Are you looking for the best night vision goggles and other gadgets that will allow you to see in the dark right now? We have some helpful hints and suggestions to assist you in making your purchase decision. Read on for our picks for the best night vision goggles, monoculars, and binoculars on the market right now.
Our mothers used to tell us to eat all of our carrots so we could see better in the dark. Help is on the way for those who rebelled and pushed the vegetables to the side of their plate. Night vision goggles are no longer the exclusive domain of Batman-style superheroes; you can now purchase your own in just a few clicks.
What would make you want to invest in a pair of night vision goggles? Apart from the obvious benefits of increased security and surveillance, these devices also provide new opportunities for wildlife spotting. Night-vision goggles might be able to help you spot those nocturnal creatures who live right next to us but only come out at night.
What types of night vision Binoculars are available?
Image enhancement and light amplification technology are used in night vision devices, such as those listed below, to allow us to see what we would otherwise miss. Our guide includes night vision binoculars as well as night vision goggles (the kind you wear on your head). These allow you to magnify your subject in the dark, but they are typically heavier. We’ve also included a list of the best lightweight monoculars for those looking for a more compact option.
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Naturally, night vision goggles are king if you’re looking for hands-free night vision and a solution that allows you to observe your subject(s) while on the move. These, like anything else, will vary in price depending on the number of features and degree of specification available, the amount of wear and tear they’re designed to withstand, and the age of the model.
With that in mind, let’s look at the best night vision goggles, night vision binoculars, and night vision monoculars available in 2021.
The best binoculars and night vision goggles
night vision goggles of the highest quality
(Photo courtesy of Bushnell)
Bushnell Equinox Z2 Night Vision Monocular 6×50
The best night vision monocular for big game tracking
Magnification: 6x | Objective lens size: 50mm | Range: 305 metres | Angle of view: 15 degrees | Eye relief: 15mm | Weight: 765g | Dimensions: 191x98x64mm | Magnification: 6x | Objective lens size: 50mm | Range: 305 metres | Angle of view: 15 degrees | Eye relief: 15mm | Weight: 765g | Dimensions: 191x98x64mm
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$327.31
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$329.99
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$429.51
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All prices are listed below (5 found)
220 customer reviews on Amazon
☆☆☆☆☆
Magnified subjects up to 1000 feet awayBuilt-in IR illuminatorIR light can quickly drain the batteryBatteries not includedHandling could be more convenient
The Bushnell Equinox Z2 monocular has a magnification factor of 6x, which is higher than most of its kind, as well as an effective light gathering tool in a 50mm lens. This Wi-Fi-enabled option proves its worth by allowing users to livestream footage to a mobile device and control zoom video, image capture, and IR brightness directly from the device.
A built-in infrared illuminator allows users to comfortably view long-range subjects at any time of day or night, and video capture is full HD 1080P, which is respectable for its class. Overall, this monocular is a well-rounded option, albeit a little heavier than less-specific alternatives.
• Also see Best low-light cameras.
night vision goggles of the highest quality
(Photo courtesy of Hawke)
Night Vision Monocular Hawke Nite-Eye 2000
Magnification: 5x | Objective lens size: 40mm | Range: 200 metres | Field of view at 100 metres: 8.7m/26.2ft | Eye relief: 15mm | Weight: 320g | Dimensions: 77x160x71mm | Magnification: 5x | Objective lens size: 40mm | Range: 200 metres | Field of view at 100 metres: 8.7m/26.2ft | Eye relief: 15mm | Weight: 320g | Dimensions: 77x160x71mm
$269.99
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$269.99
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Lightweight8GB microSD card provided9 levels of brightness via built-in IR illuminatorVideo and stills capture could be better
The Hawke Night-Eye 2000 is a slightly more affordable night vision option than most, with a 200-meter range and a useful 5x magnification on a 40mm objective lens. This monocular can take still photos and video for up to 10 minutes, though both could be better – video is only VGA resolution, and stills are only five megapixels, which feels almost retrograde.
There’s an infrared sensor built in to improve the view, which has nine brightness levels. A two-year warranty and the fact that the device is waterproof provide peace of mind, while the device also comes with an 8GB microSD card out of the box, which is unusual. The battery can be recharged using a USB cable for added convenience.
night vision goggles of the highest quality
(Photo courtesy of Solomark)
Night Vision Binoculars by Solomark
On a budget, the best night vision binoculars
7x magnification | 31mm objective lens | 1300ft/400m range | 15mm eye relief | Weight: not specified | Dimensions: not specified
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$259.89
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$269.89
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144 customer reviews on Amazon
☆☆☆☆☆
Product type is familiar; it also shoots video and requires 8 AA batteries. Video quality is ‘merely’ HD.
For the price, the Solomark Night Vision binoculars provide a good level of performance. An infrared illuminator with a range of 400 metres is included, as well as a sufficiently large 4-inch viewscreen. Other notable features include a 7x magnification, a 31mm objective lens, and a 1/3-inch CMOS sensor. Surprisingly, a 4GB microSD card is included in the package. The binoculars come with an AV cable and a USB cable for connecting to a TV or PC, and you can capture video in HD quality (1280×720 pixels at 30fps). For power, you’ll need eight regular AA batteries.
• Also check out the best binocular harness.
The best binoculars and night vision goggles
(Photo courtesy of SiOnyx)
Aurora Sport by SiOnyx
Even in the dark, an action camera that sees in colour.
Range: 150 metres | Field of view at 100 metres: – | Eye relief: – | Weight: 274g | Dimensions: 7.3 x 4 x 4 inches Magnification: – | Objective lens size: 16mm | Range: 150 metres | Field of view at 100 metres: – | Eye relief: – | Weight: 274g | Dimensions: 7.3 x 4 x 4 inches
Prime
$439.95
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WaterproofIdeal for boatingVideo quality limited to 720PMaximum two hour usage between chargesRecords colour videos at 720P at up to 60fpsWaterproofIdeal for boatingVideo quality limited to 720PMaximum two hour usage between charges
SiOnyx makes a variety of night vision monoculars, but the Aurora Sport handheld is the most affordable. It has its own 1-inch CMOS sensor, allowing it to record 720P colour videos in low-light situations. It is fully water-resistant and claims to be able to be submerged to 3 feet for up to 30 minutes. It was designed primarily for marine use. It has a 3x digital zoom and is designed to pick out a man-sized target from 150 metres away in near-moonless starlight.
best binoculars and night vision goggles
(Photo courtesy of Sightmark)
Night Vision Binoculars Sightmark Ghost Hunter 2×24
These aren’t the cheapest night vision binoculars on the market, but they’re the best.
2x magnification | 24mm objective lens | 120m range | 44m field of view at 100m | 12mm eye relief | 635g weight | 136x113x60mm dimensions
$349.97
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66 customer reviews on Amazon
☆☆☆☆☆
Built-in infrared illuminatorMore comfortable than gogglesMagnification isn’t the bestYou might not see any ghosts
Who could resist a pair of night vision binoculars with the words “ghost hunter” in the product name, even if they aren’t the cheapest option here? The Sightmark Ghost Hunter 2×24 binoculars may be more comfortable than wearing goggles for extended nighttime observation. Two AAA batteries, which are conveniently included, provide up to 72 hours of operation.
A 2x magnification and 24mm objective lens, as well as a high-powered infrared illuminator, are all included, all wrapped up in a durable polymer construction. An automatic shut-off feature is also included, which deactivates the unit if it is exposed to bright light, extending the binoculars’ lifespan and allowing for years of (ghost-busting?) use.
Nightfox Swift is the best night vision goggles on the market.
(Photo courtesy of Nightfox)
Swift Night Vision Goggles by Nightfox
The most effective night vision goggles
Magnification: 1x | Objective lens size: – | Angle of view: 10 degrees | Eye relief: – | Weight: 0.74lb / 335g | Dimensions: 5.51 x 6.3 x 2.6” / 140x165x66mm | Magnification: 1x | Objective lens size: – | Angle of view: 10 degrees | Eye relief: –
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Hands-free alternative When you do something, it ‘moves.’ It’s possible that prolonged use will be uncomfortable.
This pair of night vision goggles is designed to be used with the supplied head mount, and thanks to the 1x magnification, they can be worn while walking without difficulty. The image is created with a built-in digital camera and 840nm infrared LEDs for illumination, with a stated maximum range of 70m (76 yards). The Nightfox is powered by a rechargeable battery that can last anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours, depending on which of the seven LED brightness settings you choose. The 320×240-pixel screen’s resolution isn’t particularly high, and the 10° angle of view is a little narrow, but for the price, these goggles are a great entry point for those who want to observe wildlife after dark or for other special ops missions.
night vision goggles of the highest quality
Spartan 4×50 Night Vision Monocular by Yukon NVMT
Magnification: 4x | Objective lens size: 50mm | Field of view at 1000m: 15 | Closest focusing: 1 metre | Angle of view: 15 degrees | Eye relief: 15mm | Weight: 600g | Dimensions: 191x87x60mm | Magnification: 4x | Objective lens size: 50mm | Field of view at 1000m: 15 | Closest focusing: 1 metre | Angle of view: 15 degrees | Eye relief: 15mm | Weight: 600g | Dimensions
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Well-made
Exceptional specifications
Lens with a 50mm objective
It’s easy to use
The exterior is rubberized, which adds bulk.
An additional battery is required.
When portability is as important as light gathering ability, the Yukon NVMT Spartan monocular device comes equipped with a large 50mm objective lens, a useful 4x magnification, and a built-in IR (infrared) illuminator for viewing in not only low light but also complete darkness.
The rubber coating on this monocular repels moisture and dust while also providing a firmer grip (although a standard 1/4-inch screw thread for a tripod mount is also included). Large buttons and controls make it even easier to use in the dark. The 3v lithium battery that powers it is the only additional component required.
night vision goggles of the highest quality
(Photo courtesy of Nyte Vu)
Night vision goggles Nyte Vu NV60
The most effective night vision goggles
Magnification: 1x | Objective lens size: – | Angle of view: 22 degrees | Eye relief: – | Weight: 12 oz / 340 g | Dimensions: 6.25 x 3.25 x 2.5″ Magnification: 1x | Objective lens size: – | Angle of view: 22 degrees | Eye relief: – (16 x 8 x 6 cm)
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Hands-free alternative Flip-up opticsFlip-up opticsFlip-up opticsFlip-up opticsFlip-up opticsFlip-up Output of video There is no magnification.
This is a pair of video-based night vision goggles with a CCD sensor that outputs the video feed to an LCD screen in the eyewear. With an 800 x 225 pixel array, the screen is decidedly low-resolution – and what you see is monochrome – but there is an output socket so the video can be captured using a suitable external video recorder. In total darkness, the system promises to allow you to see up to 200 feet – and up to 1000 feet in moonlight. A 12V rechargeable battery is used to power it.