10 Best Night Vision Goggles of 2021
Photo: Armasight
Although night vision goggles have been around for years and are common in military settings, they can offer so many benefits to civilians as well.
You can use these goggles for night adventures including camping, hunting game, surveillance, and navigation, for instance, in caves.
Night vision goggles enable you to see objects at night, which would otherwise be impossible to see with the naked eye due to darkness.
They create images by intensifying extremely low light to illuminate objects. The gadgets combine light intensification with lens systems like those found in binoculars so that besides illumination, they are also able to magnify, sharpen, and brighten images over different ranges.
Night vision goggles assume different designs. Some models have monocular while others have binocular designs.
Dive into our detailed top 10 night vision goggles review to help you choose the model that suits you best.
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10 Best Night Vision Goggles – Review
- 1. Solomark B00THZ2NFE – Best Lightweight Night Vision Goggles
- 2. Firefield FF24066 – Best Budget Night Vision Monocular
- 3. Bushnell 260130-P – Good Long-range Night Vision Monocular
- 4. Pulsar PL75095 – Environmentally-protected Night Vision Goggles
- 5. Sightmark SM15070 – Night Vision Goggles with Long Battery Life
- 6. X-Vision XANB50 – Night Vision Goggles with Rechargeable Battery
- 7. Armasight NAMPVS7001P3DA1 – Best High-Performance Night Vision Goggles
- 8. ATN NVGOPVS730 – Good Tactical Night Vision Goggles
- 9. Yukon 1825025 – Good Hands-free Night Vision Goggles
- 10. Night Optics NG-2MV-1G – Versatile Night Vision Goggles
- How to Buy the Best Night Vision Goggles
- FAQs
- Conclusion
10 Best Night Vision Goggles – Review
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1. Solomark B00THZ2NFE (Best Lightweight) |
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2. Firefield FF24066 (Best Budget Monocular) |
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3. Bushnell 260130-P (Good Long-range Monocular) |
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4. Pulsar PL75095 (Environmentally-protected) |
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5. Sightmark SM15070 (Has Long Battery Life) |
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6. X-Vision XANB50 (Has Rechargeable Battery) |
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7. Armasight NAMPVS7001P3DA1 (Best High-Performance) |
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8. ATN NVGOPVS730 (Good Tactical Goggles) |
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9. Yukon 1825025 (Good Hands-free Goggles) |
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10. Night Optics NG-2MV-1G (Versatile) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Solomark B00THZ2NFE (Best Lightweight) |
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2. Firefield FF24066 (Best Budget Monocular) |
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3. Bushnell 260130-P (Good Long-range Monocular) |
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4. Pulsar PL75095 (Environmentally-protected) |
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5. Sightmark SM15070 (Has Long Battery Life) |
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6. X-Vision XANB50 (Has Rechargeable Battery) |
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7. Armasight NAMPVS7001P3DA1 (Best High-Performance) |
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8. ATN NVGOPVS730 (Good Tactical Goggles) |
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9. Yukon 1825025 (Good Hands-free Goggles) |
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10. Night Optics NG-2MV-1G (Versatile) |
1. Solomark B00THZ2NFE – Best Lightweight Night Vision Goggles
Photo: Solomark
- Angular field of view: 14 degrees
- Weight: 0.72 pounds
- Battery: 4x AA
You will love the Solomark B00THZ2NFE night vision monocular because it is lightweight for minimizing strain on your hands or neck when doing surveillance, cave explorations, and nighttime hunting.
This model is the lightest of the pack weighing only 0.72 pounds. It feels very light and comfortable to hold allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
The monocular boasts of multi-coated glass objectives, high sensitivity sensor, integrated color LCD-Screen, and 3level IR LED illuminator for bright and clear images. You can also use it to take photos and short videos.
Another thing you’ll love about this monocular is that it comes with plenty of accessories including a 4-GB micro SD card, a mini USB cable, an AV cable, a neck strap, and a soft carrying case.
We did note, however, that the Solomark B00THZ2NFE’s battery life of 5 hours is rather short compared to that of rivals. Also, the 4 AA batteries needed to power the monocular need to be bought separately.
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2. Firefield FF24066 – Best Budget Night Vision Monocular
Photo: Firefield
- Lens diameter: 50mm
- Angular field of view: 15 degrees
- Weight: 0.95 pounds
- Battery: 2x AA
Firefield FF24066 is the best budget night vision monocular on our list. It is reasonably priced and affordable.
This model boasts of having one of the largest objective lenses in the market. Its 50mm lens is wide for more light sensitivity so that your images are brighter and sharper. With 5x zoom, this monocular enables you to spot far-off objects.
It is also weather-resistant so that you can use it all night long, even when temperatures drop or light showers occur. For additional protection and durability, the night vision monocular has a rubber-armored housing.
Firefield FF24066 is also lightweight and will not strain your hands when using it even over extended periods.
A key drawback we noted with the Firefield FF24066 is that it lacks photo capture and video recording capabilities like those of the rival Solomark B00THZ2NFE .
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3. Bushnell 260130-P – Good Long-range Night Vision Monocular
Photo: Bushnell
- Lens diameter: 30mm (also available in 50mm lens option)
- Weight: 0.94 lbs
- Battery: 4x AA
Bushnell 260130-P is a great long-range night vision monocular for spotting distant objects.
Its 30mm objective lens combines well with 3x magnification to achieve a viewing distance of 500 feet when the built-in infrared illuminator is activated.
It has multicoated glass objective lenses, which produce outstanding and clear images. You can use this monocular during the day as well as at night. For day use, it will produce color images while at night, its images are in monochrome.
You can also mount additional accessories on this monocular using its handy Picatinny rail a feature that lacking in other rival models.
This model also adopts a rugged water-resistant housing for protection against extreme conditions.
We did note, however, that the 4 AA batteries required to power this monocular are not included with its purchase. You will need to buy them separately.
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4. Pulsar PL75095 – Environmentally-protected Night Vision Goggles
Photo: Pulsar
- Lens diameter: 20mm
- Weight: 0.99 pounds
- Battery: 1x CR123A
Pulsar PL75095 are environmentally-protected night vision goggles, which are great for use in harsh weather conditions. They are IP65 certified for rain and dust resistance.
This model boasts of great 50-hour battery life when the infrared (IR) illuminator is turned off. This battery life is far superior to that of models such as the Solomark B00THZ2NFE and Firefield FF24066 .
Speaking of the IR illuminators, it comes with adjustable power for energy conservation. You can use the power adjustment wheel to control IR intensity.
For optimal comfort, you can use the head mount included with this model so that your hands are free to carry or handle other equipment such as a hunting rifle.
A key drawback we noted with the Pulsar PL75095 is that this model and all is great features come at a steep price.
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5. Sightmark SM15070 – Night Vision Goggles with Long Battery Life
Photo: Sightmark
- Lens diameter: 24mm
- Angular field of view: 30 degrees
- Weight: 1 pound
- Battery: 2x AAA
Sightmark SM15070 are night-vision goggles with one of the longest battery-lives in the market. These goggles promise to deliver a 70-hour operating time with infrared turned off.
Even with the infrared turned on, these goggles will still run for 20 hours, which is exceptionally high compared to other models whose battery life tops out at 5 hours or less.
A handy protective feature in this model is its automatic shut-off function, which powers down the unit upon sensing exposure to bright light. It also helps to save power.
You also get a head mount with these goggles. It enhances your comfort and provides a hands-free operating experience.
It is powered by 2 AA batteries which are included in your purchase so you don’t have to incur more costs as is the case with models such as the Solomark B00THZ2NFE .
Although Sightmark SM15070 night vision goggles are not as expensive as the Pulsar PL75095 ones, this model is still notably pricey.
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6. X-Vision XANB50 – Night Vision Goggles with Rechargeable Battery
Photo: X-Vision
- Angular field of view: 10 degrees
- Weight: 0.74 pounds
- Battery: 1x Li-ion (3000 mAh)
X-Vision XANB50 are unique night vision goggles because they come with a rechargeable battery and have superior viewing distance to support a night-long operation.
This is the only model on our list with a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which has a 3,000 mAh capacity.
For night use, the goggles’ battery life is 5 hours while during the day, it can last 8 hours.
The goggles have superior optics, which include a large F/1.4 aperture, which is supported by a 3x optical zoom lenses with 2x digital zoom capabilities. X-Vision claims that this model has a maximum nighttime viewing distance of 1050 feet.
You can also capture photos and videos using these goggles.
A key drawback of the X-Vision XANB50 is that you can’t use the night vision goggles while their battery is recharging because it is inbuilt.
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7. Armasight NAMPVS7001P3DA1 – Best High-Performance Night Vision Goggles
Photo: Armasight
- Lens diameter: 26mm
- Angular field of view: 40 degrees
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Battery: 2x AA
Armasight NAMPVS7001P3DA1 is the best pair of high-performance night vision goggles on our list.
They boast of having the Gen 3 high-performance thin-filmed auto-gated IIT. This is the only Gen 3 model on our list, which makes its optics superior to all the others we have reviewed.
The goggles’ lens system is also very powerful. Its objective lens has a 26 mm diameter and an F/1.2 aperture, which is the widest we have recorded so far. Its lenses have superior light sensitivity for clear images.
These binoculars are compact, rugged, and waterproof to withstand harsh operating conditions. You can use them for hunting, camping, and surveillance.
Its controls are also simple and easy to operate. You also get a superior battery life of over 40 hours plus a low battery indicator to alert you when the goggles are about to run out of power.
A key issue we noted with this model is that for several thousand dollars, it is very expensive even for premium buyers.
Also, at 1.5 pounds they may feel slightly bulky in the hand especially if you use them for extended periods.
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8. ATN NVGOPVS730 – Good Tactical Night Vision Goggles
Photo: ATN
- Lens diameter: 26mm
- Angular field of view: 40 degrees
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Battery: 2x AA
ATN NVGOPVS730 are good tactical night vision goggles because they are identical to the ATN AN/PVS-7 model that the U.S. Army ground troops have adopted as standard issue.
This model is designed to provide reliable service and operation in the harshest and most unfavorable conditions. It is also combat-proven and waterproof.
They pack a sophisticated infrared system whose illuminator has a momentary and continuous on switching function. You also get an internal low battery and IR indicators, which makes this model very intuitive.
For your comfort, especially over extended periods, these goggles fully adjustable military head strap. You also get additional accessories including a soft carrying case, demist shield, sacrificial filter for objective lenses, shoulder strap, head mount assembly.
A major downside of the ATN NVGOPVS730 high-end night vision goggles is that they are very expensive.
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9. Yukon 1825025 – Good Hands-free Night Vision Goggles
Photo: Yukon
- Lens diameter: 24mm
- Angular field of view: 30 degrees
- Weight: 1.76 pounds
- Battery: 1x CR123A
Yukon 1825025 are great hands-free night vision goggles. They come with a sturdy hands-free headgear, which makes the goggles ideal for night tracking of game or even for surveillance.
The headgear accessory has a flip-up and adjustable design for comfort and ease of use.
This model also boasts of having high-quality multicoated optics and high-resolution intensifiers. It has 1x magnification and a 24mm lens that produces clear and sharp images in darkness.
It has a built-in IR illuminator, which emits a pulsing frequency for energy efficiency and less battery drain.
The goggles have an ergonomically-designed rubberized body for a firm grip. This design makes them ideal for long expeditions and prolonged use.
You will also get Yukon’s limited lifetime warranty with your purchase of this model.
An issue we noted with the Yukon 1825025 is that the IR illuminator button only works when pressed together with the power button. This function may prove to be an inconvenience to many users
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10. Night Optics NG-2MV-1G – Versatile Night Vision Goggles
Photo: Night Optics
- Lens diameter: 26mm
- Angular field of view: 40 degrees
- Weight: 1.13 pounds
- Battery: 1x CR123A
Night Optics NG-2MV-1G are versatile night vision goggles, which feature a Generation 1-night vision dual tube design.
Their versatility comes from their ability to convert the 1x magnification into a 3.6x one with an optional lens kit. This feature combines excellently with the superior multicoated 26mm F/1.2 lens system.
It also boasts of a weatherproof housing for operation in harsh environments. Its eye guard is winged and made of rubber for your comfort and safety.
Also included with this model are a soft carrying case and a CR123A battery. Unlike other models we have reviewed, you will not incur extra battery costs with this one.
A head mount is included with this model to provide a hands-free experience.
The only issue we noted with the Night Optics NG-2MV-1G is that it takes a bit of time and effort to switch from the 1x to 3.6x lens system, but once you get it done, you appreciate the versatility.
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How to Buy the Best Night Vision Goggles
Photo: Reuters
1. Clarity
Clarity is a top priority when choosing night vision goggles. Gen 2 and 3 goggles tend to have advanced tube intensifier technology, which makes them produce sharp and clear images.
However, Gen 2 and 3 goggles are significantly pricier than Gen 1s. So, if Gen 3 is beyond reach, you can opt for goggles with wide-aperture lenses such as F/1.2-1.6, which captures more light and produces sharp images.
2. Range
The range of your goggles is equally important. You want goggles that can view for a good distance without blurring or distorting images.
Some of the models we reviewed have superior ranges of over 1000 feet. Some have shorter ranges, but with wider angles of view for covering large areas.
The range will differ between models. Also, it's worth noting that range may be limited by light intensity so lower light equals better range.
3. Durability
The durability of your night vision goggles will depend on how you use, store, and maintain them.
To extend your goggles’ life, do not subject them to harsh conditions such as physical pressure or extreme heat and cold. If you can, get weatherproof goggles, which offer more durability.
Also, avoid using night vision goggles during the day especially if they have been certified for night use only. Bright light can damage the intensifiers in your goggles.
Remember to store and carry them in a soft case of any other carrying compartment especially when they are not in use.
4. Ease of use
There are many features in your night vision goggles meant to support and enhance their ease of use. For instance, most models have a rubber housing, which offers a superior and comfortable grip.
The number and arrangement of controls on your night vision goggles also impact their ease of use. Clearly labeled button and knobs make the goggles easy to operate.
Also, a hand or neck strap is a handy accessory that secures the goggles on you so that you can operate them efficiently and easily .
FAQs
Q: Are There Any Health Dangers to Using Night Vision Goggles?
A: If you are using the NVGs with extra weight on, such as that of the head mount, it is possible to develop slight neck soreness as has been noted in some military applications.
You can prevent soreness and possible headaches by avoiding the heavy NVG models and using a head mount only when it is necessary, for instance, if you need to free your arms for holding other items.
Q: What's the Best Way to Protect Night Vision Goggles?
A: To protect your night vision goggles from physical damage to the delicate lenses, manufacturers tend to include lens covers for that purpose.
For battery-powered units, avoid using the goggles in extremely hot or humid conditions.
Always carry your goggles in the soft case they come with, especially when not in use.
If your night vision goggles are specified for night use only, then ensure you don’t use them in the daylight as exposure to bright light can weaken the intensifier system.
Q: Are There Main Differences in Night Vision Goggles Generations?
A: There are 3 generations of night vision goggles: Gen 1, 2, and 3. The differences between them may be subtle or pronounced depending on NVG specification and user experience.
Some users claim that Gen 1 and 2 NVGs have lower quality optics compared to Gen 3 ones. This may be true because Gen 3 NVGs have improved intensifier technologies.
One thing to note is that the cost of NVGs increases across generations. Thus, Gen 3 models are significantly pricier than Gen 1 and 2 ones.
Q: What's Great About Night Vision Goggles Gen 3?
A: Gen 3 NVGs have significant advantages over Gen 1 and 2 goggles. First, Gen 3 goggles offer 7,500-10,000 hours of tube life. This life expectancy is significantly higher compared to the previous two generations.
Second, Gen 3 NVGs with high-quality specification produce exceptionally bright, clear, and crisp images. These goggles also tend to thrive and perform better than Gen 1s under low-light condition especially when IR is deactivated.
Q: What is the Difference Between Night Vision Goggles and Thermal?
A: Thermal scopes detect the radiation of a target and thus do not require any light for image detection. In contrast, NVGs rely on some form of ambient light to produce images through light intensification.
Thermal detection is, thus, more effective than night vision goggles, especially because the latter may be unusable during the day.
NVG technology has been around for several decades, but thermal imaging is more recent and significantly more advanced. Hence, thermal detection scopes tend to be pricier than NVGs.
Conclusion
Night vision goggles are excellent companions for night hunting, camping, navigation, and surveillance.
When choosing the model that suits you best, remember to check the lens system to ascertain image clarity, the range of your gear, how durable it is, and its ease of use.
If you desire more durability from your night vision goggles, get a model with weatherproofing.
You can count on our review and buying guide to provide you with all the insights you need for choosing the ideal NVGs.