Abstract: There are several variable parameters in the existing low light level sight range model which makes it difficult to predict the target reconnaissance ability in an actual complex nighttime environment. Based on the Ross equation, atmospheric optical transmission and long-distance reconnaissance image contrast model, this study proposes a method to predict the reconnaissance ability of specific targets using a standard target contrast test, and the standard target contrast curve under specific night light environment is provided. With the contrast curve and minimum resolvable contrast (MRC) model, the reconnaissance distance of tank and truck targets is predicted. After comparing the predicted value with the actual test value, the error is within 16.2%, which verifies the feasibility of using standard target contrast to predict the target reconnaissance distance. The results have value in guiding the analysis and evaluation of low light level equipment reconnaissance capability under different backgrounds and environments.