Best Night Vision Binoculars
If you are an avid hunter, fisherman, or wildlife lover, or if you are looking to keep a watch out for nighttime intruders, then night vision binoculars, monoculars or goggles should be on the top of your shopping list.
Much like daytime binoculars, night vision versions allow you to see at a distance but they have the addition of infrared illumination that allows you to see your target in total darkness.
Night vision binoculars are not an inexpensive product so you will want to be sure to do your homework before your purchase. Here are the key features you should keep in mind while shopping for your night vision binoculars.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Luna G2
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| #2 |  Bestguarder NV-900
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| #3 |  Nightfox 100V
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| #4 |  SOLOMARK Night Vision Binoculars
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| #5 |  Bushnell Night Vision Equinox Z2 Monocular
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| #6 |  Aurosports 10×25 Folding Compact Binoculars
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Table Of Contents
- Image Quality
- Purpose
- Infrared illuminators
- Magnification
- Field of View (FOV)
- Aperture
- Focus
- Weather Resistant
- GEN 1
- GEN 2
- GEN 3
- Best Night Vision Binoculars
- Luna G2
- Bestguarder NV-900
- Nightfox 100V
- SOLOMARK Night Vision Binoculars
- Bushnell Night Vision Equinox Z2 Monocular
- Aurosports 10×25 Folding Compact Binoculars
- Last Words
Image Quality
This is probably the most important factor to consider while shopping for night vision binoculars. You will want to be sure that your purchase has a high resolution for sharp images.
Purpose
Why are you purchasing night vision goggles? Is it for wildlife watching, hunting, or surveillance? This is an important question to ask yourself since different activities are needed for night vision binoculars. Also, consider where you will be using goggles. Will you be using them in low light, total darkness, or wet conditions?
Infrared illuminators
Infrared uses the light from the invisible portion of the light spectrum so it can amplify the lighting of your surroundings. You will want binoculars that can work in both low light and ambient light.
Magnification
The magnification is the “zoom-in” feature and the width of the visible area. If you are looking to see objects at great distances, you will want a pair of night vision binoculars that have a higher magnification power to help you see objects that are far away. The number tells you the degree to which the subject observed is enlarged. The X factor tells you how many times closer the target will look to you. For example, if the magnification is 5X that means the target will look 5 times closer than it is. It may seem like more magnification is better however, often the higher you go with magnification the less clear images will be due to light loss.
Field of View (FOV)
The field of view refers to the total range of viewing you will have while looking through the lens. Keep in mind that the more you crank up your magnification, the more you will shrink your FOV.
Aperture
The aperture is the diameter (in millimeters) of the objective lenses. This determines how large your binoculars are and how much light they can gather. The wider the diameter, the brighter the image because of how much light they let in.
Focus
You will most likely want the freedom to manually focus your image. This allows you to create the clearest image for your needs. Some may have a central focusing wheel that controls both lenses simultaneously or diopter rings that allows you to adjust each barrel independently of the other.
Weather Resistant
Since most of you will be using your binoculars outdoors, you will want to be sure that they are built solidly and can withstand rain and fog.
If you have been out shopping for night vision gear, you may have noticed that they’re divided into generations. This classification impacts the performance, image quality, lifespan, and price of your binoculars.
GEN 1
Generation 1 night vision binoculars are the first generation that was released to consumers and are widely available, affordable and user-friendly night vision goggles tend to be priced from around $120 to $400. However, they tend to be limited with their resolutions and have a visual range of a maximum of 75 yards.
GEN 2
More advanced than Gen 1, this generation of night goggles were developed for more professional purposes and are considered prosumer, a mix of consumer and professional. The image is clearer and brighter than the ones from a Gen 1 night vision device and they have a larger visual range of around 200 yards.
GEN 3
Gen 3 binoculars provide a better picture, perform better in low light and have top battery life. These are also best for long-range viewing for distances up to 300 yards. These are used by military and combat armed forces. These are expensive costing thousands of dollars and are professional grade.
Best Night Vision Binoculars
Luna G2
Specs:
- Gen: Digital Generation 2
- Magnification: 6x to 30x
- Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Field of View: 7 degrees
- Resolution: 64 lp/mm
- Battery: 4 hours
- Weight: 1.6 lbs
- Warranty: 1-year
- Weatherproofing: IPX4 water resistivity (no fog proofing)
Best Generation 2 Binoculars
The Luna G2 night vision binoculars feature magnification from 6x to 30x and come with a 50mm objective lens. These digital night vision binoculars have enough power to use the surrounding light and create a sharp image even in dim light conditions. They have all-glass lenses that generate quality true-to-life colors and are equipped with a full HD night vision sensor so you always have HD sharpness in day or night use.
Pros
- HD Digital Generation 2 night vision
- Variable magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- High resolution 1920×1080 pixels
- Water resistance
Cons
- No central focus
- No image stabilization technology
Who should buy these night vision binoculars:
If you are looking for an affordable Gen 2 night vision binocular that has the clarity of Gen 2 with an affordable price tag.
Bestguarder NV-900
Specs:
- Magnification: 4.5x
- Objective Aperture: 40mm
- Digital Zoom: 5x
- Viewing distance: up to 1300ft
- Power Supply: 8 AA batteries
- Weatherproofing: IPX4 water resistance
Best Night Vision Goggles
The Bestguarder NV-900 are night-vision goggles that have new functions including the time-lapse, GPS ID stamped, and a multi-shoot feature, which allows you to take 3 images per trigger, making sure you capture your shot at the right moment. It has a large 4” viewing screen for easy and comfortable viewing, and it can be powered by a traditional wall plug for prolonged monitoring. Videos are backed up in the 32GB memory card that comes with the binoculars. In full darkness, you can count on its infrared light to illuminate objects 1,300 feet away but you can also turn off the infrared to get good daytime color.
Pros
- The large screen provides comfortable viewing
- Day and night use
- Easy to operate
- Multi-shoot function
- 32GB memory card included
- Waterproof
- Digital camera and video recorder
- Tripod mountable
Cons
- The zoom button requires manually refocusing
- Expensive
- Batteries not included
Who should buy these night vision binoculars:
If you are looking for large screen goggles for consistent viewing that can record, this upgraded version of the Bestguarder NV-800 has a lot of bells and whistles to love.
Nightfox 100V
Specs:
- Magnification: 3x
- Objective Aperture: 20mm
- Digital Zoom: 2x
- Viewing distance up to 300 ft
- Power Supply: 8 AA batteries
- Weight: 1.33 lbs
Best Budget Buy
The Nightfox Digital Night Vision Goggles can see up to 110 yards in complete darkness. It is a comfortable and easy-to-use rig that works well both in low light and pitch dark, all at an extremely affordable price. It features seven levels of infrared illumination and has a widescreen viewing monitor which is adjustable for various lighting conditions. These night goggles work best on a tripod or when laying still, observing wildlife, rather than while hiking or stalking.
Pros
- Great value for the money
- Easy to operate
- Comfortable viewing screen
Cons
- It doesn’t take pictures or record videos
- Narrow field of view
- Heavy
Who should buy these night vision binoculars:
If you are looking for solid, entry-level night vision goggles these provide great value.
SOLOMARK Night Vision Binoculars
Specs:
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective Aperture: 31mm
- Digital Zoom: 2x
- Viewing distance: up to 1300ft
- Power Supply: 8 AA batteries
- Weatherproofing: IPX4 water resistance
Best High Magnification
SOLOMARK Digital Night Vision goggles are a versatile pair of binoculars ideal for outdoor activities. It has three infrared levels and three brightness levels which can be adjusted according to the light conditions. Its infrared-sensitive sensor allows viewing up to 1300ft in absolute darkness. It can also take pictures and videos that can be stored on a micro SD card, or use a USB cable and upload your images to a computer. The higher quality magnification (7x) which doesn’t distort the image sets itself apart from many other models.
Pros
- Sharp clarity at all magnifications
- 8GB memory card included
- Expandable storage capacity
- Takes video and still frames
- Uploads directly to the computer
Cons
- Device defaults to video recording mode
- Batteries sold separately
Who should buy these night vision binoculars:
If you want high magnification with clarity of images, the Solomark 7X is picture-perfect for you.
Bushnell Night Vision Equinox Z2 Monocular
Specs:
- Generation: Generation 1 night vision
- Resolution: 40 lp/mm
- Objective lens: 40mm
- Magnification: 4.5x
- Field of view: 11°
- Battery life: 72 hours
- Weight: 22 oz
Best Monocular
The Bushnell Equinox Z2 features a 40mm objective lens and 4.5x magnification. The optics of this Bushnell night vision monocular gives you quality performance at any time of the day or night. It is equipped with IR illumination and it captures images and records videos as well. The scope also comes with daytime coloring, and you can conveniently mount it to your tripod.
Pros
- Large diameter objective lens
- Good magnification
- 750 feet of viewing range with IR illuminator
- Adjustable IR brightness
- Comes with a tripod mount
- Daytime coloring option
- Photo and video recording
Cons
- Not great for short distance observations
Who should buy this monocular:
If you are looking for a quality single lens night vision device, this is the best choice for you.
Aurosports 10×25 Folding Compact Binoculars
Specs:
- Low light vision
- Objective lens: 25 mm
- Magnification: 10x
- Maximum distance: 362 ft
- Waterproof
- Weight: 0.55 lbs
Best Starter Binoculars for Kids
These lightweight folding, compact binoculars can be used for both day and low-light-level night vision. They are not equipped to be used in complete darkness. They have a 10x magnification that makes them great for concerts and wildlife watching with good clarity. You will love that these inexpensive binoculars are rated for light water exposure. This makes them a great starter set for kids that show an interest in activities that can be enhanced by low light vision goggles without you worrying about weather damage or high cost.
Pros
- Greenlight helps illuminate in low light
- Includes portable bag
- Comes with cleaning supplies
- Magnifies 10x
- Can survive light water exposure
- Budget buy
Cons
- Not true night vision goggles
- The maximum distance is 362 ft
Who should buy this binocular:
If you have kids that have been asking for night vision goggles these inexpensive starter goggles are rugged and easy to use.
Last Words
Night Vision binoculars improve your vision in the dark by way of infrared or thermal imaging technology, making it possible for you to see clearly at night or in ambient light. Night vision also allows you to see at a distance and be able to better identify targets with more clarity, which is useful for hunting and wildlife activities performed at night, dusk or dawn. They are essential for night owls that enjoy outdoor activities after dark. You can use many digital night vision binoculars during the daytime by taking advantage of their special features such as photography and video. Make sure you read the manual before you use your new binoculars so you use your new device properly and safely. You should be aware that some state law enforcement agencies limit the use of some night vision binoculars, so check your specific state laws before you purchase to see if there are any restrictions.