Looking for the best night vision monoculars for hunting? Look no further. This guide shines a light on the best monoculars with night vision capability and also includes an insightful buying guide to help you find the perfect optic for your hunting needs.
Technological advancements have revolutionized hunting and other outdoor recreation activities. Night vision has opened a new world of opportunities for hunters. Devices such as night vision scopes, night vision monoculars and night vision binoculars have made it possible for people to hunt predators, hogs and coyotes into the night.
Hunting at night or in critically poor light settings is easier said than done. It is hard to see the target clearly when you can see a thing in front of you and it is even hardest to know where to place the shot.
If you are a hunting enthusiast who prefers to hunt game at night, finding dependable hunting gear is key to having a successful hunting trip. In today’s post, we have a review of the best night vision monoculars that are ideal for hunting when the sun sets.
They are made using advanced night vision technologies to offer reliable performance even on the darkest, moonless nights. Without further ado, let’s take a look.
#1) Bestguarder 6x50mm HD Digital Night Vision Monocular
This Bestguarder 6x50mm HD Digital Night Vision Monocular is one of the best monoculars for hunting at night. It will help you see clearly in total darkness and also perform reliably under any weather condition.
One outstanding thing about this device is its dual functionality. It is designed to be used at night and during the day. It provides full-color image views during the day and black and white at night. Better yet, it comes with a built-in IR illuminator that increases your viewing range at night.
The monocular offers superb optical performance. It has a large 50mm aperture for increased resolution and low-light performance. On top of that, it has an anti-reflection blue coating that delivers clear and sharp views of the target. It also comes with an adjustable eyepiece for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Construction-wise, this monocular has robust housing that is IPX4 waterproof for use under any weather condition. Overall, this is a top-performing night vision monocular that will be an ideal helper when camping, fishing, observing wildlife and exploring the great outdoors, not just hunting.
Features
- IPX4 waterproof rating
- In-view 1.5inch TFT display
- 6x magnification
- Adjustable eyepiece
- Large 50mm aperture
- Multi-layer premium quality optical glass lens
Pros
- Day and night functionality
- Tripod mountable
- Easy to use
- Multi-purpose application
- Camera and camcorder function
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Daytime image colors are more vivid than real-life
#2) Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular
The Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular is a multi-purpose optic suitable for an unlimited range of applications. You can use it for hunting during the day or at night or for camping and hiking in addition to nature watching and exploring dark structures and caves and so on.
It features an enhanced infrared sensitivity and an ambient light amplification of 650 times. The clarity across the clean display is clear as crystal and with the distortion-free field of view you are guaranteed clear views of the target.
Additionally, this monocular has an IR illuminator that adjusts its intensity depending on the lighting condition for optimum illumination. The monocular comes with an all-glass lens and a fixed 2.6x magnification.
The large objective lens helps focus on the distant targets while ensuring that you get a wide viewing angle. Furthermore, the monocular is built to last. There are no fragile vacuum tubes and it is designed in a manner that it won’t get damaged if exposed to bright light.
Above all, it has an ultralight design of just 19.1oz and a compact size that will fit perfectly in the palm of your hand.
Features
- Intelligent and undistorted infrared emitter
- Edge-to-edge display resolution
- Light amplification adjustment from 300x to 10,000x
- Programmable time-out features
- All glass lens
- 2/6x magnification
- Distortion-free field of view
Pros
- Automatic IR intensity adjustment
- Value for money
- Tripod mountable
- Lightweight and compact design
- Day and night use
- Robust construction
Cons
- Batteries not included
#3) Sightmark Photon XT 6.5x50L Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Photon XT 6.5x50L is a digital night vision riflescope that can also be used during the day. It delivers a higher 6.5x optical magnification so you can observe targets even at extended ranges.
This scope is made to offer unmatched performance at night and during the day. It is equipped with an integrated IR illuminator which increases your viewing range at night.
Furthermore, it has a light filter on the lens cap which enhances image clarity during the day. It also comes with 6 reticle patterns that are ideal for use in different environments and an adjustable eyepiece that aids in sharp reticle focusing.
This rifle scope is built like a tank. It will stand up to anything you subject it to. Furthermore, it is simple to operate even for beginners. Its detection range in typical nighttime environments is 220 yards and you can use it for security applications and general observation not just hunting.
Features
- Built-in IR illuminator
- Digital reticle with 6 patterns
- Eyepiece adjustment ring
- High-resolution display
- Digital windage and elevation adjustment
- Robust and reliable aluminum construction
- 5 magnification
Pros
- Day and night use
- Excellent image clarity and brightness
- Long battery life when IR is on
- Easy to mount using standard riflescope mount
- Resistant to light exposure
Cons
- Manual IR illumination adjustment
- A poor battery when using the IR illuminator
#4) AGM Global Vision Wolf-14 Night Vision Monoculars
Another best night vision monoculars for hunting is the AGM Global Vision Wolf-14. It delivers superior performance even in complete darkness where you can see an inch ahead. It is packed with top-tech features ideal for hunting, but it is equally ideal for law enforcement and security applications.
You can use the Wolf-14 NVM as a hand-held device or mount it on your head or helmet for hands-free use. It comes with a specialized mount that makes it easy to mount and detach. Alternatively, you can use it with your rifle and mount it in front of a camera or camcorder and use it to capture every single moment of your hunting trip.
With a weight of just 1lb/0.46kg, this monocular has a manageable weight for ease of use. It is powered by a 1 CR123A battery that operates for 40 hours at 20°C and has an automatic shut-off system that helps preserve the battery.
Features
- 40 degrees field of view
- Built-in infrared illuminator
- Bright light cut-off circuitry
- High-performance Gen 2 image intensifier tubes
- Automatic shut-off system
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy to use
- Ideal for use in a wide range of temperatures
- Head, helmet and weapon mountable
Cons
- No manual gain
- Costly
#5) T-EAGLE Night Vision Monocular
T- EAGLE Night Vision Monocular delivers high-quality views of targets regardless of the light settings. It has a CMOS sensor that delivers ultra-clear views and an 8x optical magnification for bringing you closer to distant targets.
This night vision monocular is suitable for use at night and during the day as well. It is made with a fully multi-coated lens that increases light transmission and minimizes glare for comfortable glassing.
It also comes with an infrared illuminator for observing targets clearly in totally dark conditions. With the IR illuminator on, this monocular provides a detection range of up to 656 feet.
Another outstanding feature of this device is its robust construction. It has rugged rubber armor with stripes for a secure grip even when wearing gloves.
Additionally, it has tight-fitting protection that makes it sturdy enough to stand up to anything nature throws at it. It is also sealed to prevent the entry of moisture and dust, and nitrogen filled to be fogproof.
The other noteworthy features included are a built-in 1.5-inch TFT screen, rechargeable battery and a great video-out capability.
Features
- 1-8x digital zoom and 8x optical magnification
- 35mm objective lens
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Built-in 1.5-inch TFT screen
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Rugged rubber armor
- High screen resolution
Pros
- Rechargeable battery
- Wide field of view
- Day and night use
- Lightweight design
- Outstanding optical clarity
- Excellent video out capability
Cons
- Resolution not great
Further Reading
- Night Vision Scope for Hunting
- Best Thermal Scopes for 200 Yards
- Best Reflex Sight for Deer Hunting
- Thermal Scopes for Hog Hunting
- Best Thermal Scopes for Coyote Hunting
What Makes a Great Night Vision Monoculars for Hunting?
A great night vision monocular for hunting is made of numerous attributes. Firstly, it should have an IR illuminator that is non-removable. An IR illuminator plays a big role when hunting at night. It broadens your vision by increasing your detection range.
Secondly, the night vision monocular should be built ready for hunting. It should have robust and rigid housing to stand up to rough handling. Moreover, it should offer reliable performance under any weather condition.
Lastly, the monocular should be easy to use. It should have a lightweight design for easy carrying in the field. On top of that, it should offer a large field of view that is handy for simple target spotting and identification.
Related Post: Best Thermal Scopes for Hog Hunting
How to Choose the Best Night Vision Monoculars for Hunting
Here are some of the key factors you should pay keen attention to when looking for the best night vision monoculars for hunting.
Optics Quality
To have a successful hunting trip, you need a monocular that offers excellent optical quality. Monoculars made with high-quality all-glass lens offer excellent resolution and image sharpness.
If the monocular has dual functionality, ensure that it provides crisp and quality views at night and during the day. It should have fully multi-coated optics for bright and color-rich views of the target during the day.
Magnification
The magnification in a monocular will determine how far you will be able to observe targets. If you are looking to hunt games at extended ranges, ensure that you pick a model that has a high magnification power. Magnification is usually represented by the first number in a monocular configuration.
Durability
A durable monocular is a reliable monocular. Hunting is rough, especially at night. So, you will want your monocular to be sturdy and rigid enough to handle anything that you throw at it.
With so many models to choose from, go for a model that is crafted using high-end materials like aluminum. It will also be an added advantage if the monocular has ruggedized rubber armoring.
Weatherproofing
Hunting takes place outdoors and weather conditions can change abruptly while you are still in the field looking for a game. When it comes to the best night vision monocular for hunting, it should perform reliably under any weather condition.
It should be sealed to prevent the entry of dust, moisture and any other debris, and filled with dry nitrogen or argon gas to keep the lens fog free.
Price
The other factor you should pay attention to is price. Setting a budget first before you head out to the market will help prevent impulse buying. When it comes to the best night vision monoculars for hunting, it is best to invest in a quality product even if it requires you to pay more.
Such models offer excellent night vision performance. You will also find that high-end model often have dual functionality. This means that you get a model that you can use for other applications like wildlife watching during the day and hunting, surveillance and more when the sun sets.
Read: Best LPVO for AR 15
Best Night Vision Monoculars for Hunting FAQs
Q: Which is Better for Hunting, Binocular or Monocular?
Both binoculars and monoculars have their pros and cons when it comes to hunting. Binoculars provide more comfortable views, especially when you are hunting for many hours. They are also ideal for long-range hunting, but they are bulky, heavier and more expensive than monoculars.
Monoculars, on the other hand, are light, compact and ready to use. They are twice versatile compared to binoculars and cheaper. But they cause eye fatigue more than binoculars do.
Q: How Far Can You See with a Monocular?
This depends on the monoculars you are using. With a high-powered and high-quality monocular, you can have a clear view of a target that is as far as 1000m, even in low light conditions. But to see up to this far, the monocular should have the best of the best optics.
Q: What is the Best Magnification for a Monocular?
The ideal magnification for a monocular largely depends on individual needs and preferences. For hunting, a monocular with a magnification range of 6x to 10x will do.
Conclusion
The best night vision monocular for hunting will depend on your preference, hunting style and skills. We do hope that you have found this article helpful and insightful.
All the monoculars listed above have different qualities, but they all perform admirably well when it comes to hunting. Grab any one of them and see it transform your hunting at night.