Best Night Vision Monocular For Hunting Guide & Review
Hunters who scan the area after dark or start the hunt before the break of dawn understand the value of a high quality monocular. This device allows hunters to see in the darkness. Not all of them are created equally. The best night vision monocular for hunting provides a clear view of objects is the darkness, but it also offers an extra long range , to see further into the distance.
What is night vision technology?
Night vision technology allows humans to see better in low light conditions or total darkness through the use of a specialized device. Night vision goggles, binoculars and monocular devices are the most common types that are used by civilians. Night vision is achieved through two technologies including thermal technology and image intensification. Thermal technology detects changes in heat or temperature and intensification amplifies any available light. Monocular devices are generally based on image intensification principles.
Who Needs a Monocular with Night Vision Capabilities?
Anyone who drives a vehicle such as an ATV, or other off-road vehicle, or flies an aircraft at night can benefit from the use of a night vision device. Night vision illuminates the landscape and allows visual detection of images that exist in the darkness. Graveyard shift security guards, law enforcement officers, military personnel performing night time maneuvers and others in similar occupations, depend on the ability to see potential dangers in low light situations. Hunters observing nocturnal animals need a monocular with night vision capabilities to see wildlife before the animals see them and hide.
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Bushnell Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Monocular |
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Solomark Night Vision Monocular
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Gemtune WG-50 6x50mm HD Digital Night Vision Monocular |
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Firefield 5x50 Nightfall 2 Night Vision Monocular |
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Armasight Spark Multi-Purpose Night Vision Monocular |
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Bestguarder 6x50mm HD Digital Night Vision Monocular |
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Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular |
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BARSKA NVX100 3x Night Vision Monocular with Built in Camera |
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Xgen 2.1x Digital Night Vision Viewer |
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Firefield FF16001 NVRS 3x 42mm Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope |
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Ten best night vision monocular for hunting
The Bushnell Equinox Z lights up the night with high quality optical clarity and a high level of illumination over a broad range. It comes packed with useful features that make it the ideal night vision monocular for hunters or wildlife enthusiasts.
Features
The Solomark Night Vision Monocular lets you see in the dark or record images or videos, thanks to the blue infrared illumintator.
Features and benefits
The Gemtune WG-50 is the digital night vision monocular that offers high definition quality and the ultimate in illumination in low light conditions.
Features and benefits
When daylight fades, stay in touch what's happening in your environment in all lighting conditions with the Firefield 5x50 Nightfall 2.
Features and benefits
Discover the difference that Gen 2 and Gen 3 technology can make in the quality and performance of this night vision multiple purpose device. It's a necessity for hunters, campers or wildlife observers.
Features and benefits
The Bestguarder offers the ultimate in optical clarity for night viewing with high magnification and camera/camcorder functions. .
Features and benefits
This highly sophisticated monocular uses innovative and advanced night vision technology to deliver high performance and rugged toughness for reliability.
Features and benefits
See what's out there after the sun sets with the Barska NVX100, the essential tool for campers and hunters.
Feature & benefits
Enhance night time viewing with Night Owl optic xGen digital night vision viewer with the latest innovations offered at a reasonable price.
Feature & benefits
The Firefifeld Night Vision Riflescope gives night time hunters the edge of seeing objects clearly in the dark. Don't set up camp without this hunting essential.
Feature & benefits
How do Night Vision Devices Work?
The process involved in night vision technology may sound complicated, but it's really simple. Light is made of photons which are light particles which come in all colors. Even dim light in a totally dark environment exists . These photons enter the lens of thee front off thee device and strike a structure in the surface called a photocathode. This component is highly sensitive to light. It converts thee photons into electrons, which are amplified by a photoelectric cell inside. As each electron enters the photoelectric cell, causes many more electrons to exit. This hits a phosphor and causes minute light flashes. This is a basic explanation of how night vision works.
Key Features of Night Vision Monoculars
Optical Quality
Before settling on a night vision monocular, it's important to make comparisons, to get the best possible quality for the price you are willing to pay. Some feature better optical quality so you can see objects in the darkness better. In general, the higher the cost, the better the quality of the images viewed. Look for a monocular with a lower magnification and a higher gain for the best optical quality. Experts recommend for thermal, a resolution of 640 x 480 for the best quality, but most people can get by with a 240 x 180.
Lens Coating
An optical lens should be coated with layers of magnesium fluoride. This cuts down on glare that is caused by reflection and reduces the loss of light. The monocular you choose should be coated with multiple layers to be effective. Those that are not coated will not perform as well as the ones that do. Lens coatings are also responsible for delivering higher concentrations of light for the night vision, so those with multiple layers are likely to provide a brighter form of night vision.
Magnification
Magnification is the extent that an object is enlarged. When you read through the specifications and compare monoculars, you will notice that many of them have different values listed. When you see a 10x50, for example, this unit magnifies the objects you're looking at by ten times and the 50 indicates that there is a 50mm objective lens.
Photos and Videos
Some digital night vision monoculars come fully equipped with built in cameras and camcorders. Many also include the various storage devices such as SD cards, and the cables needed to transfer images and recorders to external devices. If you're interested in taking high quality photos and videos, then it will be important to pay close attention to the specifications. Some units come fully packed with HD image capturing features, while others do not.
Monocular Size And Weight
Night vision monoculars come in a variety of sizes and weights. While many are compact and light enough to carry around in a shirt or pants pocket, but some are larger, including monocular night vision rifle scopes. Before making your purchase, consider choosing a unit that best meets your needs.
Battery Life
These devices are most often battery powered. It's always a good idea to check on the battery type and size requirements. Non-alkalines are the best. Some monocular units, including high tech digital versions may use up battery life at a more rapid rates, so it pays to shop around and fine a unit that offers the lowest possible battery drain. Typically, the ones that perform with most functions, drain the batteries the fastest.
Types of Night Vision
Binoculars
A night vision binocular is a viewing device that features two eyepieces and has built in magnification. On the plus side, they offer magnification along with night vision for both eyes, but the down side is that they are far heavier than some of the other types of night vision devices.
Monoculars
A monocular is a device that is made for use with a single eye, vs the two used for the binocular. They are often much smaller and lighter than the other night vision types. A benefit of owning a monocular over thee other types is that they are usually multi function and can be used in a variety of situations, including mounting them to a rifle scope. They are also small enough to carry in a pocket.
Goggles
Night vision goggles, like binoculars, offer viewing with both eyes at the same time, but these devices usually have no type of magnification. They can be worn on the head to free the hands for doing other things. Some goggles come with stereo vision for enhanced depth perception.
Scopes
Night vision scopes are useful for hunters who are out and about either after dark or before sunrise. They help hunters to see animals in the dark when scouting. Scopes are usually mounted on a rifle, and used to site in on prey.
Tips for Using Night Vision
When using night vision, there are some things that you should be aware of. It's easy to make mistakes if you're a new user, and here are a few ideas on how to avoid them.
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
One of the most important things you can do is to read thee manufacturer's instructions for the maintenance and care of these devices. If you don't have one, it's good idea to find it online. This expensive unit needs to be well cared for to extend the life. Many of the internal components are delicate and easily damaged. Protect your device from extreme heat, cold and moisture. You can apply weatherproofing to yours but it's an even better idea to purchase one that is built to hold up under rough weather conditions . Finally, try to avoid excessive run time, because this leads to wear and tear on the device.
FAQ: About Night Vision Monocular
Q. How far you can use night vision monocular?
A. This question is difficult to answer, because the advertised viewing ranges are all over the board. In general, it's possible to see in total darkness with night vision assistance devices between 70 and 350 yards, depending on the brand, type and model. Check the specifications prior to purchase for the estimated range.
Q. Can I shoot by monocular?
A. In some areas it is legal to shoot using a monocular in the daytime, but there are restrictions for night time use. It's always a good idea to check the local laws and regulations governing monocular use.
Q. Can you use a night vision monocular with a rifle scope?
A. Yes, if you have the right type you can mount it on a rifle scope. It's always important to check the local regulations to make sure that it's legal in your area.
Q. What are some precautions to using Night Vision?
A. The most important are to maintain awareness of your location, your situation, and avoid believing that predatory animals cannot see you as well as you can see them. Be careful when walking or driving because depth perception may be affected.
Q. How does Night Vision work?
A. Night vision works by two different methods. It enhances vision in low light and dark situations through thermal imaging by detecting infrared light and detailing temperature patterns creating a thermogram. This is converted into electric impulses which are processed and sent to a display of the image. The light amplification method, which is the most common works by small amounts of light being converted into electrical energy. The electrons pass to a multiplier, then bounce off a phosphor screen and are converted to light which the viewer sees.
Q. Are thermal scopes legal in USA?
A. They are legal in some states, but not in others. Check your local laws and regulations.Conclusion
Night vision monocular devices are available in a variety of brands and models. We've presented the top ten best night vision monocular options for your consideration. Each offers different features and benefits, but all come highly recommended by users who were pleased with their performance. When browsing through this collection, consider your needs and preferences before making your final selection.