The only problem I have with red 'night vision' filters is that whilst they are fine(ish) on flat ground following paths, etc they wash out the contour lines on OS maps, making them difficult to read. Similarly I find that the bluish tint on most LED's washout the grid lines.
Personally I find that I can walk faster and safer using a low power light to see where my feet are going, with a high power handtorch to pick out details. I have dodgy knees and foot placement is pretty critical for me YMMV.
I can see that in a military situation maintaining night vision and staying 'tactical' is a priority, although even that has now changed with the advent of night vision technology.
The only problem I have with red 'night vision' filters is that whilst they are fine(ish) on flat ground following paths, etc they wash out the contour lines on OS maps, making them difficult to read. Similarly I find that the bluish tint on most LED's washout the grid lines.
Steve D
Steve, the problem with red filtering, is exaclty as you have found, it is prodominantly black and white. It does however reduce the temporary night blindness experienced when switching of the illumination.
To enable colour vision without the need for a white light, green flitering is better. But the light level is often greater then red filtering, therefore increases the duriation of temporary night blindness.
I notice you find the same as I do with the brilliance of white led illumination, which is where I find the xenon halogen bulb, with its more yellowish tint, makes a difference.
I think the answer is, to experiment where possible and find what suits you best. If you prefer to keep a low level of illumination while out walking in the dark, that's fine. you have to work to your safest and most comfortable level.
> Steve, the problem with red filtering, is exaclty as you have found, it is prodominantly black and white.
Well, strictly, it's black and red...
But I know what you mean; vision is monochrome.
For this reason, I prefer a very, very dim white LED for map-reading. Bright enough to see the map, but not so bright that it affects my night vision too much.
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