Night Vision-Infrared Binoculars (2024)

Night vision and Infrared binoculars can make a great addition to a birdwatcher's collection of field gear to view nocturnal birds in addition to a variety of recreational and professional uses such as:

• Nocturnal Wildlife Observation
• Astronomy
• Camping/exploring
• Boating/Marine Use
• Police/Law Enforcement
• Search and Rescue
• Security and Surveillance
• Property Management

How Do Infrared Binoculars Work?

Infrared night vision binoculars collect and amplify existing light, such as moonlight, starlight or infra-red light, through the objective lens, which is then focused on the image intensifier.

Inside the intensifier, a photocathode is “excited” by the light and converts the photon energy into electrons.

These electrons accelerate across an electrostatic field inside the intensifier and strike a phosphor screen (like a green monochrome TV screen) which emits an image that you can see.

It is the acceleration of electrons, which provides gain and enhances the image.

The image will be a clear green-hued amplified re-creation of the scene you are observing.

All night vision binoculars need some light to amplify.

Those binoculars with built-in infrared illuminators (IRI), like the Bushnell's listed below, allows you to see in complete darkness where no ambient light source, such as moonlight, is available.

If the subject is to be viewed in a completely dark area, you just activate the infrared illuminator by pressing the IRI button.

The IRI emits a beam of infrared light that is nearly invisible to the naked eye, but will be bright when viewed through the binoculars.

How Far Can I See With Infrared Binoculars?

That depends upon how much ambient light is present.

For example, on a full-moon night, you should be able to see with no problem out to the maximum distance of the binoculars' range which could be more than 500 yards.

In a completely dark area with virtually no ambient light present, you will need to use the IR illuminator.

The IRI will typically allow you to see out to 100 yards or so.

Gen 1, 2, 3 & 4 Night Vision Binocular Types

You will see the generation type listed in the specifications of your binoculars or night optics.

They range from 1st Generation thru 4th Generation night vision with varying levels of each in between.

Gen 1 is currently the most popular type of night vision in the world.

A 1st Generation unit will amplify the existing light several thousand times letting you clearly see in the dark.

These units provide a bright and sharp image at a low cost, which is perfect, whether you are boating, observing wildlife, or providing security for your home.

Gen 2 night vision goggles and above (Generation 3 night vision & Generation 4) is primarily used by law enforcement, military or for other professional applications.

This is because the cost of a Gen 2 night vision unit is approximately $500.00 to $1000.00 more then a Gen 1.

Gen 2 vs Gen 3 Night Vision

The main difference between a 1st and a 2nd Generation unit is the addition of a micro-channel plate, commonly referred to as a MCP.

The MCP works as an electron amplifier and is placed directly behind the photocathode.

The MCP consists of millions of short parallel glass tubes.

When the electrons pass through these short tubes, thousands more electrons are released.

This extra process allows 2nd Generation units to amplify the light many more times then 1st generation giving you a brighter and sharper image.

Here are some well reviewed infrared binoculars that are at a really low price compared to other sites.

Bushnell Infrared Night Vision Binoculars Review

The Bushnell Lynx Gen 1 Night Vision Binocular are lightweight, have an extra wide field of view and the built-in infrared illuminator lights up the darkness like no other.

• Built-In Infrared Illuminator for long distance viewing
• HD Optics, AR coated glass
• 1st Generation Style provides bright, clear images, 2.5x 40mm

Here are popular mid-priced night vison binoculars and monculars:

ATN PS15-4 GEN 4 Night Vision Goggle Review

If you have a bigger budget (8K+), you may want to consider the ATN Gen 4 Night Vision Googles (PS15-4), typically recommended for military and law enforcement use.

• Compact, lightweight dual Night Vision Goggle System
• High-Performance Image Intensifier Tubes (filmless GaAs photocathode type)  for crisp, clear images, and increased depth perception
• Built-In IR illuminator (up to 20 m) allows user to read a map in total darkness
• Waterproof down to 20 m for 1 hour
• Auto brightness control
• Operating temp.: -40° F to +122° F
• Comfortable flip-up headgear
• Tube Life: 10,000 hours

ATN PS15-4 GEN 4 Night Vision Goggles

If you're looking for some cheaper night vision options....

Popular budget night vision binoculars:

Here is our recent review for

Sigweis Night Vision Binoculars - Great Value!

How To Choose Night Vision Optics

We hope you enjoy your infrared binoculars as much as we do.

We have additional information about choosing the right bird watching binoculars or all around wildlife viewing binoculars and spotting scopes. Just follow the links below.

How to Choose Bird Watching Binoculars

Bird Watching Binoculars 101

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Nikon Monarch Binoculars ATB 8x42 Review

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How Night Vision Infrared Binoculars Work

What is the difference between infrared binoculars and night vision binoculars?

Infrared binoculars and night vision binoculars are both used for low-light or nighttime observation, but they work in different ways and have different applications.

Infrared binoculars use infrared technology to detect heat signatures and create an image based on the heat emitted by objects.

They are often used for:

• Surveillance
• Security
• Search and rescue
• Hunting

Infrared binoculars can work in complete darkness and can detect objects at long distances, but they require a source of heat to create an image.

This means that they are not effective for observing objects that are the same temperature as their surroundings, such as rocks or trees.

Night vision binoculars, on the other hand, use ambient light to create an image.

They amplify the available light to make objects visible in low-light or nighttime conditions.

Night vision binoculars are often used for

• Military operations
• Law enforcement
• Wildlife observation

They can work in complete darkness or in low-light conditions, but they are not effective in complete darkness without the aid of an infrared illuminator (basically, a flashlight for your binoculars).

Night vision binoculars can also be affected by bright light sources, such as headlights or streetlights.

In summary, the main difference between infrared binoculars and night vision binoculars is the technology they use to create an image. Infrared binoculars use heat detection to create an image, while night vision binoculars amplify available light.

The choice between the two depends on how you plan to use them and the conditions in which they will be used.

Binocular Accessories

Binocular Harness

How We Have Used Our Night Vision Binoculars

There have been several occasions while camping or just in my own backyard where we had our infrared binoculars out just for fun and caught some great up-close glimpses of nocturnal avian life such as owls, nighthawks, nightjars and even roosting birds like hawks and even songbirds.

Of course there are kinds of nocturnal animals you can spot too without scaring them away with flashlights.

I've also used them on dark nights to walk down paths or for finding items in my campsite without having to disturb others by using a bright flashlight.

I also enjoy looking at the stars and planets with them - I know a telescope is better, but night vision binoculars are more portable and I usually have them with me.

I've also used to them when I heard noises outside my tent to see it's only a raccoon and not a bear without waking up everyone by using a flashlight.

Gen 2 vs Gen 3 night vision photo and military night vision photo courtesy of David kitson (Transferred by Szymon Zywicki) and Alex Plank, respectively, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons