Best Night Vision Binoculars Under $100

One problem with regular binoculars is that you can’t use them at night. This means that, if you’d love to explore nocturnal wildlife, for instance, owls, hedgehogs and bats, you will need night vision binoculars.

However, these binoculars are costly. High-end night vision binoculars will cost around $2,000. There are also professional models that cost between $5000 and $14,000.

Does that mean that you cannot lay your hands on night vision binoculars, if you don’t have that much? No, there are night vision models that cost as low as $100. While they can’t match the high-end models, they present a great entry point when getting into the exploration of the nocturnal world.

However, there are very few true night vision models in this price range that are binoculars. Here are some binoculars that are great for those on a budget, these models are great for kids. If you don’t want to risk allowing your kids to use your expensive night vision binoculars, get one of these.

What is Night Vision Technology?

Night vision refers to the technology that enables vision in the dark and even better vision in low light conditions. Night vision technology has varied applications including surveillance, driving and flying at night, hunting, watching nocturnal animals, and in night rescue missions.

How Do Night Vision Binoculars Work?

Night vision binoculars use a technology that boosts dim and faint light energy by amplifying it to a level that human eyes can see. The images will be clearer when it’s not very dark. There are also night vision devices that use thermal image technology. Naturally, objects emit energy. For instance, if somebody is standing outside in a dark area, there will be energy around them from their body.

Now, thermal imaging night vision devices convert this energy to levels that the eyes can see. The higher the heat energy, the clearer the object will appear. So basically, the energy around the object makes the object visible.

How Far can Night Vision Binoculars See?

How far a night vision binocular can see depends on how powerful the model is and how dark the area is. Apart from detection range, there is also recognition range, which refers to how far you can recognize an object. Typically, the recognition range is shorter than the detection range. High end night vision binoculars can see objects as far as 1000 yards (900 meters) while beginner models like the ones in this review can only see up to 100 meters.

Best Night Vision Binoculars Under $100

1. Nightfox 100V Night Vision Infrared Binocular

The Nightfox 100V Digital Night Vision Infrared Binoculars are battery powered using 8 AA batteries that will last for up to 6 hours. One thing you will love about these binoculars is that they are digital. This means you can use them during the day, but make sure you are using the lens filter cap.

You will also appreciate how easy it is to use these binoculars. On top, there are three easy-to-use buttons. Power on, zoom, and infra-red button. After powering on, press the infrared button and you are ready to explore. The infrared button has seven settings, allowing you to switch the settings until you have the best view.

Apart from using the infrared settings to adjust the image quality, you can also manually focus to achieve the best view. To do this, there is a focus wheel at the bottom that you use to adjust. You can also manually rotate the lens to focus. With these binoculars you can see up to 100 yards.

These binoculars also boast one of the widest TFT displays you can get on models in this price range. To activate the digital zoom feature, just press the zoom button and enjoy the x6 digital zoom.  This model comes with a neck strap that you can use to carry them around, but you can also set it up on a tripod.

Specifications

Fixed Optical Magnification	3x
Adjustable digital magnification	6x
Weight without batteries	603g
Objective Lens Diameter	20mm
Range	100 yards
Batteries life	6 hrs.
Warranty	18 Month

2. Nightfox 110R Widescreen Night Vision Binocular

Unlike the 100v version which has a detection range of 100 yards, this one gives you 50% more coverage. You can watch wildlife, view your backyard, or explore up to 150 yards. And just like the 110v, the 110r has 7 infrared settings that you access through a button on top. After switching on the IR function, you can then toggle until you get the perfect view of the object you are observing.

While the 110v model is powered by 8AA alkaline, lithium or NiMH batteries, this one requires just 4 AA batteries. However, you will only get between 3 and 5 hours depending on the IR setting you are using. It has a 7x Fixed Optical Magnification and 2x Adjustable digital magnification. And since it is digital you can use it during the day and at night. When using it at night, you will need to remove the lens filter.

These binoculars have 6 buttons on top. The IR button is used to change the infrared settings. There is also a brightness button that you use to access the 15 display brightness settings. When you want to record a video or photo, there is a recording button that you also use to play the recorded footage. You can also set the device to turn off, if it stays idle for a specific set time. For added protection, the binoculars have a rubber casing that also makes it easy to grab them.

Specifications

Fixed Optical Magnification	7x
Adjustable digital magnification	2x
Viewfinder	TFT 320*240
Objective Lens Diameter	20mm
Range	150 Mtrs (165 yds)
Batteries life (4x AA batteries)	4 hrs.
Warranty	18 Months
Weight without batteries	374g

If you are willing to pay a bit more, check out the Nightfox Corsac Digital Infrared Night Vision Binoculars and the Nightfox Cape Night Vision Goggle, two other night vision binoculars from Nightfox.

3. Hike Crew Digital Night Vision Binoculars

First off, these are digital binoculars that you can use during the day and at night. When using them during the day, you get up to 400 meters of viewing distance and 60 meters at night. At night there are 7 infrared settings that you can easily adjust until you get the perfect view of the objects or animals you are watching. The focus wheel allows you to adjust the focus until you have the best view, while the removable lens cap protects the device when being used during the day.

The device is battery powered using 8 AA batteries. When the batteries are fully charged, you will get up to 6 hours or less depending on the infrared setting you are using. The display size is generous to reduce eye strains, while the roomy eye cups are great for eyeglass wearers.

These binoculars support up to 256 GB of photos and videos. You can access the videos and photos directly on the device or connect it to a laptop. These binoculars come with a strap, but you can also mount them on a tripod.

Specifications

Camera & Video Function	Yes
Zoom	2x
Optical zoom	7x
Daytime Viewing Distance	1400 ft.
Night Viewing Distance	350 ft
Infrared settings	7
Batteries	8 AA
Tripod mounting	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions About Night Vision Binoculars

Can You Use a Night Vision Binoculars During the Day?

Night vision devices are made for use when it’s dark. This can be at night, dusk, or dawn. This means you can damage them if you expose them to a lot of light. When buying night vision binoculars check whether it can be used during the day. However, if the model is labeled as a digital night vision binocular, that means it can be used both during the day and at night.

How Do Light Damage Night Vision Binoculars?

As I explained at the top, night vision binoculars work by amplifying the little light to levels that the human eyes can see. If there is a lot of light, the binoculars will do the same. It will pick the light and then amplify it, which can damage the sensor. You can also damage your eyes by using a night vision binocular during the day.

Are Night Vision Binoculars Legal?

This will depend on where you live. It’s completely legal to own and use night vision devices in the USA and UK. Whether it’s legal to hunt using a night vision device depends on the hunting laws in your state.

In Iceland, you can buy and use night vision devices, however, it’s prohibited to use them for hunting. If you live in France, you cannot own a Gen 3-night vision device. It’s also illegal to own a night vision device that can be mounted, this also applies to Gen 1 and Gen 2 devices

What Do You Use Night Vision Binoculars For?

• Observing nocturnal animals such as bats.
• To observe what’s happening in your yard without switching on the lights
• For hunting but make sure it’s legal
• When camping

Night Vision Goggles vs Night Vision Binoculars

The difference between night vision binoculars and night vision goggles is in the features. For instance, most night vision goggles have a 1x magnification, while night vision binoculars have a magnification of between x1 and x5 or higher. While night vision goggles have a lower magnification, they provide a bigger field of view than binoculars. Also, all night vision goggles offer head or helmet mounting.

Is Night Vision Better than Thermal Scopes?

Both devices have their unique advantages. For instance, you can use thermal scopes at night and during the day, but night vision optic devices are made for use when it’s dark. Thermal scopes provide better results even when there is fog, smoke, or dust, unlike night vision devices. On the other hand, night vision devices produce better images and are more affordable.

Can You See Owls With Night Vision Binoculars?

Since owls are active during the night, the only way to observe them is using night vision binoculars. If you want to easily identify where they are hiding, use a thermal vision monocular to find their shelter.

Can You See Birds with Night Vision Binoculars?

The only birds you can see at night are the nocturnal birds. These include owls, bats, nighthawks, and frog mouths.

What Should you not do with Binoculars that have Night Vision?

If you have any night vision device that includes night vision binoculars, there are a few things you should not do. First, read the law. Make sure you are not contravening any laws, as it can get you in trouble. Secondly, read the fine print. Check whether you can use the device when there is light. Night vision devices can damage your eyes if you use them incorrectly.

What Night Vision does the Military use?

The US army uses night vision goggles. However, they feature some of the latest technologies like augmented reality.

Wrapping up.

Getting a true night vision binocular when on a budget is hard. Luckily, the above models are a few models that are worth buying. These models are great for beginners, kids and those on a budget. While you won’t get the level of performance you’d get with an army night vision binocular, these models still do a great job. They are great for casual users who want to observe nocturnal wildlife such as bats and owls and surveying your backyard.