Any experienced hunter will tell you that during night time, the hunter can quickly become the prey if you don’t pay attention to your surroundings. Here is where night vision goggles come in. With a good pair of night vision goggles, you will have a clear view of your environment, and nothing will be able to take you by surprise.
Wearing night vision goggles will make you feel like a character from the movie “Zero Dark Thirty.” In fact, you can even get those specific goggles, but we need to warn you that they cost $40,000.
The tricky part about finding the best pair of night vision goggles for shooting is to know what to look for in terms of specifications and features. Here is where our expertise comes in.
Today we are going to present the top five best night vision goggles for shooting and list their highlight features so that you can decide which one fits your needs the most.
Make sure to stick around for the end because we are also presenting a buying guide and answering the internet’s most asked questions about night vision technology.
Best Night Vision Goggles for Shooting of 2020
Sightmark Photon XT
Right from the start, we want to mention that the Sightmark Photon XT goggles are designed for tactical use. These are the best night vision goggles that you can get on Amazon, and therefore, their price is not very budget-friendly.
However, having these goggles on your next hunting adventure will make the night your ally. The device features a magnification power of 2x and a lens diameter of 24mm to provide you with crystal-clear images even when it’s pitch black outside.
The reason why the goggles are ideal for nighttime activity is that they are equipped with an integrated 5mW adjustable IR illuminator that is paired with a spot/flood focus knob.
The goggles feature a helmet adaptor so that you can mount them without a single problem and keep your hands free to control the rifle. If you are worried that running into bright light will blind and cause you to miss your target, then you should be pleased to know that the goggles feature automatic brightness control.
The night vision gets shut-off instantly when you are exposed to bright light sources. We also want to mention that the battery lasts for up to 20 hours with night vision enabled, and for 72 hours without infrared.
Pros:
- 2x magnification power;
- Lens diameter of 24mm;
- 5mW adjustable IR illuminator;
- Helmet mountable;
- Automatic brightness control;
- Eye relief;
- Diopter adjustment;
- Gen 1-night vision;
- Lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- The price is high.
HAIT Night Vision Goggles
On the second spot, we have a pair of night vision goggles that are perfect for shooting. Precision is all that matters when shooting, and the HAIT Night Vision Goggles will help you see clearly both during the night and in low light conditions.
What’s really impressive about these goggles is the fact that they provide a viewing distance of 150 meters. Thanks to this, you are guaranteed never to miss a single detail in your vision when using the HAIT Night Vision Goggles. You don’t need a special helmet to wear the goggles because you can mount them directly on your head.
In fact, you can even remove the headband to hold them in your hands for enhanced precision when observing objects at long distances.
The goggles fit in the premium category, and therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find out that they ship with an infrared-assisted illuminator that is going to help you see everything. The image quality presented by the goggle is excellent, and the resolution is HD.
We also want to mention that the gadget is protected by a sturdy rubberized armor that is shock absorbent. Not just that, but the rubberized armor is comfortable and provides a non-slip grip.
Pros:
- 150 meters viewing distance;
- Infrared-assisted illuminator;
- HD resolution;
- Rubberized armor;
- Non-slip grip;
- You can wear the goggles on your head;
- The safety strap can be removed to hold the goggles for better precision;
- The goggles are great for outdoor adventures at night.
Cons:
- The price is high.
EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles
Wearing the EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles will make you feel and look like a SEAL operator, and there is no doubt about that. The cool design is not the only thing that you are getting if you decide to go for this gadget, and instead, you will also get the ability to see in total darkness. The EyeClops goggles feature a viewing range of up to 50 meters, and they are powered by infrared driven night vision technology.
The EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles are ideal for conducting nighttime operations, and thanks to the crisp image quality they offer, you will never miss a shot. Even though the goggles look bulky, they actually weigh in at only 1 pound.
Paired with the adjustable straps, you will never feel the weight of the EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles. The last thing that we want to mention is that the gadget features multiple modes, including a surveillance mode that emits a barely-visible ring of red LEDs.
Stealth is the name of the game when shooting during the night, and these night vision goggles will help you become a better stalker.
Pros:
- Multiple modes;
- Colored LEDs;
- 50 meters viewing distance;
- Infrared technology;
- Adjustable head straps;
- The goggles weigh in at only 1 pound;
- Cool looking design.
Cons:
- The batteries are not included.
Bushnell Night Vision Monocular
On the fourth spot, we have night vision monocular from Bushnell. This is a renowned company in the optics industry that has established its brand as a household name by manufacturing great products for outdoor activities.
The monocular featured in the picture above is the perfect example of that shipping with a built-in infrared illuminator that provides a viewing distance of up to 750 feet. This makes the Bushnell Night Vision Monocular the best choice if you are planning to go hunting and want to stay at a safe distance.
Talking about the impressive field of view that this gadget offers, we also want to highlight that it is available in the following magnification options: 2x, 4.5x, and 6x.
What makes this monocular stand out from all the other night vision gadgets featured on our list is the fact that it can also snap pictures and record videos. The media files are stored on a 32GB microSD card, and they can be transferred to a smartphone, laptop, or desktop PC.
Furthermore, the monocular is designed especially for outdoor activities, and thus, the manufacturer has made sure to equip it with a protective armor that is waterproof.
Pros:
- 750 feet viewing distance;
- Available in multiple magnification options;
- The monocular can snap photos and record videos;
- Built-in infrared illuminator;
- Protective armor;
- Waterproof;
- Multi-coated optics.
Cons:
- The microSD card and batteries are not included.
Nightfox Swift
Even though most night vision goggles that are designed for tactical use are quite expensive, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend a small fortune on a good pair. The Nightfox Swift offers a great mix of premium features and an affordable price.
The night vision goggles for shooting utilize infrared technology to provide you with 75 yards viewing range in darkness. Not just that, but the night vision goggles feature 1x and 2x digital zoom to help you spot objects that are far away.
Another useful feature that is worth mentioning is that the display brightness is adjustable so that you can find the best level to keep your eyes relaxed.
The manufacturer did a great job designing this product, and it placed the infrared controls close to the center knob. Thanks to this feature, you can always find the best infrared level to observe objects. You can also use the controls to quickly turn off the infrared in case you encounter a bright light source.
The rubberized armor offers a non-slip grip, and if you don’t want to hold the goggles in your hands, then you can always use the adjustable straps to mount them on your head.
Pros:
- Great price;
- Infrared technology;
- Adjustable display brightness;
- Easy to access infrared controls;
- 75 yards viewing range;
- Rubberized armor;
- Head mount;
- Adjustable head straps.
Cons:
- The image quality is not the best;
- The batteries last for 3 hours.
Buying Guide for the Best Night Vision Goggles for Shooting
Check out below the top three essential features that a great pair of night vision goggles for shooting needs to offer:
- Durability
We can’t stress enough how vital durability is for night vision goggles. Since you will be taking them on outdoor adventures, you need to make sure that a rubberized armor protects them. Accidentally dropping the night vision goggles happens more often than you would think, and this is why it’s a great idea to go for a durable product such as the HAIT Night Vision Goggles, for example.
- Size and Weight
Another essential factor that should not be overlooked is the size and weight of the night vision goggles. If they are heavy, you will not be able to use them for extended sessions because you will feel a strain on your neck.
Fortunately, the infrared technology is so advanced that products such as the EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles weigh in at only 1 pound. In addition, the size needs to be comfortable if you are planning to go shooting so that your aim is always steady and precise.
- Infrared Illuminators
In case you are not familiar with how night vision goggles work, then you should know that it all relies on the infrared illuminators. This feature beams an infrared light on the object that you are observing, and it makes it visible in the darkest light conditions. With that said, we highly advise you to go for a pair of night vision goggles that are equipped with a built-in generation 1 infrared illuminator.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions left answered after checking out the top five best night vision goggles for shooting reviews above, then you should check out the FAQ below.
Why should I use night vision goggles?
Unlike animals, we can’t see very well in the dark. Due to this, going hunting during the nighttime can quickly become a dangerous activity. You never know what animal might creep up on you. Fortunately, here is where night vision goggles come in and save the day.
These gadgets will give you a clear and high definition of sight in the darkness.
What are the categories of night vision goggles?
If you did some research on night vision goggles, then you probably stumbled upon different categories. There are three types of groups: gen 1, gen 2, and gen 3. What sets them apart is the performances that they offer in low light conditions. Gen 3 goggles are the most expensive and also the best ones.
Do night vision goggles come with thermal imaging?
Movies and action games lead us to believe that all night vision goggles feature thermal imaging. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Some devices do feature thermal imaging, but they are really expensive. You will only find this feature on gen three goggles that usually cost a couple of thousands of dollars.
Do night vision goggles work with glasses?
Lots of people wear prescription glasses, especially when shooting to have better aim, and this is why manufacturers have implemented eye relief in night vision goggles. With that said, the answer is yes. Night vision goggles work just fine with glasses.
Can you use night vision goggles with a scope?
Since these night vision goggles are great for shooting, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they can be used with the optics on a scope. However, we do need to mention that the optics need to feature a high eye relief so that the image doesn’t get distorted.
Your best option is to get red dot optics to have a clear view when shooting in the dark.