Binoculars & Monoculars Hunting & Shooting

Best Night Vision Monoculars

Last Updated on September 11, 2020

Our list of the best night vision monoculars presents a comprehensive review of what we feel are the best night vision monoculars for sale.

Night Vision Monoculars: We have included a few selections if you are looking for a standard night vision monocular that can only be used at night otherwise they risk damage from sunlight. Most of these models are marked as GEN 1 through GEN 3. Typically GEN 1 are are going to be less expensive. As you move to GEN 2 and GEN 3 the monoculars become more expensive but the images get better quality with farther detection and longer battery life.

Digital Day/Night Night Vision Monoculars: Some night vision monoculars now use digital technology to produce images on an LCD screen. They are sometimes referred to as Smart Night Vision or Day & Night Vision. Digital Night Vision can be used during the day and night because they do not rely on an intensifier tube that can be ruined by sunlight.

Thermal Imaging Monoculars: Thermal Imaging develops images by reading heat energy instead of using visible light like night vision does. The benefits are numerous but at the top of the list is the effectiveness during the day or night, ability to perform in all weather conditions, see through total darkness, and ignore visual camouflage.

Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular

We have chosen the Night Owl iGen 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular as our top pick because of the value it provides at an affordable price. The iGen uses smart digital technology that can be used as a 3X magnifying scope and monocular during the day and night. The images viewed have perfect clarity and image resolution. Digital and manual resolution and focus adjustments are easy to use. The battery life on this device is around 4 hours but it does use standard AA batteries which makes replacement easy.

Works day or night. Perfect for a variety of applications: Backpacking and hiking. Camping. Hunting and scouting. Security. Exploration in dark environments (caves, structures, etc.). Nature watching.

The iGEN® Night Vision Viewer is the leading edge of the new tubeless night vision technology. Traditional night vision devices employ electron bombardment vacuum tube technology to amplify ambient light. iGEN® technology uses image processing techniques, special optics and low-light sensing technology to bring night vision into the digital age.

Light Amplification adjustable from 300x to 10,000x
– Variable Frame Rate (2 fps to 30fps)
– Performance Surpasses Gen 2 – Compare to Gen3!
Infrared Intelligence – 3 modes
– Wattage adjusts automatically as needed for varying levels of darkness
Enhanced Infrared Sensitivity
– Double the sensitivity of intensifier tube technology
Video Composite Output
– For direct recording to external device with use of a composite video cable (RCA cable), not included.
– Selectable NTSC or PAL formats

Specifications:
Magnification: 2.6x
Angle of View: 12 º
Resolution: 30 lp/mm (edge-to-edge)
Power: 4 AA batteries
Range of View : 16” to infinity
Tripod mount

Additional Features:
Works day or night
Variable display brightness
Programmable time-out features
Color output choices
Infrared Start-Off Option

Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular with Image Capture

Our top pick for a night vision monocular with image capture capability. This device has all the same specs as our top pick iGen Night Vision Monocular, with the added ability to take photos. If that is an option you’d like, choose this model.

The iGen uses smart digital technology that can be used as a 3X magnifying scope and monocular during the day and night. The images viewed have perfect clarity and image resolution. Digital and manual resolution and focus adjustments are easy to use. The battery life on this device is around 4 hours but it does use standard AA batteries which makes replacement easy.

Works day or night. Perfect for a variety of applications: Backpacking and hiking. Camping. Hunting and scouting. Security. Exploration in dark environments (caves, structures, etc.). Nature watching.

The iGEN® Night Vision Viewer is the leading edge of the new tubeless night vision technology. Traditional night vision devices employ electron bombardment vacuum tube technology to amplify ambient light. iGEN® technology uses image processing techniques, special optics and low-light sensing technology to bring night vision into the digital age.

iGEN® – Image Capture Additional Specifications:
– Memory Card Included
– Captures black & white images in JPEG and TIFF formats
Light Amplification adjustable from 300x to 10,000x
– Variable Frame Rate (2 fps to 30fps)
– Performance Surpasses Gen 2 – Compare to Gen3!
Infrared Intelligence – 3 modes
– Wattage adjusts automatically as needed for varying levels of darkness
Enhanced Infrared Sensitivity
– Double the sensitivity of intensifier tube technology
Video Composite Output
– For direct recording to external device with use of a composite video cable (RCA cable), not included.
– Selectable NTSC or PAL formats

Specifications:
Magnification: 2.6x
Angle of View: 12 º
Resolution: 30 lp/mm (edge-to-edge)
Power: 4 AA batteries
Range of View : 16” to infinity
Tripod mount

Additional Features:
Works day or night
Variable display brightness
Programmable time-out features
Color output choices
Infrared Start-Off Option

Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular

At just over $100, the Firefield Nightfall might be a low priced night vision monocular, but it is not cheap quality. This is a great entry level night vision GEN 1 monocular and is perfect for users wanting to get into using night vision but are having difficulty deciding because of the high costs of other night vision monoculars.

The model comes in two magnifications. We recommend the 5x because it’s similar in price to the 4x. With the 5x you should be able to see and identify objects out to around 150-200 yards depending on light from the moon.

Keep superior nighttime visibility without losing peripheral vision with the Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular. Featuring a powerful, built-in PULSE IR illuminator, this high quality device produces a crisp, clear image, perfect for use in hunting, security and general observation situations. The Nightfall Monocular is used with one eye only, allowing the other eye to maintain optimal vision. A high resolution intensifier and multi-coated optics ensure a clear, bright image and detailed resolution. Its modern, ergonomic design features a rubber-armored body and lightweight frame, making a perfect addition to any marksman’s arsenal. The unit is also water resistant, letting nothing stand in the way of your target.

Specifications:
High Quality Image And Resolution
High Power Built-In Infrared Illumination
Ergonomic Design
1/4” Socket For Tripod Mounting Lightweight And Durable Design
Battery Type – 2x AAA
Battery Life, (with IR), hour – 20
Battery Life, (w/out IR), hour – 72
IP Standard – IPX3 (weatherproof)water rating

Contents:
Carrying case
Lens cap
Lanyard
Cleaning cloth

Bushnell Equinox Z Night Vision Monocular

The Bushnell Equinox Z is another excellent low cost Night Vision monocular. There are 3 magnifications available, we like the 4.5x scope because it provides a great combination of magnification and field of view. At the price of just over $200 you’re getting a tough, durable digital night vision device with image capture, video with sound capability and a product from a very good brand in Bushnell.

All in all this is a nice night vision monocular for users looking to spot objects at night in that 75-100 yard range and not looking to spend hundreds more dollars.

Comprised of high quality electronics and optics, the Bushnell Equinox Z is a hand-held digital night vision viewing system that utilizes an infrared sensitive CMOS sensor, providing edge-to-edge resolution and outstanding image quality. Fully multi-coated optics increase light transmission and decrease glare. Bushnell Digital Night Vision products collect existing light through the objective lens. The image is then processed through a digital CMOS sensor module and transferred to the micro liquid crystal display (LCD). Images viewed on the LCD are magnified 4.5. Equinox Z Digital Night Vision models are equipped with a built-in powerful IR (infrared) illuminator that enables clear viewing in low ambient light conditions or even total darkness.

The Equinox Z Digital Night Vision monoculars are versatile enough for many applications including hunting, camping, boating/fishing, caving, paintball, stargazing, rescue/recovery, security surveillance, law enforcement, and video recording in continuously changing light conditions – from dawn to absolute darkness. Not only can you view your subject at night, you can also record its image as a still photo or video clip, and store it on micro SD card.

Specifications: AA batteries. Adjustable IR brightness. Daytime color. Glass objective. Image capture. Recoil tested to 35 g. Tripod mount. Up to 1ft viewing with built-in infrared illuminator.

Bushnell Equinox Z2 Night Vision Monocular

A nice step up from the Bushnell Equinox Z, The Bushnell Equinox Z2 is a great value Night Vision monocular. There are 3 magnifications available, we like the 6x scope for this model. With the extra magnification, you can see objects over 200 yards away clearly. This upgrade model also includes 1080p HD Video Recording.

The Bushnell Equinox Z2 night vision monocular enables you to see targets more than 1,000 ft away day or night with a power built-in IR illuminator. Stream live video to you mobile device and control zoom, video recording, image capture, and IR brightness directly from your mobile device.

Comprised of high quality electronics and optics, the Bushnell Equinox Z2 is a hand-held digital night vision viewing system that utilizes an infrared sensitive
CMOS sensor, providing edge-to-edge resolution and outstanding image quality. Fully multi-coated optics increase light transmission and decrease glare. Bushnell Digital Night Vision products collect existing light through the objective lens. The image is then processed through a digital CMOS sensor module and transferred to the micro liquid crystal display (LCD). Images viewed on the LCD are magnified 6x. Equinox Z2 Digital Night Vision models are equipped with a built-in powerful IR (infrared) illuminator that enables clear viewing in low ambient light conditions or even total darkness.

The Equinox Z2 Digital Night Vision monoculars are versatile enough for many applications including hunting, camping, boating/fishing, caving, paintball, stargazing, rescue/recovery, security surveillance, law enforcement, and video recording in continuously changing light conditions – from dawn to absolute darkness. Not only can you view your subject at night, you can also record its image as a still photo or HD video clip, and store it on micro SD card.

Specifications: AA batteries. Adjustable IR brightness. Daytime color. Glass objective. Image capture. HD Video Recording. Recoil tested to 35 g. Tripod mount. Up to 1ft viewing with built-in infrared illuminator.

Modular Multi-Purpose Night Vision Monoculars

If you are looking for a more flexible Night Vision monocular that can be handheld, headmounted, or even attached to a helmet or weapon, the ATN NVM14 Night Vision Monoculars are what you might need. Below you will find our reviews for 2 models.

Some Accessories We Recommend for the ATN NVM14 Models:

ATN NVM14-3A GEN 3A Night Vision Multi Purpose Monocular

If you are interested in purchasing a high performance night vision monocular, we very much recommend buying a GEN 3 or even GEN 4 model. This is why our 1st recommendation is the ATN NVM14-3A. GEN 3 and GEN 4 night vision is better technology that delivers better imaging and resolution.

The ATN NVM14 is a hand-held, head-mounted, helmet-mounted, or weapon-mounted Night Vision System that enables walking, driving, weapon firing, short-range surveillance, map reading, vehicle maintenance, and administering first aid in both moonlight and starlight. Each unit allows for vertical adjustment (by using head straps), fore-and-aft adjustment, objective lens focus, and eyepiece focus. The ATN NVM14 Device is also equipped with an Infrared light-emitting source.

The NVM14’s great flexibility makes it an ideal choice for use by elite units, military personnel conducting CQB style operations, the tactical law enforcement teams operating in the urban or MOUT environment and by security-conscious civilians. The ATN NVM14 can be handheld, headmounted, and can be attached to a helmet or weapon. Compatible with most IR laser aiming/illuminating devices, this model defines multi-mission versatility.
This high performance unit enables walking, driving, weapon firing, short range surveillance, map reading, vehicle maintenance, and administering first aid during nighttime operations. The ATN NVM14 Multi-purpose Night Vision Monocular is also equipped with ATN’s Total Darkness Technology featuring a built-in infrared light-emitting source giving it maximum flexibility even when available ambient light is minimal. The technologically advanced ATN NVM14 guarantees a tactical advantage for any user operating at night, whether military, law enforcement, or civilian.

Features:
Compact, rugged design
Waterproof
Weapon mountable
Head or helmet mountable for hands-free usage
Auto brightness control
Bright light cut-off
Ergonomic, simple, easy to operate controls
Utilizes either CR123A lithium battery
Compatible with most IR lasers
Adaptable for use with cameras
Total Darkness Technology with built-in Infrared Illuminator and flood lens
Limited two-year warranty

Contents:
Multi-Use Night Vision monocular
Lens Cap
Eyecup
Soft Carrying Case
Operator’s Manual
Battery CR123A Lithium
Battery Adapter
Neck Cord

ATN NVM14-4 GEN 4 Night Vision Multi Purpose Monocular

The next step up from our previous reviewed night vision monocular, the ATN NVM14-4 provides some of the best resolution you’ll find on the market for night vision. The high quality imaging is the result of a top notch 4 GEN Image Intensifier Tube.

Like the GEN3 we reviewed above, the ATN NVM14-4 is a hand-held, head-mounted, helmet-mounted, or weapon-mounted Night Vision System that enables walking, driving, weapon firing, short-range surveillance, map reading, vehicle maintenance, and administering first aid in both moonlight and starlight. Each unit allows for vertical adjustment (by using head straps), fore-and-aft adjustment, objective lens focus, and eyepiece focus. The ATN NVM14 Device is also equipped with an Infrared light-emitting source.

The NVM14’s great flexibility makes it an ideal choice for use by elite units, military personnel conducting CQB style operations, the tactical law enforcement teams operating in the urban or MOUT environment and by security-conscious civilians. The ATN NVM14 can be handheld, headmounted, and can be attached to a helmet or weapon. Compatible with most IR laser aiming/illuminating devices, this model defines multi-mission versatility.
This high performance unit enables walking, driving, weapon firing, short range surveillance, map reading, vehicle maintenance, and administering first aid during nighttime operations. The ATN NVM14 Multi-purpose Night Vision Monocular is also equipped with ATN’s Total Darkness Technology featuring a built-in infrared light-emitting source giving it maximum flexibility even when available ambient light is minimal. The technologically advanced ATN NVM14 guarantees a tactical advantage for any user operating at night, whether military, law enforcement, or civilian.

Features:
Compact, rugged design
Waterproof
Weapon mountable
Head or helmet mountable for hands-free usage
Auto brightness control
Bright light cut-off
Ergonomic, simple, easy to operate controls
Utilizes either CR123A lithium battery
Compatible with most IR lasers
Adaptable for use with cameras
Total Darkness Technology with built-in Infrared Illuminator and flood lens
Limited two-year warranty

Contents:
Multi-Use Night Vision monocular
Lens Cap
Eyecup
Soft Carrying Case
Operator’s Manual
Battery CR123A Lithium
Battery Adapter
Neck Cord