Best IR illuminator light for night vision
An IR illuminator enables night vision to deliver clear images even when it’s extremely dark outside. However, the market is saturated with illuminators some of which don’t offer much value.
This article is there to help a new buyer make an informed decision from the overwhelming alternatives on the market. It also highlights the characteristics to look for when searching for an IR illuminator for night vision
7 Best IR Illuminator for Night Vision
| Product | Image | How To Buy |
| IR850-Supernova Long Range IR Illuminator |  |
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| Tendelux DI20 IR Illuminator |  |
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| Night Owl IR850 IR Illuminator |  |
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| Streamlight 88704 Super TAC IR Long Range Infrared Active Illuminator |  |
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| Univivi IR Illuminator 90 Degree Wide |  |
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| Nightfox XB5 IR Illuminator for Night Vision Devices |  |
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| Streamlight 14000 Sidewinder IR Illuminator |  |
The detailed reviews…..
1. IR850-Supernova Long Range IR Illuminator
This Night vision illuminator is usable in a wide variety of applications. You can use it as a flashlight with night-vision binoculars or goggles, or with your scope. This is aided by the fact that it comes with an easy gun rail mounting system
The illuminator carries a small weight of only 0.2 lbs. And a wavelength of up to 850nm that you can adjust in 4 levels depending on the illumination you require.
The casing is constructed using hard anodized aluminum to give it durability. Which is further enhanced by an IPX8 waterproof rating meaning that it can withstand most harsh weather conditions.
Features
- 4modes of operation
- Removable grip ring
- Easy rail mounting system
- Waterproof rating: IPX8
- Battery: IR850
- Weighs 0.2 lbs.
- One-year Warranty
2. Tendelux DI20 IR Illuminator
If you need an Ir illuminator that’s sleek looking compact and powerful then this is the perfect alternative. The Tendelux D120 comes in small dimensions but is capable of aiding your CCTV cameras to deliver crisply clear images. Even when it’s extremely dark outside.
This IR illuminator can be permanently mounted on any surface. It uses 12V of DC power. And gives the user numerous adjustment capabilities with the 360-degree swivel and 90-degree tilting bracket. The unibody design gives it effective cooling. While the LED bulbs are evenly spread, to give a more concentrated illumination on objects.
Other attractive features are that it’s easy to install, comes with an 18-months warranty, and has a surface that is constructed with premium aluminum. To give it excellent durability
Features
- Material: Die-cast aluminum
- Built-in photocell
- Power consumption 20W
- 850nm Infrared wavelength
- 180-240ft illumination distance
- Waterproof rating: IP65
- Viewing angle: 90 degrees
- 18 months warranty
- Weighs 0.9kg
3. Night Owl IR850 IR Illuminator
This illuminator is purposefully designed for use with a rifle scope. It can however be used with other night vision because it’s portable and easy to operate. It’s also extremely lightweight at only 80 grams. This however doesn’t deter it from giving you bright illumination using an 850nm wavelength.
The illuminator helps you to view clear and well-defined images through your night vision device even on the darkest of nights. It uses CR123A batteries that do not last much. And only manage around 3 hours with continuous use. It’s however robust and weather resistant which makes it an ideal alternative for the outdoor wilderness.
Features
- Material: hard plastic
- Power: 1000mW
- IR Wavelength: 850nm
- Easy-to-Use Operation
- Weatherproof
- Battery: CR123A
- Length: 135mm
- Lens Diameter: 22.8mm
- Weighs 80 grams
4. Streamlight 88704 Super TAC IR Long Range Infrared Active Illuminator
If you need a long-range illuminator then this is one of the best alternatives available on the market. It also stands out for being reliable. That the manufacturer guarantees a lifetime of 20,000 hours with constant use
The illuminator is fitted with O-ring seals to make it weatherproof and resistant to moisture. Its casing is built using hard anodized aircraft aluminum. And the lens features an unbreakable polycarbonate with scratch-resistant coating.
Operating the Illuminator is a breeze, all you need to use is a tail cap button switch. That can be operated with one hand to switch on or off the 850nm illuminator. It uses two CR123A rechargeable lithium batteries that last up to 4 hours. And this makes it one of the best IR illuminators for night vision.
Features
- Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
- Wavelength: 850nm
- 20,000 hours lifetime
- Length 6.62 inches
- Weight 7.10 ounces
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Serialized for positive identification
- Includes a removable pocket clip.
- Produces a long-range targeting beam
5. Univivi IR Illuminator 90 Degree Wide
This is a night vision Ir illuminator that’s designed to be used with night vision cameras. It’s permanently fixed on a surface and uses a constant supply of DC power. It also has an inbuilt photocell that switches It on or off, when it’s dusk and dawn respectively.
The IR illuminator uses 8 pieces of LED bulbs. Although the infrared from these bulbs isn’t visible one is able to see a faint red glow from each LED. The illuminator is a good choice not only to improve the image visible by your security camera but also, to improve the angle of view using its 90-degree wide angle.
Durability for this camera is helped by the; premium aluminum structure used to construct the housing. The use of stainless-steel screws, reinforced glass windows, and an IP67 waterproof rating.
Features
- Materials: Hardened aluminum housing
- 8pcs high power LED IR lights
- Built-in photocell sensor
- Beam Angle: 90 degrees
- Led Wavelength: 850nm
- IR Distance: around 85ft
- Power input: DC 12V/1A
- Waterproof Level: IP67
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.35 inch.
- Weight: 1 lb.
6. Nightfox XB5 IR Illuminator for Night Vision Devices
The Nightfox XB5 illuminator is a handheld infrared flashlight that can be used with a wide variety of night vision devices. For mounting it on a scope you use a Night fox mounting accessory kit. That contains all the necessary mounting tools.
The illuminator uses an 850nm wavelength to greatly boost your night vision capabilities. This is further enhanced by a focusable 38mm aspherical lens that helps you to target specific areas of an object. That’s not all, this illuminator is durable, has a long battery life, its portable and lightweight. Features that make it extremely valuable for your applications.
Features
- Power: 5 Watts
- Wavelength: 850nm
- LED module: OSRAM 4715AS LED
- Rear battery cap diameter: 30mm
- Focusable 38mm aspherical lens
- Waterproof rating: IPX-8
- O-ring sealed
- Length: 165mm
- Head diameter: 40mm
- Battery: 1pc 18650 lithium
- Weight (without battery): 195g
7. Streamlight 14000 Sidewinder IR Illuminator
This one doesn’t have the usual appearance with other IR illuminators. This is because it has been designed as a military-grade illuminator. That can be used hands-free with any night vision device. While mounted on a tactical helmet.
The illuminator is versatile and features white red and blue LED bulbs that can be used for many functions in the wilderness. It uses 2 AA batteries with a remarkable runtime of up to 200 hrs.
What’s more, the illuminator is extremely robust. With durable features like; the use of super tough nylon for the casing which makes it weatherproof and resistant to impact. An unbreakable polycarbonate lens, and an IPX7 waterproof rating. This means that the illuminator can be immersed in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Features
- Material: High impact super tough nylon case
- Unbreakable polycarbonate lens
- Mounts to MOLLE or ACH for hands-free use
- O-ring sealed for waterproof operation
- Meets MIL-STD-810F, Method 512.4
- Powered by 2 “AA” batteries
- Red blue and white LED bulbs
- Optional accessory: Helmet Mount System
- Dimensions: 2.34 x 1.08 in.
- Weighs 142 grams
What is Infrared illumination?
Infrared illumination is light that is invisible to the human eye but can be seen using a night vision device. It’s used to illuminate objects when using night vision. Night vision works by amplifying the ambient lighting surrounding an object. Therefore, it cannot function in complete darkness when there is no ambient lighting.
Infrared rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum contains different classifications of electromagnetic rays based on their wavelengths and frequency.
Infrared has a wavelength of 700nm to 1mm which is just more than visible light but less than radio waves. Although it cannot be seen with the naked eye, humans can feel infrared as heat.
Best IR for Night Vision-Buying Guide
The intended Use
An IR illuminator can be paired with any type of night vision device. So, understand what type of device you will pair your illuminator with. And how you are going to use it.
See also: best IR illuminator for night vision scope
Wavelength
The wavelength measures the distance between 2 adjacent cycles of wavelength and it is measured in nm. The wavelength of infrared ranges from 700nm to 1mm.
A higher wavelength means that there is more illumination, and the illumination decreases as you approach 700nm. A shorter wavelength however has a higher illumination range compared to a longer wavelength. Most illuminators have wavelengths of 800nm to 850nm which well balances the range with the amount of illumination.
Range
The range on an IR illuminator is determined by the wavelength and ranges from 75 yards to more than 200 yards. Conversely, the range that one needs depends on how they are going to use the illuminator.
Power source
Different IR illuminators are powered differently. Portable illuminators use either AA alkaline batteries or rechargeable lithium batteries. The bigger illuminators use a Dc power source.
Illuminators with DC power sources have a constant supply of power. However, if you are buying a portable illuminator, check the number of hours the battery can last before it requires replacement or recharging. A good illuminator should give you at least 4 hours with continuous use.
Durability
A good illuminator should be robust and able to withstand different types of harshness. An illuminator used on the outside for example should be weather resistant and waterproof.
This is indicated by an ingress protection (IP) rating denoted on most illuminators. A portable illuminator should also have ample protection from impact and shock.
CONCLUSION
Each individual IR illuminator reviewed in this article has its own benefits. However, every illuminator included here will give you the best value. The guide provided will also help you explore the various alternatives not included on our list.