Looking for the right night vision device for you? What exactly do you know about night vision devices? Do you know that a night vision device (NVD), also known as a night optical/observation device (NOD), is an optoelectronic device that allows images to be produced in levels of light approaching total darkness?
The image may be a conversion to visible light of both visible light and near-infrared, while by convention detection of thermal infrared is denoted thermal imaging. Humans have poor night vision compared to many animals because the human eye lacks a tapetum lucidum.
A night vision device (NVD) is a device comprising an image intensifier tube in a rigid casing, commonly used by military forces. Lately, this technology has become widely available for civilian use, so you can look to get your hands on the best night vision available.
For example, enhanced vision systems (EVS) have become available for aircraft to help pilots with situational awareness and avoid accidents. These systems are included in the latest avionics packages from manufacturers such as Cirrus and Cessna. The US Navy has begun procurement of a variant integrated into a helmet-mounted display, produced by Elbit Systems HDTS.
| Product Name | Magnification | Battery Life | Objective Lens | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefield Tracker | 1x | Up to 72 hours | 24 mm | Check price on Amazon |
| Night Owl Pro Nexgen | 5x | Up to 80 hours | 50 mm | Check price on Amazon |
| Pulsar Edge Gs Super 1 Goggle | 1x | Up to 50 hours | 20 mm | Check price on Amazon |
| Armasight Nyx7-ID | 1x | Up to 60 hours | N/A | Check price on Amazon |
| Firefield 5x50 Nightfall 2 | 5x | Up to 72 hours | 50 mm | Check price on Amazon |
| ATN PVS7-3 | 1x | Up to 50 hours | N/A | Check price on Amazon |
| Bushnell Equinox Z Digital | 3x | N/A | 30 mm | Check price on Amazon |
| Bestguarder 6x50mm HD Digital | 6x | N/A | 50 mm | Check price on Amazon |
| EyeClops Infrared Stealth | N/A | N/A | N/A | Check price on Amazon |
Features to Consider Prior to Purchase
Normally when you shop for a device like this, you already want the best. It’s very difficult to set these devices apart, but certainly, there are few features that set them apart. The first thing you should consider is obviously the one that answers your needs, and these needs could be answered by the following features.
The Battery Life
This is a very important factor to consider when choosing a desirable device, its source of life, which is primarily the battery. These devices come with different battery power which could have a great effect on how well you utilize your device.
Durability
This is another great factor to put into consideration when shopping for your device. The ability of the device to withstand wear, pressure, or damage. This gives assurance of the device having a relatively long life.
Distance covered
This feature mustn’t go unmentioned because it’s an essential feature to look for in your device. How far will its light wave travel? The farther, the better and you know full well that this is one of the reasons why you are buying this device.
Visibility at Night
Here comes the main reason of buying night vision device, of course, to see at night. But believe me, these devices don’t possess the same ability to see at night. One has a better ability than the other, so the best advice is to go for the one with the best ability.
Fog and Waterproof
This feature is also as important as others, why buy what you cannot use anytime you want? But with fog and waterproof ability, the device will be useful under any kind of weather. It’s an essential feature to look for.
Ease of Adjusting
It mustn’t be too complicated to operate if it’s made for the masses. Everybody cannot operate machines/devices the same way, so the ability of the device to be too simple to operate should really be considered.
It might not be only you all the time that will be handling it. You should rather consider its ease of adjustment before cashing on it.
Ergonomics
Night vision scopes are traditionally a lot bulkier than normal scopes. The higher the magnification means the optic is going to be heavier and bigger. A heavy optic will be harder to aim, uncomfortable, and it will slow the speed of moving the weapon around.
If you are doing a lot of offhand hunting, and brush shooting, you may want a lighter optic. So be prepared to adjust your rail setup and buy proper mounts.Gain is referred to the ability to enhance images even when it gets darker.
High gain is important in extremely dark conditions, and for shooting at longer ranges. Some night vision scopes compensate by using longer lenses and infrared light, but these are only effective up to a certain point. Increasing the gain magnify better, but reduces clarity. The gain setting on a night vision scope helps address this issue.
Image Quality
Most night vision scopes produce a clear image at the center of the lens, with some blurring around the edges. To avoid blurring and distortion, the scopes must produce high-definition images and have a high resolution.
Better night vision goggles have higher contrast ratios, and better definition overall. The best night vision images are, therefore, those that remain sharp at the center and the edges.
Range
Range is often measured by the amount of ambient natural light. Typically longer optics is better at producing more light. When buying a scope, look for the recognition range over the total range.
The total range is not near as important as the recognition range of a night vision scope. Recent models and more expensive scope have lens sets going out to 6X or more.
Infrared Illuminator
An infrared illuminator allows the user to shine an infrared light, which makes night vision a bit brighter. These illuminators have a limited range and often the larger they are, the more powerful they are.
It is most handy on those nights where it’s nearly pitched black. If you are buying a night vision rifle scope, it may be a wise decision to purchase a handheld illuminator, an attachable or even spotlight.
Comfort
Night vision scope must be lightweight and comfortable because they are worn over the head. Whether for hunting or security, comfort is important considerations for those planning to wear their scopes for prolonged periods.
They should not chafe the skin, and the rims of the binoculars or monocular should not dig too deep into the eye socket.
Top Products on the Market Today
Night vision scope has become more accessible for civilians when compared to decades ago. These scopes offer an unmatched level of optimal target acquisition that is indispensable in such applications. The best scope represents the ideal compromise active night vision and keeping on a budget.
The reality is that there are now night vision scopes for every application and every budget, and they are legal in almost all places. The following are currently the best and most popular night-vision scopes, so sit back, grab a beverage and check these out.
Firefield Tracker Night Vision
Weight: 21.2 oz
Specific features: 72-hour battery life (without IR), lightweight and durable, handheld and head mountable operation
Best use: Hunting, ranger games, night hiking & airsoft shooting
One of the great features of the Firefield Tracker Night Vision is the Eclipse Lens Cover System which allows for daytime use of the night vision goggle binoculars through pinholes in the lens caps.
Additionally, Tracker 1×24 Night Vision Goggle Binoculars allow for 1x magnification providing extremely accurate depth perception and environmental awareness.
Owning a great pair of night vision goggle binoculars has never been more affordable. Firefild Tracker 1×24 Night Vision Goggle Binoculars is Belarus produced, adjustable, hands-free unit ideal for all kinds of nighttime activities.
The Firefield Tracker 1×24 Night Vision Goggles allow for incredibly detailed observation ability under the darkness of night that includes a head gear accessory for a flip-up, adjustable and hands-free unit.
The ergonomically designed rubberized body is surprisingly lightweight and can be taken on long expeditions both easily and comfortably and is great for prolonged use with the headgear accessory.
These Firefield Tracker 1×24 Night Vision Goggle Binoculars will make hunting or spotting wildlife in the dark all that much easier. They are ideal for campers and hikers as well. The Firefield goggles are versatile, too.
They can be held in your hand or mounted on a strap on your head for hands-free operation. Because they are compact and lightweight, they pack easily into your backpack or another bag.
These night-vision goggles have a 72-hour battery life (without IR). There are many different variables that affect the distance that one can see with a night vision device, among them the object’s size, the level of details being sought from the object and the conditions of observation.
Night vision devices detect much further under a full moon and clear skies than they will under a new moon and cloudy skies. Based on the features, Firefild Tracker 1×24 Night Vision Goggle Binoculars are a great option and they provide the image quality needed for all night activities.
PROS:
- Waterproof and fog proof resistant
- High-resolution intensifiers
- Designed with a very powerful infrared illuminator
CONS:
- No autofocus
- Narrow field of view
Related: If you intend on using this scope on a high-power Magnum rifle, it’s best also to buy a scope mount like Tracker LT 2×24 Waterproof Night Vision Binocular. The Tracker’s lenses are fully multicoated for maximum light transmission and clear viewing under difficult conditions.
Night Owl Pro Nexgen
Weight: 38 oz
Specific features: Adjustable focus with central focusing mechanism, adjustable intraocular distance, 5x magnification, soft-touch rubberized finish
Best use: Hunting and night hiking
The Night Owl Pro Nexgen is one of the most-sought after night vision binoculars and for good reason. In a nutshell, it’s everything that Night Owl advertises it for and far more. It features superb performance that its brand is synonymous for.
With its advanced and highly acclaimed generation-1 technology, plus the two 5-power lens, which is the highest magnification in night vision binoculars, it is one of the most amazing products that are offered on the market today.
It features two 1st generation intensifier tubes to deliver true binocular vision with a 3-dimensional perception of depth.
To enable observations in total darkness or extremely low-light, the binocular also carries a built-in infrared illuminator. To bump up light gathering capacity and image brightness, even more, the binocular features 50mm objectives.
The optical system combines all-glass lenses, a notable 5x magnification, and a wide 15° angular field of view. For convenience and comfort, the device provides an adjustable interpupillary distance, center focusing, and diopter adjustment.
Night Owl Optics’ 5-power binocular is an advanced, highly acclaimed generation-1 binocular. The aesthetics, ergonomics, and performance of this instrument are high-quality and recommended by the manufacturer for those who demand the highest performance that generation-1 technology can offer.
A central focusing wheel allows for quick and easy focusing of both objective lenses simultaneously. And Night Owl’s proprietary intraocular hinge guarantees you that both optical channels are always centered precisely over each eye.
The water-resistant housing is durable and offers a rubberized covering for a non-slip grip. The menu buttons are conveniently located on top, within easy reach of your fingertips.
PROS:
- Day and night vision modes
- Highly resourceful and durable
- Outstanding rifle scope with 5x magnification
- Compatible with most rifles with weaver rails.
CONS:
- Viewing distance is not far
- Both eyepieces would not focus at the same time
- Objective lenses and eye relief will not hold adjustments if bumped
Related: It is also recommended to have a special place for target practice and picking up the Aurosports 10×25 Folding High Powered Binocular may come in handy. Suitable for both adults and kids to give you good views during the day as well.
Edge GS Super 1+ Goggles
Weight: 185.8 oz
Specific features: Water and dust resistant, high resolution through the field of view, lightweight and compact, handheld and hands-free use
Best use: Hunting
The Edge GS Super 1+ Goggles are equipped with an energy-conserving IR Illuminator with adjustable power which allows you to view in complete darkness out to 100 meters. The Pulsar Edge GS Super 1+ 1×20 is primarily designed for use as night vision goggles (the device can also be mounted on a Head Mount included in the box).
The Edge GS Super 1+ 1×20 NV Goggles is equipped with an energy-conserving IR Illuminator with adjustable power. IR power adjustment wheel and other control elements are located on top of the device. At the core of the Edge GS Super 1+ 1×20 NV Goggles is a unique combination of specially designed optics.
CF-Super Image Intensifier Tube and wide-angled five-lens eyepiece provide a lack of distortion and the highest edge-to-edge resolution performance.
With a 1x magnification the Lack of visual magnification provides the user adequate spatial orientation and comfortable operation when in motion (the user is able to estimate the distance to the object or between objects correctly).
The device also has an image intensifier tube protection system – once the luminance threshold level is exceeded, current feed to the tube is automatically reduced or fully ceased. The Pulsar Edge GS Super 1+ 1×20 Night Vision Goggles, have a number of applications.
It can be used as a night vision monocular, night vision goggles (if set up on a Head Mount; the device can be used either for the right or the left eye), and a night attachment for a day optical riflescope or a collimator sight.
The body of the device is hermetically sealed which enables use in inclement weather (fog, heavy shower, dusty environment, sand storm etc.).
The Pulsar Edge GS Night Vision Goggles features a unique combination of specially designed R-Contact optics and CF-Super image intensifier tubes which provide the highest resolution performance ever seen in an entry level night vision binocular/goggle combination.
PROS:
- Easily detachable
- Rubberized body
- Impressive magnification
- The IR illuminator is super bright
CONS:
- The battery cover is of poor construction and easy to misplace
Related: You’ll find the Pulsar Night Vision Flashlight extremely useful to complement this product. It can mount easily on rifles using a 940nm weaver mount. This unit extends visibility for tracking and taking accurate shots. It also extends the digital range to help in acquiring correct depth perception.
Armasight Night Vision Goggles
Weight: 15.87 oz
Specific features: Comfortable, flip-up headgear, hand-held or helmet-mounted, lightweight, auto brightness control
Best use: Night operations
Built to withstand the rigors of everyday use, these Armasight Night Vision Goggles deliver exceptional gain and resolution during the darkest nights using Generation 2+ night vision technology. The Armasight Nyx-7 GEN 2+ ID Night Vision Goggle is the bi-ocular night vision goggle built around high-grade image intensifier tubes.
They are an exceptional choice for hands-free use. Built with high-grade optics and simple, reliable electronics, the Nyx-7 provides bright and clear night vision images, even in the most trying conditions.
The Armasight Nyx-7 GEN 2+ ID Night Vision. They are an exceptional choice for hands-free use: It can be worn on the ip-up head mount or universal helmet mount. Water-resistant, rugged, light and compact, the Nyx-7 is the perfect hands-free unit for a variety of tough operations.
It has an onboard IR light source for short range illumination in complete darkness. A range of compatible accessories allows the Nyx-7 to be used in a variety of different configurations, increasing its flexibility to perform a number of tasks and roles.
The Armasight Nyx7 Generation 2+ Night Vision are a biocular with a lot of high-quality features, all jam packed into a concise and very affordable night vision device.
The high-grade Generation 2+ image intensifier tubes create a solid image for targeting and other night vision surveillance. Armasight has designed the binocular to be powered by one 3v lithium CR123A battery for a long period of time.
The night vision biocular features an IR-on and a low-battery indicator which will enable you to keep track of your goggle’s output and status. A built-in infrared illuminator on the Armasight night vision system allows you to see clearly even in areas with no ambient light.
This device is a great run for its money and will definitely serve you well.
PROS:
- Ergonomic design
- Comfortable to wear
- It’s fully weather resistant
- Excellent visibility in low light
CONS:
- The infrared light is only visible to those using night vision
Related: With as fun as these are to use you are going to want to make sure that you stock up on batteries. It would be a wise idea to pick up a pack or two of the Streamlight CR123A batteries to keep you powered.
Firefield Nightfall 2
Weight: 16.93 oz
Specific features: High-quality image and resolution, high power built-in infrared illumination, ergonomic design, high magnification and large objective lens
Best use: Hunting
The Firefield Nightfall II is a Generation 1 handheld night vision monocular that comes with a built-in infrared illuminator, a wide angle of view, and a comfortable slip-free grip. The infrared illuminator enables you to illuminate your target and make your observations in complete darkness while you remain unseen.
Its electro-optics features a Generation 1 intensifier tube with a resolution of 36 lines per millimeter and a pulsed illuminator emitting at a wavelength of 805 nm, which is outside visible spectrum.
This way, at night, you can use this night vision monocular to watch live animals in your backyard or see intruders and trespassers on your property as far away as 197 yards. The viewing experience is also enhanced with a 15° wide angle of view, 5x magnification, and 50mm objective which increases light gathering capacity.
Also, monocular features a 5 mm exit pupil for better visibility at night, and a 12 mm eye relief to accommodate viewing with eyeglasses. Once you have made your course adjustments, you can use the diopter adjustment to fine-tune your focus.
The water resistant housing protects your device from splashing water like rain and sprinklers, the rubberized armoring provides a secure non-slip grip, and slender body allows you to hold it with one hand and access to menu buttons at the same time. It is also included with the monocular; a hand strap, a carrying case, and a cleaning cloth.
With daylight fading, keep the perpetrator in your sights with the Firefield Nightfall 2 5×50 Night Vision Monocular. It features a more ergonomic, easy-grip design than other monocular in the Nightfall family operators can begin their viewing experience within seconds.
PROS:
- It works great for the price
- Ergonomically designed
- Lightweight and easy to operate
- You can notice the IR light when it is on
CONS:
- Smaller field of view
Related: If you are out using this device you might also want a night vision torch. The Evolva Night Vision Torch will light up the area, but just for those wearing night vision gear.
ATN PVS7 Night Vision Goggle
Weight: 22.92 oz
Specific features: Hand-held or mounted, identical to standard military night vision, momentary or continuous ir switch, water, and fog resistant, compact rugged goggle system
Best use: All nocturnal activities
The ATN PVS7 Night Vision Goggles is a tough, reliable, high-performance Night Vision System and is adopted and extensively used as a standard issue to U.S. Army ground troops, designed to assist and support in night time viewing and observation. Never lose sight of another target while using the PVS7-3 Night Vision Goggles from ATN.
Featuring third generation night vision technology and a tough ruggedized construction, the goggles offer the versatile functionality demanded by active tactical operatives. Capable of operating under any lighting condition, the goggles utilize precision-cut, multi-coated lenses to maximize the effectiveness of every last ray of light.
This ATN PVS7 Night Vision Goggles is a robust, dependable, high-performance Night Vision System which gives you the exact quality you need. A built-in infrared illuminator offers the vision clarity needed to read maps and building specs or even navigate a vehicle in total darkness without alerting others to your position.
Built for versatility, the goggles’ ergonomic shape offers both handheld and head-mounted, hands-free operation. A durable, impact-resistant exterior and waterproof construction make the PVS7-3 the smart choice for any environment or mission.
This device is adopted as a standard issue to U.S. Army ground troops, designed to assist viewing and provide reliable service in the most unfavorable conditions.
Full U.S. Mil-Spec body with Goggles assembly, soft carrying case, demist shield, sacrificial filter for objective lenses, shoulder strap, head-mount assembly with 3 brow pads, lens tissue, neck cord and front lens cap.
These Military-quality night vision goggles have a full U.S. Mil-Spec body noted for durability which is ideal for demanding nighttime applications.
Using its built-in infrared illuminator and Generation 3 image intensifier tube that amplifies ambient light up to 50,000 times, it is designed as a high-performance night-time viewing device that can work in varying conditions.
But not only that, the device is protected by an auto-gate to protect it from damage following sudden exposure to intensely bright light and amazingly, it does not only cut-off bright lights but also controls the amount of light that reaches the eye and gives the clearest image with its Multi-coated, all-glass optics without any image distortion.
PROS:
- Full eye protection
- Comfortable to wear
- Super bright on cloudy nights
- These scopes offer portable and hands-free vision in dark areas
CONS:
- Can’t be utilized handheld
- Eyepieces can occasionally misalign
Related: ATN provides a vast range of products including the ATN Laser Ballistics Rangefinder. With this unit, you can identify the correct range of a subject so if you are using the night vision goggles for scouting you can give accurate distance estimates. It is a useful accessory in active combat since as soon as you acquire range; it is ready to shoot when you are in 10 seconds.
Bushnell Equinox Z Digital
Weight: 15 0z
Specific features: Multicoated glass objectives, picatinny style rail, rugged water-resistant housing; tripod mountable, operates on 4 aa batteries (not included)
Best use: All night activities
The Bushnell Equinox Z Digital has a very firm external Armor. It makes it durable and sturdy. Moreover, a tripod is offered along with the package. The tripod can help you to secure the monocular in one place. You can use the tripod to have a more stable view.
It saves it from the fear of falling down on the ground. When it comes to wildlife researching or hunting, one needs that type of camera which can work efficiently both in the day and the night. Certain types of night vision monocular and binoculars can help to view clearly in the low light conditions and in full darkness.
With the NEW digital Equinox Z Night Vision monocular from Bushnell, you’ll be able to enjoy outstanding optical clarity, ultimate illumination and an unmatched field of view. It possesses features such as zoom, image capture, video recording and daytime color lead.
Other bar-setting features include a long battery life, tripod-mounting capabilities, and glass objectives. The price of the digital night vision is lower as compared to other conventional intensifiers. Moreover, their performance is better and you can see clearer images in the dark using the digital night vision.
PROS:
- Easy to use
- Flood light option
- Flip up head gear option
- Designed to offer service in hostile and unfavorable conditions
CONS:
- Near sight is blurry
- Focus can be hard to adjust
Related: The Company gives you a variety to also choose from with either the Bushnell Equinox Series 6L Z Digital Binocular Box or the Equinox Digital Night Vision Binocular giving you more night vision options.
Bestguarder HD Digital Night Vision
Weight: 28.92 oz
Specific features: 6x magnification, 50 mm objective lens, rugged water-resistant housing, tripod mountable, operates on 4 AA batteries (not included)
Best use: Hunting and scouting game, wildlife observation, security and surveillance
The Bestguarder HD Digital Night Vision is a great choice for a wide range of pursuits. This device is rubber coated and rugged and has a strap, it is easy for handheld and also comes with two tripod jacks at the side and bottom.
Bestguarder also has the 5X digital zoom from 1.0X to 5.0X, which makes clear cut image production possible. This device will certainly be a sound acquisition for your combat equipment or tactical training.
It, in fact, has some excellent touches and this means great value. It’s a good run for its money and will definitely answer your needs.
This unit sports a 1.5 inch TFT LCD screen to show you your images. It is both a camera and a camcorder, letting you take either a 5 MP photo or a video at a resolution of 720p. Either of these can be accomplished at a distance of 350 meters.
PROS:
- Good image clarity
- Lightweight & easy to use
- Perfect for seeing in the dark
- Excellent auto lighting adjustment to prevent washes out
CONS:
- Button placement is a little awkward
- Video is a little grainy at long a range
Related: The Company, Bestguarder, also has the binocular devices for purchase. Consider the Bestguarder WG-80 HD Digital Night Vision Binocular. It also comes with outstanding night vision features. Alternatively, you can also buy the ScanDisk Ultra 32GB Micro Card for viewing your nature images on to later.
Eyeclops Night Vision Goggles
Weight: 30.4 oz
Specific features: Actual infra-red driven night vision technology, visibility up to 50 feet, powered by five AA batteries
Best use: All night activities.
The EyeClops Night Vision Goggles come equipped with a hinged, flip-up eyepiece that can be opened when the goggles are turned off, or closed when the goggles are in use.
Your child can choose between the maximum surveillance mode which emits a barely-visible ring of red LEDs around the eyepiece so they can see up to 50 feet in absolute darkness, or go for the stealth mode to remain completely invisible while they explore the dark landscape immediately around them.
A small switch on the side of the goggle headset allows them to switch from a black-and-white to a green screen display. The set-up is easy. Simply insert five AA batteries into the battery pack at the back of the headset, and slide the power switch to turn on the goggles.
Once the screen display lights up inside of the right eyepiece, you can fit the goggles to your child’s head by adjusting the soft rubber straps around top and sides.
While the EyeClops Night Vision goggles provide a crisp, clear image of dark landscapes, they should always be used under adult supervision. Because the display screen is small and provides limited peripheral vision, these goggles should only be used in environments that are free of potential tripping hazards.
As a nice safety feature, the goggles’ handy flip-up eyepiece over the left eye provides immediate access to normal vision if your child becomes disoriented or needs to take a break from viewing through the small display screen located in the right eyepiece.
A small switch on the side of the goggle headset allows them to switch from a black-and-white to a green screen display.
PROS:
- Powerful infrared night vision
- Light and comfortable design
- Head adjustment is very convenient
- Secondary Infrared Flashlight is invisible to the naked eye
CONS:
- Terrible Range
- Main Infrared Flashlight is visible to the naked eye
Related: To achieve total invisibility use the SpyNet Night Vision Video Watch and the Spynet Stealth Video Glasses. They can all record video, and the watch has a 1.4 inch TFT screen to view the videos. The glasses have USB connectivity to upload the videos using Mac devices.
Wrap Up
Whether it is game hunting or tactical surveillance applications, the night vision scopes are one of the best on the market. Not only do they offer optimal image detail and brightness, but they also come with many extra features that can significantly enhance the shooting experience in low light conditions.
The thing about these scopes is that they are top-notch within their price range. The above-reviewed scopes are some of the best in the market today.
If you have used any of this scope or you have any thought on any scope you want us to review; please kindly let us know in the comment selection below.
