Best Night Vision Devices in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 18, 2024
Are you a fan of outdoor activities but have trouble maintaining your hobby during the night? If that's the case, you might want ...Read more
PROS

The 10x optical and 4x digital zoom options can enhance the regular picture up to 14 times. Likewise, the optics won't let the object in sight get blurry or distorted. The lightweight design combined with great zooming capabilities surely makes this model a go-to for active use outdoors.

CONS

The viewing hood is not the most comfortable when it comes to fitting.

OUR VERDICT

This night vision capable device from Rexing is light, compact, and is, perhaps, one of the best options to have if you consider getting a set of hunting binoculars. While the binoculars can operate for up to 6 hours in NV mode, the standard image-enhancing mode can be used for 17 hours straight.

detailed parameters
Design and Construction

Night Vision Binoculars

Detection

Up to 300 metres

Protection

IP56 water resistance

Battery Life

Up to 6 hours

Portability

590 grams, Tripod mounting thread, Storage pouch, Neck strap

Warranty

18 months

PROS

The device is based on 850nm 3W IR technology and has 7-level infrared radiation adjustment so that you can get a perfectly clear image in any conditions. Without IR illumination, continuous runtime is as much as 7-8 hours.

CONS

Focusing may not seem very intuitive.

OUR VERDICT

The HAIYEEM night vision device is equipped with a clear and bright 2.31" HD display and allows you to take photos or shoot videos in high resolution. Definitely useful for hunters and wildlife lovers. All footage can be stored on the included 32 GB SD Card.

detailed parameters
Design and Construction

Night Vision Binoculars

Detection

Up to 300 metres

Protection

Water resistance

Battery Life

Up to 5 hours

Portability

600 grams, Tripod mount, Protective Case, Neck Strap

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The large eyepiece will accommodate even bespectacled users. The neck strap will let you carry these binoculars hands-free. The included gift box makes these affordable night vision goggles an excellent gift.

CONS

The maximum viewing range is limited.

OUR VERDICT

The Nightfox 100V will prove equally useful during the day and at night. Incorporating only 3 buttons, these night vision binoculars are so straightforward that you can switch between the device's settings at night whilst wearing gloves.

detailed parameters
Design and Construction

Night Vision Binoculars

Detection

Up to 100 metres

Protection

Protective casing

Battery Life

Up to 6 hours

Portability

603 grams, Tripod mounting thread, Neck strap

Warranty

18 months

PROS

The screen is capable of displaying colour images during the day and black and white ones when the night vision is activated. The built-in infrared illuminator comes with three adjustable intensity levels providing an effective night vision range of up to 300 meters.

CONS

The distance between the buttons on top is a bit short. The battery life is rather low as well.

OUR VERDICT

A multifunctional night vision monocular that combines an excellent visibility with the ability to save videos as well as images on a memory card. Great choice for anyone that's looking for a device that could be used during both day and nighttime.

detailed parameters
Design and Construction

Night Vision Monocular

Detection

Up to 300 metres

Protection

Water resistance

Battery Life

Up to 10 hours

Portability

750 grams, Tripod mount, USB

Warranty

5 years

PROS

The IPX4 housing protects the circuitry from the elements. The USB interface will let you transmit data onto USB-endowed devices. The storage pouch that comes with the package will ensure safe and convenient transportation.

CONS

Some buttons are not very responsive.

OUR VERDICT

The Solomark NV400, relying on integrated 3-watt LEDs, allows you to view objects up to 400 metres away on a moonless cloudy night. Plus, the model goes up to 7X magnification. The binoculars will also let you record HD (1280 x 720p) footage at 30 fps.

detailed parameters
Design and Construction

Night Vision Binoculars

Detection

Up to 400 metres

Protection

IPX4 water resistance

Battery Life

6 hours

Portability

900 grams, 1/4" tripod mounting thread, Storage pouch, Neck strap

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Night Vision Devices Night Vision Goggles

Incredible Zoom

The Rexing B1 is yet another set of night vision goggles that comes as an all-in-one package that only requires you to get a set of batteries aside from the main package. Speaking of batteries, the B1 runs on 6 AA batteries, so getting a few sets of those wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially if you plan to use the binoculars often.

Although the binoculars have a relatively weak 850 NM illuminator array, the maximum visible range when using it in night mode is quite staggering - up to 300 metres. Unlike many similar night vision devices, these binoculars are capable of enhancing the image at greater distances, owing to the combination of both optical and digital zoom. While the optical zoom allows for zooming the picture up to 10 times, the digital zoom will further enlarge it up to 4 times, effectively giving you the image or the video feed enhanced 14 times.

Aside from the mechanical aspects of the device, it is important to evaluate the digital specifications of the internal components, and more importantly - the video rendering module. First of all, it has decent processing power to make high-quality photos in 1280x960p resolution. Likewise, the video capturing hardware is on par with the photographic capabilities of the binoculars and can deliver stable 30FPS in 960p resolution.

Big Screen and Sturdy Build

Uncharacteristically for a portable device, this model from REXING features a relatively wide, 2.31-inch LCD screen that acts as a visor for the optical lens. To make the monitoring process a tad bit easier, the binoculars feature 6 buttons that will allow you to quickly switch between different brightness modes, zoom in and out, as well as toggling the night vision on and off.

To make carrying the binoculars more convenient in rugged terrain, the main unit comes equipped with a neck strap. Moreover, the appliance itself features threading on the bottom of the housing, which enables mounting it on tripods with a standard mounting screw.

This, paired with the 600-gram weight of the whole assembly makes up for a compact set of night vision goggles and binoculars that are highly portable and easy to carry around even on a neck strap.

Wrapping things up, the Rexing B1 will be a good option for users looking for a decent pair of night vision binoculars but are tight on funds. Well-built and offering quite a lot when it comes to night vision capabilities, the Rexing B1 is an ideal pick for you in case you need a good quality NVG but don’t want to break the bank at the same time.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £159.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0829FH5DF

Perfect Companion for Wildlife Lovers

Those who spend a lot of time in the great outdoors will often find the need to use some sorts of tools to help make the best of their experience. With night vision goggles allowing these same people to no longer having to limit their outdoors time to daylight hours, finding a great pair that gives them the best experience possible is a high priority. For such people, the HAIYEEM night vision goggles are an excellent choice. This device is equipped with a clear and bright 2.31" HD display and allows you to take photos or shoot videos in high resolution, letting you capture high-definition details in nighttime conditions.

These goggles come with a plethora of features that definitely make them useful for hunters and wildlife lovers. The relatively light weight of 0.6 kg means that you can carry them wherever you go without them weighing you down and inhibiting your movements. The set also comes with a complete kit that keeps the goggles firmly attached to you when in use, and well-protected at all other times. This includes a protective case, a neck strap for carrying the goggles, a cleaning cloth for maintenance, and even an external SD card for storing all of the footage that you capture with them.

A Clear Image

What really sets this pair of night vision goggles apart from many other models are the built-in features for allowing for a perfectly clear image in all kinds of conditions. The device is based on 850nm 3W IR technology and has 7-level infrared radiation adjustment so that you can get a perfectly clear image in any conditions. In addition, the zoom and focus capabilities of these goggles allow for capturing clear and detailed images of objects from a distance of up to 300 metres, so you aren't limited to just objects that are up close. This means that those who often want to capture images of wildlife without disturbing their habitat can safely do so from an appropriate distance.

Photos and videos that are captured through the goggles are highly detailed, with both captured with a resolution of 1280 x 960, with the video capabilities using this same resolution at 30fps. While this isn't quite full HD quality, it is certainly detailed enough to where most users won't really notice the difference. The battery life of these goggles is also quite good. Without IR illumination, continuous runtime is as much as 7 to 8 hours, while users can typically expect between 5 to 6 hours with it turned on. At the end of the day, these night vision goggles are a perfect companion for anyone who wants to capture clear, detailed images at any time of the night.
Last updated price £143.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B09HTNTN2D

Straightforward Operation

The Nightfox 100V is a cool name but the binoculars are not quite as cool as the name implies. However, they're quite cool when you put the price into perspective first. Coming from a price category that rarely reaches over 100 quid, they're pretty capable goggles, as long as you're fine with the viewing range not even pushing above 100 metres. Because that's the case, these binoculars are great for viewing sports games, camping, scouting, performing nighttime repairs, and exploring caves but not necessarily great for hunting or wildlife observation.

On the upside, the wide eyepiece accommodates both eyes, facilitating comfortable viewing even with glasses. Limited to 3 buttons, this model is easy to operate even at night. Moreover, the focus wheel enables easy optical magnification adjustment, while the left button lets you control the 2X digital zoom. To its right, there is the IR button. Using this button, you can adjust the infrared output, switching between 7 intensity settings. This feature will be useful at different times of day - depending on the amount of light you can easily adjust the brightness according to your liking or needs.

Well-Built and Affordable

To make your nighttime trips a little bit more convenient, the binoculars feature a comfortable eyepiece that allows for a better field of view, compared to conventional models and monoculars. What makes this particular eyepiece design stand out, though, is the ability to use it even while wearing glasses. Additionally, you are getting a neck strap for increased portability and an integrated ¼ tripod mounting thread for better stability in a stationary position. Albeit the weight of the appliance itself is just over 600 grams, with batteries attached it can reach almost a full kilogramme.

The model's straightforward operation is appreciated but the price you are paying here is battery consumption. Despite lasting the same 6 hours that more expensive NVGs last, these goggles require 8 AA batteries to achieve the same runtime, whereas less affordable binoculars usually work on 6. Nevertheless, at this price, the Nightfox 100V has almost no rivals when it comes to the fidelity of its night vision mode.

All things considered, this model from Nightfox will be one of the top picks for the role of a budget-friendly night vision device. Quite light, simple in operation and fairly effective at short to medium range it has shown to be a good set of night vision binoculars.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £99.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01N95F8UJ

Darkness Is Your Ally

Although the night and the darkness that comes with it may seem frightening enough to avoid it by sleeping it off at home, one cannot deny the certain kind of mystery that it entails. Like many things and ideas that are forbidden from doing or dissuaded from following, the idea of conquering the night has been on the minds of many brilliant people throughout history. From the invention of fire to various breakthroughs on the subject of electricity, people have been able to inhabit the kingdom of darkness inch by inch and make it their own. Of course, due to an immense multitude of lamps, lanterns and similar sources of light placed throughout your average city, the night can often be almost as bright as your average foggy day. But once you step out of the comforts of a modern city and go back into the wilderness, all of these sources of light generally aren't present there. Which is why if you wish to engage in some kind of a night activity outside, more often than not you're going to need a night vision device to help you out. Now, whether this is your first rodeo or you've had your share of experience with these kinds of devices, the Bushnell 6x50 Equinox Z is going to prove a great choice regardless of your experience and particular preferences.

A Different Kind of Approach

The Bushnell 6x50 Equinox Z Night Vision Monocular is equipped with a different kind of technology than your average night vision device. Instead of a regular intensifier tube, this model employs an infrared-sensitive CMOS sensor with a tiny LCD screen for its night vision capabilities. Thanks to the built-in infrared illuminator with three adjustable intensity levels, the device is capable of providing an effective night vision range of up to 300 meters. The screen displays colour images during the day, and black and white when the night vision is activated. The device provides a 6x optical magnification through a 50mm objective lens with a digital zoom that is capable of tripling that number offering a magnification of up 18x.

Thanks to this type of technology, the device allows you to capture video and still images in 640x480 resolution, and save them to a micro-SD card in the built-in card slot. If you're worried about it being too fragile, the device offers an IPX4 rated protection with water resistance. If you're looking for something that will provide a little extra on top of your regular night vision device's features, the Bushnell 6x50 Equinox Z is exactly the kind of model you ought to invest into.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00I9CDU44

VIDEO

400 Metres Viewing Range

The Solomark NV400 brings about the most tremendous viewing range compared to similar products in the same price range. Using built-in 3-watt LED illuminators that push 850 nm wavelength to its limits, these binoculars let you view objects up to 400 metres away even on moonless cloudy nights. Furthermore, you can switch between three IR settings depending on the amount of ambient light. This setting will come in handy if you want to increase or decrease the overall brightness of the video feed or the still pictures.

Not unlike the device we've reviewed above, this model adopts an infrared-sensitive CMOS sensor and lets you not just record but also view the footage you've recorded on the integrated 4-inch screen. Borrowing a page from the same high-end night vision goggles book, these binoculars' optics are fully multi-coated, increasing light transmission and decreasing glare produced by different light sources or in case the IR light of the binoculars got reflected.

But, unlike the competition, this model offers 7X magnification, so you can dissect the smallest details 300 metres away from you. Given the right conditions, this binocular set can detect movement, as well as static objects at distances of up to 400 metres away, which is not a small feat at all. The only caveat of the model is its resistance to elements. The housing features an IPX4-rated splash resistance, however, it is not recommended to use the device without applying additional means of water protection.

Not Just Simple Binocs

Incorporating a sturdy plastic housing, the goggles can withstand splashes from any direction and are fine with most elements. While the binoculars' advantages do not end there, the overall package should not be overlooked as well.

To go with the goggles, you're shipped a 1/4-inch tripod mounting thread, a 32-gigabyte Micro SD card, a storage pouch, a neck strap, a USB cable, an AV cable, and a cleaning cloth. Between these accessories, you can store, transport, maintain and use the binoculars hassle-free. Owing to the support of flash memory cards, you will be able to record and save pictures and videos in 720p HD resolution with the simple press of a button.

In the end, if you need a practical set of night vision goggles that can be used as regular binoculars we recommend getting this model from Solomark. Quite powerful and exceptionally easy to use, it brings commercially-available night vision device standards to a whole new level.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B018DF3RH6

Infographics


What Is a Night Vision Device?

People are the kind of creatures that are heavily dependant and reliant on the sun. Looking at what the eyes of cats and owls are capable of during the nighttime, our sight's effectiveness during that particular part of the day pales in comparison, to say the least. Which is certainly one of the major reasons that human society has always recognised the kind of darkness that every night brings alongside it as a source of chaos and calamity. But with the advancements in the world of technology, people have managed to gradually overcome this particular fear and conquer the night, metaphorically speaking. A great example of that kind of advancement would be a night vision device or night vision goggles.

A night vision device (NVD), also known as night optical/observation device (NOD), is an optoelectronic night observation device that allows you to obtain a much clear vision in near or absolute darkness. The image produced is generally monochrome and more often than not has the shades of green and grey. The device is best suited for wildlife observation, hunting, law enforcement or military applications.

What Features to Compare

Application Type

The first thing you're going to have to figure out is what kind of application you are looking for and what kind of location is going to be your literal or figurative hunting grounds. Your potential item's design should be one of the first things you ought to think about. Would you rather get a headgear or a wrist strap? Do you prefer a bigger or smaller lens? These are the kind of things you should consider before getting one. While some NVDs utilise one IR sensor and lens, others can act as regular binoculars with night vision capabilities.

Lens Protection

Speaking of lenses, the kind of protection featured by a device is a really significant factor in choosing the proper night vision gear. The things you really have to focus on is whether the manufacturer-installed protection is good enough against kicks, drops, and frost. Additionally, you might want to look into other means of lens protection like anti-glare and anti-fog coating.

Detection Capabilities

Of course, one of the most important characteristics of a night vision device is its detection capabilities. A decent NVD intended for hunting and hiking use should provide a focus range of at least 45 metres and offer a decent visual field. Depending on the power and wavelength of the NVG infrared sensor, a relatively modern monocular or night vision-capable binoculars can show objects at distances ranging from 100 and up to 400-500 metres without too much of a problem.

Battery Life

Given that a night vision device is, obviously, a wireless type of electronics, the kind of battery life it is equipped with plays an essential part in it. You don't want to have to deal with the inconvenience of calling it an early night just because you have to recharge your batteries. More often than not, this type of appliance requires a set of either AA or AAA batteries. Depending on the power consumption of the said piece, you might look at 6 to 8 batteries. With this in mind, it won’t be a bad idea to get a set or two of rechargeable batteries, to save funds in the long-term.

Portability

Last but not least is the portability of your device. What you should take into consideration is not just the weight of your gear but also the kind of design that could allow you to carry it comfortably in your pocket or a small bag. Even though night vision devices can be fairly light on their own, when you take the batteries into consideration, the overall weight can increase significantly and, in some cases, even double the total weight of the NVG or binoculars.

Did you know?

  • The term Night Vision Device usually refers to a complete unit, which includes an image intensifier tube, a protective housing, and some type of mounting system.
  • Although people have been looking for ways to improve their ability to see during the night in complete darkness since the dawn of human civilization, a night vision device is a relatively new invention. Not unlike a large variety of inventions in the history of our civilization, we owe the creation of this one due to necessary advancements in the world of warfare. In 1929, a Hungarian physicist Kalman Tihanyi invented the infrared-sensitive (night vision) electronic television camera for anti-aircraft defence in the United Kingdom. The first version of a proper military night vision device was introduced by the German Army in the late 1930s and was put into use during the Second World War. Somewhere around 1943, the German Army began their first tests with infrared night-vision devices and telescopic rangefinders mounted on Panther tanks.
  • After World War II, it became evident that this kind of device shouldn't be strictly limited to military use and could have a variety of civilian applications providing it was devised in the correct manner. The very first practical commercial night vision device intended for civilian use was developed by Vladimir K. Zworykin at Radio Corporation of America. Zworykin's drew his inspiration from a radio guided-missile. At that time, the infrared technology was generally referred to as black light, a term later assigned strictly to ultraviolet. Although in hindsight it was a great idea, the device didn't achieve commercial success due to the size and the cost.
  • Nowadays, even though the device is still heavily employed by the law enforcement agencies and military institutions, different areas of civilian applications are seemingly just as prevalent. The device generally proves an invaluable addition to the hunter's collection thanks to the ability of multiple magnifications during the day and that same feature on top of a proper night vision long after the sunset. Of course, if killing often innocent animals isn't the kind of activity you generally tend to participate in, and you would rather spend your time in nature by simply hiking or observing the beauty of it from a safe distance, this piece of equipment is something that would rather have in your arsenal. Last but not least, there's a variety of competitive team sports like airsoft or paintball that are played in the night and thus require a proper night vision device in order to be fully enjoyed.

FAQ:

Q: Why should I purchase a night vision device?
A: A night vision device has a variety of applications and you're likely to find some kind of use for it regardless of your hobbies and pastime activities. That kind of device is a great choice for hunters not only because it allows them to extend their hunting hours well into the middle of the night and beyond, but it can also provide a magnification of the image that is going to prove helpful in stalking your prey. If you're a fan of hiking and observing the wildlife but your own ability to see during the night limits the amount of time you can spend on said hobby, a night vision device is capable of providing you with enough light to see during those hours.

Q: What kind of a night vision device should I get?
A: It all depends on what you're looking to do with it. If you purchase it with a purpose of hiking and observing the wildlife, a pair of binoculars with a tripod mount should do the trick. If you're looking into engaging in some nighttime hunting or finishing, a monocular could prove more useful, depending on the size and the design of it. If you would like to participate in a competitive team shooting game, you might want to look into buying a pair of night vision goggles with a reliable head strap.

Q: How does Night Vision work?
A: Night vision devices harvest the already existing ambient light (be it starlight, moonlight or infrared light) through their front lens. After that, the light that consists of entirely of photons, goes into a photocathode tube that turns those photons into electrons. The electrons are then amplified to a much greater number through an electrical and chemical process. Following that, the aforementioned electrons are then thrown towards a phosphorus screen that changes the amplified electrons back into visible light that you see through the eyepiece. The image will now be a clear green-hued amplified re-creation of the scene you were observing.

Q: What are some of the precautions to using a night vision device?
A: The NVD should not be turned on in daylight if the said device operates via an infrared illuminator. The manufacturers do not recommend disassembling a night vision device without sufficient expertise on the subject or professional assistance. The NVD should not be aimed at the bright light even if the said light is shining in the dark. Unless the said device has a specified resistance against these kinds of things, you should refrain from shaking or dropping it. Whenever you are done using the device, it is recommended to put it in a case in order to avoid damaging the model.

Sources:

1. HOW DOES NIGHT VISION WORK, ATNCorp.

2. HOW THERMAL IMAGING WORKS, ATNCorp.

3. How To Buy A Night Vision Device, OpticsPlanet. July 13, 2016.

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