, of which the most powerful emitter I have found is 3W. I have no idea if this is even remotely close to being powerful enough to accomplish what I am looking for but I fear it is not. The other problem is that IR comes in a wide range of wavelengths. Assuming my camera can see this full range (no idea if it can), is there a difference in what IR wavelength that should be used in the light? Can you see farther or with higher resolution with longer IR wavelengths?
IR Light Options…
I want a powerful thrower style IR light that I can use in combination with my video camera since it has a powerful zoom that I can use to spot the hogs from long distances. My current cam setup uses an IR filtered flashlight on a modified flashlight weapon mount that is screwed to the bottom side of the video camera in the tripod mount. It would be great if I could use a similar set up in the new setup.
I am probably capable of modding an existing platform to accommodate an IR emitter. Ideally I would like to have an IR light thrower capable of easily illuminating objects well over 100 meters away. I really do not want to spend more than 150$ or so on this light if possible. What options are available with this kind of output?
As an added bonus, it would be awesome if this same light were able to accommodate a good UV emitter that could be swapped out in place of the IR emitter, so I could follow the blood trail to track my kill and not lose it in the woods in the dark.
P. S. If I end up building a light or camera, I promise to post a DIY write up on how to do it. Thanks for the help.