Originally Posted by
gulliBell
We had 3rd gen tubes in 1986, so you'd think the civilian world would at least have them, or better, by 1998.
And Crab, it's not the generation of tubes that prevents "blooming" rather it is whether they have "auto gating" or not. E.G. 2nd gen tubes with auto gating are better in urban or well lit situations. 3rd gen work further into the IR spectrum so would be better in V dark regions. Of course if you have the cash the 3rd gen with auto gating is where you want to be.