Best Monoculars List With the many monoculars on the market today, it can sometimes be difficult to determine which ones are the best, especially since they all claim to offer you superb quality and great features. However, there are a few that stand out from the rest, either because of their allaround quality or because of a particular features that makes them unique. Monos are great for scouting terrain, viewing landscape, and watching birds. When you’re ready to make that final purchase, though, you should look around, check prices, and most importantly, read reviews to find out which models are the best and which aren’t worth the time it takes to unbox them.
List of the Best Monoculars Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular
Best in class, with a best-in-industry guarantee. Thousands have taken the challenge – take our Legend® Ultra HD monoculars into the field for a while and if you’re not convinced they’re everything you’ve ever wanted in monoculars, we’ll buy them back. The key to their superior light transmission is our Ultra Wide Custom Band anti-reflective lens coating. For the ultimate high-definition viewing experience and sharp, color-true detail, we used ED Prime glass. Add the all-weather assurance of RainGuard® HD anti-fog technology, and you’re holding a best-in-class performer at no risk, all reward. This sleek, high-powered viewing companion will go anywhere you can and is ideal for allaround use. • • • • • • • •
ED Prime glass Ultra Wide Band Coating RainGuard™ HD Waterproof/fogproof Fully multi-coated BaK-4 prisms Twist-up eyecup Picatinny rail mount
Bushnell 4×40 Equinox Digital Night Vision Monocular
The Equinox Digital Night Vision 4x40 Monoculars from Bushnell gets you up close and personal with the great outdoors. Every Bushnell optic is the direct result of extensive research and design. Investigating what goes 'bump-in-the-night' with Bushnell's Equinox Digital 4x40 night vision monoculars can be quite exhilarating. This lightweight waterproof NVD provides the power of sight without light in a small ergonomic form factor. With its sleek yet rugged looks, 4x magnification, 40 mm objective lens, built in IR illuminator and durable rubber housing, the Equinox Night Vision monoculars are an excellent choice for camping, caving, wildlife observation, surveillance or any time and place you think you're ready to experience the secrets of the dark first hand. There are many different variables that affect the distance that one can see with a night vision device, among them the object's size, the level of details being sought from the object and the conditions of observation. Night vision devices detect much further under a full moon and clear skies than they will under a new moon and cloudy skies. Many different formulas are used to determine the statistic of maximum viewing range and the method of calculation varies by manufacturer. All night vision devices sold by B&H have mechanisms in place to protect the intensifier tube from a sudden burst of bright light, but this does not mean that bright light doesn't damage the device. No matter what, bright light in any form is not good for the longevity and performance of image intensifier tubes. •
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Generation 1 intensifier uses the traditional green view night vision when ambient light is available and white night vision when it is pitch black out. The image output can be manually switched between black/white or green Rubber housing for added protection, durability and non-slip grip Analog (composite) video out jack to record the image produced by the Equinox digital night vision unit Integral IR illuminator
Features • • • • • • • • •
Outstanding optical clarity CCD vs image-intensifier tube Display switchable from green to B&W Wide field of view 738-feet viewing range Rugged water-resistant housing Video output Tripod mountable Operates on 2 CR123 batteries
Luna Optics LN-DM50-HRSD HD Recorder Night Vision
Luna Optics LN-DM50-HRSD HD Recorder Night Vision Digital Monoculars are the latest in digital night vision technology offering first-in-the-industry internal Image and HD Video recording and transition between Full-Color Image and super light sensitive Night Vision Green Image when using built-in IR illuminator! Utilizing Super High-Resolution CMOS sensor with 1,280x960 active pixels, precision all-glass optics with 5x-20x image magnification, a unique electronic image zoom system and a super powerful IR illuminator with viewing distance up to 200m in total darkness, this product allows you to see bright and vivid images at the distances other digital products simply cannot match! Take pictures and record 720p High-Definition video onto Micro SD card (4GB card is included– upgradeable to 32GB). Bring the viewing objects closer with state-of-the-art electronic zoom system allowing up to 20x image-magnification, and still providing clear images without any noticeable pixilation! Water-resistant body allows use in inclement weather conditions and advance features like manual brightness control and a powerful projector-style IR illuminator provide for perfect object illumination in any ambient light conditions. Unit comes with a carry case, a 4GB Micro-SD card (upgrade up to 32GB), USB and Video cables to transmit the images onto your Computer, TV or monitor screen and a DC wall adapter and now a battery charger allowing user to employ cost effective rechargeable 3V lithium batteries.
Specification • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Sensor Type / Resolution / Sensitivity: CMOS / 1,920x960 / 0.3lux (day) / 0.03lux (night) • Display: 0.24" TFT 320x240 Still Image Resolution: 1.3MP, JPEG Video Resolution: HD 720p (1,280x720), AVI (Equivalent to 72+lp/mm night vision tube) Signal Output: PAL / NTSC Image Magnification: 5x-20x Focusing Distance: 50cm (1.6ft) Viewing Distance (Clear Skies): 700m (2,296ft) Viewing Distance (IR Illuminator): 250m (820ft) Field Of View: 6°x4° Memory: Micro SD card (up to 32GB) Power: 2 x 3V Lithium (CR123) Maximum Power Voltage: 10V Operating Time: 5hrs Dimensions: 170mm x 80mm x 63mm (6.7"x3.1"x2.5") Weight: 400g (14 oz) Warranty: 12 months
Luna Optics LN-NVM5-HR 5x Night Vision
The brand-new LN-NVM5-HR Monoculars are the latest statement in consumer night vision providing unmatched (for a 5x image magnification) 15 degrees Field of View – ideal for quick field scan and object acquisition. Fresh and futuristic design fits comfortably in one hand with ambidextrous grip and conveniently placed one-touch controls. Our proprietary LPS (Light Protection System) protects the unit from exposure to damaging light levels. Improved ocular utilizes proven quality 5-element glass system for absolute minimum distortion while providing full field of view. Precision 5x magnification brings objects closer to your eye and top-quality HR objective lens, multicoated specifically for best light transmission provide vivid and sharp images. Built-in powerful IR illuminator shines a bright infrared beam with effective viewing distance of up to 100m in total darkness. Waterproof design allows use in inclement weather. Unit features built-in tripod mount for comfortable viewing over extended periods of time.
Specification • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Intensifier Tube: Generation-1HR Sensitivity: 250µA/lm Light gain: min 500 Resolution: 36-38lp/mm Magnification: 5.0x Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm Objective Lens Focal Length: f1.2/80mm FOV: 15° Typical Range of View: 500m (545yds) Ocular Diopter Adjustment: +/-5 Dimensions, mm: 195x55x83 Dimensions, in: 7.7x2.2x3.3 Weight: 680g (1.5lbs) Power: 1x3V Lithium (CR123A type) Operating time: 75hrs (10hrs with IR) Warranty: 1 year
Night Owl iGen 20/20 Night Vision Monocular
Night Owl Optics takes pride in providing you with consistent, top quality products. They maintain their position as an industry leader in night vision technology by integrating stateof-the-art concepts and designs into all of their night vision monoculars, binoculars and flipup goggles. Night Owl's iGen 20/20 Day and Night Vision Monoculars take the world of night vision to new levels with a new technology, and a stunning form factor. Instead of relying upon ubiquitous intensifier tube technologies, Night Owl has incorporated an extremely sensitive video capture system into the iGen 20/20.
This versatile monoculars can be used 24/7 without compromise. When ambient light-levels prohibit clear detailed viewing, simply adjust the variable frame rate to enhance the lightgathering abilities of the monocular. The integral IR illuminator features a smart-circuit that automatically adjusts to accommodate ambient lighting conditions. The iGen 20/20 features a mid-range level of magnification, making it an excellent choice for outdoor viewing. Its simple yet dynamic form factor offers a secure grip for both right and left handed users, and the controls are easy to locate, intuitive and very accessible. There are many different variables that affect the distance that one can see with a night vision device, among them the object's size, the level of details being sought from the object and the conditions of observation. Night vision devices detect much further under a full moon and clear skies than they will under a new moon and cloudy skies. Many different formulas are used to determine the statistic of maximum viewing range and this varies by manufacturer, so ultimately the generation of the intensifier tube is much more relevant than any quoted statistic when determining the maximum viewing range. All night vision devices sold by B&H have mechanisms in place to protect the intensifier tube from a sudden burst of bright light, but this does not mean that bright light doesn't damage the device. No matter what, bright light in any form is not good for the longevity and performance of image intensifier tubes. Specifications • • • • • • • •
Magnification: 2.6x Adjustable Light Amplification from 300x to 10000x Control Exposure with adjustable frame rate (2 fps to 30fps) Gain Control to adjust sensitivity to light Built in Infrared illuminator Image Capture Record Video to an external device Tripod Mountable
Sunagor 10-20×25 Image Stabilising Zoom Monocular
Sunagor Image Stabilising Zoom Monocular -10-20×25 - Incorporating the very contemporary Japanese technology, this new top of the range powerful zoom monocular from Sunagor can be utilized without the standard problem of hand-shake. Anyone who has ever used high power binoculars or monoculars, will already know that the higher the magnification, the more of a problem your natural hand trembling becomes. Weighing in at just 350 grams, this light-weight monocular features a rotatable focus ring, a rotatable zoom ring and a collapsible eye-cup, making an allowance for easy use without or with spectacles. As with all Sunagor optical products, the monocular features highest quality multi-coated optics and this model also has BAK-4 prisms so you’ll be sure of getting a beautifully crisp, clear image. Image Stabilising With this new Image Stabilising technology tripods are a thing of the past! With a simple on/off switch and a small green LED light to show you when it is on, the Image Stabiliser could not be easier to use. The monocular’s Image Stabilisation feature is powered by two long-life CR2 batteries which are included with this product. Zoom/ Magnification The specification of 10-20×25 makes this monocular extremely versatile and perfect for most viewing situations. 10 times power is ideal for general purpose viewing, but then, by rotating the zoom ring, the magnification power may also be increased anywhere from 10 times up to 20 times. As the magnification increases, you are going to appreciate just how useful the built-in Image Stabilisation feature is. The new Sunagor Image Stabilising Zoom Monocular comes complete with padded soft pouch case, dust-caps, adjustable hand-strap, polishing cloth, two long-life CR2 batteries and instruction manual. Incorporating the contemporary image stabilising gyroscope technology High power 10-20x zoom magnification Highest quality multi-coated optics and BAK-4 prisms. Weighs just 350 grams for increased portability Made in Japan to the very best quality standards
Yukon NV Exelon 3Ă—50 Night Vision Monocular
The Yukon Exelon 3x50 features enhanced operating characteristics. Combination of a CFSuper tube and a high-aperture 50mm R-Contact objective lens provides a distortion free, crisp and geometrically precise image on the entire surface of the screen. The CF-Super light amplification ratio of 1200 essentially exceeds a similar value of the gen. 1 tube. This feature gives the EXELON 3x50 a great viewing range and high degree of detailed recognition of observed objects. In field conditions (under natural night illumination of 0.05 lux) the unit can detect objects at a distance of up to 500 meters, and recognize them within a 230270m. range. Wide field of view perfectly describes the EXELON 3x50 as a monocular ideally suited for observing moving objects. Along with fine ergonomics, the EXELON 3x50 can be easily transported and is perfect for use in harsh field conditions (hunting, fishing, and hiking) as well as for nature preservation purposes. Specification Generation CF-Super Tube Type EP33-SF-U Magnification, x 3 Lens diameter, mm 50 Field of View, degree 13 Eye Relief, mm 12 Exit Pupil, mm 6 Diopter adjustment, dptr. Âą5 Resolution, lines per mm 40/32 Minimum focusing distance, m 2.5 Range of detection, m (object 1,7m high, "quarter moon") 180 Built-in IR-illuminator, type yes IR Wavelenght, nm 805 Power supply, V 3
Battery Type Operating Temperature, °C Level of Protection (acc. to IEC 60529) Tripod Mount, inch Weight, kg
1xCR123 -30...+40 IPX4 ¼ 0.5