Best Night Vision Monoculars - Pointoptics

The 10 Best Night Vision Monoculars

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Night vision monoculars are a relatively new and versatile piece of equipment with applications across various sporting activities, hunting, and general fun! With a number of uses for these devices, from spotting animals in the backcountry to stargazing to having some fun with the kids, you will be sure to find some enjoyment with their use!

There is more to consider than when purchasing a simple optic or range finder, however. Depending upon what device you end up purchasing, there could be several different technologies at play. “Night vision” is not just one technology. There are many ways to go about enhancing vision in low-light environments. 

The Best Night Vision Monocular


SiOnyx Aurora Sport Night Vision Camera

A top of the line waterproof monocular that provides you with crystal clear full-color images

Traditional light enhancement technology (think of the classic green hue you see in the movies) has four distinct “generations” used today. 1st generation is the most commonly available globally, and primarily what is available on the consumer market. Everything from generations 2-4 is used by law enforcement and in military applications. 

There is a second type of night vision found in consumer-grade technology that utilizes digital infrared capabilities. Without going into all of the boring details surrounding ion barriers, microchannel plates, gallium arsenide, and photocathodes, I will boil it down like this. Traditional night vision takes the available light and enhances what is available through a series of chemical processes.

On the other hand, digital night vision converts the incoming signal into a digital format, where it is then presented in a form that is visible to the human eye. This is why traditional NV is green, and digital NV is in grayscale. You will find both generation 1 technology and digital IR present on this list. 

Our Selection of the 10 Best Night Vision Monoculars

1. SiOnyx Aurora Sport I Full-Color Digital Night Vision Camera

SiOnyx Aurora Sport I Full-Color Digital Night Vision Camera
  • Magnification:
    N/A
  • Objective Lens Diameter:
    16mm f/1.4, f2.0, f5.6
  • Waterproof:
    IP67 RATED
  • Battery Type:
    Rechargeable lithium-ion
  • Battery Life:
    Unspecified
  • Field of View:
    16mm wide-angle
  • Range:
    Natural eye viewing distance
  • Night vision technology used:
    Digital infrared full color.

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The SiOnyx Aurora Sport is an infrared digital full-color night vision monocular tailored to those more interested in navigating in low light conditions instead of spotting like some of the other options on this list.

Judging by the feature set, and marketing materials, it is clear that this product is meant for fishermen, mil-sim/airsoft, and those who participate in activities where action cams are commonly used, but at night! Utilizing the latest digital night vision technology, the Aurora Sport can produce a “full color” digital image of moonless starlit conditions. 

Unfortunately, it is difficult to track down how long the batteries are expected to last with many products. However, based upon customer reviews, it appears to have a reasonably long-lasting battery. Speaking of batteries, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a Mirco USB-B cable for charging are included with your purchase. 

Magnification

This particular night vision monocular does not have any magnification capabilities. Instead, the unit houses a 16mm wide-angle lens that is intended to mimic, reasonably closely, the natural viewing angle of the human eye.

This is ideal for nighttime navigating, star gazing, or getting a more extensive lay of the land. Three different f-stops (f/1.4, f2.0, and f5.6) enable use in a variety of light conditions. If you are not familiar with what an f-stop is, that is fine. It is a photography term that represents how wide or narrow the lens’s opening is. The wider the opening, the more light is allowed into the sensor. 

Body & Housing

The size of the Aurora Sport is relatively standard for most night vision monoculars these days at 4.69 x 2.52 x 2.09 inches and sitting at roughly 1 lb. However, what is the most striking about the body is its VERY impressive water resistance. The housing is IP67 rated, which means it can sit submerged in water up to 3 feet deep for up to 30 minutes! So indeed, this is a unit meant for active use in all conditions. 

Video Recording

A Micro SD card slot enables both still image capture and video recording directly on the device. There is also wi-fi functionality for streaming to both android and iOS devices. This is particularly useful for nighttime maritime navigation, as you can stream the live image directly to an onboard monitor to ensure safe water operations. 

Overall

The SiOnyx Aurora Sport infrared night vision monocular will set you back at around $450. While this is not the most expensive option on the market, it is undoubtedly the most expensive option on this list. However, with its high level of functionality, water resistance ratings, a slew of video capabilities, and high praise among users, it may be just what you are looking for if you are willing to spend the extra cast.

  • Wifi streaming capabilities
  • Not ideal for spotting
  • Excellent in minimal light conditions
  • Wide range of mounting options and use cases. Particularly for action cam users.

2. ESSLNB Night Vision Monocular

ESSLNB Night Vision Monocular
  • Magnification:
    5x optical and 8x digital zoom
  • Objective Lens Diameter:
    N/A
  • Waterproof:
    Yes
  • Battery Type:
    14500 3.7V Lithium-Ion
  • Battery Life:
    2-6 hrs (user reported)
  • Field of View:
    5 °x 3.75°
  • Range:
    656 ft
  • Night vision technology used:
    Digital IR

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A sneaking suspicion tells me that the ESSLNB 5X40 Night Vision Monocular and the previous entry on this list come from the same factory. They have the same specifications and accessories included in the box.

They even share the same weather sealing and dust-proofing ratings. Where they differ, however, is in ergonomics and price point. If you decide between these two units, look and see what design would suit you the best. The ESSLNB is also a decent bit cheaper for those looking to stick to a fairly strict budget. 

Magnification

Sporting a similar set of specs to the previous entry in our list, the ESSLNB Night Vision Monocular has a 5x optical magnification rating and 8x digital zoom. Another fantastic option for spotting as you will be able to see out to an impressive 656 ft. The manufacturer opted to use an infrared-sensitive CMOS sensor to ensure a crisp image of objects near and far. 

Body & Housing

Not too big to be a burden and not too small to fumble with, the 8.9 x 5.6 x 2.7-inch profile with included hand strap means this unit sits right in the goldilocks zone when it comes to size and usability. At 1.57 pounds, you will certainly feel the weight.

However, it is not heavy enough to be burdensome unless you are a dedicated backpacker. A nitrogen-filled body to prevent condensation and water and dust sealing makes this an excellent option for those who like to venture out where weather can be inclement and unpredictable. 

Video Recording

An included 16GB micro SD card allows for direct video capture and still photography for later viewing. Use the included cables to transfer to a computer, or use a TV as a monitor to review footage and show it off to friends. 

Overall

Overall I have much the same opinion of this as I do the Sniper Night Vision Monocular 5X40. However, the ESSLNB 5X40 Night Vision Monocular has a smaller profile, is lighter, and sits quite a bit lower on the price table.

Those facts alone elevate the unit to someone I could feel very good about recommending if you are looking for a solid digital IR night vision monocular with video capture capability that you can feel comfortable taking into the field. 

  • Affordable
  • Range of over 650ft
  • Video recording function

3. Night Owl Optics 5-Power NOXM50 Night Vision Monocular

Night Owl Optics 5-Power NOXM50 Night Vision Monocular
  • Magnification:
    5x
  • Objective Lens Diameter:
    50mm
  • Waterproof:
    Unspecified
  • Battery Type:
    3-volt Type-123 lithium
  • Battery Life:
    45-100 hrs depending upon IR use
  • Field of View:
    12.5 Degrees
  • Range:
    200ft
  • Night vision technology used: Generation 1 

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The Night Owl Optics 5-Power NOXM50 Night Vision Monocular sits right in the middle of the pack regarding the price point. However, it is right around the $200 mark, and dependent upon what you are looking for in an NV optic, it might be a very good choice. There is a very good native magnification, the battery life reasonable, and it uses the best of an admittedly older night vision tech (lower price point with still good performance). That said, this product is bare-bones when it comes to the feature set. It performs well as a low-light spotting instrument, and that is about it.  

Magnification

A native 5x magnification places the Night Owl Optics NOXM50 firmly in the spotting monocular camp. Aided by the in-built IR illuminator, you will get a healthy 200ft of range in even the darkest conditions. 

Body & Housing

At 7.75L x 3.79W x 2.48H inches, this is certainly not the smallest of night vision monoculars out there. However, this doesn’t seem to translate to the weight of the unit. WIthout batteries, you will only be carrying around 16oz. The power requirements are only a single 3-volt lithium-ion battery, so you won’t be looking at a very heavy unit even with the power bank installed. I could not locate any mention of whether or not the housing is water-resistant in any capacity. Some user reviews mention they have not had issues using the product in weather conditions; however, this is done at your own risk. 

Video Recording

No video capture, still capture, or streaming capabilities are present in the device. We would have liked to have seen at least the ability to capture stills with the slightly higher price point. 

Overall

The Night Owl Optics 5-Power NOXM50 Night Vision Monocular is a respectable mid-range option for those seeking a piece of equipment to aid in low-light spotting activities. It is hard to find much wrong between the long battery life, built-in IR illuminator, and extended viewing range if you are just looking for a nighttime spotting optic. However, the weather resistance is questionable at best, and if you need additional features such as video record, there are probably better options out there for you. 

  • Solid viewing distance
  • 5x magnification
  • Built-in IR illuminator
  • No video out capabilities

4. CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Night Vision Monocular

CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Night Vision Monocular
  • Magnification:
    3x optical / 4x digital zoom
  • Objective Lens Diameter:
    25mm
  • Waterproof:
    Unspecified
  • Battery Type:
    AA
  • Battery Life:
    6 hours (IR), 15 hours (without IR)
  • Field of View:
    Unspecified
  • Range:
    650 ft
  • Night vision technology used:
    Digital Night Vision

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The CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Night Vision Monocular is a jack of all trades that can be viable in various applications. Between its 25mm lens, digital zoom, exceptional viewing distance, respectable battery life, and video capabilities, this is a fantastic option for those who want a night vision monocular that isn’t too specialized and can work in multiple situations.  

Magnification

The 25mm lens provides 3x magnification through the viewfinder, with the added option of a 4x digital zoom function. This provides a nice middle ground between more general “lay of the land” style viewing and spotting applications. In addition, the spec sheet claims that with the use of the IR illumination function, the viewer can see out to distances of up to 650 ft in conditions absent of light. This is an incredibly impressive number, and while I will not say that I do not believe in the accuracy of what the company claims, it is always good advice to read user reviews to try and get an idea of real-world performance. 

Body & Housing

This happens to be one of the more compact units on the list, coming in at 6.85 x 5.28 x 2.83 inches and weighing in under half a pound at a mere 7 ounces. Use seems to be comfortable with its small ergonomic design and included hand strap. I could not find any information regarding weatherproofing or water resistance ratings, however. While I am sure it holds up well enough in fair weather conditions, take caution if you are planning on taking the unit deep into the field where you have the potential to run into the weather. 

Video Recording

The CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Night Vision Monocular features the ability to capture both photo stills and record video onto an included SD card. In addition, the box includes a card reader for your computer, a 32GB SD card, and a USB cable for direct to computer transfers. So if you’re looking for something ready from day one for full video capture, play, and transfer capabilities, this may just be the ticket. 

Overall

Overall this is a night vision monocular that services many needs. If you are looking for something modestly priced (around $130) that can be taken into the field for a few hours, can see far, and can capture video, this could be a fantastic choice!

  • Exception viewing distance
  • Video capture & playback
  • Video capture w/ all necessary equipment included
  • Lightweight & portable

5. Bushnell Night Vision Equinox Z Monocular

Bushnell Night Vision Equinox Z Monocular
  • Magnification:
    6x magnification w/ 1-3x digital zoom
  • Objective Lens Diameter:
    50mm
  • Waterproof:
    Water-Resistant housing
  • Battery Type:
    AA
  • Battery Life:
    Unspecified
  • Field of View:
    Unspecified
  • Range:
    Up to 1000ft
  • Night vision technology used:
    Digital

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Bushnell is a trusted name in the world of sport and hunting optics. For a good reason! Founded in 1948, they have a long track record of providing high-quality optical components for sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts across various fields. Their Equinox Z Night Vision Monocular is no exception to this. With high-level accolades and awards across multiple buying platforms, you surely can’t go wrong with this tremendous all-around night vision monocular. 

The Equinox Z performs excellently in low light conditions like dusk and twilight by utilizing digital night vision technology. However, some users have reported struggling to get a clear image in truly dark situations (think 2 am with no moon). Although, this does not seem to be a consistent report across users. A Picatinny style rail and tripod mount allow for many attachment options f you are into accessories. 

Magnification

This monocular provides a native 6x magnification with its 50mm lens diameter. In addition, there is an additional 1-3x digital zoom capability if needed to take advantage of its digital night vision technology. 

Body & Housing

Weighing in just over a pound and a half and sporting 7.85 x 2.5 x 3.9 as its dimensional profile, the Bushnell Equinox Z falls solidly into the middle of the pack when it comes to weight size and portability. In addition, the fact that the monocular housing is weather-resistant is very impressive, considering the overall weight and portability factors of this device. 

Video Recording

Digital night vision technology has its advantages. One of them being direct video recording for later viewing. In addition, the Equinox Z can take up to a 32GB Micro SD card and record both video and stills. 

Overall

At just under $300, combined with its reasonable weight and size specifications, the Bushnell Night Vision Equinox Z Monocular is a fantastic choice for someone looking for a middle-of-the-road NV option. The only area I would consider to be a drawback with this particular unit is that it takes AA batteries instead of having a built-in rechargeable pack. Unfortunately, the company does not provide an estimated battery utilization time, but some users have reported changing the batteries frequently. So, if you are planning on lengthy, in-the-field expeditions, maybe consider another option, or bring extra batteries. 

  • In-house video recording capabilities
  • Weather-resistant housing
  • Digital Zoom
  • Lots of options for accessory attachments

6. Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular

Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular
  • Magnification:
    4x
  • Objective Lens Diameter:
    50mm
  • Waterproof:
    IPX3 Water-Resistant 
  • Battery Type:
    AAA
  • Battery Life:
    20 hrs w/IR. 72 hrs w/out IR
  • Field of View:
    Unspecified
  • Range:
    197 yards
  • Night vision technology used:
    Gen 1

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The Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular is a lower mid-range option for those seeking to invest in a night vision device. It utilizes generation 1 night vision technology, meaning that the viewing distance will generally be closer but also translates to a cheaper overall price point. In addition, the built-in IR illuminator allows this unit to achieve higher than average viewing distances than other generation one monoculars (a purported 197 yards). The “IR illuminator” is just an infrared flashlight built into the body of the unit itself. With the naked eye, you will not see anything but viewed through the monocular; you will see a bright illuminating cone of light that helps to extend your viewing distances. This can be particularly helpful in spotting situations. 

Magnification

A respectable 4x mechanical zoom allows for spotting at modest distances in low light conditions. While the field of view is not specified anywhere that I could find, some users have described the viewing angle as “narrow.” This lends credence to the idea that this scope is more than ideal for sit and spot situations instead of navigational needs. 

Body & Housing

The dimensions of the Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular are 9.84×3.74×2.36 inches, with a battery-included weight of 21.1 oz (roughly 1.5lbs). The product hosts a water resistance rating of IPX3. According to the IPX water rating guide that means the unit is “protected against spraying water when tilted up to 60 degrees vertically”. It can get splashed, but try not to spend too much time in the water with it!

Video Recording

This unit doesn’t have any built-in video/image capture capability. Nor does it support sending the signal to any outside unit. However, this is to be expected given the cheaper price point. 

Overall

With the modest price point and basic functionality, this is not a bad option. However, with the basic feature set, no video capabilities, and tripod style mount instead of a Picatinny, this may just not be functional enough for many applications. The built-in IR illuminator is an excellent feature that elevates the Firefield Nightfall to something recommended depending upon your applications.

  • Very long battery life
  • Built-in IR illuminator
  • Modest viewing distances
  • User reports describe a clear and crisp image

7.  Solomark Night Vision Monocular

 Solomark Night Vision Monocular
  • Magnification:
    2x
  • Objective Lens Diameter:
    31mm
  • Waterproof:
    Unspecified
  • Battery Type:
    AA
  • Battery Life:
    5 hrs
  • Field of View:
    14 degrees
  • Range:
    100m
  • Night vision technology used:
    Digital IR

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The Solormark Night Vision Monocular is the cheapest entry on this list at around $130. But don’t let the price point fool you! This monocular has more features and uses more advanced night vision technology than many other competitors on the market with a higher price point. Multiple settings to accommodate different lighting conditions, an IR illuminator, and native video recording capabilities place this device much higher on the proverbial totem pole than it would appear to deserve if you were just to compare the purchasing prices. 

Magnification

The Solomark Night Vision maintains a viewing angle close to the human eye (though not matching a natural viewing distance). Having said that, there is a digital zoom feature up to 2x with stops at 1X, 1.3X, 1.6X, and 2X. The manufacturer claimed the viewing range to be up to 100m, though users report it to be closer to the 50-70m range. As mentioned before, there is a built-in IR illuminator. However, it is unclear how much this extends the viewing range. Perhaps the 100m range is with the IR illuminator or not. 

Body & Housing

This is one of the more compact and portable night vision units on the list, with the dimension specifications being; 5.8in x 4in x 1.85in and a net weight of 11.5oz. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not maintain a website at the time of writing, so it is difficult to find details and specs. One of them is whether or not the body housing has any weatherproofing or water resistance rating. For this reason, I would not be inclined to take this into any situation where water may be a possibility. 

Video Recording

An included 1GB Micro SD card allows the Solomark to captures stills and video directly into the device. In addition, a USB port on the unit enables direct transfer of files and video streaming to an external monitor.

Overall

The Solormark Night Vision Monocular is a worthy contender for the king of the budget night vision monoculars. At the cheapest option on the list, this is the clear winner if the price is your only consideration. However, even if you were willing to spend a bit more, you may still want to give this one a second consideration based on the extra feature sets. 

  • Best budget option out there
  • Modest viewing distance
  • Decent video capture for the price
  • Unknown weather resistance capabilities

8. Sniper Night Vision Monocular 5X40

Sniper Night Vision Monocular 5X40
  • Magnification:
    5x optical and 8x digital zoom
  • Objective Lens Diameter:
    40mm
  • Waterproof:
    Yes
  • Battery Type:
    14500 3.7V Rechargeable
  • Battery Life:
    Unspecified
  • Field of View:
    Unspecified
  • Range:
    656 ft
  • Night vision technology used:
    Digital IR

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Sitting right above the most budget options out there at roughly $170, the Sniper Night Vision Monocular 5X40 has everything you need and more in a night vision optic. Great magnification and draw distances, the latest digital IR tech, and some serious weather sealing from the elements work together to make sure this unit hits above its weight class considering the price. 

Magnification

If you are looking to pick up a night vision monocular with zoom and magnification specs for long-distance spotting, then look no further. A 5x optical magnification and 8x digital zoom enable this unit to acquire a clear image out to 656 ft when aided by its built-in IR illuminator. By utilizing modern digital IR technology, crisp images are available even out to the maximum viewing distance in the lowest light conditions you may encounter. 

Body & Housing

This is a larger than average monocular, so large that it begins to approach binocular territory despite only having one lens and viewport. At 12.32 x 8.9 x 5.79 inches and weighing in at a hefty 1.66 pounds, this certainly is not the most portable option out there. But, if you aren’t counting ounces, then the slew of features that cause the extra body mass in the first place may just be worth it to you. According to the manufacturer, the body is; “completely sealed and nitrogen filled, making it fog and rainproof to prevent moisture and dust from getting inside.” If long nights of rain and other inclement weather are in your future, then weather sealing like this is essential and more than worth the extra weight. 

Video Recording

As is pretty standard these days, photo capture and video recording (with sound) are built into the device. In addition, an included SD card and suite of cables allow you to transfer content through a card reader, directly into a pc via USB, or even stream playback right into your TV without having to move files around. 

Overall

This might just be one of our top recommendations for a budget-conscious buyer looking for a night vision monocular today. Competing with many of the higher tier market players today, I struggle to find reasons to suggest many of the other higher priced units out there unless you are looking for some particular and niche features. However, one point of contention is that I struggle to find mention of is how long the expected battery life is. This can be a determining factor in a purchase decision, so I wish I could track down this information. Especially considering that the unit houses a fixed rechargeable battery system, it’s not viable to just pack extra with you in case. When deciding what unit to buy, go through as many user reviews as you can to try and fill in the information gaps that the manufacturer has left open. 

  • Extreme weather sealing and water resistance
  • Excellent viewing range
  • Unsure about battery life in the field
  • Many options for video capture and playback

9. Night Owl Optics 42mm Night Vision Monocular

Night Owl Optics 42mm Night Vision Monocular
  • Magnification:
    3x
  • Objective Lens Diameter:
    42mm
  • Waterproof:
    No
  • Battery Type:
    3-volt Type 123 Lithium-Ion
  • Battery Life:
    45-100 hrs (dependent upon IR use)
  • Field of View: 19 degrees
  • Range:
    200ft
  • Night vision technology used: Generation 1

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A product that has all of the features you’d expect it to, BOBLOV’s 5×8 Digital Night Vision Monocular is a reasonably priced spotting style optic for low light conditions. At first pass, this is a more than capable night vision monocular for the money. However, if you are interested in accessory mounts, you may find issues with the Picatinny rain and tripod mount (more on that later). Additionally, the unit uses 14500 Lithium-Ion batteries, which can be hard to come by. The battery life is modest at best with a 2-2.5 hr runtime (IR illuminator off) or a 1-1.5 hr range if utilizing the IR function.  

Magnification

A 5x fixed magnification and 8x digital zoom capability are excellent options for those who need night vision optics for spotting applications. A clear and crisp image out to 150 yards aided by the in-body IR illumination means you will be plenty capable of taking in the details of your surroundings in ultra lowlight conditions. 

Body & Housing

The profile of the BOBLOV 5×8 is 7.5 x 3.3 x 2.2 inches. While the size of this product isn’t exactly small, it does seem to fit nicely into the palm with the included hand strap for a comfortable viewing experience. 

Unfortunately, no information could be found regarding and weather resistance of water resistance ratings. A Picatinny rail allows for accessory attachments should you find them necessary. And a tripod mounting hole is available as well. However, the tripod mount is located inside one of the Picatinny channels. Some users reported difficulty using standard trips due to the excessive depth of the threads in the rail channel. Many of these same users have been able to circumnavigate this issue by modifying their tripod setup. However, this is clearly not ideal. 

Video Recording

This unit hosts a surprisingly fleshed-out set of video capture features for its modest price of around $150. Video capture with audio and stills can be recorded directly to the included 16GB Micro SD card for later transfer to a computer. Alternatively, you can use the included USB cord and do a direct file transfer. Finally, you can even watch video playback directly on the unit LCD screen. 

Overall

All in all, this is not a terrible night vision monocular. The robust video features, powerful IR illumination, and respectable draw distances make this a good choice for someone who wants to have some fun spotting and capture the moment. However, due to the minimal battery life and difficulty with accessories and tripod mounting, this may not be the best option for those looking to integrate this into a kit or spend any length of time in the field. 

  • Impressive battery life
  • No water resistance
  • No video recording
  • Best described as “utilitarian,” for better or worse.

10. BOBLOV Digital Night Vision Monocular 5×8

BOBLOV Digital Night Vision Monocular 5x8
  • Magnification:
    5x fixed optical & 8x digital zoom
  • Objective Lens Diameter: Unspecified
  • Waterproof:
    Unspecified
  • Battery Type:
    Lithium-Ion 14500
  • Battery Life:
    1-1.5hrs (IR). 2-2.5 (without IR)
  • Field of View:
    Narrow
  • Range:
    150 Yards
  • Night vision technology used:
    Digital IR

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A product that has all of the features you’d expect it to, BOBLOV’s 5×8 Digital Night Vision Monocular is a reasonably priced spotting style optic for low light conditions. At first pass, this is a more than capable night vision monocular for the money. However, if you are interested in accessory mounts, you may find issues with the Picatinny rain and tripod mount (more on that later). Additionally, the unit uses 14500 Lithium-Ion batteries, which can be hard to come by. The battery life is modest at best with a 2-2.5 hr runtime (IR illuminator off) or a 1-1.5 hr range if utilizing the IR function.  

Magnification

A 5x fixed magnification and 8x digital zoom capability are excellent options for those who need night vision optics for spotting applications. A clear and crisp image out to 150 yards aided by the in-body IR illumination means you will be plenty capable of taking in the details of your surroundings in ultra lowlight conditions. 

Body & Housing

The profile of the BOBLOV 5×8 is 7.5 x 3.3 x 2.2 inches. While the size of this product isn’t exactly small, it does seem to fit nicely into the palm with the included hand strap for a comfortable viewing experience. 

Unfortunately, no information could be found regarding and weather resistance of water resistance ratings. A Picatinny rail allows for accessory attachments should you find them necessary. And a tripod mounting hole is available as well. However, the tripod mount is located inside one of the Picatinny channels. Some users reported difficulty using standard trips due to the excessive depth of the threads in the rail channel. Many of these same users have been able to circumnavigate this issue by modifying their tripod setup. However, this is clearly not ideal. 

Video Recording

This unit hosts a surprisingly fleshed-out set of video capture features for its modest price of around $150. Video capture with audio and stills can be recorded directly to the included 16GB Micro SD card for later transfer to a computer. Alternatively, you can use the included USB cord and do a direct file transfer. Finally, you can even watch video playback directly on the unit LCD screen. 

Overall

All in all, this is not a terrible night vision monocular. The robust video features, powerful IR illumination, and respectable draw distances make this a good choice for someone who wants to have some fun spotting and capture the moment. However, due to the minimal battery life and difficulty with accessories and tripod mounting, this may not be the best option for those looking to integrate this into a kit or spend any length of time in the field. 

  • Poor battery life
  • Unfortunate placement of Picatinny rail and tripod mount
  • Stream video playback directly into a TV
  • Modest viewing distance

Features to Look for When Choosing the Best Night Vision Monocular

Magnification & Field of View

More magnification is not necessarily always better. Your needs for draw distance and zoom capabilities will ultimately depend on what sort of applications you intend to use your night vision monocular. For instance, if you want to bring along your new monocular to help find animals in the dark, it may be optimal for maximum optical magnification and a digital zoom function.

On the other hand, if you need to navigate with the aid of such a device, you will probably want something that provides a field of view that is a little closer to the natural perspective of the human eye. 

Size, Weight, Design, and Build Quality

Size, weight, and ergonomics are essential factors to consider when purchasing a piece of equipment that you have the potential to spend a lot of time using. But, again, much of these choices will come down to real-life application and how you intend to use the devices in real-world scenarios. For example, if you plan to make a multi-mile backpacking trip into the wilderness, you will need to count ounces with strict dedication. Suddenly, that extra inch of height and half a pound of weight start to make all the difference in the world.

Waterproofing/Weatherproofing

Some units available have stunning levels of weather sealing and waterproofing. Some can even be fully submerged into water for up to 30 minutes at a time! Others have no mention of weather resistance whatsoever and are potentially vulnerable to dust and moisture in the air. Consider the types of environments you will be operating in and whether or not you will need a unit that stands up to the environment.  

Batteries/Power Source & Operation Time

A wide range of batties and power sources are utilized in night vision monoculars on the market today. From widely available AAs to more exotic cells that you may need to order online. From the disposable to the rechargeable. You have the potential to find them all! First, consider whether or not you will want a unit that can be recharged or simply loaded with new batteries when the time comes. In conjunction with this is how long you think you will need a continuous operation.

One advantage of disposable batteries is that you can just throw in brand new ones and have a complete operation cycle right away. Rechargeable units do not always have this advantage.  

Price

From the budget options that hover around the $120 range to the more expensive units that are $400+, it can seem overwhelming to figure out where to start. As discussed in some of the individual product reviews, a number of the cheaper night vision monoculars have feature sets that go above and beyond the more expensive units!

But, with a higher price, you will generally get a higher quality product, even if the functionality is limited. Additionally, with higher-priced units, you tend to have the option for more specialty functions that you will not find elsewhere, integration with maritime navigational units, for example. 

Mounting Options

Dependent upon the intended functionality of the particular monocular, you will usually end up with either a Picatinny style rail, a tripod mount, both, or nothing at all. Of course, neither option is better or worse than any other; it all depends on your intended use (do you see a theme here?).

Some units allow mounting onto headgear, others enable extra IR illumination to be attached, and others can be placed onto a tripod for stable spotting across long distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use Night Vision Monoculars in the Daytime?

That depends on the technology used in the device. More traditional generation 1 units absolutely cannot be used during the daytime as the intense light from the sun will burn out the fragile sensors inside. Digital IR does not have this problem, as the process is entirely different. It is best to reference the user manual that came with your device to be sure, though.

What is the Difference Between Night Vision Monoculars and Night Vision Scopes?

The most considerable difference between the two is the quality and the associated price. Scopes are intended for precision use when mounted to rifles; thus, their built quality and price are much higher than a standard run-of-the-mill optic. The same holds particularly true when it comes to their night vision equivalents. 

Do Night Vision Monoculars Work in Fog or Dust?

Yes! Although the severity of the fog/dust can limit the total viewing distances that would typically be available with such a device. 

Night vision monoculars are a relatively new and versatile piece of equipment with applications across various sporting activities, hunting, and general fun! With a number of uses for these devices, from spotting animals in the backcountry to stargazing to having some fun with the kids, you will be sure to find some enjoyment with their use!

There is more to consider than when purchasing a simple optic or range finder, however. Depending upon what device you end up purchasing, there could be several different technologies at play. “Night vision” is not just one technology. There are many ways to go about enhancing vision in low-light environments. 

The Best Night Vision Monocular


SiOnyx Aurora Sport Night Vision Camera

A top of the line waterproof monocular that provides you with crystal clear full-color images

David Harris
Written by
David Harris
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