Reasons to avoid
–Lots of image blur if not tripod mounted.
–Infrared could be more powerful.
–The green color mode washes out any deta
The Luna Optics LN-G3-M50 6x-36×50 GEN-3 Digital Technology Day/Night Vision Monocular offers the very best of the digital night vision technology achievements. Its widescreen AMOLED-Q display with brilliant resolution and contrast provides a direct viewing experience.
On-board Blu-Ray Quality Video recording, 12.2MP still image camera (the highest in the industry), and quick transition between Full-Color, B&W, and Night Vision Green image make this monocular a perfect 24/7 companion.
Industry-first Multi-Controller allows for quick and user-friendly menu selection in the field. Precision all-glass optics with 6x optical image magnification and a unique electronic image zoom system provide up to 36x magnification. Ultra-powerful focusing IR illuminator offers effective viewing distance up to 400m in total darkness.
Built-in storage is upgradeable up to 128GB, and an 8GB microSD card is included. The monocular has an HDMI connection that allows for a direct viewing experience on any HDTV. It’s built-in USB connector lets you use it with commonly available power banks for extended operating time, although we struggled to get more than a few hours of use without a battery change.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Excellent build quality. |
| Performance | Well-stacked with features and tech. |
| Functionality | Suitable for casual stargazing. |
Best premium
Reasons to avoid
–Primarily used as a weapon sight
🔎The ATN PVS-14 isn’t cheap but this military-grade night vision monocular delivers the best in glass and technology . ★★★★
The PVS-14 is the standard-issue U.S. military night vision optic and is used by special ops throughout the world. These units are of the highest quality in optics, design, and functionality.
If you are thinking of spending this amount of money on a night vision monocular, you can’t go far wrong with the ATN. It has exceptional image clarity and is full of cool tech. The battery life, claimed to be 50 hours, is impressive and means you can use the device over long periods without worrying about changing the batteries.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Military-level build quality |
| Performance | Offers fantastic features, but should for the price. |
| Functionality | Performs well in all areas. |
Best cheap
Reasons to avoid
–Limited capability
–Very muc
If you are after a night vision capable device for use with children, or are after a cheap unit to add to security, or to take with you on nighttime walks, then perhaps the Yuanzimoo would fit the bill. It’s not much more than a toy compared to other devices, but as long as your expectations are low it may fit the bill.
This device is highly portable and features a bright screen that can be adjusted for optimal brightness. The screen is quite readable, although it can be challenging to capture its clarity in low-light conditions. The menu interface is user-friendly, making it simple to set the time and adjust various settings. It offers an 8x digital zoom, which is particularly useful in dark environments; the included tripod enhances stability during use.
The top buttons emit a soft click sound upon being pressed, providing tactile feedback. The images produced are digital and in color during daylight hours. The lens is equipped with a focus ring for precise adjustments, and the removable rubber eyepiece cover helps block light interference.
It’s advisable to install the hand strap immediately for a more secure grip and to prevent accidental drops. Additionally, the device comes with a light-duty case. Overall, achieving usable night vision at this price point is quite impressive.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Cheaply made. |
| Performance | Has a lot of features comparable to more expensive rivals. |
| Functionality | Considering its price, it’s a competent performer. |
Best for beginners
Reasons to avoid
–Reports of faulty SD cards that are shipped with the unit
Buy it if
✅ You want to enter the world of night vision with a small outlay.
✅ You want a small, light compact unit.
Don’t buy it if:
❌You need a rugged, tough monocular that is waterproof.
❌You want top-quality.
The bottom line
🔎The Carson Aura Plus is a competent and budget-friendly night vision device that will be a good partner for nighttime walks, stargazing at large celestial objects, or nature observation in low light. ★★★
The Aura Plus is a digital night vision monocular that uses Front-Side Illuminated (FSI) optical sensor technology along with a CMOS sensor to deliver acceptable performance in low-light environments. With a magnification power of 2x, this monocular provides crisp and clear imagery, for the price, making it suited for nocturnal applications.
Incorporating a built-in infrared illuminator, the Aura Plus enables visibility in complete darkness. The device also features an integrated camera, allowing for direct photo capture and video recording onto an included 8GB MicroSD card.
With a detection range of 393 feet and a 10-degree field of view, this monocular ensures comprehensive coverage even in total darkness. It has a user-friendly soft pouch for storage, and this, with its small size and lightweight, makes it particularly friendly for children.
The Aura Plus uses digital technology to deliver black and white images rather than the normal green-hued images provided by its competitors.
It’s unrealistic to expect too much from the unit at this price point, but it’s a capable product nonetheless. If you’re willing to sacrifice ultimate images for affordability and ease of use, or you’re not keen to spend a fortune before knowing how much use your device will get, then this is a good place to start.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Small neat design. |
| Performance | Good all-around ability. |
| Functionality | It’s limited in ability due to its low price, but it’s worth looking at. |
Best Gen 1
Reasons to avoid
–Photo cathode can display spots on an image.
–Blurry and distorted around the image ed
The Bering Optics 4 3×60 HIPO Gen 1 night vision monocular is a supremely comfortable entry into the world of Gen 1 night vision technology. This generation of image intensifier tube was invented in the 1960s, and the price of these units is now low. However, this does mean that this technology is becoming dated and has been superseded by the following two generations.
This unit is mainly for gun/hunting use, as it has the addition of a Weaver rail, which enables it to be fastened to a gun barrel. However, it can still be used handheld, enabling it to be used for stargazing and nature observation at night.
This configuration of the HiPo monocular has 4.3x magnification and f/1.2 light gathering ability. Additionally, this NVD is capable of focusing to within four feet. The HiPo monocular’s image intensifier tube is protected from bright light damage by circuitry that deactivates the NVD when it detects excessive light levels.
An IPX4-compliant, water-sealed housing makes the HiPo NVD ready to perform in light rain, high humidity, and even freezing temperatures. When using its built-in IR, it has a 25 hr run time, which is impressive.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Good eye relief, providing long-term use ability |
| Performance | Good quality optics for long-term endurance. |
| Functionality | High magnification for accurate nighttime viewing. |
Best Gen 2
Reasons to avoid
–More expensive than Gen 1
–Spotting is expected in the image
This monocular can be used as a handheld device or mounted on the included head harness for hands-free operation. Built to conform to 810G Military standards, the PVS-14 showcases top-notch quality in both design and performance.
Weighing in at less than 12.4 ounces (350 grams), this full-featured unit boasts manual gain control, an automatic shut-off feature for bright lights, and a built-in infrared (IR) illuminator. The bright light shut-off is crucial for protecting the high-quality photocathode tube. Additionally, AGM provides a variety of optional accessories to cater to nearly any need.
AGM has designed this model with a Gen 2+ photocathode tube. The introduction of Gen 2 night vision technology was marked by a significant scientific breakthrough in the realm of vacuum electronics components.
A crucial feature of the Gen 2 electron-optical converter is its microchannel plate, which greatly increases image brightness. Typically, these devices have a lifespan ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 hours and can function effectively over a distance of up to 200 yards (approximately 183 meters).
Although mainly for military use, these devices are now low enough in price to become a plausible purchase by the public.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Designed and built to military specs |
| Performance | Gen 2 + photocathode image quality |
| Functionality | Produce a high level of clear and bright nighttime views. |
Best Gen 3
Reasons to avoid
–The hands-free head strap is of poor quality
The PVS-14 is equipped with a third-generation autogated image intensifier tube and a P-45 white phosphor screen. The autogated feature significantly enhances image clarity and contrast across varying light conditions, while the white phosphor screen provides views akin to black-and-white imagery, thereby improving object recognition and contrast sensitivity.
With a level 1 tube condition, the PVS-14 delivers clear, spot-free visuals. Additionally, it incorporates manual gain control, permitting users to adjust brightness in accordance with personal preference and environmental lighting. This capability effectively minimizes night blindness resulting from brightness disparities between the user’s eyes and the night vision monocular.
This advanced device measures 4.5 inches in length and weighs slightly over 12 ounces, rendering it both lightweight and compact. Its design promotes ease of transport and ensures comfort when worn on the head, thereby reducing fatigue or strain during prolonged use.
Constructed from aluminum, the device features a scratch-resistant and non-reflective anodized finish, while its IPX8 rating attests to its waterproof capabilities at depths of up to 66 feet.
Included with the device are several essential accessories: a demist shield to prevent fogging, a daylight filter for improved training visibility, and a protective sacrificial window to ensure sustained performance. This amalgamation of features positions the PVS-14 as an exceptional choice for a variety of professional and recreational applications.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Tiny, lightweight aluminium body |
| Performance | Produces stunning low-light images |
| Functionality | Gen 3 photocathode. |
Best for image capture
Reasons to avoid
–A little bulky compared to other monoculars
–No neck or hand strap provided.
Buy it if
✅ You want a night-vision monocular that won’t break the bank.
✅ You want to capture high-quality images at night
Don’t buy it if:
❌You’re not interested in capturing images; that’s a major part of this monocular.
❌You want to take pictures in all weathers; this monocular is not waterproof.
The bottom line
🔎The Night Owl Optics iGen LE has good-quality images, but its main attraction is its ability to record these images onto its memory card. ★★★★
In this system, ambient light is captured through the objective lens, but rather than converting the incoming light into an electron flow as seen in traditional night vision devices, the optical image is transformed into an electrical signal via a highly sensitive Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor, akin to those used in contemporary digital cameras and other imaging technologies. This electric signal is subsequently rendered on a micro display LCD screen, which the user views through the eyepiece.
Until recently, many experts believed that digital night vision devices were similar to the early Gen-1 devices. They were not as good as the newer, better Gen-1 devices and fell short compared to Generation-2 and Gen-3 devices.
However, technology is always improving. Night Vision Optics is now saying that their product, the iGen, can actually perform better than Gen-2 devices and is even comparable to some Gen-3 devices. The best part is that it costs much less than these other options.
Most conventional intensifier tube night vision devices operate by amplifying ambient light to their maximum capacity. This means that aside from the basic function of switching the infrared illumination on or off, users have limited control over their sensitivity. As a result, these devices can be highly reactive to bright sources of light, such as street lamps or the luminous glow of a full moon, which can obstruct your ability to see clearly in certain directions.
In contrast, the iGen night vision device offers a versatile array of adjustments that enable users to fine-tune sensitivity according to their specific requirements. Whether you need to lessen the device’s reactivity to bright lights or enhance its responsiveness in low-light environments, the iGen provides multiple options that cater to your unique observational needs. This flexibility makes it a superior choice for anyone seeking a more tailored night vision experience.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Is larger than its competitors due to its technology. |
| Performance | The ability to record video and still images is a strong selling point. |
| Functionality | Massive adjustability with settings makes this a highly usable new take on night vision optics. |
Best value
Reasons to avoid
–May need to upgrade in the future.
The Wolf-14 is a top-notch night vision monocular that’s tough and performs like a champ without costing a fortune. It’s perfect for both security pros and outdoor lovers, making it a great pick for everything from hunting to casual adventures.
This handy device can be used by itself or easily attached to a head mount, so you can adjust it to fit whatever you’re doing. It doubles as a goggle system, letting you keep your focus while staying out of the way, which means you don’t have to take it off completely.
Operating the Wolf-14 is a breeze, thanks to a simple single knob that makes on-the-fly adjustments easy. If you hook it up with a helmet mount, it even has a cool flip-up feature that turns it off when you tuck it away.
With a bunch of compatible lenses, the Wolf-14 gives you quick access to long-range night viewing, making it a must-have for low-light situations. Plus, its smart, bright light shut-off and built-in infrared illuminator add to its reliability in different lighting.
You can also amp it up with high-performance Gen 2 image intensifier tubes, available in both vivid green and sharp white phosphor, ensuring you get the best image quality no matter where you are.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Compact rugged design |
| Performance | Good quality images for the price |
| Functionality | A high level of quality with a low price point. |
Matt Morris
Matt Morris is a keen astronomer, wildlife watcher and photographer living in Somerset, UK. He started stargazing and birdwatching at the age of 10 with his father who took him to bird hides and nature reserves around England. This sparked his interest in cameras and optics, a passion that has now spanned the better part of four decades and led to his being featured in several national photography magazines for competition-winning photos.
Matt has had deteriorating eyesight in one eye over the last few years due to being Type-1 Diabetic. This has led him to develop a special interest in monoculars and spotting scopes as these are now the only means by which Matt’s passion for bird watching and wildlife spotting can continue. His eyesight is in a state of flux as the effects of Diabetes takes its toll, further emphasizing the importance for him to find and use quality optical equipment. Although Matt is happy to point out his right eye is in perfect working order!
Best night vision monoculars Frequently Asked Questions
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How we test the best night vision monoculars
At Space.com, we understand how important it is to have reliable and honest recommendations when purchasing night vision binoculars. To ensure that we provide accurate and up-to-date information, we conduct thorough and rigorous reviews on each instrument.
Our team of expert staff and knowledgeable freelance contributors test each pair of binoculars based on various aspects such as construction, design, optical performance, and field performance. This ensures that our reviews are fair and unbiased, and are based on personal, hands-on experience with each binocular.
At Space.com, we are committed to providing you with complete editorial independence and reliable buying advice on night vision binoculars. Our reviews and buying guides are transparent and trustworthy, helping you make an informed decision when purchasing a specific model.
