Best night vision monocular under $200
Night vision equipment can be an expensive affair, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t find one at a budget-friendly price.
The monocular covers that niche with the sub $200 gadgets that offer equally useful features compared to the more expensive ones.
The monocular works using the same principle as most optic devices. It is much more similar to a binocular. But unlike a binocular, with a monocular you are only able to see through one eye. This makes it easy to use and more portable.
A larger version of the monocular is the spotting scope. Because its bigger, it works while mounted on top of a tripod.
In this article, we have listed the best monocular available with night vision and priced below $200. These monoculars offer the best value at that price. Some even rival the more expensive alternatives.
Best Night Vision Monocular Under $200-Top Picks
| Product | Best Price | |
Night Owl 5-Power NOXM50 |
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Bushnell Equinox 5x32mm |
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CREATIVE XP 2021 |
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Carson Nv-200 MiniAura |
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Xgen 2.1x Night Vision Viewer |
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BOBLOV 32GB Monocular |
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NightStar NS41324 |
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Let’s look at the detailed reviews…
1. Night Owl Optics 5-Power NOXM50 Monocular
The Night owl is a high-quality monocular focused on ease of use. To make sure this happens the manufacturer has fitted it with easy-to-operate power and infrared buttons. The monocular is based on generation 1 of night vision and includes a 5x magnification. A 50mm angular field of view, and 15 degrees, field of view at 200 ft.
Although this monocular utilizes the generation 1 version of night vision, it doesn’t sacrifice light amplification for good IR illumination. Like many other competing generation-1 monoculars.
This monocular is durable with an extended body, and a protective finish. In addition to a convenient hand strap and a robust molded plastic focus ring. Power comes from a 3-volt lithium battery able to last anywhere between 45 to 100 hours depending on the type of usage.
Specs
- 5x Magnification
- Manual focus
- 50 mm lens diameter
- 35 lp/mm on the center resolution
- 400 nm to 900 nm spectral sensitivity
- 5 angular field of view
- Field of View at 200 ft. distance: 44 feet wide (61m / 13.4m)
- 45 to 100 hrs. battery life
- Built In infrared illuminator
- Weighs 14 oz.
- 7 ft minimum focus range
Pros
- Impact resistance thermoplastic lens housing
- Soft-touch rubberized finish
- Good quality
- 5x magnification
Cons
- Doesn’t come with the required battery
2. Bushnell Equinox 5x32mm Night Vision Monocular
Bushnell is an optics manufacturer based in the USA with experience lasting 70 years. In the manufacture of quality optic gadgets. The Equinox 5×32 is no different.
This monocular comes at a good price and quality. With a night vision range of 650 feet using a built-in IR illuminator. A 3x magnification capability brings out the details of distant objects. Other features include; a tripod mounting adapter, full-color daylight viewing for 24/7 use, and recording capability to help you keep all your good memories.
This monocular is powered by 3AA batteries which come included with it. The batteries are able to give you up to 6 hours of constant run time. Which is sufficient for most outdoor outings.
The Bushnell equinox is worth considering. It may not have the quality of a $500 monocular but it does a good job. And gives good images and illumination in low-light situations.
Specifications
- 3x magnification
- Built-in illumination
- 650ft night vision range
- Integral tripod mount
- 32mm lens diameter
- Micro SD memory card type.
- Weighs 13.8 Oz.
Pros
- Good build quality
- Long range of night vision illumination
- Easy to use
Cons
- Small field of view
3. CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Night Vision Monocular
If you need something for use in total darkness. Then this is the monocular to go for. The creative XP doesn’t need ambient lighting, and you can use it in total darkness. This is thanks to the no-glow illuminator it uses.
This monocular can be used to take photos, record videos, or just monitor objects in the dark. The view is great, especially on close targets and on the highest IR illumination setting. So good that it rivals much more expensive monoculars.
The monocular has an incredible range of 1,640ft. Displaying all your images on a 1.54” viewing screen that is included. The screen also makes it easy to view photos, and lets you place it in a good position for a clearer view.
Power on the Creative XP is supplied by a 650 Mah rechargeable lithium battery which can run for hours on end. Making this a great piece of equipment to use in instance when the power supply is out of reach.
Specifications
- 1,640 ft range
- 54-inch TFT screen
- 5x optical zoom 8X digital zoom
- 35mm lens diameter
- IP66 waterproof
- 850Nm wavelength illuminator
- weighs 21 oz
Pros
- Has a stud to mount it to a tripod
- Easy to use
- Long battery life
- Multiple IR settings
- good value for the price
Cons
- low picture quality (640 x 480)
- lacks audio recording capability
4. Carson Nv200 MiniAura Digital Night Vision Monocular
The monocular has a 16-degree wide angle of view and a range of 147 ft in total darkness. Thanks to its built-in IR illumination. What’s more, it comes with a carry pouch and uses 3 AAA batteries, which will give you around 3 hours of life.
Specifications
- Weighs 3.4 oz
- Item Dimensions: 2.6” x 2.2′ ‘x 2.2”
- Uses 3 AAA Batteries (Not Included)
- 19-degrees angle of view
- 146 ft range
- 1X magnification
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Good picture quality
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Relatively short range.
5. Xgen 2.1x Digital Night Vision Viewer
This monocular offers great value to someone who wants something affordable, really easy to use, and with good-quality illumination. The built quality on it might look basic, but there is more in quality than meets the eye.
This is a good alternative for use when camping, backpacking, hunting, and during security checks. It uses built-in illumination, to view distances of up to 70 yards. both in low light conditions and in complete darkness.
The downside of this monocular is the small field of vision courtesy of its small 20mm lens capable of only 12 degrees. It also has a rather small display resolution of 320 X 240. And the 3AA alkaline batteries it uses aren’t included
Specifications
- 640 X 480Px Sensor resolution.
- 1x magnification
- Micro-Display Resolution: 320 X 240 pixels (QVGA)
- 12-degree field of view
- Weighs 4.93oz without batteries
- Eyepiece Adjustment: +/- 4 D
- 20mm lens diameter
- Built-in Infrared illumination
- Uses 3AA batteries (not included)
Pros
- Adjustable illumination
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Great price
- performs well in complete darkness.
Cons
- Small field of vision
- Batteries not included
6. BOBLOV 32GB Night Vision Monocular
The Boblov monocular is a serious piece of equipment, despite its affordable pricing. It is available in a nice camo design giving it a unique appearance. That makes it easily recognizable inside the palm of a person holding it.
The device uses a no-glow IR illuminator to view objects in a pitch-black environment. Not allowing anyone to recognize that you are there. The manufacturer has listed a range of up to 150 yards in complete darkness without any ambient lighting. But a detailed view of objects can be seen as far as 250 yards away.
The battery of this equipment lasts up to 3 hours when the auxiliary illuminator is off. And only 2 hours when using the IR. This can be a downside for someone who wants to venture out remotely with continuous usage. The monocular however shines in most other areas. And offers so much value considering its price.
Specifications
- 850 nm. LED illuminator
- 5X optical zoom 8X digital zoom
- 5 hours of charging
- 7 degrees field of view
- 35mm lens diameter
- 32Gb memory
- 150 Yards night vision in complete darkness
- 14500 Li-Ion rechargeable battery
Pros
- Integrated Tripod socket
- Good quality images over long distances
- very easy to use
- comfortable to hold
Cons
- Low battery life.
7. NightStar NS41324 Digital Night Vision Monocular
The Nightstar 3 x 24 series is a superb alternative with great performance at an affordable price. This monocular is quite sharp because it uses a very sensitive sensor. It will provide a great performance when used in hunting, backpacking, camping and even security checks. And in low level ambient lighting conditions.
The battery is good and can last up to 8 hours in a continuous on and off usage. Whats more, the device comes with a 2 year limited warranty. To make sure you enjoy your excursions uninterrupted.
Specifications
- 3x magnification
- 10mm eye relief
- weighs 11 oz.
- 15 degrees field of view
- Battery type: CR123A
- focus range: 5 yards to infinity
Pros
- lightweight
- Clear display
- Budget friendly
- 2 year limited warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t work well in extremely dark conditions
8.Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 10×36
A simple yet effective monocular at an affordable price. It stands out for having a superb lens, thanks to the layers of multicoating employed to optimise light penetration and improve resolution. When it comes to durability, the monocular includes a full rubber armored non-slip grip, making it durable and providing the user with a secure hold.
The adjustable eyecup ensures comfortable viewing, and the multi-position utility clip allows for easy attachment to equipment or clothing. Overall, this is one of the more appealing monoculars available at under $200.
Features
- 10x magnification
- weighs 9.7 oz.
- objective lens diameter 36mm
Pros
- compact and lightweight
- great lens
- utility clip for attaching to clothing
Cons
- low battery life
Night Vision Monocular Buying guide
Even while on a budget one should consider a few characteristics before buying a monocular. This buying guide looks at some of those features
IR light
The function of the infrared light in a monocular is to illuminate dark areas and enhance visibility. While the quality of this feature may vary with the price. The presence of it enhances the value you get from a monocular. It also makes the monocular more useful, during late hours and cloudy days.
Quality of image
It’s bad news that the image quality of a monocular increases with price. However, it’s easy to get a monocular that cost $200 with great quality. While compiling our list of the best night vision monocular under $200, we looked at the quality of the image as the first criterion. All of the listed monocular give good image quality. And can be compared with more expensive variants.
Portability
The monocular is intended to be a compact version of a spotting scope. Which is easy to use on the move, when hunting, hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. Smaller monocular gadgets however tend to have a smaller field of view. Which can be a disadvantage when tracking moving targets. before buying a monocular look for one with the perfect weight and field of view. Suitable to your outdoor requirements.
Durability
The quality of a monocular optic device depends on variables like the material used and weatherproof capabilities. Manufacturers usually try to balance the price with quality. But some manufacturers go too hard on the quality trying to cut on the price of the monocular. Make sure what you are getting has the quality to make it durable. Because the right quality will make it last longer. And also make it more suitable for the harsh outdoors.
Magnification
Magnification helps you see further although on a smaller field of view. Optic devices will always include a level of magnification in their features. The more expensive monocular comes with a higher magnification of up to 9x. The price gets lower as you move down the magnification to 6x 7x and 8x. A monocular in the range of $200 should magnify in the range of 3x to 5x.
Batteries
Night vision monocular run of different types of batteries. Some are rechargeable while some are disposable AA and AAA batteries. The capacity of these batteries varies, and one should consider the monocular intended use. To decide the amount of run time they need.
Ergonomics
A monocular should be easy to use and feel comfortable on your eye. This depends on the design and shape of the monocular. Bad ergonomics however isn’t an issue with most monocular devices.
Night vision Monocular FAQs
Is night vision worth it?
Night vision is very useful for viewing in the dark and under low-light conditions. The importance of night vision however depends on the intended use. For something needed for security purposes, consider the more expensive options. Because they are of a higher quality. If night vision is used for leisure, a cheaper alternative wouldn’t be a bad choice.
How far can you see with a night vision monocular?
The range of a night vision device varies with the specifications. There is night vision monocular with a short range of 200 ft. while some have longer ranges of more than 1500ft. The range usually depends on the IR illumination and the quality of the lens.
Who makes the best night vision monocular?
Many manufacturers exist each specialized to a particular price point of monocular. Some of the most reputable manufacturers of monoculars are; Bushnell ATN and Night Owl. ATN makes more expensive versions, but the Bushnell and Night Owl have products at all price points.
Conclusion
The list provided has some of the best monocular devices available on the market priced under $200. The different items on the list boast varying features and designs that you can choose based on your outdoor requirements. Conversely, the buying guide provided will help you make the right purchase. If what you need to get doesn’t exist on our list.
Read also: Types of night vision devices