Best Night Vision Monocular Under $500
If you love to explore the great outdoors at night, a night vision monocular is an ideal device to have. Whether you are out on a safari viewing wildlife or camping in the dark, this night-friendly optic will help your spot different objects that you can’t see clearly with your naked eyes. The best night vision monocular under $500 is lightweight, portable, and easier to use than their binoculars counterparts.
However, there are tons of night vision monoculars available on the market today. Each model is created differently and comes with its own price tag. The high-end models offer more advanced features than their entry-level counterparts. However, you don’t have to steal the bank to get a night vision monocular. We have a detailed list of the best night vision monoculars under $500 suitable for outdoor use. Let’s take a look.
Here is a quick list of our favorites
| PRODUCT | IMAGE | PRICE |
| #1) Bestguarder 6x50mm HD |  |
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| #2) Bushnell Night Vision_Equinox Z Monocular |  |
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| #3) Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day |  |
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| #4) Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular |  |
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| #5) ACPOTEL Night Vision Monocular |  |
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| #6) Solomark Night Vision Monocular |  |
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| #7) AGM Global Vision Asp-Micro |  |
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| #8) Night Owl NexGen I Monocular |  |
How to Choose the Best Night Vision Monocular Under $500
1. Durable Construction
Monoculars are designed to use outdoors. This calls for a unit that’s durable and waterproof. Look for a model that comes with a hard shell for the ultimate durability. Some have shock-absorbing rubber armor for added durability. Also, ensure that the monocular is water-resistant for use in rainy weather conditions.
2. Size and Weight
The best night vision monocular under $500 is compact, light, and portable. A compact monocular is packable and easy to hold with one hand. In terms of weight, the monocular you choose should be as light as possible. That way, you can have an easy time carrying it around.
3. Optical Quality
A night vision monocular is rendered useless if it provides blurry and dark objective views. Go for a unit whose optics are made with high-quality glass. The optics should also be coated to enhance light transmission. The other important factors you should consider regarding optical quality is the lens diameter and type of prism.
4. Detection Range
The other factor to consider is the detection range of the monocular. This is very important because night vision monoculars operate with ambient light available. When viewing long-range targets, there is no ambient light available. So, you’ll need a monocular with a better detection range if you are using it for long-range viewing.
Best Night Vision Monocular Under $500 Reviews
#1) Bestguarder 6x50mm HD
This is a digital night vision monocular suitable for any outdoor activity.As one of the best night vision monocular under $500, the Bestguarder offers an array of impressive features at a reasonably affordable price. You can use to view objects at night and also record their images as still images or a video. Plus, it comes with a micro-SD card for storing the recorded videos and pictures. With the 6x magnification, this monocular is ideal for viewing targets at a distance. The 1-5x digital zoom helps you zoom in on the target to get more detail or zoom out to get a wider view. Additionally, the monocular has a built-in 850Nm infrared illuminator which provides a long viewing distance up to 1150ft/350m. You can adjust it into 4 different levels to suit your lighting condition. This multi-purpose monocular is well-made to last long. It has a IPX4 water-resistant housing so you can use it rainy weather conditions. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to use for beginners, while the fairly lightweight design makes it easy to carry around. The monocular is also tripod mountable for snug, hands-free viewing. Key Features
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#2) Bushnell Night Vision_Equinox Z Monocular
Bushnell is renowned for its quality optics and the Bushnell Night Vision Equinox Monocular is no exception. It is not easy to find the best night vision monocular under $500. It is easy to use, versatile and a great option for serious adventurers. Featuring a 4.5x magnification and 1-3x digital zoom, brings you closer to nature. The digital zoom allows you to zoom in targets or zoom them out for a wider field of view. The 40mm objective glass lens is multi-coated to enhance light transmission and provide outstanding image views. The monocular also boasts an infrared illuminator for long-range viewing up to 750ft. This multi-purpose monocular is ideal for both day and nighttime use. It operates on 4 AA batteries that provide 12 hours battery life with IR off and up to 6 hours with batteries on. The rugged waterproof housing makes it ideal for use in all weather conditions. For added convenience, this monocular is tripod mountable for hands-free viewing. It comes with a Picatinny style rail where you can mount different accessories. Also, it has a video recording and image capturing capabilities so you can document your adventures. You’ll also appreciate how lightweight and portable it is. Key Features
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#3) Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day
If you are looking for the best night vision monocular under $500 with limitless range of applications, the iGEN 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular is your best option. It offers a multitude of high-quality features at a price that’s easy on the wallet. The scope offers picture-taking capability so you can take photos of the objects you are watching. The monocular provides distortion-free field of view. Thanks to the proprietary iGEN technology, you get adjustable light amplification from 300x to 10,000x. Better yet, the automatic IR auto-adjusts the monocular illumination intensity based on the light conditions. It also offers a 2.6x magnification which lets you focus on objects at a distance and an all-glass lens which provides clear image views all through. Weighing about 19.1oz the monocular is lightweight and portable. You can even mount it on the tripod and enjoy hands-free viewing using the standard 1/4-20 tripod thread included. Lastly, the ocular lens allows for easy adjustment depending on your eyesight. Key Features
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#4) Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular
If you are always travelling for outdoor adventures, then you should get yourself the Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular. This monocular is specially designed to provide the best image views in all light conditions. It works by amplifying the present light using the electro-optical system. It doesn’t require artificial lighting and for this we can say it’s one of the best or the best night vision monocular under $500 The Nightfall night vision monocular is made to last. It boasts a water-resistant composite housing for use in all weather conditions. The rubber-armored body enhances its durability and makes it sturdy enough to stand up to extreme outdoor use while providing a secure, non-slip grip when your hand is wet or sweaty. Another impressive feature is the high-power IR illuminator which lets you identify targets easily at night. Its effective range is 100 yards and you can adjust the eyepiece to suit your vision. On top of being lightweight and portable, the monocular is tripod adaptable for hands-free use. Key Features
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#5) ACPOTEL Night Vision Monocular
If you are on the market for the best night vision monocular under $500 that is affordable and effective and can be used for multiple outdoor applications, the ACPOTEL Night Vision Monocular is a perfect choice for you. It features a 5x magnification and 8x digital magnification. It provides an effective viewing range of 220 yards in total darkness and up to 1000m during the day. This night vision monocular is compact, lightweight and easy to carry around. It uses all-glass optics and fully multi-coated coating for optimum light transmission. This gives your HD quality images in any light conditions. It makes use of a low-light HD 1/3 COMS sensor which makes it easier to capture dark light and enhance power efficiency. Additionally, the monocular has a built-in 850 infrared illuminator to provide clear images at night. It is powered by a 16340 rechargeable lithium battery. You can either charge it via the adapter or USB cable. To top it all, you can use it to capture images and record videos of the objects you are watching. Key Features
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#6) Solomark Night Vision Monocular
Next on this list is the Solomark Night Vision Monocular. As one of the best night vision monocular under $500, this one features a low light sensitivity that lets you use it without its IR in low light conditions. The integrated color LCD screen provides clear images and videos display. Thanks to the multi-coated glass objective, you get bright and vivid image views. The monocular also offers illumination flexibility for use in extreme light conditions. You can change the amount of IR illumination by 7 different levels depending on the image brightness that you need. You can also vary the size of the image four times using the zoom control features. The monocular has a net weight of 11.5oz. This lightweight design makes it easy to carry for long hours in the field. The compact design makes it easy to hold with one hand and easy to pack during travel. You can as well mount it on a tripod and enjoy hands-free use. Key Features
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#7) AGM Global Vision Asp-Micro
The AGM Global Vision Asp-Micro TM160 is a short-range thermal imaging monocular suitable for multiple applications. You can use it for hunting, hiking, travel, patrolling or law enforcement. It is easy to use and highly reliable. Weighing just 9.6 ounces, the monocular is light and portable. The compact design makes it convenient for outdoorsy people who are always travelling. You can easily put it inside your pocket or pack in a backpack and carry it wherever you go. Thanks to the large 720×540 LCOS display, you get wide and clear image views for easy target identification. The 160×120 high sensitivity infrared detector gives you vivid and sharp views even in complete darkness. Moreover, the monocular has a very long battery life. The built-in rechargeable battery can last for more than 7 hours with the Wi-Fi off. Key Features
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#8) Night Owl NexGen I Monocular
The Night Owl NexGen I Monocular 50mm NOX50 is an excellent night vision monocular for outdoor adventures, home surveillance and security professionals. It offers a 5x magnification and a large 50mm all-glass objective lens which collects optimum light for bright and clear images. The 5×50 size makes it easy for you to identify different targets quickly and accurately. The monocular boats a high-quality Gen 1 image intensifier tube and a built-in columnated infrared illuminator which helps you spot targets easily in total darkness. The monocular is designed for rugged outdoor use. Though it has a soft-touch rubberize finish, it is fully covered with a shockproof molded thermoplastic lens housing to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and enhance durability. It is also ultra-light. At only 16oz, it is amazingly light, easy to carry and great for travel. The light-weight design makes it comfortable to use with single-handedly. Key Features
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Best Night Vision Monocular Under $500 FAQs
- How does a night vision monocular work?
A night vision monocular is designed to use the available ambient light and amplify it a thousand times to provide a clear, detailed and sharp image even in total darkness.
- What is better, night vision or thermal vision?
Both have their pros and cons. However, a thermal vision excels in long-range viewing as it doesn’t depend on any ambient light. On the other hand, choose a night vision for close-range observation.
- Can you use a night vision monocular on a rifle scope?
Yes. If you are shooting with a rifle scope in low light situations, you can add a night vision monocular to enhance your shooting accuracy. You can also use it with your rifle in place of a rifle scope.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post has given you the information you need to make the right buying decision. Getting the best night vision monocular under $500 is good if you want to have clear image views of different outdoor objects at night. All the products listed above are quality, durable and easy to use. Invest in any one of them and get to see different objects with clarity at night and during the day as well.