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Best Night Vision Monoculars Under 200
In this article I take a close look at 4 night vision devices to see which is the best night vision monocular under $200.
The first 3 scopes are digital devices that use IR illumination (infrared) providing light for the image sensor.
Images for the digital scopes are black and white during nighttime. Daytime images are color when a filter is applied.
The 4th and final monocular in this comparison guide is a more traditional style scope using generation 1 technology to intensify available light. The image on the Night Owl is “green scale” as seen in military grade night vision scopes.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bushnell Equinox 5x32mm Night Vision Monocular - X650
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The name Bushnell is well known for both trail cameras and optics. This digital night vision monocular is their entry level device.
If you’re looking to view critters in the backyard or for security around a property at night the X650 does the job well at this price point.
For those of you who want to spot game animals at night I’d suggest looking at Bushnell’s Z series night vision optics instead of the X650.
There is a built in IR illuminator (Infrared) which lights up objects at night. If you’re not familiar with infrared and how it works check this article out.
As the name suggests the X650 is advertised to illuminate up to 650 feet. In most real world environments you won’t get anywhere near that distance of viewing. I’d say at best expect a viewing range of around half that distance.
At around 100 yards if you have the X650 mounted via the ¼ inch 20 screw insert at the base of the monocular onto a tripod or even a monopod you can view animals with ease.
There is a daytime filter for full color observation but the quality is poor compared to a traditional optical spotting scope. So I’d suggest using the latter during the day, however it’s still a nice feature to have just in case you need it.
For those who wear glasses, the focus ring on the 5X zoom lens can be tricky to adjust to gain a sharp image, so that’s a consideration.
You can of course record video onto the supplied micro SD card. Video resolution is VGA 640 x 480 which is very low quality. Still pictures are reasonable quality at 3 megapixels (2048 x 1536). All night images are black and white.
This monocular is powered by 3 AA batteries which come supplied. If you have the IR illumination on full power level 9 setting then the batteries don’t last more than an hour.
Overall, for an entry level digital night vision device the X650 is worth considering. You’ll have to pay a lot more, perhaps double to see a real improvement in nighttime performance.
Adjustable IR Illuminator level 1-9
Daytime lens
VGA video resolution
- Day or night viewing
- Tripod-mounting adaptor
- Micro SD card image storage
- 5X fixed optical zoom
- 8X digital zoom
- Weight 13.8 oz
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BOBLOV 32GB Night Vision Monocular 5x8 Optics Scope
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Although the Boblov would be regarded as an entry level night vision monocular it performs a lot better than you’d think. This is a serious piece of kit.
Don’t be put off by the slightly bulky look to the device in the pictures, it actually sits in the hand comfortably and weighs only 300 grams. This makes it easy to use for prolonged periods without fatigue.
The business end of this monocular has a fixed 5X optical lens, plus there’s an additional digital 8X zoom giving a maximum 40 times magnification.
The digital zoom isn’t great, it has to be said, things get quite blurry and a lot of image noise is present. Fortunately the fixed 5X optical magnification works well up to around 150 yards.
The focus ring has a smooth action to it which is good as you will need to adjust the focus frequently while scouting around at distance between objects.
At the base of the unit is a standard ¼-20 tripod screw insert to attach to both a monopod or tripod. I suggest using one for extended periods inside a hide or blind.
It comes with a lithium-ion 14500 type rechargeable battery which provides up to 1.5 hours of power with the IR illumination switched on.
I would have preferred power to be supplied from an AA battery, however spare 14500 rechargeable batteries aren’t too hard to find online and I’d suggest having at least one with you if you plan on spending extended time scouting.
Supplied with the monocular is a 16GB micro SD, a small zip up carry case, instruction booklet and a micro USB charge cable.
The scope will take an SD card up to 32GB capacity for storing both video and still pictures. Daytime images are poor quality, but nighttime video which is in black and white of course is reasonably good for a scope of this price range.
Out of the 2 scopes we’ve looked at so far the Boblov is the best performing. There is no daylight filter and the still images recorded onto the SD card are poor quality.
However, for nighttime observation this scope does the job very well with clear black and white imagery. Just expect to be using the focus wheel a lot to keep objects sharp and in focus.
Quality images up to 150 yards
Comfortable to hold in hand
No daytime filter
- IR illuminator
- Tripod mounting adapter
- 32GB micro SD card capactity
- 14500 lithium-ion rechargeable battery
- Weight 300 grams
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
ESSLNB Night Vision Monocular 5X40 Infrared Monocular
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The company ESSLNB has been around since 2012. They specialize in astronomical optics, spotting scopes and have 3 night vision devices in their product range.
This model is the ES1101 5X40 night vision infrared monocular, although an entry level model it does offer reasonably good performance for nighttime scouting and observation.
Magnification is provided by a fixed 5X optical zoom lens, plus an 8X digital zoom. Like the Boblov we looked at earlier, the digital zoom is poor and not much more than a marketing feature.
For those who wear glasses the diopter adjustment on the eyepiece works well to ensure a sharp image is maintained during operation.
In terms of ergonomics and how it feels in hand. The ESSLNB is well thought out. I like the button layout at the top of the device which is easy to operate after getting used to the controls.
Video and still pictures are stored on a micro SD card. Video resolution is at 640 x 480 pixels which is quite frankly very low quality. Having said that it’s enough to tell an 8 point buck at 100 yards plus.
Supplied with this monocular:
- 1x AV Video Cable
- 1x USB Cable
- 1X 16GB TF card
- 1x Power Adapter
- 1x Pouch and Accessory Bag
- 1x Operating Instructions
- 1x Hand Grip Strap
- 1x Battery
- 1x Cleaning Cloths
My final thoughts on the ESSLNB is that it’s not a bad performing night vision monocular. I’d suggest taking a look at the scope if you’re looking for a budget device. I’d still choose the Boblov over the ESSLNB though.
Compact design
Comes supplied with extensive accessories
Poor video quality
- 14500 3.7V/750mAH Battery
- Ultra-low-lighting CMOS
- Field of view: 5 °x 3.75°
- Minimum illuminance: 0.01 lux
- Visible distance in low-lighting: 2.5m – infinity under natural starlight
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Night Owl Optics 5-Power Night Vision Monocular
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Compared to the other 3 night vision devices in this article, this is the only scope that uses a more traditional generation 1 light intensifying approach to night illumination.
Generation 1 scopes use available light, however low and intensify the image up to 500 times. You’ll notice the image is a green scale type as seen in military devices.
Having said that, military night vision scopes are generation 3, costing 10s of thousands.
The Night Owl does have a small IR illuminator which runs off a CR123 rechargeable battery. Battery life is pretty good from 45 to 100 hours use.
Optics are 5X fixed magnification with a smooth action diopter for eyesight adjustment, plus a large rubber focus ring on the large 50mm lens.
Field of view at 200 feet is 39 ft which is ideal for spotting critters and game at night. Performance wise the green style image may suit those who find the black and white image generated by digital scopes harsh on their eyes after prolonged use.
There is no video or still picture recording with this monocular. This is an “old school” style scope with basic features for scouting at night.
Good build quality
50mm lens
No video or picture recording
- 500x light amplification.
- Magnification: 5x, Lens
- Diameter: 50 mm,
- Dimensions (inches): 7.75L x 3.79W x 2.48H
- Weight (without batteries): 16 oz,
- Power Supply (not included): One 3-Volt Lithium Battery
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
Out fo the 4 scopes here in this comparison guide the Boblov gets my vote as the best all round.
A honerable mention to the Bushnell and the ESSLNB. The ESSLNB edges it between those 2 scopes due to it’s competative price and slightly better performace at distance.
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