I have a D740 gen3 w/torch pro. D740 is rated up to 50 cal recoil
Looking at a RS-32 35mm
would you sell your NV gen3 to get the Thermal RS
Trying to decide if I really need both
For a tight budget, I recommend night vision on your head, thermal imager on your rifle, and IR laser aimer on handgun. If you can have only one and not both, then I recommend night vision on your head, and IR laser aimer on your rifles and handguns.
NV (night vision) and TI (thermal imaging) do different things well in the continuum of detection, recognition, and identification. NV has more strength on the ID tasks, while TI gives more capability on the Detection tasks.
NV and TI also have different weaknesses. TI can't image through glass or water, but will not bloom out or shut down when viewing intense light sources. NV will bloom and / or shut down on exposure to bright light, but can image well through glass and water.
Generally, NV provides a much more detailed image that is satisfactory for low light navigation on foot or for vehicles. I wouldn't trust any TI scope for navigation except the most advanced FLIR surveillance systems, which are priced well out of consumer range - and these are externally mounted as you will not be able to use TI to view through windshield and canopy "glass".
TI on the other hand can be used day or night, while NV is limited to low light use. However, TI relies heavily on contrast for detection, and when there is minimal temperature contrast between living things and inanimate things in the environment, the overall imaging will appear foggy or muted to the user.
Fusion imaging is the best of all worlds, especially where TI is overlayed onto imaging from NV scopes and dayscopes. However, most fusion technology is either restricted to military and law enforcement or priced out of what most consumers are willing to pay.
IR-V