Best Affordable Night Vision Goggles of 2020 – Cheap Top Picks Reviewed

| Last Updated: October 23, 2022

Whether you’re on a hunt tracking the monster buck you just shot, or in need of something to help protect your family, having the best affordable night vision equipment is essential. The dark can be a scary place, so why not limit it’s power with these nifty tools?

In this article we’re going to explain the need for night vision equipment in certain situations, and the best suited equipment for each as well. Our statements about these products come from shared experience, whether on hunting trips gone wrong or needing to make sure you're safe.

We're going to cover a LOT of info, if you need to scroll to the bottom and just see what we recommend there are tables throughout this page.

Comparison of the Best Night Vision Goggles

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • The unit features built-in high power infrared illumination
  • Designed with 12mm eye relief technology, the Firefield is the runner-up on our list
  • The model is equipped with a full 50mm lens, providing you with a full 15-degree field of view
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • The unit has a maximum viewing range of 184 yards
  • This model is equipped with 75 mW IR illuminator power
  • With a 1x magnification, the Sightmark SM14070 is the best for the money
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  • Powered with 2 AAA batteries, the model has a 72-hour battery life without IR
  • Designed with an integrated IR illuminator, the Sightmark is the best under $500
  • The unit has a close focus range of approximately 1 foot and a 30-degree field of view
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • The unit has a 50-hour battery life when the IR is not in use
  • Equipped with CF-Super Technology, the Pulsar is the best under $1000
  • Designed with an integrated illuminator which has an adjustable brightness setting
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • The unit has a viewing range of up to 110 yards at night
  • Designed with 2x digital zoom and boasts up to 6x magnification
  • With a 3x20 power vision system, the Nightfox is the best for kids
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • A piece of military-grade equipment, the ATN PVS7-3 is the best for hunting
  • The unit has a focus range of 1 foot to infinity and a resolution of 57-64 line pairs per millimeter
  • Designed with an IR indicator, a low battery indicator, an automatic bright light protection system, and automatic brightness control
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Viewing range of up to 165 yards at night with a 3x magnification
  • The unit has a 2-5 hour battery life and can be charged with a USB cable
  • Supplied with a head mount, the Nightfox 120R is the best digital night vision goggles on our list
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews

How to Choose Quality Night Vision Goggles and Gear

With such a wide range of night vision goggles available today, choosing the right one is often a challenging task. The units have different prices and are designed with different sets of features. To ensure you don’t end up with a device which doesn’t meet your needs, following are some things you should consider before choosing night vision goggles:

Clarity

Clarity can be defined as the ability of the night vision goggles to differentiate between objects which are close together. Clarity is often associated with resolution, which is measured in line pairs/millimeters. Generally, the higher the resolution, the greater the clarity of the unit.

Range

The most important factor when choosing night vision goggles is the recognition range. Currently, Gen 3 devices offer the most range, with a viewing range of 300+ yards. However, it’s important to remember that the range depends on the ambient light available.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics refers to the comfortability of the unit and is determined by three factors – size, ease of operation, and weight. If you want to wear the device on your face while moving around, then it’s advisable to choose a lighter model to avoid neck strain. If you’re going to hunt from a static position, then a heavier model can be purchased. It’s also important to remember that units with higher magnification are usually bigger and heavier.

How Does Night Vision Work?

We need to first clear up that night vision doesn’t lift the shroud of darkness around you to reveal things as if it were day. What makes these little tools special is that they see the same darkness as you, but focus on the light rather than the dark. What this means is that night vision works by capturing two types of light.

Reflected and Emitted Light

Reflected light captured by night vision is light that has bounced off of a surface, and the equipment in these goggles focuses on this reflected light in the environment to make an image.

Emitted light is exactly as it sounds. It’s light that has a source, like a flashlight, torch, or the moon. This light is actually the source of reflected light, which is why night vision typically works better on a clear night with a full moon. Because there’s a bigger source of emitted light to reflect off other objects, making it easier for you to see.

Different Kinds of Imaging

Not all night vision is created equal, and depending on your situation one is going to be better suited than the other.

How Thermal Imaging Works for Night Vision

As the name suggests, thermal imaging uses emitted light from heat to create an image. Thermal imaging uses a special lens that focuses on infrared light that’s given off by other objects.

This light is then scanned by a phased array of infrared detector elements; these detector elements are used to create a temperature pattern picture called a thermogram.

The information used to make this image is gathered by thousands of points in the view of the detector. The final picture is a result of all these sequences that combine to make an electrical signal for a specific chip in the equipment. The chip translates the electronic signals into varied colors depending on the intensity of the heat in view of the detector.

How Optical/Digital Imaging Works for Night Vision

Optical or digital night vision can be called an enhanced version of what you’re already looking at. Imagine you were given a set amount of resources to put together a device that would take in a night time image and convert it to an image that’s as clear as day.

Well common sense would suggest that you simply take the night time image and develop a way to enhance whatever light is there to make it show up better. That my friends is how optical night vision works…kind of.

What really makes it tick is the photocathode that works as an enhanced solar panel that absorbs precise amounts of light, which are photons, and convert them to electrons to make an image on a screen.

Those electrons then hit a photomultiplier that boosts the signal of these guys enough to make more electrons. Then they pass through a phosphor screen which works like an old fashioned television that takes these electrons and makes them into flashes of light on a screen/viewer.

Quick Take: 
Our Top 3 Choices

In a hurry? Here are the best night vision goggles:

Review of the Best Affordable Night Vision Goggles

The whole reason you came to this page was to find out the most affordable equipment, right? Or maybe you were just trying to kill some time. Either way you're about to get a look at the most cost efficient choices in night vision!

Pros

  • Head or Helmet Mountable Allows Hands-Free Usage
  • Ergonomic Design With Simple, Easy To Operate Controls
  • Can Be Worn For Long Periods Without Any Neck Muscle Strain
  • Water and Fog-Resistant Casing Makes it Extremely Durable and Reliable
  • Automatic Shut-Off System Powers Down the Device To Preserve Battery

Cons

  • This Unit Cannot Be Mounted on a Rifle
  • This Product is a Bit Expensive Compared To Other Models

What Recent Buyers Report

The majority of the people who purchased the Armasight Nyx7-ID were extremely satisfied with their purchase and stated that the product worked exactly as advertised. Some buyers even recommended it to other potential buyers. However, some users reported that the unit lacks definition and is more blurry than Gen 3 goggles.

Why it Stands Out To Us

The Armasight Nyx7-ID primarily stands out to us because of its various features. The unit is equipped with a Bright Light Cut-off and automatic brightness control. Digital controls and automatic shut-off system further enhance ease of use and preserve the battery. The model is also designed with an IR indicator and a low battery indicator, while the CR123A lithium battery ensures 60 hours of operation.

Who Will Use This Most

Since the model is able to deliver 60 hours of performance in the field, it is ideal for hunts, which will take a few days. It is also perfect for monitoring the movements of your game while hunting at night.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Although the Armasight Nyx7-ID is the best overall product on this list, there are some things which could be improved. The design of the included bag could be improved as it’s improperly configured to hold the headpiece and the unit. The focus adjuster on the front could also be improved so that it doesn’t require constant adjustment.

Bottom Line

The Armasight Nyx7-ID is certainly one of the best models available today. With an ergonomic design, the model can be worn for long periods without any pain, while it’s water and fog-resistant rugged casing ensures durability, reliability, and longevity.

Runner-up: 
Sightmark SM14070

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Pros

  • This Model is Extremely Lightweight and Compact
  • The Sightmark Provides Excellent Value For Money
  • Features an Impressive Battery Life When Infrared Isn’t in Use
  • Auto Shut Off Feature Protects the Tubes and Lenses From Damage
  • Glass-Filled Composite Housing Makes the Unit Durable and Reliable

Cons

  • This Model is Not Water-Proof
  • The Unit Has a Poor Magnification Ability

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers were happy with their purchase and stated that the Sightmark was well worth the money. Users were particularly impressed by the model’s wide field of view and reported that it’s a great choice for night vision beginners. However, some buyers were unsatisfied because of the model’s short-range.

Why it Stands Out To Us

The Sightmark’s ease of use is what makes it stand out from the crowd. The model is designed with a head mount for long-lasting, comfortable, and hands-free operation when flipped down. The unit can also be flipped up when not in use. An automatic shut-off feature is also included, protecting the product from bright light sources.

Who Will Use This Most

The Sightmark SM14070 is the perfect option for hunters, airsofters, K-9 handlers, preppers, campers, tactical units, and anyone who wants to blend in at night or wants to see in the dark without spending too much money. However, since the unit is not waterproof, it’s not suitable for use in wet hunting grounds.

What Could Be Improved and Why

The model could be made water-proof so that it’s suitable for all users. The design of the head mount strap could also be improved as some users stated that it was too small for them to use.

Bottom Line

The Sightmark SM14070 certainly deserves a place on our list. This model is lightweight, compact, and extremely easy to use, while its glass-filled composite housing ensures durability, reliability, and longevity. It’s also the perfect option for those on a budget. However, the unit is not waterproof, which might prove to be a hindrance for some.

Best Under $500:
Sightmark SM15070

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Pros

  • Innovative Bi-Ocular Design Ensures Optimum Visuals
  • The Unit is Extremely Lightweight and Easy To Transport Around
  • Stable and Adjustable Head Mount Allows For Hands-Free Operation
  • Glass-Filled Nylon Composite Molding Ensures Durability and Reliability
  • Automatic Shut-Down Feature and Light Protection Feature Helps Preserve Battery Life

Cons

  • The Hands-Free Can Get a Bit Tricky

What Recent Buyers Report

The majority of the people who purchased the Sightmark stated that the unit worked exactly as advertised. Users were particularly impressed by the clear and detailed image it offered and appreciated the model’s lightweight and compact size. However, some buyers found the product a bit expensive.

Why it Stands Out To Us

The Sightmark stands out to us because of its innovative dual tube system. The innovative design offers a more comfortable viewing experience as compared to a monocle. It also enables depth perception and provides a more detailed and clear image, allowing safe and easy use in the dark. The lightweight glass-filled nylon composite molding further ensures resilience and durability, even in the toughest environments.

Who Will Use This Most

The Sightmark Ghost Hunter provides great nighttime vision and mobility, making it the perfect option for campers, tactical trainers, hunters, and general outdoor enthusiasts. The binocular is extremely versatile and is also ideal for those who are new to night vision.

What Could Be Improved and Why

There are a few things which could be improved. Firstly, Sightmark could reduce the price of the unit as some users found it to be a bit expensive. The model could also be designed with a squeeze or slide release so that it doesn’t need to be readjusted after every use. Mounts could also be added to enhance ease of use further.

Bottom Line

All in all, the Sightmark Ghost Hunter is certainly one of the best night vision goggles available today. With a 30-degree field of view, the unit ensures optimum visuals, while its compact and lightweight design makes it extremely easy to transport. However, the hands-free operation might prove to be a bit tricky for some.

Best Under $1000:
Pulsar PL75095

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Pros

  • 20mm Objective Lens Ensures Increased Clarity
  • Ergonomic Headpiece Allows Easy Hands-Free Operation
  • Durable, High-Quality Construction Protects the Unit From Both Dust and Rain
  • Automatic Bright Light Exposure Prevents Tube Burnouts and Ensures Longevity
  • The Pulsar Edge GS Comes With a Cleaning Cloth, Carrying Case, Warranty Card, Head Mount, and a Neck Strap

Cons

  • The Model Does Not Have a Tripod Mounting Ability

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the people who invested in the Pulsar PL75095 were extremely satisfied with their purchase and even recommended the unit to other potential buyers. They also stated that the unit worked exactly as advertised and offered excellent value for money. However, some users reported receiving defective products as well.

Why it Stands Out To Us

Since the Pulsar is one of the best units available, there are quite a few things we like about this product. It primarily stands out to us because of the clear image it offers. Designed with a CF-Super Image Intensifier Tube, a wide-angled five-lens eyepiece, and high-quality optics, the unit provides the highest edge-to-edge resolution with minimal distortion.

Who Will Use This Most

The Pulsar Edge GS is extremely versatile and has a wide range of applications, including search and rescue, protection of private property and industrial facilities, patrolling, and predator hunting. While the unit is popular among hunters, it is also commonly used by private patrol companies for evening surveillance.

What Could Be Improved and Why

According to some reviews, the headgear of the Edge GS is extremely tight and uncomfortable. Hence, Pulsar could enhance the headgear’s design to make it more comfortable to use. Pulsar could also improve its quality control to satisfy all customers.

Bottom Line

The Pulsar Edge GS surely deserves a place on our list of top picks. Equipped with CF-Super Technology and a 20mm objective lens, the unit ensures increased clarity, while its durable construction makes it dust and rain-proof. However, the headgear is a bit uncomfortable.

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Pros

  • The Model Comes With an 18-Month Warranty
  • Seven Levels of IR Illumination Makes This Unit Extremely Versatile
  • Instantaneous and Straightforward Operation Makes it Easy To Use
  • The Nightfox is Lightweight and Compact, Making it Easy To Transport
  • Widescreen Viewing Monitor Ensures a Comfortable Viewing Experience, Even With Glasses

Cons

  • The Unit Has a Narrow Field of View
  • The Batteries Have To Be Purchased Separately

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers were satisfied with the product and recommended it to other buyers. They were particularly impressed by the clear image the Nightfox provided and said that it offered excellent value for money. However, some users reported receiving defective products and had to, consequently, return them.

Why it Stands Out To Us

The Nightfox’s ease of use is what makes it stand out from the crowd. Startup is quick and instantaneous, while the focus wheel and the zoom, IR illumination, and power button are strategically designed so that they’re right at your fingertips. You can also use the tripod thread to set up the unit for extended periods.

Who Will Use This Most

As the Nightfox 100V is extremely easy to use, it is the ideal option for kids and beginners. The model starts up with the press of a single button! The model can also be used for wildlife observation, as it allows you to spot animals in the dark easily.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Although the Nightfox has received positive reviews, there are several things that could be improved. The model could be designed with a wide-angle lens to increase its narrow field of view. The company could also improve its quality control to ensure that every customer is satisfied.

Bottom Line

The Nightfox 100V is the perfect unit for beginners and kids as it is extremely comfortable and easy to use. With a 3x20 power vision and a 2x digital zoom, the unit allows you to spot animals in the dark, while its compact design makes it easy to carry around. However, the quality control of the company is a bit poor.

No products found.

Pros

  • Digital Controls Ensure Ease of Operation
  • Boasts a Life Expectancy of Over 10,000 Hours
  • The 3 Generation Device is Extremely Comfortable To Wear
  • The Unit Ensures a Great Low Light Performance With Crisp, Bright, and Clean Images
  • This Model is Extremely Versatile and Can Be Used as a Helmet-Mounted, Hand-Held, or Head-Mounted Device

Cons

  • This Model is Expensive as Compared To Other Models

What Recent Buyers Report

The majority of the people who purchased this item were extremely satisfied with the ATN PVS7-3 and stated that it provided explicitly clear images. Some buyers even said that if the moon was out, it felt like walking around in the daytime. However, some users reported receiving defective products.

Why it Stands Out To Us

The ATN primarily stands out to us because it’s the same technology as used by Special Forces and the US military. It’s a Gen 3B device, making it the gold standard in night vision technology. The unit is designed with an intensifier tube with a B-rated low occurrence blemish rating, which significantly reduces the small black spots you see when using Gen2 and Gen1 devices.

Who Will Use This Most

These night-vision goggles are the perfect option for law enforcement, surveillance, and predator hunting. As this unit is waterproof and able to withstand extreme temperatures, your hunting trips will become a piece of cake.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Since this unit is one of the best models available today, there is little room for improvement but, the weight could be improved. According to some reviews, the ATN PVS7-3 is too heavy, making it a bit uncomfortable to use. If the design is made more ergonomic, then this unit will certainly become everyone’s favorite!

Bottom Line

The ATN PSV7-3 certainly deserves a place on our list of top picks. Designed with state-of-the-art technology, the unit ensures clear, bright, and crisp images, while its durable construction makes it perfect for long hunting trips. However, the unit is a bit expensive compared to other models.

Best Digital Night Vision Goggles:
Nightfox 120R Night Vision Goggles - 3x20

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Pros

  • The Unit Comes With an 18-Month Warranty
  • Tough Casing Ensures Durability, Reliability, and Longevity
  • This Model is Extremely Lightweight, Making it Easy To Carry Around
  • The 120R Can Be Used To Take Photos and Record Excellent Video Footage
  • Designed With a Highly Customizable Options Menu Which Can Be Used To Adjust the Brightness

Cons

  • The Infrared is of Visible Red Spectrum
  • The SD Card is Not Included With the Unit

What Recent Buyers Report

The majority of the people who invested in the Nightfox 120R were extremely satisfied with their purchase and stated that the unit is well worth the money. Some users even said that it worked better than older-gen military models. However, some buyers were disappointed with the visible infrared and the narrow field of view.

Why it Stands Out To Us

The Nightfox 120R stands out to us because of its powerful night vision. With a sensitive digital camera and dual infrared bulbs, the unit has a viewing range of up to 150 meters in complete darkness. The 7 IR power levels further help illuminate your surroundings. Moreover, the 2x digital zoom and 3x magnification allow you to pick out your target easily.

Who Will Use This Most

Since this model is designed with 3x magnification, it is ideal for hunting, fishing, and searching for people 100-200 yards away. However, the unit is not suitable for looking at your immediate surroundings.

What Could Be Improved and Why

The Nightfox 120R could be designed with a wider field of view. It could also be powered with AA or AAA batteries instead of internal ones so that users don’t have to pay a hefty fee when they want to install a new battery.

Bottom Line


The Nightfox 120R is certainly the best digital night vision goggles available today. The model is designed with a highly customizable options menu to ensure ease of use, while it can also be used to take pictures and record videos. However, it has a narrow field of view, which might prove to be a hindrance to some.

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Pros

  • Headset is Sturdy and Won't Shake Off
  • Quality Viewing Even at 200+ Yards at Night With the IR Illuminator
  • Rubberized Coating Helps a Lot With Grip and Durability When Dropped 

Cons

  • Field of View is Lacking On Open Ground
  • Gets a Bit Heavy After a While Even With the Headset
  • On and Off Buttons Can Be a Bit Stiff Making it Hard To Adjust On the Move

These night vision binoculars might be better suited to you if you're in a stationary position, like a safe house after bugging out. The detail these goggles offer give incredible resolution from a stable position. Which would give you an incredible advantage when defending your position under the cover of night.

The built in IR infrared illuminator offers the amazing viewing ability with these binoculars, when in use the illuminator emits a pulsing frequency that is so energy efficient it can outlast most night vision binoculars on battery life.

Thanks to the lightweight design your arms won't feel like they're going to fall off after a few minutes of holding them up. They also come with an adjustable headset though, which would make them convenient to use in a stationary position.

The rubberized design makes them durable and easy on the eyes, literally.

Yukon also had daytime use in mind when they designed these, so all you have to do is pop the slitted cap on the ends and you can use them during the day with the same effectiveness!

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Pros

  • The IR Illumination "On" Light is Very Subtle
  • Considered the Best That You Can Get For the Price of Gen I Goggles
  • Two Modes For Day and Night Make it Handy and Multifunctional

Cons

  • Heat Mount Could Use Some Work
  • Not as Great as Binoculars, But it is a Monocle After All
  • Field of View is Almost Too Wide Making it Difficult To Use When Both Eyes Are Open

If you're looking for a low cost high quality night vision monocle this might be something that could help you out. With a built in short range IR illuminator, the Vega is able to work well in little to no light situations.

The headset, that's included by the way, makes mobility and functionality a breeze.

You also have the option of adding a long range infrared illuminator that will dramatically boost your viewing range, if that's what you're wanting. If not then leave it off and carry on!

The all glass optics and single push system all wrapped up in a rugged reinforced composite housing makes the Vega a contender when looking for the best in quality and price.

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Pros

  • The Model is Lightweight and Extremely Easy To Operate
  • Uses AA Batteries Instead of More Expensive Battery Types
  • Estimated Twenty-Hour Battery Life With a Power-Saving Feature
  • Ergonomic Design Makes the Unit Much More Compact Than Other Models
  • Durable Rubber-Armored Housing is Designed To Be Fully Weather-Resistant

Cons

  • The Batteries Have To Be Purchased Separately
  • Infrared Light Can Be Visible To Observers From a Certain Angle

What Recent Buyers Report

The majority of the buyers agree that the Firefield FF24066 is an absolute hit! Users were particularly impressed by the model’s clarity and range and even recommended it to other hunters. However, some people were unsatisfied with their purchase and stated that the product has a poor field of view.

Why it Stands Out To Us

The Firefield’s design is what makes it stand out to us. Although the unit features a 50mm lens, it’s still more compact as compared to other night vision monoculars. Its ergonomic design further makes it comfortable to grip. The side buttons are also placed perfectly, making them extremely easy to locate in the dark without making a noise.

Who Will Use This Most


This model can be used for various different purposes, including general observation, nighttime hunting, and search and surveillance. With a full 5 power magnification, this unit is the ideal night hunting device as you can zoom in to find and identify prospective game, even if it’s several hundred feet away from you.

What Could Be Improved and Why

The image quality of the Firefield could be improved as some users stated that it is a bit hazy. The brightness of the illuminator could also be increased to increase visibility. If these issues are resolved, then this product will surely become everyone’s go-to night vision monocular.

Bottom Line

The Firefield Nightfall’s ease of use, the long list of features, and competitive price make it one of the best models available. It’s not as flashy as other models, but it’s certainly reliable and durable, which counts for a lot more.

Benefits of Investing in Night Vision Goggles

While night vision goggles help hunters see clearly at night, there are other benefits as well. These include:

Low Power Requirements and Cost-Effective

Quality night vision goggles are powered with common and easy to find batteries. A model which uses AA batteries is much easier to deal with than a unit which is powered by an 1860 battery. Some models also use high-quality batteries which are less likely to leak, thus saving you money.

Weather Resistance

Low-quality models might be sealed to resist some dust and water, but only higher-end models are powerful and strong enough to resist all types of weather. High-quality models are usually designed with aluminum bodies, making them extremely durable, reliable, and long-lasting. 

Bright, Clean, and Crisp Images

Quality night vision goggles will ensure clear and high-definition sight, making your hunting and camping adventures a piece of cake. With a high-quality model, you won’t have to worry about losing the way in the dark. The device further allows you to take rare and captivating photographs of nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. 

Conclusion

To put it simply, night vision goggles are extremely useful devices which allow you to operate easily in the dark. However, with so many goggles available today, choosing the best one is often a difficult task. The Armasight Nyx7-ID is our favorite product, but make sure you go through all the reviews to find one which suits you best.

People Also Ask

People often have several questions about night vision goggles before they complete their purchase. Here are some questions which might help you understand night vision better:

When Was Night Vision Invented?

The first military night-vision units were developed by the German Army in the mid-1930s and were used by both German infantry and tanks during World War II.

Why is Night Vision Green?

After experimenting with different colors, developers realized that the different shades and colors which make up the monochrome night vision display are most accurately distinguished and perceived when they’re green. Furthermore, our eyes are more sensitive to green light. As a result, it’s easier to look at green screens for longer periods of time than white and black ones.

Are There Major Differences in Night Goggle Generations?

Night vision goggles are available in three generations – Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3. Gen 1 devices are designed with minimal but quality features, last about 1500 hours of hard use, and are extremely budget-friendly. Gen 2 devices come with a higher price tag and have an overall life of 5000 hours. They also provide a wider field of view and a higher resolution image.

Gen 3 devices are the most expensive models available today. They last for more than 10,000 hours and are generally used by armies and Special Forces around the world.

What’s the Best Way to Protect the Googles?

The most fragile part of the goggles is the lens; therefore, it’s essential that it’s protected from various hazards. Most manufacturers include a lens cover with the unit to protect it when it’s not in use. Battery-powered units also require regular maintenance. Make sure you take out dead batteries and keep the battery compartment away from excessive heat and humidity. 

How Does Thermal Compare to Night Vision?

Thermal night vision goggles use heat from objects to detect them. These units are usually more advanced than regular light amplifying night vision. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that light night vision goggles do not work without light. That’s why most models are equipped with the IR illuminator. On the other hand, thermal models only need a heat signature and can work in total darkness.

What About The IV Generation of Night Vision?

Now before we go off into the weeds of what generations of night vision are and how they apply to the equipment you can buy, you need to know that there’s no IV generation night vision tech available to citizens.

This is high level stuff, and is only used by our US military and select divisions of local law enforcement.

Now on to explaining generations of night vision, the long and short answer is that generations I-III fall into passive infrared vision. Passive infrared vision uses sources like moonlight and other direct light sources to help complete the image.

What is Active Infrared Night Vision?

Well I’m so glad you asked! Active infrared night vision uses an external projection unit to project infrared light to enhance the image in order to make it clearer. These were the originals and are pretty scarce now that newer tech has made them obsolete. You can still find them as an add on to passive infrared night vision equipment.

Should You Buy Cheap Night Vision Equipment?

The obvious answer here is no, buying something cheap is almost always a bad idea, mostly because the adage “you get what you paid for” is true. So while quality night vision might not be the cheapest thing in the world, we’re going to do our best to find the most affordable night vision equipment for you we can.

To be honest, if you're looking for night vision equipment that actually works, you need to be prepared to shell out over $250 for a sub par pair of binoculars. Monocles can run a little less, but again you're not going to get anything of value for less than $75.

We've done our best to scour the internet for the best deals, but you need to know that with the amount of tech in these things it's not easy to make them effective AND cheap.

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