Stargazing is a fun and thrilling activity that serves as a perfect alternative to digital entertainment. The good thing about stargazing is that it’s ideal for all, the young and the old. Plus, you can enjoy the views of the stars anywhere you might be, at home in the comfort of your balcony, on the go, or when you are out camping.
To make your star gazing expedition more fun and exhilarating, you should invest in a night vision monocular for stargazing. It will give you a closer look at the stars without the hassle found in setting up telescopes. Besides, monoculars are compact and light so they offer the added advantage of letting you watch the stars even when you are on the go.
What Makes a Great Night Vision Monocular for Stargazing?
Night vision monoculars come in a wide selection of designs and specifications. A great night vision monocular is made of several things. Firstly, a monocular must have advanced night vision technology. In most cases, Gen 2 and Gen 3 monoculars offer the best performance.
The monocular should also have sturdy and rigid housing for ultimate durability. It should offer reliable shock and impact-proof performance. It should also be built to be fully waterproof and fog-proof for use under any weather.
Lastly, a great night vision monocular for stargazing is light for comfortable portability. On top of that, it should have a compact size that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.
5 Best Night Vision Monocular for Stargazing
Whole night vision monoculars aren’t that widespread, it is no easy task to find a model worth putting your hard-earned money into. But we are here to lend a helping hand. We have compiled a list of the best night vision monocular for stargazing that is functional, reliable and worth investing in. Let’s check them out.
1) ATN PVS14-4 Gen 4 Night Vision Monocular
When star gazing demands quality tools, you can hardly go wrong with the ATN PVS14-4 Gen 4 Night Vision Monocular. It utilizes gen 4-night vision technology which provides clear views of the stars and other celestial objects.
The ATN PVS14 is designed for demanding nighttime applications making it one of the best Night vision monocular for stargazing.
It features 1x fixed magnification which provides a huge field of view. The optics have a Proshield coating that optimizes light transmission while protecting the lens from scratches and dirt.
With a weight of just 316g, this monocular is super light and portable. It is also compact for easy packability. When it comes to construction, it is built tough to offer long-term durability.
The monocular is ruggedly constructed and provides reliable performance under fog and downpour and with an operating temperature from -40 °C to 55°C, you get to use it in a wide range of temperatures
This night vision monocular is ideal for a wide range of applications in addition to stargazing. It is used by the military when they are out on missions. This will be a versatile addition to your arsenal.
It is also used by law enforcement officers and by civilians for recreational activities like hunting, cave explorations and wildlife observation. To top it all, you can use it as a hand-held monocular or mount it on your head and use it as a single-eye google.
Features
- Fixed 1x magnification
- Gen 4 night vision technology
- Filmless image intensifier tube
- ProShield optical coating
- Waterproof construction
- Bright light cut-off
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Versatility
- Operable under a wide range of temperatures
- Solid built
- Excellent brightness and clarity
Cons
- Expensive for recreational use
2) Celestron Outland 10×50 Monocular
Stargazing doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. With Celestron Outland 10×50 Monocular, you get a feature-rich yet inexpensive monocular ideal for stargazing and watching the moon, meteors and other celestial objects. This one of the best Night vision monocular for stargazing for those on a budget.
This monocular is incredibly easy to use. This makes it ideal for use even for beginners kick-starting their stargazing hobby. It is powerful yet compact and light in weight for easy portability. Moreover, you can mount a smartphone on it using the easy-to-use smartphone adapter included and capture images of the objects you see.
Another outstanding feature of the monocular is the excellent optical performance. It delivers excellent image brightness, clarity and sharpness. More so, it is made of high-end BaK-4 glass for high-quality image generation.
Construction-wise, the monocular has a sturdy housing that optimizes rigidity as well as durability. It is fully waterproof to perform under rain and filled using nitrogen gas to keep the lenses fog resistant. It also comes with a handy belt case and a twist-up eyecup that makes it comfortable for all users, with or without glasses.
Features
- Waterproof and fog-proof construction
- Twist-up eyecup
- Powerful 10x magnification
- High-end BaK-4 glass
- 50mm objective lens with excellent light collection ability
- Light, rigid smartphone adapter included
- Handy belt case for ease of carrying
Pros
- Tripod ready
- Superior optical clarity
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Multi-purpose monocular
Cons
- Made in China
3) SiOnyx Aurora Night Vision Monocular
Experience the sky’s most magnificent galaxies using the SiOnyx Aurora Night Vision Monocular. It provides long-range visibility for clear views of the stars from any angle. Designed with the latest features to help extend your vision into the skies, Aurora Pro is undoubtedly one of the best night vision Monocular for stargazing.
This night vision monocular is made to last. It has sturdy housing that is rigid enough to stand up to anything that comes its way. Furthermore, it is IP67 dustproof and waterproof, and it can be submerged in water up to 3 feet for 30 minutes.
As the world’s leading and most advanced color night vision monocular, this device comes with an ultra-low light sensor technology that increases your detection range.
It is this technology that makes it ideal for military and tactical applications, hunting and boating among others. Moreover, you can sync it to a smart device through the SIONYX app and stream videos.
Other essential features included in this monocular are built-in Wi-Fi, compass, still images and video recording and GPS.
Features
- Full-color night vision
- IP67 water-resistant rating
- Long-range night vision visibility
- Ultra low-light sensor technology
- Rigid and reliable housing
- GPS and Wi-Fi enabled
Pros
- Crisp clear images
- Incredibly reliable
- Versatility
- Superb still and video camera
- Great value for money
Cons
- Low resolution in moonless nights
4) Orion 10-25×42 Zoom Waterproof Monocular
The Orion 10-25×42 Zoom Waterproof Monocular is your ideal monocular for stargazing if you are on a budget. Though it is inexpensive, it doesn’t compromise on quality. It is rich in good-quality features that offer reliable performance.
This is the best night vision monocular for stargazing for family use. Thanks to its compact size and lightweight construction, it is easy to use even for kids. The variable zoom power makes it ideal for glassing objects at varying ranges and with the 42mm objective lens, the monocular produces a wide field of view and bright and detailed views of the stars.
The monocular has a rugged housing to offer long-term durability. It is rubber-coated to provide a firm and secure grip and also shield the zoom monocular from the elements.
It is also waterproof for use under any weather condition. Above all, this monocular is tripod mountable for comfortable, hands-free stargazing.
Features
- Variable 10-25x magnification range
- 42mm multi-coated objective lens
- Durable housing
- Waterproof construction
- Rugged rubber coating
- Soft nylon case and carrying wrist strap included
Pros
- Bright and clear views
- Remarkably cheap
- Tripod mountable
- Compact and light
- Easy to use
Cons
- Too light to be used steadily without a tripod
5) TRYBE Optics GEN2 and GEN3 PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular
Lastly, we have the TRYBE Optics GEN2 and GEN3 PVS-14 night vision monocular. This monocular is made with versatility. You can use it for stargazing, hunting, or recreational shooting. It is also used by the military and law enforcement officers.
This top-performing night vision monocular can be mounted on the head or helmet or used handheld. For hunting and military applications, you can mount it on the weapon for hands-free use.
No matter the activity you are engaged in, this device delivers outstanding night vision performance thanks to the high-end Gen 3 night vision technology it utilizes.
The magnification in this monocular is fixed at 1x. It has an auto-gated power supply and a wide viewing angle for quick and simple scanning of the objects you are viewing.
Above all, it is waterproof up to 66’/20m and nitrogen purged to guarantee 100% waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Features
- 1x fixed magnification
- Gen 3-night vision technology
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Auto-gated power supply
- Durable make
Pros
- It is a multi-purpose night vision monocular
- Outstanding clarity
- Great quality
- Superb resolution
Cons
- Not cheap
- Warranty only covers 2 years
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What is a Night Vision Monocular?
In simple terms, a night vision monocular is a small miniaturized refracting telescope built with night vision technology. Like any other optic, it uses a series of lenses to deliver a brighter and clear magnified image of the object being viewed.
Monoculars use the same features and technology as binoculars and the only difference is that they are compact, lighter in weight and have only one eyepiece. Night vision monoculars have a lot to offer.
They boast high-end night vision technologies which deliver high-quality image views regardless of the light settings. They are compact and light enough to carry anywhere you go, and you can use them with one hand comfortably.
Moreover, their versatility makes them ideal for multiple applications like stargazing, hunting, wildlife observation and cave exploration for civilians. Night vision monoculars are also used by military and law enforcement officers.
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Criteria for Choosing the Best Night Vision Monocular for Stargazing
If you are looking for the best Night vision monoculars for stargazing, the numerous options in the market make the process taxing. Knowing the key aspects to consider certainly helps as you filter through what the market has to offer.
Below are the key elements to consider when choosing the best Night Vision monocular for stargazing:
Night Vision Generation
Whether you are a beginner or seasoned astronomer, go for a night vision monocular that uses either Gen 2- or 3-night vision technology. Gen 3 models are more expensive than their Gen 2 counterparts, but they offer high image quality.
If you are a beginner starting a new hobby, you can start with a Gen 2 model and then get a Gen 3 model later on after you have developed your astronomy skills.
Optics Quality
To have a successful hunting trip, you need a monocular that offers excellent optical quality. Monoculars made with high-quality all-glass lens offer excellent resolution and image sharpness.
If the monocular has dual functionality, ensure that it provides crisp and quality views at night and during the day. It should have fully multi-coated optics for bright and color-rich views of the target during the day.
Magnification
Magnification is key when it comes to stargazing. You must get a monocular that has a high magnification power. Stars and other celestial objects are far away objects and having a high zoom power device will help bring them closer.
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Durability
Whether you enjoy watching the stars at home at the comfort of your balcony or when you are on the go, ensure that you get a sturdy and rigid model that is built to stand up to rugged handling. Some night vision monoculars are expensive so you will want to invest in a model that will last for years.
With a sea of products to choose from, get a model that is well crafted using materials like aluminum. Also, try and look for a monocular that comes with ruggedized rubber armoring.
Weatherproofing
When it comes to the best night vision monocular for stargazing, it should offer reliable performance under downpour, mist and fog.
It should be fully sealed to lock dust, moisture and any other debris out of the optics. It should also be filled with nitrogen gas to prevent the lenses from fogging.
Price
Another key feature that you should put into consideration is price. You must set a budget first before you start to go through the models available on the market. The best night vision monoculars for stargazing are expensive but worth it.
They utilize high-end night vision technologies such as Gen 2 and Gen 3. You will also find that the high-end models are all-around monocular ideal for many applications not just stargazing.
Read: Best Night Vision Monoculars
Best Night Vision Monocular for Stargazing FAQs
Q: Is Night Vision Technology Important for Stargazing?
Absolutely. Sometimes the light shining from the stars and other celestial bodies is not enough to create a bright and clear sight picture. So, a monocular that uses night vision technology will amplify the light from these bodies to form brighter and clear image views.
Q: Are Monoculars Good for Stargazing?
Yes. Monoculars are good for stargazing at home and when you are on the go. Today, monoculars are largely used for stargazing because they are light, portable and easier to use as they require no assembly.
Q: What Magnification is Good for Stargazing?
This will largely depend on an individual’s preference. But a rule of thumb is to get an optic with 7x to 10x magnification. Such a magnification provides sufficient zoom power while being easier to hold steady without having to use a tripod.
Conclusion
Night vision monoculars offer the perfect solution for stargazing. Hopefully, you have found this article insightful and helpful. Invest in any monocular listed above and use it for astronomy, hunting, wildlife observation and other purposes, not just stargazing.