There's 2 types of ir filter, cut and pass. Cut filters are found in most cameras and they stop ir light passing because ir light can form a shadowy image alongside the normal colour image giving a slightly fuzzy, out of focus, appearance to the image. Pass filters allow only light of a certain wavelength (or colour) to pass through to the sensor.
I have shot the odd rat with night vision and never noticed them being startled by the light. I do use as little ir as I need to identify my aiming point but many people use as much as possible so that they can video their shooting which is not something I have any interest in. I do watch a few rat shooting videos and have not seen any instances of rats running off because they have been illuminated with ir light. Rats, in addition to noot being sensitive to red light, also have poor sight and rely on smell and hearing plus changes in light caused by shadows such as an owl overhead. I think that moving a light about may cast shadows but I doubt this would be an issue with ir light as because they can't see it it won't cast shadows they can see either.
It's up to individuals to decide what works for them and their situation but for me 850nm ir light with a decent rear add on camera works perfectly and is fine for shooting out to around 200 yards and at air rifle ranges gives me options to zoom out and run at lower power settings for longer battery life. With 940nm illuminators you'll probably have to run full power and zoom in to get a good image.
I have shot the odd rat with night vision and never noticed them being startled by the light. I do use as little ir as I need to identify my aiming point but many people use as much as possible so that they can video their shooting which is not something I have any interest in. I do watch a few rat shooting videos and have not seen any instances of rats running off because they have been illuminated with ir light. Rats, in addition to noot being sensitive to red light, also have poor sight and rely on smell and hearing plus changes in light caused by shadows such as an owl overhead. I think that moving a light about may cast shadows but I doubt this would be an issue with ir light as because they can't see it it won't cast shadows they can see either.
It's up to individuals to decide what works for them and their situation but for me 850nm ir light with a decent rear add on camera works perfectly and is fine for shooting out to around 200 yards and at air rifle ranges gives me options to zoom out and run at lower power settings for longer battery life. With 940nm illuminators you'll probably have to run full power and zoom in to get a good image.
