Nightfox

Start with how you want to hold it. The Ember is the easiest way in, a fixed 4x binocular that asks nothing beyond switching it on. The Whisker is the long-range one and the only device here with true optical zoom, so it earns its keep across open fields. The Prowl and Prowl 2 are one-eyed monoculars that clip to a helmet and leave both hands free, the Prowl 2 running a Sony IMX662 sensor for a cleaner picture at distance. The Swift, Swift 2, Swift Max and Swift 2 Pro sit on your head at 1x magnification, so you can walk with them on. The Swift Max holds the weight down to 360g.

Next comes wavelength. The XB5 infrared torches come in 850nm, which throws light furthest, and 940nm, which gives off almost no visible red glow if you would rather not be spotted. The XB5 Pro versions take a rechargeable 18650 cell. Either extends the working range of the device you pair it with. The N247 helmet mount and rugged tripod mount tidy the lot onto a helmet or a stand.

One device in here is not infrared at all. The Thermal Master DV2 is a touchscreen thermal camera, mapping temperature rather than reflected light, which is what you want for picking warm bodies out of cover or tracing a draught round a window frame.

For everyday darkness, see Torches & Headlamps. The broader Night Vision collection sits alongside this one.