The history of night vision devices (NVD) can be traced back to the late 1920s when Hungarian scientist Kalman Tihanyi developed an infrared sensing camera, which was used for aircraft detection in the UK. The German military began experimentation with night vision devises in the late 1930s, and began installing them on their tank fleet in the 1940s. Infrared night sighting devices were used by American snipers late in World War II, and again during the Korean Conflict (Wikipedia.com).
Our Personal Best Choice
Just to summarize everything in one place, let’s reprint our “best of” recommendations here, based on price, ratings, specifications, and features, and the pros and cons of the night vision binoculars we reviewed:
In this article, we are going to be evaluating a hybrid of two of the NVD types – the goggles and the camera. The latest technology has merged the binocular capability of goggles with the recording and image capturing capability of cameras. We will review a dozen versions of night vision binoculars that have a camera and/or a video recording capability.
Comparison Table
We’ve selected an even dozen night vision binoculars from Amazon.com. Ten of these would fall into the “budget” category of NVDs; two are definitely not budget, so we can categorize those as professional quality.
How Night Vision Devices Works?
Night vision devices generally fall into one of three categories:
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First one – the scopes. Scopes are monocular (one eyepiece) and are generally handheld. Scopes are best when you want to look at something, then go back to normal vision. Night vision scopes are often mounted on rifles.
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The second category is goggles, which are binocular (two eyepieces). While they can be handheld, as in the case of night vision binoculars, they are often worn on the head. These are excellent for constant viewing and typically seen in military or law enforcement use, where you might be walking around a battlefield or dangerous neighborhood at night.
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The last night vision category is cameras. Night vision cameras are typically used in fixed site applications, such as attached to a building and used for security purposes. Images can then be sent to a video monitor or recorded.
Let’s look at how the technology works in an NVD.
Night vision goggles boost a dim, dark scene in a series of simple steps:
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1. Infrared night vision binoculars collect and amplify existing light, such as moonlight, starlight or infra-red light, through the objective lens (#1 in the diagram above), which is then focused on the image intensifier.
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2. Inside the intensifier, a photocathode (#2) is “excited” by the light and converts the photon energy into electrons.
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3. These electrons accelerate across an electrostatic field (#3) inside the intensifier and strike a phosphor screen (#4) (like a green monochrome TV screen) which emits an image that you can see.
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4. It is the acceleration of electrons, which provides gain and enhances the image.
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5. The image will be a clear green-hued amplified re-creation of the scene you are observing.
So, whether we talk about night vision goggles, binoculars, monoculars, cameras, or scopes, the concept is the same – gather and amplify what light there is to increase visibility at night. This technology should not be confused with thermal vision cameras, which capture sources of heat and make them stand out and become visible from their surrounding areas. There are some models and technologies, however, which allow dual use as night vision devices, and also can be used in daylight.
In addition to the military, security, and law enforcement applications, night vision devices can also be used for hunting, wildlife watching, human surveillance, navigation, and detecting hidden objects. Because of the military-grade technology in several of these models, they are not eligible for export. Some states also have bans on night vision devices, but these typically are related to a gun mounted NVDs. If there are questions about use or applicability, please check with the appropriate regulatory agency.
Buying Guide
To make a well-informed buying decision for your night vision binoculars, it’s always a good starting point to understand and evaluate the available features and specifications of the equipment. There may be wide variation of the same specification from unit to unit; a good example of this is the magnification capability of each binocular. The best way to help decide which unit makes the most sense for individual circumstances is to look at the features as a whole, and grade them out as either mandatory (must have it, or the binocular will be useless to me), like to have (could live without it, but offers some value), and “bells and whistles”, features you will never use and have no value to you.
The specifications and features shown are drawn for the most part from the Amazon web site, and occasionally from the manufacturer’s web site. Not all these models will report on the same features and specifications, so further research on your part may be necessary.
Best Night Vision Binocular Reviews
Bestguarder NV-900 BEST PERFORMANCE, BEST OVERALL
This NVD has all the basics, and several bells and whistles, all at a reasonable, middle of the road price. Start with the 4” OCD screen. Add in a standard 32GB memory card, and you can view and store your videos and photos with ease. Large buttons allow for easy use, even in the dark. Runs on AA batteries or optional power pack for longer life. One-year warranty.
Bestguarder NV-900
Features and specification:
- 640 x 480 pixels screen resolution gives clear, high-quality images
- binocular has a 5x digital zoom, 4.5x magnification, and a 40 mm objective lens
- takes clear photos, videos, and records with sound
- in full darkness, this NVD has 400-meter (1300 feet) visibility, using the built-in infrared illuminator
Pros
- Top end features and performance at a middle of the road price
- IPX4 water resistant, probably sufficient for most uses
- Operating temperature range of -30oC to +55oC for use in virtually any environment
- Time-lapse and pre-set time filming capability, so attendance is not necessary to photo or video
Cons
- Not surprisingly, given the features, the unit is fairly heavy at 2 pounds
- Batteries not included, 8 x AA batteries required for operation
- Some negative reviews based on facial comfort, distance ratings
Nightfox 100V – Best Honorable Mention
This is the lowest price device on our list but still comes with some nice features. Seven levels of illumination allow vision up to 110 yards at night. It’s compatible with various tripods but is only for viewing, not recording or photos. Offers a special filter for daytime use.
Pros
- Lowest price by far of any of the NVDs on this list
- Day/night use
- Weight is 1.3 pounds
Cons
- Several reviews claim that the specified 6X magnification is not possible, and only 2X is available
- Six hours of maximum battery life on 8xAA batteries
Solomark Digital Night Vision Binocular – Best Value
The 4” widescreen has 320 x 240 pixels resolution, with 3.5X to 7X magnification and excellent color clarity. The 31mm objective contributes to a maximum viewing range of 400 meters (1300 feet). Can support up to 32GB storage with SD cards (not included, but 4GB is included), and comes with a USB cable to download to computers. Field of view is a fairly standard 9o.
Pros
- Only 16 customer reviews, but 15 of them are 5-star
- Expandable storage capability is a plus, especially if using for video recording
- Color, high-resolution LCD screen allows for instant viewing on the device
Cons
- Unit is a bulky 3 pounds
- Despite the weight, user reviews claim plastic is thin, and battery cover breaks easily
- Needs 8xAA batteries for operation, not included
Bestguarder Digital Night Vision Binocular
With both day and night vision capability, and a patented filter, the unit has strong optics, including 7X magnification. A 320 x 240 resolution color LCD screen supports on unit viewing, 4 GB storage included, expandable to 32GB. Time and date stamp available for video and photos. USB and TV cables included. Price is reasonable, given the specifications and performance.
Pros
- IPX4 water resistance should be suitable for most applications
- Rechargeable batteries can be purchased for use in the NVD. Also works on (8, not included) AA, lithium-ion, or alkaline batteries
Cons
- Some users complained about the quality of documentation and operation directions
- Six-hour maximum battery life with illuminator on, batteries not included
Sightmark SM15071
There is very little information on this product on the Amazon web site, and, surprisingly, not much more on the manufacturer’s web site. The binocular has a 2X magnifier, so the focus of this NVD is on nearby targets and distances. It does come with a three-year tube warranty and a limited lifetime warranty on the housing.
Pros
- The binocular gets a 4.0 overall rating but limited by only 25 reviews
- A good warranty
Cons
- A couple of reviews mentioned they were shipped refurbished or used equipment
- Very limited technical data and specifications available for this NVD
Bushnell Lynx
This model is moving up on the price scale but also pulls in a good 3.9 rating. Very lightweight at just over one pound, it looks solid and dependable. 2.5X and a 40mm objective lens combine to give excellent optics, although at very short distances. The built-in illuminator is rated for 90-yard distance, overall distance approximately 250 yards.
Pros
- High quality, high definition optics
- Bushnell has been making binoculars since the 1940s
Cons
- Night use only
- Some customers complained about the ability to properly focus the unit
DoCred Night Vision Binocular
These binoculars drop back to near the bottom of the price range, but still, carry a decent 3.8 rating from a very limited number of reviewers. The work in a day or night setting, and have a photo and video capability. Operates on eight AAA batteries or power pack, neither of which are included.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty, good selling price
- Six-hour battery life with IR running, 14 hours with IR running
- IPX4 water resistant rating should be suitable for most outdoor environments
Cons
- Somewhat heavy at about three pounds weight
- Only five reviews of this product, 4 favorable, one at one star
ATN Binox HD
Back up the price list, but a full-featured binocular, with add-ons like a gyroscope, rangefinder, and compass built in. High definition photography and video, in both day and night use. Wi-fi capable, iOS, and Android compatible. Based on the reviews, people either love or hate this product – not much idle ground.
Pros
- Not overly heavy at 1.8 pounds
- Built in range finder means one less tool to carry
- Only binocular with over 100 customer reviews – 3.6 rating overall
Cons
- Batteries are expensive, and several complaints about how quickly they drain
- Complaints about the unit not working right out of the box
Pulsar PL75095
This unit is geared not so much for outdoor, nighttime viewing, but rather for maneuvering and walking in darkness. They have only 1X magnification, so are specifically made for short distance viewing. They are the most expensive of the ten base units and have a 3.4 overall rating based on under twenty reviews.
Pros
- High performance binocular, but for a fairly specialized application and use, such as patrolling or search and rescue
- Single CR123 battery required, included
Cons
- Fairly pricy for a limited application. The highest price, second lowest customer rating (under 20 reviews)
- No photo or video capability
Bushnell 260500 Night Vision Binocular
Another binocular with very limited information available on the Amazon web site. This is a day/night unit, with photo and video capability. 4X magnification, 50mm objective lens give a long and but fairly narrow 7o FOV.
Pros
- Built-in USB port to transfer file photos and video to computer
- User reviews claim up to 250-yard visibility with no moonlight
Cons
- Lowest rated binocular from the list. 30% of all reviews were one star, with most complaints about image quality
- Fairly pricy unit given the quality ratings
Professional Level Night Vision Devices
Armasight PVS-73P
This is a military-grade, battle-tested night vision device. It can be used as a hand-held device, or helmet or head mounted. Built for rugged environments, it operates from -40oC to +50oC. Battery life is greater than 40 hours, and it has a two-year warranty.
Armasight PVS-73P
Features and specifications:
- 1x magnification for close in operation, with a 40o field of view
- fully waterproof body for operation in inclement weather
- built-in infrared illuminator, and detachable flood lens
- automatic brightness control to cut off bright lights
Pros
- Battlefield tested, durable, operable in virtually any conditions
- Operates on standard AA batteries, with long battery life
Cons
- Price most likely puts it out of range for anyone other than professionals
- Only two reviews, but one of them mentioned poor customer service
Pulsar PL77411 – Best Professional Model
These are a combination night vision and thermal binocular, with a stated range of almost 1500 yards. Magnification ranges from 3.1X to 12.4X, with 384 x 288 pixels resolution. FOV is just under 10o, and the unit has a built-in range finder. Built-in wi-fi to stream to your smartphone, or even direct to the Internet.
Pulsar PL77411
Features and specifications:
- strong resolution, and picture in picture digital zoom capabilities
- combination of thermal and night vision, with the high-resolution display, gives clear, crisp images
- streaming and wi-fi capabilities allow you to instantly share your results with others
Pros
- Thermal and night vision technologies give exceptional viewing range
- Rechargeable batteries run for up to eight hours, and higher capacity battery packs can also be purchased
Cons
- Unit is fairly heavy at three pounds
- Price most likely puts it out of range for anyone other than professionals
Conclusion
So, if you are planning a purchase of night vision binoculars any time soon, we hope this review will help you. The products and features range from very basic, NV only all the way to military grade hardware. Whatever your intended application, we’re sure that there is a product for you here.