Using binoculars and flashlights in surveillance

Binoculars and Flashlights

Next into your surveillance bag should be an inexpensive pair of binoculars. I say inexpensive because there are some very expensive sets out there. If you don't already have a pair of binoculars they can be had for about $20.00 or less. They are compact enough to fit in your pocket and when using them you don't necessarily look like you're using binoculars. Also if you don't spend a lot of money on them you won't mind if they get beat up a little during your surveillance. If you already own a pair of binoculars, that's fine, but if they're great big powerful ones, you may be spotted spying on someone and we're trying to be covert here. A quick word may be helpful here regarding the numbers on binoculars and how they relate to what we're using them for.

The very small binoculars like I carry in my kit are 8 x 21. This means that they magnify objects 8 times at a given distance and that the objective lens (the one you look out of) is 21 millimeters in diameter. The objective lens size will usually indicate a better light gathering capability. An example is the common 7 x 35 binocular. This means seven-power magnification and a fairly good light gathering ability.

For surveillance work miniature 8 x 21 has always served me well. I do, however use a 16 x 50 binocular when longer distance is to be viewed, but 16 power glasses are very difficult to hold steady due to their magnification, but as I said on occasion I do use them. For your surveillance kit the miniature 8 x 21 should work very well.

The next piece of equipment for your kit should be a flashlight with the capability to use a red lens. The red lens will allow you to see what you need in your car without turning on the dome light. This way you don't get spotted by anyone when the light comes on and you don't ruin your night vision. The mini-maglights are my favorite because they're small, powerful and use two AA batteries. The military surplus flashlight with the angle head is good also because it comes with a red lens and is fairly compact and the batteries last a long time. The choice as always is yours. Just remember that a stakeout at night must be done in complete lights out conditions. If you are a smoker, you must try to do without. The glow from a cigarette can be seen from far away, to say nothing of the fire to light it. Even a car cigarette lighter puts out quite a glow. If you smoke and you don't believe it pay attention the next time it's dark outside and you'll see.