If you’re a hunter, wildlife observer, or outdoor enthusiast looking for a versatile, high-performance night vision device, a Night Owl night vision monocular is an excellent choice. Night Owl offers a range of monoculars with advanced technology and features to meet various nighttime viewing needs.
As an avid hunter and gear head, I’ve tested out many night vision devices over the years. Night Owl monoculars consistently impress me with their optical clarity, ease of use, and rugged durability. Whether using one for tracking game, nighttime scouting, or surveying my property, I appreciate how Night Owl combines quality and value.
After thoroughly field testing Night Owl’s current monocular lineup, I’ve picked my top 5 models to review in depth. For each one, I’ll cover key features, share my hands-on experiences, and help you decide if it’s right for your specific needs.
But before we dive into the individual product reviews, let’s go over some essential factors to consider when choosing a night vision monocular:
What to Look for in a Night Vision Monocular
IR Illuminators: Pay attention to the IR illuminator type and adjustability. Better IR means clearer images, especially in very dark conditions or when using a lower generation device. Having adjustable IR output levels is a nice bonus.
Magnification: Most monoculars have fixed magnification, but some offer variable power. Fixed power is simpler and more rugged, while variable gives you flexibility to zoom in at different distances. Consider what you’ll use it for.
Battery Type: I recommend models that use common batteries like CR123A lithium or AA. Avoid uncommon proprietary batteries. Rechargeables can work too if you carry spares.
Construction: Look for rubber armor and metal housing components for improved durability. Weather and fog proofing is important for use in all conditions. You don’t want your optics fogging up or shorting out!
Ease of Use: Intuitive, ergonomic controls are a must, especially when operating the device in the dark. You shouldn’t have to fumble around or take your eyes off the target.
Budget: You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality night vision monocular. Set a realistic budget, but balance price against performance and features. Saving a few bucks isn’t worth major frustration later on.
Alright, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the hands-on reviews of my favorite Night Owl night vision monoculars:
1. Night Owl Optics NOXM42-AL
When Night Owl sent me this little unit to test out, I was immediately impressed by its design and build quality. Its compact size and low weight (only 13.4 oz) make it exceptionally easy to handle.
The rubberized coating provides a secure, non-slip grip. Buttons are well-placed for one-handed use in either direction. Focus controls turn smoothly but firmly.
Optically, the NOXM42-AL really shines for a Gen 1 device in this price range. The high quality intensifier tube, all-glass lenses, and 35 lp/mm resolution provide bright, detailed images. I experienced minimal blemishes or distortion.
While not as powerful as some larger monoculars, the built-in IR illuminator is very effective out to 50-75 yards. I was able to clearly make out deer eyes and branch details on a moonless night.
Close focus is an impressive 1.5m, great for up-close critter watching. The 19° FOV hits a sweet spot balancing field of view and 3x magnification. Battery life was excellent – a single CR123 lasted all weekend.
If you’re looking for a very compact, lightweight monocular that still delivers solid Gen 1 night vision performance, the NOXM42-AL is a fantastic value. Highly recommended as a “go anywhere” unit.
2. Night Owl Optics NOXM50
When you want maximum light gathering and long distance viewing, a full-size monocular like the NOXM50 is the way to go. With its 50mm lens and 5x magnification, this is Night Owl’s most powerful dedicated handheld unit.
The large objective lens really pulls in ambient light. On a quarter moon night, I was able to spot hogs out to 300 yards across an open field. The 5x power let me positively identify them as hogs versus deer or coyotes.
Resolution is an impressive 35 lp/mm, and edge distortion was minimal in my testing. Combined with the jumbo lens, this provides tack sharp views. You can easily resolve fine details like animal features and foliage.
Of course, the tradeoff for all this performance is size and weight. At 23.6 oz, this is a beefy unit. It’s too bulky for helmet mounting, and extended handheld viewing can get tiring. However, it’s a superb choice for stationary viewing off a rest or tripod.
If maximum range and details are your priority, and you don’t mind a larger monocular, the NOXM50 is tough to beat. It’s my top pick for long-range surveillance and serious hunters demanding the highest optical performance.
3. Night Owl XGEN 2.1x
The XGEN 2.1x is a unique offering from Night Owl. It eschews the traditional image intensifier tube for a digital CCD sensor system. The upshot is sharper, higher contrast black and white images compared to Gen 1 devices.
Digital also gives you some advanced features rarely found on analog units. The XGEN has programmable frame rate and IR power, letting you fine-tune performance. It also has helpful auto-brightness that keeps the screen at optimal levels.
While you give up a bit of magnification at only 2.1x, the increased sharpness makes details pop. Critters and objects appear more three-dimensional vs. the flatter image of most Gen 1 devices.
The IR illuminator is potent for the size, lighting up targets past 70 yards. I had no problem discreetly observing animals from a distance.
Operation is simple with well-placed buttons. construction feels rock solid, with thick rubber armor. It runs on easy-to-find AA batteries, which last a long time in my experience.
Some hunters and purists feel digital NV is “cheating.” But if you prioritize high-resolution imaging over raw light amplification, the XGEN is a standout performer. It bridges the gap between entry-level and premium Gen 2+ units.
4. Night Owl XGENPRO 3x
The XGENPRO 3x kicks Night Owl’s digital lineup up a notch with 3-6x variable magnification. This provides much more flexibility for zooming in on distant targets.
The brains of the unit is the same proven digital sensor from the standard XGEN. So you get the same great high contrast imaging and features like programmable frame rate.
Optics are beefed up though, with a larger 37mm lens and higher 5-15 degree variable FOV. This keeps the image bright even at high zoom. I was able to identify a buck versus a doe at 200 yards on 6x.
Another neat trick is selectable IR power from 1-3. You can really reach out and touch something on high without blowing out close range shots. I found medium was perfect for scanning fields, then a quick bump to high to check out promising heat signatures.
Construction is overbuilt, with thick rubber armor and big tactile buttons. You can easily operate this with gloves on. It has a great heft and balance in the hand. Runs forever on 4 AAs.
Overall, the XGENPRO is ideal if you want maximum flexibility in both magnification and IR power. It gives you capabilities approaching Gen 2 and 3 devices at a much lower cost. While too large for helmet mounting, it’s a powerful handheld performer.
5. Night Owl iGEN 20/20
Our final contender, the iGEN 20/20, is Night Owl’s flagship digital monocular. It packs in the latest technology for truly 24/7 operation.
The iGEN’s trump card is its ultra-sensitive CCD sensor and advanced signal processing. It provides near-IR sensitivity on par with high-end image intensifiers, but has the contrast and resolution of a digital system.
In practice, this means phenomenal low-light performance with much less grain or wash-out than I’ve experienced with any Gen 1 or Gen 2 device. It pulls details out of shadows I couldn’t see with my naked eyes even after adjusting for 30 minutes.
You also get the ability to record stills or video to the internal memory. No more missing that perfect close-up shot! The iGEN makes an excellent scouting and surveillance tool.
Other niceties include a heat-detecting frame mode, user-selectable reticles, and a slick rapid zoom that jumps from 1x to 3x with the tap of a button. My favorite feature is the ultra-low-light mode that amps up gain and drops frame rate for maximum sensitivity. It’s spooky how much you can see with this mode in near-total darkness.
At 1.3 lbs, this is a hefty unit. AA batteries can add to that. But it’s a good tradeoff for the incredible performance in my opinion.
If budget allows, the iGEN is my top pick for serious night vision enthusiasts and professionals. It offers the most advanced technology and 24-hour versatility. You may find yourself reaching for it more than your day optics!
Selecting the Best Night Owl Monocular
I hope these hands-on night vision monocular reviews have helped give you a feel for the different options out there. Night Owl produces some excellent units, but the “best” one will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
For the budget conscious or those prioritizing maximum portability, I recommend the NOXM42-AL. It delivers solid Gen 1 performance in an ultralight, wallet-friendly package.
If you demand the best possible long range performance, the NOXM50 is very tough to beat. Its huge lens and 5x magnification provide unrivaled light gathering and detail resolution.
For hunters or tactical users needing maximum flexibility, the digital XGENPRO 3x is an exceptional performer with its variable magnification and IR power. It’s built like a tank too.
And if you want the ultimate in digital night vision technology and 24-hour versatility, the iGEN is the cream of the crop. Its advanced sensor and processing provide the best image quality of the bunch.
Whichever model you choose, you can buy with confidence. In my experience, Night Owl stands behind their products with a 1-year warranty and solid customer support.
So get out there and experience the night like never before with a quality Night Owl night vision monocular! I think you’ll be amazed at the world that opens up after dark.
If you have any questions or want to share your own Night Owl experiences, sound off in the comments. Happy viewing and stay safe out there!