Thermal or Night Vision? Which one is right for me?

Digital Night Vision vs Thermal – What’s the Difference and Which One’s Right for You?

One of the most common questions I get asked is: “Should I go for digital night vision or thermal?” And fair enough – they both let you see in the dark, but they work very differently. If you’re trying to figure out what’s actually going to work in the field – especially for spotting foxes, pigs, or roos – let’s break it down.

What Is Digital Night Vision?

Digital night vision is basically a camera sensor that can see infrared light. But here’s the catch – it needs an IR torch or illuminator to work. Without that light source, you’re looking at a black screen.

Think of it like a CCTV camera at night. If the infrared light doesn’t reach something – or if it gets blocked by rain, fog, or scrub – you’re not going to see much at all.

Real-world example:

• You're standing in the paddock, light drizzle coming down. A fox steps out at 150 metres. With digital NV, the IR light gets scattered in the mist – result? You see a glowing haze and maybe a vague outline if you're lucky.
• In thick bush, the IR just lights up the nearest sticks and leaves, and everything beyond that is a blur. Same problem you'd have if you tried to use a normal torch – if light can't get through, your digital NV is blind.

What About Thermal Imaging?

Thermal doesn’t care about light. It sees heat, not brightness. So whether it’s pitch black, foggy, drizzling, or you’re looking through a bit of light bush – it’ll still pick up a heat signature.

You’ll spot that fox, even if it’s lying down half-hidden. You’ll see pigs walking through long grass. You’ll even notice roos that have been sitting still, just by the warmth they’ve left behind on the ground.

So, Which One Do You Go With?

Here’s the straight answer:

• Digital Night Vision is fine if:
  • You’re on a budget.
  • You’re hunting in open, dry conditions.
  • You don’t mind carrying a strong IR torch.
  • You only really need it for target ID at closer ranges.
• Thermal is the go-to if:
  • You want to find animals fast.
  • You’re dealing with fog, rain, or thick cover.
  • You’re trying to spot heat at long distances.
  • You want every advantage when the conditions turn rough.

Ben’s Tip

If IR can’t reach it, neither can digital night vision. If your torch wouldn’t help, don’t expect NV to either.

That’s why I always lean toward thermal for spotting. It’s a massive edge – especially for finding things before they find you. Digital NV has its place, but it’s like using a torch. Thermal? That’s like having x-ray specs for the bush.

Need Help Choosing?

Not sure what’s right for your setup? Give me a ring or drop into Hunt the Night. I’ll ask the right questions – what you hunt, where you hunt, how far you need to see – and we’ll sort out what gear actually makes sense for you.