Best Night Vision Monocular 2021 – Get Quick Buying Guide Now!

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Going out for hunting or planning on joining a law enforcement agency? Looking for a tool that’s going to help you out while you are in the field at night?

If YES, then you have arrived at the right place. A best night vision monocular is what you need.

This night vision device is going to be your best friend when looking out in the dark.

best night vision monocular for hunting

So let’s start off by reviewing top night vision monocular generation wise for the year 2021.

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Editor's Recommendations

We will look at 14 night vision monoculars in turn (6 best products + 8 cheap products). Each product has outstanding features that make them a worthwhile investment. But before going into the detailed review, below are the top suggestions, at a glance.

Best Night Vision Monoculars on the Market: Our 6 Choices

Best Feature

Product Name

Price

The Best Overall

ATN PVS14-4 Multi-purpose Gen 4 Night Vision Monocular

The Best Affordable

ATN NVM-14-3P Night Vision Monocular

The Best for Longevity

TRYBE Optics PVS-14 NV Monocular

The Best Design

ATN NVM-14 Night Vision Monocular

The Best for Recording

ATN PVS14-3 Generation 3 Night Vision Monocular

The Best for the Money

AGM Global Vision PVS-14 Multi-Purpose Night Vision Monoculars

ATN PVS14-4 Multi-purpose Gen 4 Night Vision Monocular - The Best Overall
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Generation: Filmless GEN 3
  • Weight: 316 g
  • Battery Type: A.A.
  • Field of View: 40 degrees

As you probably know by now, ATN is one of the leading manufacturers of optics equipment, including night vision binoculars. They always bring premium products to the table, and this exquisite GEN 4 product is no exception. Let’s talk more about the ATN PVS14-4 Night Vision Monocular.

Firstly, we should mention that GEN 4 night vision is not technically a thing since the army never approved it under that exact name. However, the filmless or unfilmed GEN 3 night vision is a thing, which has improved characteristics and the overall reliability of the standard GEN 3.

You won’t find a better monocular on the market with this mix of build and features in terms of design. It is a lightweight monocular device made by the U.S. army for advanced use. However, it’s been approved for civilian use due to its high praise and demand.

It has the standard 25 mm eye relief with 1x magnification, while the field of view has been pumped up to 40 degrees. When you combine that with the advanced GEN 3 technology, you get absolute quality.

Also, if you’re not a fan of binoculars and you love using monoculars instead, you’ll be happy to know that this ATN PVS14-4 NV Monocular can give you up to 40 hours of usage time when it’s fully charged. All you’ll need are fully charged double-A batteries, and you’ll be good to go.

We don’t even have to tell you that the lens resolution is more extensive than average. It’s set between 64 and 75 lp/mm with fixed magnification that does not affect the image's overall quality. It is a bit pricey, but if you take into consideration that all military-grade equipment is expensive and demanding, this is relatively reasonable.

Pros
  • Advanced GEN 3 technology
  • Military-grade device
  • High resolution – 64/75 lp/mm
  • 40 hours of usage time
Cons
  • /

ATN NVM-14-3P Night Vision Monocular - The Best Affordable
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Generation: GEN 3
  • Weight: 320 g
  • Battery Type: CR123A
  • Field of View: 40 degrees

Up next is another GEN 3 ATN product with a lot of demand and low supplies. Let’s see what this product’s all about before it’s gone from the shelves. It’s the ATN NVM-14-3P NV Monocular review.

ATN has grown to fame among the civilians due to the extreme quality of the products they dish out, and this one is no exception. It’s equipped with GEN 3 night vision technology along with the Pinnacle Intensifier Tube to provide absolute clarity at night. Whether you plan on using it for hunting or surveillance, it’ll do you good.

When it’s absolutely dark, and there’s no source of light, even from the moon, the TDT (Total Darkness Technology) will kick in by emitting built-in light to provide some contrast.

In terms of durability and overall build structure, you can’t go wrong with this ATN NVM-14-3P monocular. Since it was designed by the military, everything’s been thought of. It’s dust and waterproof, with a total submersion depth of 20 m. Moreover, you’ll get around 40 hours of use time with the standard CR123A batteries.

Same as the previous monocular, it has a lens resolution of 64-75 lp/mm, which tells a lot about the overall quality of this device. Also, this ATN NVM-14-3P monocular can operate at temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius and above 50 positive degrees.

Overall, we have no objections when it comes to the specific characteristics and features of this device. The only thing we could notice is that some devices had issues with the power button in the sense of intermittent use. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it misfired, but you can always contact ATN’s customer service for that.

Pros
  • Military-grade monocular
  • High resolution
  • Battery life
  • Durability
  • Submersion depth
Cons
  • Power button operability

TRYBE Optics PVS-14 NV Monocular - The Best for Longevity
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Generation: GEN 2 and GEN 3
  • Weight: 306 g
  • Battery Type: A.A.
  • Field of View: 40 degrees

If you love spending a lot of time in the woods or wilderness, looking for prey and hunting, this device will be the biggest asset in your collection. Let’s see why the TRYBE Optics PVS-14 NV Monocular is such a right choice.

Before we start going into the specifics, we should tell you that this monocular comes in both GEN 2 and GEN 3 packages. They’re both well-made monoculars; the only difference is the price range in combination with the quality - the more you pay, the more you get.

The first difference is with the image intensifier tubes. The GEN 2 models utilize Photonis tubes, while the GEN 3 versions use the Pinnacle tube. Overall, the Pinnacle tube will give you a clearer picture with fewer blur effects, but it’ll cost you more, so it’s up to you based on how much money you want to invest.

What’s standard for both models is actually the battery life, which is astounding considering that a single A.A. battery will give you 50 hours of running time. This TRYBE Optics PVS-14 NV Monocular was made for people that enjoy hunting and require something powerful that won’t give out in the middle of the hunt.

As is the case with all quality devices, this one also has a 40-degree field of view combined with a 25 mm eye relief. When you factor in the GEN 3 properties of night vision, you get the equation for a wholesome, clear picture in the pitch dark.

Also, the full package will get you some nice accessories. You’ll receive head-mount gear and adapters, a carrying case, a shoulder strap, and lens extras such as filters, caps, and tissues.

Some customers have noted that the hand-selected models do have blemishes in zone 2, but they are isolated cases, which shouldn’t affect you. Other than that, these are excellent models that won’t disappoint you.

Pros
  • Quality GEN 2 and GEN 3 models
  • 50-hour running time
  • Accessories in the full package
Cons
  • Blemish problem with the hand-selected models

ATN NVM-14 Night Vision Monocular
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Generation: GEN 2, 3 and 4
  • Weight: 335 g with the battery
  • Battery Type: A.A. or CR123A
  • Field of View: 40 degrees

Even though we already covered an NVM-14 product from ATN, this one also deserves mention due to its user-friendly and ergonomic design that every hunter will appreciate. Let’s see what makes the ATN NVM-14 NV Monocular authentic.

Like the previous NVM device, this one also has similar features. The battery life is close to 40 hours per session, and it’s lightweight, weighing only 335 g with the battery. However, the biggest advantage that one has is the design.

Firstly, it’s a hand-held monocular that can be used hands-free with the headgear and helmet-mount. Luckily, ATN has thought of everything and made it universal so it can be attached to almost every helmet out there on the market.

Next, it’s rugged and compact, which helps out a lot in terms of operating with multiple devices at the same time. You can also mount it on your weapon and use it as a close-range scope during the night since the illumination range for the infrared light is 20 m.

It does lack in some aspects, such as the submersion depth, which was 20 m below the water for the previous NVM product. However, it is waterproof; it just cannot be submerged.

There are also another two benefits of owning this device - you’ll pay less than you would for the previous model, and it has a lifetime limited warranty, which is a huge bonus.

Of course, it could use some tweaks since the clarity is not as premium as you’d expect from an ATN product, but this product is available as GEN 4, which might be a smart purchase if you’re willing to invest a bit more.

Pros
  • User-friendly design
  • Easy to use and mount
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Lower specs

ATN PVS14-3 Generation 3 Night Vision Monocular - The Best for Recording
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Generation: GEN 3
  • Weight: 316 g
  • Battery Type: N/A
  • Field of View: 40 degrees

Of course, ATN products are dominating, and it’s no wonder the next unit is also manufactured by ATN. Let’s dig in more thoroughly into the ATN PVS14-3 NV Monocular review.

As you can speculate from the heading, this unit can be camera-adapted, which is something that’s usually characteristic of night vision scopes or binoculars. Yes, it can be head-mounted, which is why you can think on your feet and use this ATN PVS14-3 monocular as your personal GoPro camera.

As far as specifications go, it continues to impress. The system resolution is your standard ATN 64-75 lp/mm, which tells a lot about the clarity in the pitch dark. Also, it comes equipped with Proshield optical coating, which enhances the optical clarity and gives a new dimension to your image.

The operating temperature is set between -45 and +55 degrees Celsius with a waterproof design and IP67 rating that serves as insurance of protection against water and dust. You’ll also get some accessories with the package, such as the head-mount gear, demist shield, a carrying case, and an extra battery just in case.

The biggest problem that bugged us about this ATN PVS14-3 NV Monocular was actually the price since there are many ATN models that offer much more for either the same or even lower prices. These devices are expensive in their own right since they’re military-grade, but in terms of quality to price ratio, this device should be more affordable.

Still, you won’t regret it if you buy it because it’s a quality GEN 3 binocular that offers excellent resolution at night. Whether you simply love observing wilderness at night or if you’re an enthusiast hunter, this will be the most vital asset in your hunting gear.

Pros
  • Camera-adaptable
  • Durable
  • Proshield optical coating
  • IP67
Cons
  • Too expensive for this quality-range

AGM Global Vision PVS-14 Multi-Purpose Night Vision Monoculars - The Best for the Money
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Generation: GEN 2 and 3
  • Weight: 320 g
  • Battery Type: A.A.
  • Field of View: 40 degrees

Finally, we have one more military-grade unit to present to you, and it’s one you don’t want to miss out on. It’s quality, affordable, and won’t give out when you need it the most. It’s the AGM Global Vision PVS-14 NV Monocular review.

Now we get to see a non-ATN product that has a lot to offer. Firstly, it has an automatic brightness control that adjusts the light settings based on environmental factors, thus relieving you of the duties to do it manually.

Moreover, it has one of the most considerable running times in this category of N.V. monoculars, running close to 50 hours per session on a single A.A. battery, which even some ATN models can’t provide. However, there are some factors that put it at the bottom of this list.

It’s not a wrong device, but it does fall short in comparison with monoculars that we previously reviewed in terms of features. The resolution is set to 47-54 lp/mm, which is not ideal, but it’ll still give you enough clarity at night to locate your prey.

Still, this AGM Global Vision PVS-14 NV Monocular is not to be disregarded due to some friendly functions, such as the auto bright light shut-off feature. If there are sudden bursts of light, the unit will recognize it and protect itself since the intensifier tubes are sensitive to change in environmental light.

It’s important to note that it comes as GEN 2 and GEN 3 models, which is why you might want to consider getting the GEN 3 one since they are both affordable, but you’ll get larger clarity with the more expensive one.

There are many specifics cons since the largest problem arises from the comparison of this device with the previous ones. It does lack, but it is an excellent option for a mix of good qualities and low investments.

Pros
  • Battery life
  • Compact design
  • Automatic brightness control
  • Bright light shut-off
Cons
  • Not impressive in comparison with the ATN models

Best Cheap Night Vision Monoculars: My Top 8 Choices

Bushnell Equinox Z2 6x50 Night Vision

Instead of an ordinary intensifier tube, Bushnell equips this 6x50 Equinox Z2 Digital Monocular with a modern infrared-sensitive CMOS sensor and a premium-quality micro LCD screen to provide excellent night vision capabilities.

The integrated infrared illuminator delivers the optimal vision range of 300 yards, even in the darkest nights. Meanwhile, you can record videos at 1080p HD resolution and upload captured images and videos effortlessly to a PC as well as smartphones and tablets via the Internet and free apps.

Plus, there is a Picatinny side rail for users to attach accessories directly, such as an extra illuminator for double illumination! Or you can use the USB port and RCA video-out port to connect the monocular to a recording device or an external monitor to view and record the live feed at the same time.

The smart screen will display in color images during the daytime and black and white during the night vision for better contrast and clarity. You can always use it 24/7 since the fully multi-coated optics can reduce glare yet increase light transmittance simultaneously.

To upgrade the optical 6x magnification that is impressive enough, the digital zoom function even raises it to 18x magnification - perhaps one of the most potent magnifications ever!


Night Owl Optics 5-Power NOXM50 Night Vision Monocular

The Night Owl Optics 5-Power NOXM50 provides the top-notch performance of first-gen night vision monoculars at a very reasonable price. Although the effective range of the infrared spotlight is merely around 60 ft., this is not bad for a product in its segment.

With all-glass optics, including objective and ocular lenses, you can even get up to 500x light amplification. Furthermore, the maximum 5x magnification power and the minimum 5.7 ft close focus range allows users to observe any target from near to far effortlessly.

Because of the included hand strap and unique design, you can operate the monocular efficiently with only one hand. Meanwhile, the extended body, in combination with a protective soft-touch rubberized finish, gives the item both convenience and security.

In contribution to the durability of the monocular, its lens housing is made of impact-resistant molded thermoplastic.

Unlike other older Gen-1 monoculars, this Night Owl’s product can provide stunning and brilliant images without having to sacrifice magnification power with its smart intensifier tube.

The incorporated IR illuminator supports your vision even in total darkness so that you can recognize all types of targets under any circumstances.

Last but not least, depending on your frequency of use, the battery life may range from 45 to even 100 hours.


Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular (3X)

All Night Owl Optics boast artistic concepts and designs. And this iGen 20/20 Monocular is not an exception.

Apart from the eye-catching appearance, it upgrades your night vision to a new level with innovative technology and form factor. Instead of depending on ubiquitous intensifier tube technology, the device integrates a highly sensitive video capture system.

It is versatile enough and can be used 24/7/365. The adjustable frame rate can improve the light-gathering capacity effectively so that users can always have a clear view. Actually, it can even raise the light sensitivity from 300x to over 1000x!

Besides, the additional IR illuminator offers a smart circuit that automatically changes to adapt to surrounding light conditions.

Furthermore, the iGen 20/20 comes with a medium magnification power (2.6x magnification), which is ideal for outdoor observation. Its dynamic and intuitive form factor aids both right and left-handed users to control and enjoy.

Lastly, it features video recording as well as image capturing and tripod compatibility. Therefore, you can save amazing moments to view later or share with friends and family!


Sightmark Ghost Hunter Night Vision Monocular

Designed with Generation 1 technology, this Sightmark Ghost Hunter Night Vision Monocular is still an exemplary monocular for extended observation throughout the dark nights.

Integrated with a high-performance IR illuminator, the instrument reproduces radiant and clear images regardless of how dark the ambient environment is.

With ergonomic yet robust polymer construction and a 4x magnification lens appropriate for middle-range observation, this monocular promises to be a perfect companion for your night trips.

To save the energy for the night vision tube and protect it for more years of operation, the monocular features an automatic shut-down function that switches off the night vision unit if exposed to strong light sources.

Thanks to the care of the manufacturer, the package comes with a lens cloth, a 0.25'' socket for tripod or accessories, and a firm carrying case. You just need to put 2 AA batteries into the battery tray, and the device can run for 20 to 72 hours depending on your use with and without the infrared illuminator.

Protected by the Sightmark Limited Lifetime Warranty and assured about quality by the Sightmark Night Vision brand name, this Ghost Hunter NV Monocular model SM14073 is worth every penny.


Vortex Optics Solo R/T 8x36 Monocular

For both general purposes and specific uses like hunting, wildlife observation, or anything else, this infrared monocular is still a go-to solution for you.

Thanks to the proprietary R/T Ranging Reticle from Vortex, Vortex Optics Solo R/T 8x36 Monocular features a reticle focus designed for better-ranging accuracy.

This tiny 36-mm monocular is extremely portable but can meet rugged use in the field. It has a steady utility clip, O-ring seals combine with the nitrogen purge to ensure a no-fog and waterproof performance. Cold, damp, and rainy nights are never a problem.

Its strange no-button design allows single-hand usage by using your thumb and index finger to rotate and adjust the focus wheel. Meanwhile, the fully textured grip makes it easy to hold, too.

For your convenience, Vortex brings about straightforward and fast ranging. It is possible for you to measure angles and calculate distance ranges via the device's unique size comparison and measurements.

Lastly, the 8x magnification through the multi-coated 36-mm lens is free from reflection and covered by a flared eyecup to prevent ambient light from blurring the view.


Night Owl Lightweight Night Vision Monocular

Night Owl is a brand that believes in seeing in complete darkness. Their light weight night vision monocular is what you need.

It is a Gen 1 night vision monocular that contains a better quality image intensifier tube. It has a built-in infrared illuminator which enables you to see in complete darkness.

With a 3x magnification power and a wide field of view (68-foot field of view at 200 feet), this monocular is perfect for hunting, wildlife viewing and for security purpose as well.

The resolution on Night Owl is 35 lines per mm. The minimum focus range is 1.5m. The exclusive steel stringer system helps you in getting more precise images.

Keep in mind that this device has a manual focus so that you need to zoom in at an object manually.

It has a strong body with soft touch rubberized exterior and machined aluminum lens housing. The lens has a diameter of 42mm and is made up of high-quality all-glass material.

Night Owl requires 1 Type-123 lithium battery. This battery offers a battery life of 45 to 100 hours depending upon how much infrared you use.

Unfortunately you cannot export night owl out of US.


Bushnell Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Monocular

Bushnell is a brand that believes in manufacturing innovative products for its customers. It caters to the hunters, military personnel and anyone who is looking for great optics.

Equinox Z is a Digital Generation night vision monocular which has the ability to work in daytime as well as night time. With its digital technology, you are able to see crisp images at any time of the day.

It has a zooming ability of 1 to 3x which means that you can zoom in or zoom out on an object with the help of a dial, level or a setting. With this feature you get up to 500 feet of viewing distance.

It comes with a built-in infrared illuminator with adjustable IR brightness. The multi-coated glass objective lens on this device has a diameter of 30mm.

Equinox has a rugged housing. It can be mounted to a tripod or a picatinny style rail and it comes with a carrying case.

Thanks to its digital technology, it has a capability to record videos.

Finally, Equinox runs on 4 AA batteries.


Firefield Nightfall 5x50 Night Vision Monocular

The Firefield 5 x 50 Nightfall 2 Night Vision Monocular is another affordable monocular that combines a good array of features. The build of this monocular is rugged and durable, making it an ideal night vision device during outdoor excursions. And, the overall design is ergonomic so that you can use the monocular quiet comfortably.

Nightfall 2 is a Gen 1 monocular that is fully weather-resistant. So you can carry it around and use it during rain or storms.

The monocular is very light-weight and compact which makes it perfect to use and carry when you are outdoors for hours on end. It also has a built-in IR illuminator which gives you an alternative way of lighting up a view in exceptionally dark situations.

These features make Nightfall 2 a great choice if you need a quality night vision system during your hunting trips or for surveillance and tactical activities.

The light green display of this monocular delivers a very clear image, enabling you to view objects in the dark with great precision, thanks to a high resolution.


What Is the Night Vision Monocular?

best night vision monocular under $500

A night vision monocular as the name suggests is a night vision device that lets you see in complete darkness. It is designed to be used with one eye. It contains a single eye-piece and an infrared illuminator that enables you to see at night. Such a device amplifies light and translates it into brighter and clearer night images.

A night vision monocular is preferred over many other night vision devices because of its compact design and its versatility. This is capable of performing as good as high-end binoculars that are extremely expensive and bulky. A night vision monocular is affordable as well.

Another advantage associated with night vision monocular is that it enables your eyes to quickly shift between natural night vision and monocular vision. This is fairly difficult when it comes to binoculars. You cannot quickly shift between natural and night vision.

Like other night vision devices, a night vision monocular is categorized according to Generation technology. You will commonly see Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3 and Digital Gen night vision monocular.

How to Choose the Best Night Vision Monocular?

Before purchasing a night vision monocular, there are a few things that you should consider in order to make the right decision.

best night vision monocular under $200

1. Uses

To start off you need to decide why you even need this device. Where and when are you going to use it? If you want your night vision monocular for hunting purposes, then you should go for a device that has higher magnification and a greater field of view.

2. Generation

An important feature that you should decide on before choosing your night vision monocular is the Generation technology you are looking for.

Gen 1 devices, for instance, don’t provide crystal clear images or the kind of images a military person wants. For military purposes go for Gen 2 and above monocular. The higher the generation, the better the image quality.

3. Magnification

When it comes to magnification, you need to consider a few things. In order to get more precise and stable view, you should not go for very high magnification power. Magnification above 10x becomes extremely difficult to handle. So the standard rule of the higher the better does not fit here.

4. Others

If you have to take your night vision monocular outdoors then you should consider its environmental rating as well. Go for waterproof as well as fog proof monocular.

Another thing to consider is the operating temperature – the temperature at which you can use your monocular. If you are going to use your night vision monocular in extreme temperatures, then you might want to keep this factor in mind.

For someone who will be on the go a more lightweight and compact night vision monocular is preferable as such a device will be easy to travel with. For a security agent, preference should be given to a more sturdy and shock-resistant device as it will be used in extreme situations.

Finally, we come to the battery life. It is also an important factor that you should keep in mind. If you will stay outdoors for longer period of time then you should definitely go for a device that has a long battery life.

Best Feature

Product Name

Price

The Best Overall

ATN PVS14-4 Multi-purpose Gen 4 Night Vision Monocular

The Best Affordable

ATN NVM-14-3P Night Vision Monocular

The Best for Longevity

TRYBE Optics PVS-14 NV Monocular

The Best Design

ATN NVM-14 Night Vision Monocular

The Best for Recording

ATN PVS14-3 Generation 3 Night Vision Monocular

The Best for the Money

AGM Global Vision PVS-14 Multi-Purpose Night Vision Monoculars

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best night vision monocular?

Overall, you won’t go wrong with any ATN models, as they are all approved and verified by military and optics experts.

However, we’re inclined to recommend the ATN PVS14-4 Night Vision Monocular due to its impressive features that stick this one out of the crowd.


Which is the best digital night vision monocular?

Since we haven’t covered any digital monoculars, we cannot give you a detailed review here. However, we’re fond of the E.T. Dragon PVS-14 Monocular. It features sensors that give you 2x magnification, and the image resolution is quite impressive.


What is the best cheap night vision monocular?

The Bushnell products have won our hearts with their effectiveness and versatility in combination with the price. The one we covered, the Bushnell Equinox Z2 6x50 Night Vision Monocular, is undoubtedly a terrific pick.


How do you attach a NV monocular to a scope?

Basically, it depends on the type of scope you have since not all monocular can be attached to rifle scopes.

Usually, you’ll get the instructions with the monocular, but it’s a simple process of aligning the scope’s base to the mounting gear of the monocular and screwing in the bolts.

Conclusion

As we conclude this list of reviews, it’s important to note who the winner is and what should be your number one purchase if you decide to go for one of the units on this list.

If you’re looking for a budget unit, you should undoubtedly consider the Bushnell Equinox Z2 6x50 Night Vision, and if you’re going for the absolute best, we recommend you give the ATN PVS14-4 Night Vision Monocular a shot.

We hope that our guide was useful and that it helped you in finding and selecting the best night vision monocular!

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