Night vision binoculars – Buying guide & Comparison
If you’re in the market for the best night vision binoculars, you might have ended up in the right place. After having gone through dozens of reports and user reviews, we have reached the conclusion that the model that you should consider purchasing or at least trying out is the Firefield FF25023WP Tracker LT. This waterproof binocular is worth every penny, especially if you need one that can be used for surveillance purposes. The waterproof design of this choice enables it to put up with the abuse of the elements. Besides, the resolution and image quality come from the fact that these are Gen 1 binoculars. The built-in infrared illumination can make it possible for you to look at your targets and see them clearly and efficiently. If the Firefield FF25023WP Tracker LT is no longer in stock, perhaps you should give a shot to the next best choice, the Bushnell 260501.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
This model was designed to be used both during the day and during the night, which is a reason why many consider it a great investment for hunters. The unit has a magnification ratio of 4x and a 50 mm objective lens diameter. Besides, the model includes infrared illumination.
Although the product is suitable for nighttime observation, there have been buyers which noted that this device is not that great when used during the day.
To sum up, this is an excellent purchase if you are interested in a product that can be used during the night, as the device can supply you with high-resolution images.
2nd Best
As another product that has been designed to be used by hunters, this model is definitely worthy of your attention. The item comes supplied with additional headgear and some included goggles. So, you won’t have to carry it in your hand throughout the night.
A recurring drawback that a lot of users noted about this item is the fact that it is rather fuzzy. Still, this particular aspect might vary from model to model.
All in all, this product has received great reviews from its prior buyers, which is a reason why many recommend it. What is more, the model is fully focusable.
Also To Consider
This device stands out primarily because it is budget friendly. Moreover, this item has high-quality ocular lenses and a top-notch objective that you might like. Also, the product includes an IR illuminator that makes the unit easy to use during the night.
According to some users, getting in touch with the vendor in case of issues can be difficult. On top of that, the seller is not likely to offer a refund easily.
To conclude, this device is worthy of your attention because of its adjustable ocular distance and its feasible central focus mechanism.
Whether you’re looking for the best binoculars for night time surveillance or a pair that you can utilize for hunting, we’re here to give you a hand with selecting the right product for your requirements. Not all night vision devices come cheap, and so you need to make sure that you are spending your money wisely. Check out our guide to find out more about this topic and about how you can select the perfect option.
Consider your environment
The first thing that you have to do is try to take a step back and understand the way that you are going to use the binoculars. If you’re getting them for hunting purposes, it’s rather clear that you will utilize them in the wild. Surveillance is something entirely different, as it can happen in the city, as well.
While people tend to think that a superior magnification matters with all of these devices, it doesn’t just boil down to that. Sometimes, it is more important for a binocular to provide you the information you’re trying to get more than its zoom-in capabilities.
Another detail that you ought to take into consideration is the weather as it can affect both the visibility and the light level. Whether you’re using a monocular or binocular, the weather can take a toll on both.
Image quality
It stands to reason that not all of these products are made the same. When it comes to the quality of the image that they can provide, binoculars can be Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3. All of these generations have advantages and disadvantages. If you’re not using your binoculars professional, Gen 1 might be a good choice although it comes with a shorter battery life and a lower resolution.
Generation 2 models have a better resolution, a longer battery life, and a life expectancy of about 4,500 hours. Generation 3 units are used by the U.S. Military, so it goes without saying that they are particularly good at doing what they are supposed to. To date, they have the best performance, life expectancy, resolution, and battery life.
Sturdiness and reliability
The best surveillance binoculars and those destined for hunting need to be designed not only to withstand the test of time, but also so that they put up with the abuse of the elements. With any model you may consider, it is important to focus on two things. The unit has to be both waterproof and fog proof.
Of course, the materials from which the product has been manufactured also matter, as does the housing and grip. Rubber armoring is amazing if you want to make sure that you’re holding your binoculars appropriately at all times.
Do you need a mounting system?
If you’re going to be in the same place all of the time, it would also be a good idea to browse through the many tripods and other mounting systems available for sale out there. If you’re always on the run, especially in the woods, you probably loathe holding your binoculars in your hand at all times or having to put them in your backpack constantly.
In this particular case, what you are most likely to benefit from is a head mount. Some models come with their own, but with others, you’ll have to buy it separately.
4 Best Night Vision Binoculars (Reviews) in 2024
Contents
1. Firefield Tracker LT 2×24 Waterproof Night Vision Binoculars
If you have been looking for a unit that’s a bit on the rugged side of things, this is the one you should give a try. The model has been designed to offer excellent water resistance so that you can use them even in the harshest conditions. The IR illumination system that this product has been outfitted with seems to do a fairly good job, at least judging by the feedback that the Firefield alternative has garnered in this sense.
While the 2x magnification might not look particularly impressive, sometimes it is more important for night vision binoculars and monoculars to offer clear pictures of what you are trying to visualize.
The FF25023WP is a Generation 1 binocular, so you might have to expect it to be just a tad less capable of superior performance and resolution than other advanced generations. Nonetheless, the model does prove its worth under a broad array of circumstances.
Pros
The waterproof design of this choice will allow you to use it in the woods without having to worry about getting it damaged.
Neither rain nor dust can affect the optics of this choice as the housing is rugged and dependable.
The built-in infrared illumination is an advantage in itself, which is something you may have to take into account, as well.
Superior depth perception is ensured by the dual tube design boasted by this alternative.
From what we have gathered from the customer reviews received by this choice, it appears that it is clear and easy to focus.
Cons
Some argue that this model is mostly made for hunting purposes and that it might not perform as well for surveillance applications.
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2. Bushnell Equinox Z Night Vision Monocular
Bushnell makes some of the most reliable optics and gear designed for hunting and other outdoor activities, which is why we expected this model to be of the quality it is. The 4x magnification automatically makes it stand out from the crowd, as many of its competitors do not come with this feature.
Also the 50mm objective lens diameter will allow you to benefit from brighter images. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from utilizing this choice both during the day and at night. The water-resistant housing that the Bushnell 260501 Equinox has been equipped with makes it possible for the binoculars to last a good deal of time and provide you the performance you need.
The infrared illumination that the Equinox has been outfitted with is powerful and reliable, so you don’t have to worry about anything. Based on the feedback acquired by this choice, it seems to perform well if what you have on your mind is night hog hunting.
Pros
This model is, without a doubt, a night vision device, which is to say that it will provide high resolution images of dark surroundings.
The 4x magnification setting is something you might fail to find in other models that cost just as much.
The built in infrared illumination of this Bushnell choice is great, especially given that many owners have praised this exact feature.
From what we have gathered from people who have actually used it, this pair of binoculars fits the bill nicely and is effective and does the job.
The water-resistant housing makes it possible for you to enjoy the services of this product for more than enough time.
Cons
As is the case with all NVDs, this pair might not perform so well when it is used while the sun is shining brightly in the sky.
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3. Night Optics USA Adventurer 1X Gen 1 Night Vision Goggle NG-2MV-1G
The neat thing about the Night Optics option is that it is a 2-in-1 product, which is to say that you get to enjoy the services ensured both by the goggles and the binoculars all into one. As is the case with most of the other units in this selection, these are Generation 1 binoculars, so they do a good job when it comes to ensuring enough light, but they could be better.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that this product is accompanied by a complimentary headgear. While some consumers argue that it is not particularly user-friendly, others seem to be impressed by it.
The model can be mounted on any system, however, so if you don’t feel like wearing the binoculars and goggles on your head, you’re always free to do so. The wide exit pupil that this model has been equipped with makes it possible for you to avoid having to adjust the interpupillary distance.
Pros
If you prefer multi-purpose choices, the Night Optics D-2MV is a great choice as it consists of binoculars and goggles all into one.
The headgear is provided in the box, so you won’t have to spend any extra money on getting it separately.
It’s also worth noting that the unit comes with a built-in sensor that prevents bright light exposure.
The IR illuminator that this product has been outfitted with is focusable.
Most of those who have opted for this choice seem to have only good things to say about it, and that always matters if you intend to do a proper research on the right night vision binoculars.
Cons
There have been customers who have reported that they ran into all sorts of issues with the vendor. Apparently, the company doesn’t like to give refunds all that easily.
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4. Night Owl NOB5X 5x Night Vision Binoculars
Even though it is considerably more budget-friendly compared to other binoculars in the same class, this Night Owl alternative does what it is supposed to do and does it well. It comes equipped with high-quality objective and ocular lenses, which is why you can rest assured that you will glance at crystal clear pictures. The minimum focus range of this unit is 6.6 feet while the interocular distance is 2.27 to 2.95 inches.
The IR illuminator that the model is outfitted with can make it possible for you to see what’s going on in the woods even when there’s no light available for you to see your targets. The 5x magnification is another benefit that needs to be mentioned as few other choices come with this feature.
Some of the individuals who have purchased this unit say that they were impressed with the quality of its optics. Others have reported that the Night Owl Pro Nexgen was the only good alternative they could afford, and it actually ended up performing better than what they had expected.
Pros
The 5x magnification of this binocular needs to be given some thought to as it is a superior feature compared to the magnification powers of other night vision models.
There’s a padded neck strap included in the deal.
When it comes to durability, you clearly have nothing to worry about if you decide to choose this product as boasts impact-resistant lens housings that will ensure that you can use the device for as long as possible.
The interocular distance is adjustable, which is a net plus given that not all manufacturing brands can be bothered with this detail.
The focus is adjustable and can be customized using a central focus mechanism that you’re inevitably going to utilize.
Cons
Some owners say that they had expected this binocular to be less fuzzy.
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