Best Night Vision Monocular Under $500 In 2023 – Guide & Reviews

Human beings lack good night vision and this is why we supplement our vision with night vision devices. In as much as we can use white light at night, having a night vision device is a better approach to illuminate your path and help you view or walk safely.

Night vision monoculars are expensive devices that cost higher as compared to the normal optics. What if I told you that you can get the best night vision monocular under 500?

You don't really have to break your bank to enjoy the performance of a high-quality night vision monocular. These devices were initially used by the military but today they are common among hunters, shooters, preppers, police offices among other outdoor enthusiasts.

To help you shop online, we have reviewed top 5 night vision monoculars under 500 bucks. We have also included a buyer's guide to help you if you are buying for the first time. After checking our reviews and guide, you will have an idea of which model to buy.

Best Night Vision Monocular Under 500 Dollars - Comparison

N.B: Price in between $500!

Best Night Vision Monocular Under 500 Dollars

Purchasing a night vision device is not easy especially if you want a multipurpose device to suit various night activities. The following are reviews of top night vision monoculars under 500 that will give you the performance you want.

1. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular Review

If you spend most of your time outdoors viewing, having a handheld magnified optic can help you see things that are far. The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular is a great device that is ergonomic and designed for tactical use.

This monocular comes with a monocular strap and a carrying case so you have everything that you need to begin. 

This monocular offers you with a 10x magnification which is above the average 8x. Here are more features of this device.

Optical Clarity:

One of the major considerations that you should check when you are buying a monocular is the quality of images. This monocular has Bak-4 roof prisms that offer you with excellent optical clarity even when you are viewing objects that are far. Additionally, it has fully multicoated lenses that prevent glare and fogging. You only see clear and bright images even under poor weather conditions.

ED Prime Glass:

This is an important feature that works well to reduce color dispersion. Even on the longest range, you can always get the best color detail. It also features a comfortable eye relief of 15.2mm and a comfortable twist eye cup design making it perfect even for sunglass wearers.

Light Transmission:

With the 42mm objective lens, you can expect more light transmission during the day and in low light situations. So, if you love viewing the moon, stars or viewing birds and wildlife, this device will work amazingly well.

Tripod Mount:

It features a tripod mount if you are viewing for a longer period. You don't need to buy a tripod adapter to mount the monocular on the tripod. It features a removable tripod socket which is easy to remove if you want to.

Important Features:

  • Waterproof and fog proof construction
  • Comfortable twist-up eyecups
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • 10x magnification
  • ED prime glass

Pros:

  • It is durable
  • Provides a field of view of 340 ft from 1000 yards
  • Features a compact and waterproof design
  • Clear and bright images
  • Has Picatinny rail for accessories
  • Comfortable twist eyecups
  • Tripod compatible

Cons:

  • The eyecups would have been improved
  • It is expensive

2. Yukon Advanced Optics NV 5x60 Night Vision Monocular

Yukon Advanced Optics NV 5x60 Night Vision Monocular Review

Yuko provides you with another awesome monocular that meets your night viewing needs. Get the Yukon Advanced Optics NV 5x60 Night Vision Monocular and enjoy quality night vision images. 

This is a monocular with pretty balanced optics and ideal for short and long term observation.

Large Objective Lens:

The 60mm objective lens plays a huge role in gathering more light and increasing the transmission of light. This means that you can get clear images even when you are viewing in low light conditions.

Compact and Durable:

With a budget of less than 500 bucks, you should get a quality night vision monocular that is versatile. This model is lightweight, compact and designed to last. This makes it a perfect selection for a wide range of night activities like hiking, camping, surveillance or general night observation.

Long Range Viewing:

The monocular has a powerful magnification of 5x that makes it easy to achieve long-range viewing. Additionally, you will enjoy a wider field of view of up to 12 degrees. You can either choose to use the monocular as a handheld device or mount it to a tripod for long term viewing.

Image Quality:

You can expect clear and crisp images regardless of the viewing condition. It features fully multi-coated lens that has anti-reflective properties to allow effective light transmission. Furthermore, it has a built-in IR illuminator that offers a range of 100m to help you see in complete darkness.

Important Features:

  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Extra high magnification
  • Wide field of view
  • Large aperture objective lens
  • 5x magnification
  • Fully multi-coated lens
  • Built-in IR illuminator

Pros:

  • Provides crisp and clear images
  • It is tripod mountable
  • Compact making it easy to travel
  • Perfect for long-term observation
  • The monocular works well at night
  • Features an ergonomic design
  • Fog and water resistant

Cons:

  • No negative reviews so far

3. Firefield FF24063 4x50-mm Night-Vision Monocular

Firefield FF24063 4x50-mm Night-Vision Monocular Review

Firefield is another well-known brand when it comes to producing quality optics. If you want to boost your nighttime visibility, get the Firefield FF24063 4x50-mm Night-Vision Monocular.

The main benefit of using this device is that you only use one eye so the other eye can maintain peripheral vision. This means that you enjoy both the night visibility and peripheral vision.

Clear and Bright Images:

If your device doesn't provide you with clear images, then you might not get the performance you want especially if you are hunting. This monocular is designed with multi-coated optics and high-resolution intensifiers that offer clear and bright images.

Built-in Infrared Illumination:

Seeing at night is one of the qualities that we humans don't have. But with the help of night vision technology, nothing can prevent you from seeing your target. The monocular has infrared illumination so you can expect clear images whether there is complete darkness or low light conditions.

Ergonomic Design:

Your overall comfort is crucial so you need a monocular that is comfortable and easy to use. The monocular features a modern design which makes it for you to view longer without any issues. This makes the tool a great addition in your arsenal.

Durability:

You want to have a device that can withstand any outdoor condition. The Bushnell monocular features a durable rubber armored body and a lightweight frame. It is also water and fog resistance so you don't have to worry about any weather condition.

Important Features:

  • Features an ergonomic design
  • Quality and high-resolution images
  • Built-in infrared illumination
  • Multicoated Optics

Pros:

  • Perfect for hunting and night observation
  • Easy to maintain peripheral vision
  • Batteries last longer
  • Crisp and clear images
  • Good for the price

Cons:

  • Has a little vision area
  • The infrared is not powerful

4. ESSLNB Night Vision Monocular 5X40

ESSLNB Night Vision Monocular 5X40 Review

The ESSLNB Night Vision Monocular is a useful device when it comes to various nocturnal activities like hunting, camping, surveillance, wildlife observation fishing and much more.

Apart from the monocular, you will also get other important accessories in the package which include AV video cable, USB cable, battery, 8GB TF card, power adapter, operating instruction, cleaning cloth, hand grip strap, pouch and accessory bag.

Built-in IR Illuminator:

This monocular provides black/ white images and video when you are viewing at night. It features a built-in illumination that helps you see clearly in total darkness to a range of 656 feet. Additionally, it features a CCD auxiliary lighting that ensure you get clear and bright images.

Fully Multi-coated Objectives:

It features a broadband coating technology to help you get nice color and clarity. The large objective lens diameter provides higher brightness to improve the overall image quality. You can easily turn the focusing handwheel to achieve clear images.

On top of that, the device features a diopter adjustment handwheel that allow you to adjust sharp optics to meet your vision requirements. It features an environment-friendly eyepiece that fits your eye comfortably.

Day And Night Use:

Not only can you use this monocular at night but also during the day. It can take daytime color image and quality videos in black and white. With the 1-8x digital zoom, it is easy to zoom your objects to achieve a wider view.

Easy Battery Installation:

The device is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery and it comes with a charger. It has environmental protection and energy saving which enables the battery to last longer. Changing the batteries is easy because you just need to unbolt the battery cover and then put the new battery and keep the negative electrodes at the bottom.

Comfortable Wristband:

Sometimes the device can slip off from your hands if you don't have wristband to hold it securely. This portable and lightweight monocular has a wristband that is comfortable to hold. This means that you can enjoy more flexibility and security when you are viewing your targets.

Important Features:

  • 1.5 inch TFT LCD
  • Fully Multi-coated Objectives
  • Infrared Auxiliary Light
  • Threaded tripod mount and weaver rail
  • 5X optical magnification

Pros:

  • Comes with useful accessories
  • Easy to view in total darkness
  • Larger objective lens provides more brightness
  • Can be used at night and during the day
  • Comes with handful accessories
  • Comfortable eyepiece

Cons:

  • Complaints of dead battery

5. Night Owl Xgen Xgenpro 3x Digital Night Vision Viewer

Night Owl Xgen Xgenpro 3x Digital Night Vision Viewer Review

If you want to spend more than 100 bucks to enjoy military grade performance, the Night Owl XgenXgenpro 3x viewer is my top recommendation.

This is a digital device meaning that you can use it during the day and at night without worrying about damaging the device. The device works well, it is easy to use and you can easily adjust your viewing. 

Other great features that you will enjoy include the following:

Infrared Illuminator:

Night vision devices help you see at night because your eyesight is limited. However, not all models will offer an impressive performance in total darkness. To ensure that you achieve clear images in complete darkness and low light conditions, it is equipped with an infrared illuminator so you can see up to 100 yards.

Compact And Lightweight:

When you are looking for a night vision viewer, you need a comfortable model that can help you view comfortably for a long period. You also want a unit that you can carry easily when outdoors. This model features a lightweight construction so you will not feel fatigued for longer views. Again, it comes with a convenient carry case for easy storage and transportation.

Multi-purpose:

A good night vision device should allow you to use it in a wide range of nocturnal activities. This is exactly what this device provides because its use is not limited. Whether you love camping, hiking, hunting and scouting at night, this viewer works well. Moreover, the fact that it is a digital device helps you use it during the day and night.

Precise Focus:

The eyepiece and the objective focusing control provide you with precise focusing on your target objects at different distances. You can easily see your targets up to 100 yards.

Important Features:

  • Has infrared illuminator
  • Adjustable frame rate
  • 3x-6x magnification
  • Digital technology
  • 200 ft field of view

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Comes with a carrying case
  • It is compact and lightweight
  • Can identify targets up to 100 yards
  • Multi-purpose device
  • Easy to read instructions

Cons:

  • Complaints of narrow view
  • You can't turn off the IR enhancer

Things To Consider Before Buying A Night Vision Monocular Under $500

There are some important things that you should check out when choosing a night vision monocular under 500. Of course, you don't want to settle on an inferior product while there are quality products on the market. These tips will guide you as you shop for the right night vision monocular.

  • Compact and Lightweight: It is important to check the size and the weight of the monocular so that you can be comfortable when you are using it. For instance, if you need a night vision monocular for hunting, look for a model that is lightweight and compact. This also applies if you are going out for night fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife observation or any long term viewing.
  • Tripod: This is another great aspect that you should check but it will depend on how you want to use the device. If you plan to view from a static place for a longer time, I would recommend you to look for a monocular that comes with a tripod mount.
  • IR illuminator: Most of the night vision devices are compatible with the real IR light. You should also check whether the device can be attached to an external illuminator. Some monoculars feature a built-in IR illuminator that provides more clarity. If your model doesn't have one, you can choose the handheld options.
  • Video Recording: If you are using your monocular for observation purposes, a model with a video output will help you target comfortably. Police can also record when it comes to evidence collection.
  • Magnifiers: Some models allow threaded magnifier adapter to offer some power to make the monocular a more observable device. The magnifiers offer 2x magnification level, and to use the magnifier, the tube must have an internal threading system.
  • Source of Power: These devices can be powered by one AA battery or 2 CR123 batteries. It is great to look for batteries that hold charge longer so that you can use the device for more than one patrol. Look for battery packs that you can easily attach on your rifle or helmet system and can provide power to the device for about 22 hours.
  • Auto-Gating Unit: This is another extra feature that you should check because it compensates for interference by bright light. Additionally, it prevents the device for being damaged by the bright light. Most high-end models like gen 3 device have this feature to protect your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use a night vision monocular in daylight?

A: basically, you can't use them in daylight. This is because when you expose the device to the daylight, it can damage the traditional vision and make the monocular useless. However, if you have a digital night vision, you can use it during the day without any problems.

Q: How can I attach my night vision monocular to a scope?

A: You can easily do that, however, this depends on the type of monocular you have and the optics. Some models can thread onto an optic while others hardly sit on the front of the scope. Again, you might require an adapter or a scope mount.

Q: Can I see images clearly in complete darkness with my night vision monocular?

A: It is important to check if your device has a built-in IR illuminator or infrared illuminator so that you can see perfectly well in low light conditions and in total darkness.

Final Verdict:

If you love camping, fishing or hunting at night, you will appreciate having a quality night vision monocular. These devices will help you navigate in the dark and see your prey clearly. Moreover, night vision monoculars are also crucial for search and rescue team as well as people dealing with security details.

Regardless of the reason why you are buying your optics, we have samples some of the most recommend night vision monoculars under 500. All the above monoculars will help you see in complete darkness when you are engaging in nocturnal activities. After checking the reviews and buying guide, I hope you will figure out the right monocular that suits your needs and budget.

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