Night Vision Devices

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This section of Best Binocular Reviews contains links and information about all the articles and documents and reviews I have written on the subject of night vision and night vision devices.

  1. Night Vision Guides: Want to know more about the technologies currently available? This section contains articles and documents that will get you up to speed.
  2. Night Vision Reviews: Links to all the night vision equipment that I have fully tested and reviewed.
  3. Brands & Manufacturers: Guides and company info to some of the best known names in night vision products & technology.

Night Vision Guides

Best Binoculars for Astronomy - Buyers Guide

Best Night Vision Monocular Reviews

Celestron Echelon 20x70 Astronomy Binoculars

In this complete buyers guide I select the best Night Vision Monoculars based on a number of specific parameters and in a range of different price points and categories.

This includes all generations (from Gen 1 to Gen 4) as well as Digital Night Vision Monoculars.

The parameters used to choose them include important features of a monocular paying particular attention to the strengths these have over a binocular.

This includes size, weight, price and performance against others in their particular class.

For more: Best Night Vision Monocular Reviews

Complete Guide to Night Vision Devices

Bushnell Night Vision MonocularIn this guide we take a look at how night vision works, what current night vision technologies are currently available to you and how each one compares to the others in terms of things like image quality, performance and price.

I also explain the differences and relative strengths and weaknesses between night vision monoculars, binoculars and goggles and list some recommendations.

How Digital Night Vision Works

Viewing Elephants in the darkWhilst the technology for digital night vision has been around for quite some time now, it is only fairly recently that these devices have been able to compete in terms of performance with the better quality higher generation standard electron bombardment vacuum tube devices.

In this article I go over how it works and some of the advantages that they have over standard night vision.

Best Night Vision under $500 / £500

Luna Optics LN-PB3 Night Vision BinocularsI was recently asked for some advice from someone who was looking to get a night vision device for their husband. They had a good budget of $500 / £500 and wanted to know if they should be looking at a pair of NV bins or a monocular.

So in this document, I discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each and recommend the best devices that I have tested and reviewed within this price range.

Cheap Night Vision Binoculars (Under $200 / £200)

This article contains advice as well as some suggestions and is actually in response to a question that I received from someone on a tight budget looking to get some NV binoculars for viewing wildlife in their garden at home.

Mid Range Night Vision for Travel / Safari Holiday

BinoWizard advice given to someone looking for a mid priced (under $400 / £ 380) night vision monocular or binocular to take on safari.

Feedback: Night Vision Binoculars on Safari

Viewing Elephants in the darkI was lucky enough to have some Luna Optics LN-PB3 Night vision binoculars with me to Zimbabwe where I went into the bush and on safari a number of times.

When I got back I wrote a report on just what I had seen using the device, how well they worked for me and just why I now believe that some good night vision equipment should almost be considered as essential safari gear.

Thermal Imaging

Whilst not strictly a form of night vision, thermal vision is often used at night when it can be another very useful tool, as it s especially good at spotting things like wildlife and people.

Best Thermal Monocular for Hunting under $600

Whilst still not cheap, the price of thermal imaging devices has finally come down and brought them into reach of many more potential users.

In this article, I take look at the best low cost thermal monocular currently on the market and whilst it is mainly aimed at hunters, it would also be relevant to anyone needing thermal night vision, be that for general wildlife observation or security.

Best Thermal Monocular for Hunting under $600

For a more imersive as well as improved quality of view at night, when it comes to "seeing" warm bodies, be that for general observation or surveillance/security , it is hard, if not impossible to beat a good pair of thermal binoculars.

Whilst they are a more expensive option than a thermal monocular, if you can afford it they make the best hand held option to find & track game in complete darkness.

Thermal Vision on Smartphones

Thermal Vision on Smartphones

InfiRay Xinfrared T2 Pro Thermal Eye Did you know that thermal imaging cameras have progressed and been miniaturized to the point where you can now view and record thermal signatures directly on your phone. There are currently several ways to get thermal imaging to work on your cellphone and which you decide upon will depend on your budget and requirements:

The first and often least expensive way to get into thermal imaging is by using a thermal camera attachment such as the InfiRay Xinfrared T2 Pro Thermal Eye that I have fully tested and reviewed. Other options include the FLIR ONE or SEEK Thermal compact camera which fixes onto your current phone using an adapter and cable thus enabling you to capture thermal images directly from your scene.

The second is by using a dedicated smartphone integrated with thermal imaging capabilities such as the AGM G2 Guardian (pictured right) or the Cat S60.

AGM G2 Guardian Thermal SmartphoneA dedicated smartphone integrated with thermal imaging capabilities offers several advantages over a thermal camera attachment for your phone:

  1. Convenience: A dedicated smartphone with integrated thermal imaging is certainly more convenient to use as it eliminates the need for a separate thermal camera attachment that you need to carry with you all the time.

  2. Always with you. You don't need to remember to bring the adapter and separate camera along with you and as most people will usually carry their phone wherever they go, an integrated option is always there ready to use and record

  3. Better Integration: An integrated thermal camera is designed to work with the smartphone's hardware and software, which often results in a more seamless user experience.

  4. More Portable. A dedicated smartphone with an integrated thermal camera is usually less bulky, smaller and lighter than a separate thermal camera attachment on your phone, making it more portable and easier to handle.

Best Standard Optical Only Binoculars for Very Low Light Conditions

Viewing Elephants in the darkIf you understand the concepts and choose the right instrument, you will be surprised just how well a standard, optical only binocular can work in very low light conditions and whilst they cannot work in complete darkness, there are certainly many situations where a normal binocular may be preferable over a night vision device.

So for example you may go out viewing wildlife or even birding well before sunrise, or stay out just before/after the sun has set as this is often when a lot of wildlife (including birds) become most active.

Below are a few guides and article that I have written on choosing and using the best binoculars for low light conditions:

  • Best Hand-holdable Low Light Performance Binoculars - In this article, I help a BBR Patreon supporter find an excellent quality, but also good value for money binocular for hand-held use in a variety of situations including hunting, wildlife observation, but which must also have an excellent low light capability.

  • Binoculars for Hunting & Target Shooting in Low Light - Here I answer a question from a long-time BBR Patreon supporter looking for an improved performance at dusk from their current Vortex Diamondback 10x42 binoculars that they most use for long-distance shooting, with a combination of hunting and target.

 

Night Vision Reviews

Below are my full reviews that I have written on a whole range of NV equipment, I hope that you find them interesting and more importantly useful!

Night Owl Optics NOB5X Night Vision Binoculars ReviewNight Owl Optics NOB5X Night Vision Binoculars

The massive 5x magnification does not stop these binoculars from producing one of the best night time views that I have ever seen on a Gen1 device. This is partly down to the two 50mm all-glass objective lenses that gather as much light as possible and because of the two very high quality generation-1 image intensifier tubes that process this information to make a high quality image.

Another real highlight for me was the central focussing wheel which makes focussing quick and simple, which is something taken for granted with standard daytime bins, but not often found on NV binoculars.

Luna Optics LN-EM1-MS Night Vision MonocularsLuna Optics LN-EM1-MS Night Vision Monoculars

Winner of my award for the best Night Vision device of 2012, they scored a stunning 80% on my scale.

This Luna Optics monocular is very light and extremely compact. What is more is it uses a very high grade Gen2+ intensifier tube with stunning results - don't just take my word for it - take a look at the sample photos in the review that I too through the eyepiece with a standard compact camera.

Luna Optics LN-SB50 Night Vision Binoculars

Luna Optics LN-SB50 Night Vision Binoculars

These very powerful 5x magnification Night Vision binoculars use Gen. 1 technology and come with a body that looks like and feels just like your standard binocular and includes familiar features like an inter-pupillary adjuster.

Luna Optics 5x80 SM50 Review

Luna Optics 5x80 SM50 night vision monocular

This night vision monocular with built in IR illuminator comes with a very powerful 5x magnification and large 80mm objective lens. As with all Luna Optics gen1 products they use the best grade intensifier tubes.


 

iGen 20/20 Digital Night Vision Viewer ReviewiGen 20/20 Digital Night Vision Viewer

This monocular from Night Owl Optics sets a new standard in digital night vision.

Performance wise it easily matches and even beats the Gen1 and Gen 2+ devices I tested them against. The best image possible is also at your fingertips with full exposure and gain controls. On top of this you can also take pictures and record video with the iGenIC 20/20.

Luna Optics LN-PB3 Night Vision BinocularsLuna Optics LN-PB3 Night Vision Binoculars

Scoring an excellent 73% on my scale, this high end night vision binocular from Luna Optics uses the very best quality Gen. 1 intensifier tube (yes, they are not all created equal) that, combined with the two 50mm objective lenses and the optional extra or built in laser IR illuminator produce a very good quality and high resolution even on the darkest of nights and even in complete darkness.

More Night Vision Reviews & Equipment Information:


 

NV Brands & Manufacturers

Below is a list of some of the best know names in Night Vision, the links with take you through to more information about the companies and some of the devices that they offer.

AGM Global Vision LogoAGM Global Vision

A relative newcomer within the niche of night vision and thermal imaging devices, AGM Global Vision has its headquarters in Arizona, USA as well as a secondary facility in Europe.

As well as a vast range of professional-level night vision binoculars, monoculars, goggles, and rifle scopes AGM also designs and produces thermal binoculars, monoculars, and weapon sights. Added to this they also have a substantial range of laser systems, IR lights, weapon lights, rangefinders, rifle scopes, clip-on systems, accessories spotting scopes, and a small selection of standard optical only daytime binoculars!

ATN Night Vision LogoATN Night Vision Devices

Short for American Technologies Network Corp, ATN do also produce some day time optics, but it is in the world of Night Vision where they are renowned.

The ATN Corporation develops, produces and indeed supplies the biggest line of night vision equipment in the world and includes standard binoculars and scopes and of course a whole host of Night Vision, Thermal Imaging, Laser Rangefinders and Laser Sights.

Bushnell LogoBushnell

In the world of optics, there is not a lot that Bushnell don't make and this includes night vision equipment.

Probably best known for their entry level monoculars and goggles ideal for those wanting surveillance, camping or night time wildlife observation equipment at a lower price.

 

Luna Optics LogoLuna Optics

Luna Optics products are I think produced in Belarus or Russia, but their nerve center is in the USA and they supply high quality night vision gear with technology that was developed for the military all around the world.

The company has a impressive portfolio of NV equipment and accessories including goggles, binoculars, monoculars as well as rifle scopes.

Night Owl Optics LogoNight Owl Optics

An industry leader, Night Owl Optics produce a wide range of Night Vision Devices that includes binoculars, goggles and monoculars. Most of which amplify any available light using the traditional electron intensifier tube technology.

However their iGen 20/20 Digital Night Vision Viewers use their own proprietary technology that they say outperforms standard Gen-2 products and even matches Generation 3 ones at a fraction of the cost.

Recent NV Reviews

View >> All Night Vision Devices that I have fully reviewed.

Below are my most recent reviews:

 

WildGuarder NB1 Digital Night Vision Binoculars Review

An value for money, entry-level digital night vision device that can record in full HD (1080p), has a large LCD screen for easy viewing, a Built-in infrared illuminator for use in complete darkness, a variable magnification of between 3.6x to 10.8x (3x Digital Zoom), and many other features which at this price level is impressive.

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Night Vision Binoculars
 
 

Wildgameplus WG500B Digital Night Vision Binoculars Review

Entry-level digital night vision device that records in 1080p, has a large LCD screen for easy viewing, a Built-in infrared illuminator for use in complete darkness, a variable magnification of between 3.6x to 10.8x (3x Digital Zoom), and many other features which at this price level is impressive.

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Night Vision Binoculars
 
 

Luna Optics LN-DB60-HD Digital Night Vision Binoculars Review

These high powered 6x-30x digital night vision binoculars do much more than simply allow you see in the dark! With full HD video on image recording capabilities they can also be operated during the day.

Ideal for day or or nighttime surveillance, wildlife observation, hunting, patrols, or other activities that require stealth. The unit has an on-board Infrared Illuminator that enables the device to work in complete darkness.

Price: (4/6) Mid-High Value Night Vision Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 9/10 78%
Excellent
Body Stats: 7/10
Optical Quality: 7/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 8/10

 
 

Luna Optics LN-DM60-HD Digital Night Vision Monocular Review

With more power, greater low light resolution and higher quality image and video capture than ever before, the Luna Optics LN-DM60-HD Digital Night Vision Monocular & Recorder is both new and improved.

Main highlights include a powerful 6x-30x magnification, the ability to record video at night in full HD, an on-board IR illuminator, Wi-Fi capability and more...

Price: (4/6) Mid-High Value Night Vision Monoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 75%
Excellent
Body Stats: 7/10
Optical Quality: 7/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 7/10
Extras & Details: 8/10

 
 

Luna Optics LN-DM50-HRSD Digital Night Vision Viewer & Recorder Review

Much more than your average night vision device, the LN-DM50-HRSD Monocular from Luna Optics also records still images and full HD video and unlike most night vision devices, you get a full-color view in the day & super light sensitive B&W image at night.

5x-20x image magnification, a viewing distance of up to 200m in complete darkness, water-resistant body, full glass optics, In-built IR illuminator & the ability to transmit images directly to your computer, TV or monitor, a DC wall adapter and a built-in tripod mount are just a few of the many, many features

Price: (4/6) Mid-High Value Night Vision Monoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 73%
Excellent
Body Stats: 7/10
Optical Quality: 7/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 7/10
Extras & Details: 7/10

 
 

Luna Optics LN-DM5 Digital Night Vision Monocular Review

Low cost compact and lightweight digital night vision monoculars with a powerful 5x magnification & large 50mm objective lens.

Device comes with a powerful built in IR illuminator and tripod mount and because it is digital you can manually adjust the brightness of the image.

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Night Vision Monoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 70%
Excellent
Body Stats: 7/10
Optical Quality: 6/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 7/10
Extras & Details: 6/10

 
 

Luna Optics LN-NVM5-HR Night Vision Monocular Review

These high powered 5x Night Vision Monoculars from Luna Optics, combine quality optics and a large 50mm objective lens with a tough waterproof body, powerful built-in IR Illuminator and tripod mount to make an excellent reasonably compact, one handed, take anywhere NV device that will perform even in complete darkness.

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Night Vision Monoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 9/10 72%
Excellent
Body Stats: 7/10
Optical Quality: 6/10
Optical Stats: 7/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 6/10

 

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