What kind of scope do you have?
Generation two scopes have a much higher line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm) resolution than generation one viewers. Lp/mm is a subjective measurement of sharpness based on the number of contrasting lines that the average human eye can distinguish within the space of 1 mm. Generation one scopes have a 25 to 30 lp/mm resolution, which provides reasonably clear night vision, though objects often appear slightly blurry. Generation two scopes have a 30 to 68 lp/mm resolution, providing much greater visual clarity than generation one technology.
Components
Generation-one scopes connect a series of IITs into a relay for electron amplification. Generation two scopes rely on micro-channel plates (MCP) to enhance ambient light more efficiently. MCPs route electrons through millions of microscopic tubes that increase electron output and eliminate the need for multiple IITs. The improved electron conversion results in greater amplification of visible light, giving you brighter and clearer night vision.
Signal-to-Noise Ratios
Signal-to-noise ratios measure a signal's power against the amount of distortion affecting the signal's strength. Generation-two night-vision scopes have significantly higher signal-to-noise ratios than their generation-one counterparts, so they experience less signal degradation and require less available light to provide greater night vision clarity and brightness than generation-one scopes.
Resolution
Generation-two scopes have a much higher line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm) resolution than generation-one viewers. Lp/mm is a subjective measurement of sharpness based upon the number of contrasting lines that the average human eye can distinguish within the space of 1 mm. Generation-one scopes have a 25 to 30 lp/mm resolution, which provides reasonably clear night vision, though objects often appear slightly blurry. Generation-two scopes have a 30 to 68 lp/mm resolution, providing much greater vision clarity than generation-one technology.
Price and Performance
The quality of the IIT components and MCPs used in generation-two scopes increases the manufacturing and retail price--typically $500 to $1,500 more than generation-one scopes. Their higher price is partially offset by their longevity: IIT components used in generation-two scopes can last for 5,000 hours; the tubes used in generation-one scopes wear out after about 2,000 hours.
Markets
Generation-one scopes are marketed to the general public for home security purposes and use in outdoor recreational activities. Night-vision scopes are illegal to use for hunting in many states, though, so consult your local fish and game laws if you're considering a scope for that purpose. Generation-two scope technology has been surpassed by generation-three and generation-four equipment, but they're used by security professionals, law enforcement officers and the military.
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