Updated April 6, 2024
Human vision is very limited at night. If you are interested in bird and wildlife observation, hunting, navigating, or checking for intruders, darkness can be too large an impediment to overcome without some assistance. That is where good night vision binoculars can provide the magnification and bright, clear image that enables the completion of your mission.
There are dozens of models on the market, some extremely sophisticated and expensive. To help you find something suitable without breaking the bank, some top models have been selected as an introduction to what is available for sportspeople to enjoy. Starting with a basic comparison table, each device is reviewed with descriptions, specifications, features, photos, and videos, followed by a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on camping gear and other binoculars, please check out these reviews:
Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Best Night Vision Binoculars for 2024
- Night Owl Pro Nexgen Night Vision Binocular
- Nightfox 100V Widescreen Digital Night Vision Infrared Binocular
- Solomark Night Vision Digital Infrared Binocular
- Bushnell Night Vision Equinox Z2 Monocular
- Creative XP GlassOwl Pro Digital Night Vision Binoculars
- ESSLNB Night Vision Binoculars
- Luna Optics Digital G2 Day and Night Vision Binocular
- Firefield Tracker Night Vision Binoculars
Night Vision Binoculars Comparison Table
| Picture | NV Device | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Night Owl Pro Nexgen Night Vision Binocular | 5X Optical Zoom 200' Viewing Range 40 to 80 Hour Battery Life | $$$$ |
  | Nightfox 100V Widescreen Digital Night Vision Infrared Binocular | 3X Optical & 2X Digital Zoom 330' Viewing Range Wide LCD Monitor | $ |
  | Solomark Night Vision Digital Infrared Binocular | 7X Optical & 2X Digital Zoom 1,300' Viewing Range 4GB MicroSD | $$ |
  | Bushnell Night Vision Equinox Z2 Monocular | 6X Optical Zoom 1,000' Viewing Range 32GB MicroSD | $$$ |
  | Creative XP GlassOwl Pro Digital Night Vision Binoculars | 7X Optical & 2X Digital Zoom 1,300' Viewing Range 4GB MicroSD | $$ |
  | ESSLNB Night Vision Binoculars | 7X Optical & 2X Digital Zoom 1,300' Viewing Range 32 GB TF card | $$ |
  | Luna Optics Digital G2 Day and Night Vision Binocular | 6X to 30X Zoom 8 GB MicroSD Expandable to 128GB Full HD Video | $$$$ |
  | Firefield Tracker Night Vision Binoculars | 3X Optical Zoom Compact, Ergonomic 10 Hour Battery Life | $$$$ |
| Picture | NV Device | Details | Price |
Night Owl Pro Nexgen Night Vision Binocular
It uses a quality CR-123 lithium battery that delivers a minimum of 40 hours of continuous use of the infrared illuminator.
Easy to use, it has an adjustable interocular distance with control buttons on the top for a comfortable fit and a central focusing wheel for the simultaneous focus of both objective lenses.
A rubberized finish gives it a soft feel that also provides water resistance.
The price is in the mid-range of binoculars reviewed here and is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Magnification: 5X
- Objective Aperture: 50mm
- Viewing Range: 200 feet
- Power Supply: 1 x 3V CR-123 lithium battery (not included)
- Battery Life: 40 to 80 hours depending on infrared usage
- Weight: 38.77 ounces
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Price: $$$
Features
- Adjustable interocular distance (55mm to 73mm) enables centering precisely over each eye
- Central focusing wheel for simultaneous focusing of both objective lenses
- Built-in infrared illuminator
- Impact-resistant molded thermoplastic lens housings
- Carrying case with padded neck strap
- Soft, rubberized finish with water-resistance
Nightfox 100V Widescreen Digital Night Vision Infrared Binocular
It has a comfortable wide high-resolution display and a powerful built-in infrared illuminator that enables clear nighttime viewing up to 330 feet.
With 3X optical and 2X digital, the total zoom is 6X providing clarity even on more distant objects.
It is also equipped with a focus wheel on the bottom to make the image sharper and convenient controls using 3 buttons.
8 AA batteries provide up to 6 hours of night-time operation.
The low price is accompanied by an 18-month limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3X (optical), 2X (digital)
- Objective Aperture: 20mm
- Viewing Range: to 330 feet
- Power Supply: 8 x AA (alkaline or lithium) not included
- Battery Life: 6 hours
- Weight: 21.3 ounces
- Warranty: 18-month limited
- Price: $
Features
- Widescreen LCD viewing monitor – easy to use even with glasses
- Focus wheel for image adjustment
- Easy 3-button operation
- Built-in 1-watt infrared illuminator with 7 levels of adjustment
- Neck strap
- Gift box and instructions
Solomark Night Vision Digital Infrared Binocular
The 3-watt built-in infrared illuminator is adjustable for brightness based on ambient light.
Day and night photos and videos can be stored on a 4GB MicroSD. Video capture is HD quality with 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps and USB and AV cables are provided for PC and TV hook-up.
The image quality is satisfactory for most, though not at a premium level, but the pricing is moderate and backed by an 18-month warranty.
Specifications
- Magnification: 7X (optical), 2X (digital)
- Objective Aperture: 31mm
- Viewing Range: to 1,300 feet
- Power Supply: 8 x AA not included
- Battery Life: Not Available
- Weight: Not Available
- Warranty: 18-month limited
- Price: $$
Features
- 4-inch viewing monitor
- MicroSD card with 4 GB memory (expandable to 32GB – not included)
- Built-in 850 nm 3-watt infrared LED illuminator with adjustable brightness levels
- HD-quality video capture
- AV and USB cables included
Bushnell Night Vision Equinox Z2 Monocular
It has HD day or night video capture and a MicroSD card equipped with a substantial 32 GB memory.
App-enabled you can share by uploading or through live streaming.
The pricing is in the mid-range of the devices reviewed here and it is backed by a solid 5-year repair or replacement warranty.
Specifications
- Magnification: 6X
- Objective Aperture: 50mm
- Viewing Range: 1,000 feet
- Power Supply: 4 x AA not included
- Battery Life: Not Available
- Weight: 27 ounces
- Warranty: 5-year repair or replace
- Price: $$$
Features
- MicroSD card with 32 GB memory maximum
- WiFi and App enabled
- Bushnell live streaming App
- Audio/Video, HD 1080p capture
- Built-in infrared LED illuminator with adjustable brightness levels
Creative XP Digital Night Vision Binoculars
The 850 nm infrared illuminator and 7X optical and 2X digital zoom allow you to see at night up to 1,300 feet away.
Smooth focus along with the 31mm multi-coated objective aperture and TFT screen gives you crisp, crystal-clear photos and videos at night or during the daytime (with the infrared illuminator turned off).
The package includes a 32 GB MicroSD card and computer/phone SD reader making it easy to share, and heavy-duty housing that will stand up to rough-and-tumble outdoor conditions.
A neck strap and protective case are included in this package with a moderate price and satisfaction or a money-back lifetime warranty.
Specifications
- Magnification: 7X (optical), 2X (digital)
- Objective Aperture: 31mm, multi-coated for clear viewing
- Viewing Range: 1,300 feet
- Power Supply: 8 x AA not included
- Battery Life: up to 8 hours day and 4 hours night
- Weight: 26.7 ounces
- Warranty: lifetime (satisfaction or money back)
- Price: $$
Features
- 2-inch TFT screen (converted to 4-inch by the convex lens)
- Rugged military-strength housing
- Built-in 850 nm no-glow infrared illuminator
- 4GB MicroSD card, computer/phone SD card reader
- USB cable
- Protective case, neck strap, user manual
ESSLNB Night Vision Binoculars
The infrared illuminator on this one has 3 brightness levels with easy push-button controls and a nice package of items including batteries, a neck strap, USB and AV cables, and a carry pouch.
The SD storage card is bolstered by a 32 GB TF card.
Pricing is in the same mid-range as the other two.
Specifications
- Magnification: 7X (optical), 2X (digital)
- Objective Aperture: 31mm
- Viewing Range: 1,300 feet
- Power Supply: 8 x AA included
- Battery Life: Not Available
- Weight: 27 ounces
- Warranty: ask the seller for details
- Price: $$
Features
- 2-inch TFT screen (converted to 4-inch by the convex lens)
- Built-in 3-watt 850 nm infrared illuminator with push-button activation and 3 brightness levels
- 32 GB TF card included can enlarge the storage SD card
- AV video cable, USB Cable
Luna Optics Digital G2 Day and Night Vision Binocular
It has zoom capability from 6X to 30X, can also capture crisp images as close as 2.6 feet, and has a water-resistant body.
Using lithium batteries you get up to 4 hours or it can be operated from 5V/2A power banks.
The added sophistication of a Gen 2 model comes at a bit higher price but it is backed by a 1-year warranty
Specifications
- Magnification: 6X to 30X
- Objective Aperture: 50mm
- Viewing Range: 220 feet
- Power Supply: 2 x 3V Lithium batteries or 5V/2A power banks
- Battery Life: 4 hours on batteries
- Weight: 25.6 ounces
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $$$$
Features
- Generation 2 night vision
- Dual image displays
- Daytime color enhancer filter
- Full HD sensor
- Full color, NV green, and black and white image options
- Minimum focus range of 2.6 feet
- 8 GB MicroSD card included, expandable to 128 GB
- Sturdy thermoplastic body
- IPX4 water-resistant body
- USB and video cables, and AC adapter included
- Carry case
Firefield Tracker Night Vision Binoculars
The 3X magnification with 42 mm objectives provides a 20° wide-angle field of view. Adding in the built-in infrared illuminator, this combination allows for easy spotting of targets even at night.
In addition, the Firefield Tracker has innovative flip-out lens covers attached to the body that can be easily employed to protect lenses from exposure to dirt or scrapes if the going gets rugged.
There are no video or photo capabilities, so you are paying for high-resolution images day or night.
The pricing is at the high end of the batch reviewed here and is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3X
- Objective Aperture: 42 mm
- Viewing Range: Not Available
- Power Supply: 1 x CR123A
- Battery Life: up to 10 hours
- Weight: 24.7 ounces
- Warranty: 3-year limited
- Price: $$$$
Features
- Dual tube design for better depth perception
- 20° wide-angle field of view
- Built-in infrared illuminator
- Compact and ergonomic
- Non-slip coating, knurled thumb-pads, and eyeshade
- Eclipse lens cover system with flip-up covers
- Optional head-mount
- Neck strap, cleaning cloth
Night Vision Binoculars Buying Guide
Night Vision Device Type
In this article, we have lumped them all together under the term binocular in the title. Actually, though, night vision devices can come in the form of a monocular or scope as well. A monocular or scope has one eyepiece and one objective lens whereas a binocular has two of each. A monocular can be handheld or head-mounted, and a scope is typically mounted on a rifle.
Generations
Night vision binoculars can be categorized by generations from 1 to 4. Generation 1 is the most basic in performance and build features and Generation 4 is the highest level.
- Generation 1 – These models employ the original night vision technology using external infrared light to illuminate objects. They are the most affordable giving the best performance at a detection range under 75 yards. The resolution is decent but not as sharp as Gen 2-4 versions with possible distortions around the edges.
- Generation 2 – This level offers better, clearer images than Gen 1 models by adding micro-channel plate technology. Developed originally for military and security operations, the detection range can be as high as 200 yards. Able to use infrared light emitted from the moon and stars, a built-in infrared illuminator isn’t necessary for operation.
- Generation 3 – This is the technology currently in use by the U.S. military. Image quality is improved from Gen 2 levels and the detection range is up to 300 yards. These use gallium arsenide in the photocathode for a greater photoelectric effect permitting sharp images in the darkest conditions. If exposed to bright light the internal tubes can be damaged making these devices usable only at night. They are much more expensive than Gen 2 models.
- Generation 4 – Many aficionados consider these to be an extension of Gen 3, sort of a Gen 3+. They are the most advanced and able to produce the best quality images with the highest resolution in the lowest light conditions. They are the most expensive and available through several well-known brands.
Magnification
Night vision binoculars are mainly equipped with optical and/or digital zoom. Optical magnification employs glass lenses that create sharp, clear images with minimal distortion. Digital zoom can introduce pixelation and blurring that distorts the image. For night vision, high magnification can lead to enough distortion that it can be a major impediment to clarity.
Infrared Illuminator
This is a tool that emits infrared light that is invisible to the human eye. When it bounces off an object and back into the lens of a night vision device the object will be visible in situations of no visible light. Generation 1 night vision devices usually have them built-in. Generation 2 and 3 devices can make use of faint moonlight or starlight for some illumination but in environments with no visible light, an infrared illuminator is necessary.
Range of Detection
Range of detection refers to the ability of night vision binoculars to clearly project images over a distance. As mentioned above, Gen 1 night vision binoculars have a range of detection of around 75 yards. For Gen 2 the range is around 200 yards, and for Gen 3 it is 300 yards.
Photo/Video
Many top night vision binoculars and most of the ones reviewed here have photo and video capabilities. They will have a MicroSD slot for external storage and may include WiFi and Apps for streaming. It’s a great option for users who value having a record of their adventures to share with others.
Safety and Maintenance
Here are a couple of guides for proper care and maintenance of your night vision device: Safety Tips & Cleaning Guide Tips for Keeping Your Device Safe & Secure
For more information on camping gear and other binoculars, please check out these reviews:
Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
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