Unlike other articles, we won’t make you wait to reveal our top pick. We won’t make anyone in a rush skip to the bottom for our conclusion. Instead, we’ll tell you right now! Our favorite product is the Bushnell LYNX.
There are many reasons why choosing the best night vision binoculars for you is important, and there are many different products out there. However, we have assembled a list of our top 6 criteria for choosing the best night vision devices for your needs.
We know it isn’t easy choosing a great pair of binoculars, especially on a budget. We understand your pain and we are coming to the rescue! After we cover what the best on the market has to offer, we will tell you our top choices under $500!
Whether a beginner or advanced binocular user, it’s always good to brush up on your knowledge before buying a new set. Even if you hate research, don’t worry! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you! Keep reading to discover what we found about our top 6 picks!
Our Top Six Night Vision Binoculars Under $500 in 2020
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Elite Buyer’s Criteria: Top 6 Things To Consider
When it comes to picking your perfect product, you have to know what you are looking for. Fortunately, we have put together a list for you! This section is especially important for those just getting into the night vision binocular market.
The top 6 most important factors to take into account are your environment, total gain, image quality, resolution, and binoculars versus monoculars. So come with us as we dig deeper into what makes each of these things so crucial to your selection!
 #1: Your Environment
 Where will you be when you use your night vision unit? This is a necessary question to ask yourself as you read through the reviews. Whether for hunting at home, or animal viewing on an African safari, it will affect what you need.
The first factor to think about is distance. How far away will the object be? Do you need to be able to see far on the safari? Or will the animals be near? Also, think about whether or not you want a device that records or takes photos. These are more expensive but worth considering.
Another thing to consider is the type of weather you will be having. Research the season you will be going to Africa. There is a rainy season! Also, think about when you will be hunting. Will it be freezing cold, snowing, or raining? Is there a chance of water damage?
 #2: Total Gain
Gain is the amount of light you are going to see when you look through your device. Those that want to use their night vision for hunting need a higher gain. However, they tend to run more expensive.
Keep in mind the higher magnification the lower the gain.
To combat this, you will need to invest in more expensive technology. For those that need to see 20/20 at night, a higher gain and higher magnification are worth the cost.
#3: Image Quality
Good image quality is key to seeing anything at night. For under $500, you can still get a very good quality image. Unfortunately, the best images come from expensive monoculars and binoculars. Fortunately, you don’t always need the image to be high definition!
Knowing how you are going to use the product is key to picking the right image quality for you. With the right combination of gain and clear environment, you won’t need as great of a number.
#4: Resolution
Having a good resolution is key to seeing a good image. The worse the resolution, the more distorted your vision will be. Additionally, the harder it will be to see images that are close together.
#5: Binoculars Versus Monoculars
Night vision binoculars and monoculars have some key differences. However, it really comes down to what you are most comfortable using.
- Binoculars are easier to use for beginners.
- Monoculars are usually less expensive and more versatile.
- Monoculars are typically more lightweight and portable.
- Binoculars allow for better depth perception due to the use of 2 lenses.
- Monoculars are best for security and short stints of viewing.
- Binoculars are best for sustained vision at night.
 — More Readings: Best Binoculars for Long Distance Viewing
Reviews of The Best Night Vision Binoculars Under $500
Some of the key things to look for as you read these reviews are your environment, total gain, image quality, resolution, and binoculars versus monoculars. Remember, these are the most important factors to think about as you read these reviews!
Here are the results of our research:
1. CREATIVEXP GlassOwl High-Tech Night Vision Binocular Review – Best Overall Pick
Generation 1 night vision device
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These night-vision goggles come from a brand renowned for creating high-quality optical equipment that are affordable yet effective. CREATIVEXP GlassOwl High-Tech Night Vision Binocular comes with a set of really useful features including a powerful non-glow Infrared illuminator. The good zoom and focus abilities maximize observation capabilities, these binoculars provide an exceptionally enlightened view without ambient light, which is something many affordable night vision binoculars cannot provide.
They are also comfortable and secure thanks to the great quality durable housing, which is ideal for a strong grip. The 2-inch viewing screen makes it easy to see the view with minimal eye strain. These binoculars have an exceptional zooming ability of 3.5 to 7X optical zoom along with 2X digital zoom allowing a clear view for up to 1300 ft.
Customer Impressions
- Powerful non-glow infra-red driven night vision technology makes it easy to see in complete darkness
- Users say that the package lacks a manual with instructions
- Affordable price for great performance
- Users can capture pictures and videos in complete darkness
2. Night Owl Pro Nexgen Night Vision Binocular Review -Â Best for Hunting
Extremely ergonomic for any face
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If you need to see far in your hunting endeavors, look no further than the Night Owl Pro Nexgen Night Vision Binocular. If a resolution is what you are looking for, these binoculars deliver. A 200-foot by 53-foot field of vision is no joke, either!
Now for the details. This Night Owl’s visual quality is brought to you by Generation 1 technology. This is the same as in our top pick. Also similar to the LYNX is the Nexgen’s infrared illuminator.
The Night Owl Nexgen is powered by a super strong 3-volt type 123 lithium battery. This will last from 40 to 80 hours.
Hint: the difference in time is due to infrared usage. Plenty of time to get in any hunting or other long-term surveillance activity!
In terms of size, this device is 8 inches long by 5.85 wide by 2.6 high inches. However, the impact resistant lens housing is well worth the greater measurement. You will be thankful for this if you are hiking through rocky territory!
Customer Impressions
- A comfortable padded neck strap is included.
- Extremely ergonomic for any face.
- The 5x magnification is amazing for the best views on wildlife tours.
- The SureFire Boxed Batteries are the best to use with a 10-year shelf life.
3. BNISE Military HD Binoculars Review -Â Best Budget Pick
best in the affordability category
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At under $110, the BNISE Military HD Binoculars win the best budget pick. Although not quite as high-quality as the first 2 binoculars on the list, it is the best we found in the affordability category. The 396-foot field of view isn’t too shabby, either!
 The BNISE binoculars are not just waterproof, but also fog proof. This can be extremely useful in a variety of climates and weather situations. The technology used to do this is a nitrogen gas inside of the lenses. Mountaineering and water activities can now be done at night!Â
In terms of durability, these binoculars do not disappoint! The body is coated with rubber to prevent lens breakage. Not only that, but it also serves to give the user a strong, ergonomic grip. In fact, BNISE is so confident in their product that they offer a worldwide lifetime warranty!
In keeping with the “military traditionâ€, the BNISE includes a directional compass and internal rangefinder scale. This is great for hunters because it tells you how far away you are from your desired object. It can also let you know the relative size of the object!
Customer Impressions
- Great for extreme outdoor activities.
- Comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
- It is convenient to carry at 7.95 x 2.56 x 5.71 inches.
- Great to carry in the VooDoo Tactical Binocular Case.
4. Bushnell Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Monocular Review -Â Best Budget MonocularÂ
hunt without being bogged down
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ÂBushnell’s Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Monocular is perfect for anyone that wants to hunt without being bogged down. The field of view is 20 feet at 1000 yards, which is nothing to scoff at. The illuminator can make for a final distance view of 500 feet.
In total, 4 AA batteries power this beast of a monocular. As with the binoculars, the Equinox X features multicoated glass objectives for a clear picture. Unlike the binoculars, this Bushnell is video out ready. Not to mention you can set it on a tripod for more steady viewing!
If you need a monocular that is waterproof and rugged, this unit fits the bill! It’s also perfect if you want to record video, capture images, and view…all at a distance! All you birdwatchers out there will love this product!
Customer Impressions
- Great for hunting across fields.
- The shutter speed is extremely quick so a tripod isn’t even necessary.
- Fits perfectly in jacket pockets for easy, lightweight portability.
- The Fomito Focus F1 Quick Rapid Shoulder Sling Belt Neck Strap is an extremely comfortable neck strap to use with this product.
5. Solomark Night Vision Monocular Review -Â Best Recording Monocular
Exploring to nighttime wildlife viewing
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Are you looking to make high-quality videos and recordings? If so, check out the Solomark Night Vision Monocular! It can see up to 328 feet/100 meters, making it perfect for anything from cave exploring to nighttime wildlife viewing. Even hunting is made easier!
Not only can you record, but you can also easily transfer the video to your smart TV or laptop. This is done using the not included 1G micro-SD card or the AV and USB functions. High tech and easy to use: what more could a night vision recorder want?
For expeditions where portability and weight matter the most, you will want the Solomark Monocular with you. It weighs less than 1 pound! This is great for backpacking trips or animal stalking. Even better, this night vision device is extremely compact at 5.8 x 4 x 1.85 inches.
The 4 AA batteries will work for 5 hours straight. Not only that, but the field of view is 14 degrees and you can adjust the sensitivity to let in more or less light. This is great if you are looking for a unit that you can use before and after dark.
 Customer Impressions
- The blue infrared illuminator is really cool.
- The Solomark Night Vision Monocular records details well.
- This monocular’s screen includes an integrated color LCD-screen.
- SanDisk Ultra 32GB is a perfect accessory for this Solomark.Â
6. HAIT Night Vision Goggles Digital HD Double Cylinder Review – Best Recording Monocular
Exploring to nighttime wildlife viewing
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HAIT is a brand that isn’t talked about a lot, but we believe that it is worth taking a serious look at because of the range and quality of products it has to offer. These night vision binoculars from them speak volumes about HAIT’s potential. This model incorporates a number of useful features that make viewing at night easier.
The stand-out aspect of any binoculars is the lens used, and on these HAIT Night Vision Goggles, the lenses are multi-coated to provide a clear and bright view through the high light transmission. The built-in screen offers a wider field of view, while also making the binoculars easy to use and comfortable.
These goggles can also capture photos and videos to view later on a larger screen. You can connect these binoculars to a PC monitor or TV via the AV connector.
The biggest gripes we have with these goggles are the weight and bulky design.
 Customer Impressions
- Support multiple power sources make is easy to use on the go
- Built-in large display screen reduces strain on the eyes
- Limited viewing area for the price
One Final Word
There is no denying the fact that there are several binocular brands and models available in the market. However, the real question is – do all of them provide the type of optical performance that you require or desire?
Overall, every single night vision tool on this list has something to offer. Based on our research, we believe you could be happy with any product on this list. However, we had to choose the best, and the best is the Bushnell LYNX Gen 1 Night Vision Binocular. We highly recommend selecting the binoculars that offer the best feature to price value.
Why?
- Affordable price.
- Water resistance.
- Quality materials.
- Wide field of view.
- 90 yards of resolution.
- Portable and lightweight.
Best Night Vision Binoculars Comparison Table
| Budget-friendly | Weatherproof | Durable | Neck Strap | Weight | Magnification | Illuminator | |
| LYNX | No | Yes | Yes | No | 1.06 lbs | 2.5x | Yes |
| Nexgen | No | No | Yes | Yes | 2.37 lbs | 5x | Yes |
| BNISE | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.87 lbs | 10x | Yes |
| Equinox Z | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 2.2 lbs | 6x | Yes |
| Solomark | Yes | No | Yes | No | 0.72 lbs | Upto 2x | Yes |
Fortunately for us, each of these top 6 devices under $500 can be found on Amazon.com. Simply follow the links to get started on your journey to 20/20 night vision!
