Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42
A $60 night vision binocular for occasional wildlife watching from a porch or a tripod. Night Owl publishes little about its image quality.
Amazon $59.99$59.99
The Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 is the better digital night vision device overall, rated 3.3 to 2.6. The Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 leads on value and optics. The Bresser Digital NV Binocular 3x wins on warranty. The Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 costs $160.01 less ($59.99 vs $220).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Bresser Digital NV Binocular 3x
A simple AA-powered night vision binocular with a long warranty, for watching the garden or a feeder from a window. The picture is low resolution and it should be kept out of the rain.
Amazon $220$220
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 for value ($59.99 vs $220) and optics (3x optical, 42 mm objective vs 3x optical, 10° view).
- Choose the Bresser Digital NV Binocular 3x for warranty (5-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every binoculars and goggles digital night vision device; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 | Bresser Digital NV Binocular 3x |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Image 25% | 50 sensor and screen resolution not published (neutral score used) | 0 640 x 480 sensor, 320 x 240 screen |
| Optics 15% | 57 3x optical, 42 mm objective | 40 3x optical, 10° view |
| Runtime 15% | 50 runtime not published (neutral score used) | 38 5 h stated runtime |
| Value 15% | 100 $59.99 | 44 $220 |
| Waterproofing 10% | 50 water resistance not published (neutral score used) | 0 not water resistant |
| Warranty 10% | 0 1-year warranty | 100 5-year warranty |
| Recording 5% | 50 records, resolution not published (neutral score used) | 50 records, resolution not published (neutral score used) |
| Claimed range 5% | 17 394 ft claimed | 22 427 ft claimed |
Specifications
| Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 | Bresser Digital NV Binocular 3x | |
|---|---|---|
| Image | ||
| Type | Binocular | Binocular |
| Sensor | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor resolution | - | 640 x 480 |
| Screen | - | LCD |
| Screen resolution | - | 320 x 240 |
| Optics | ||
| Optical magnification | 3x | 3x |
| Digital zoom | 2x | 2x |
| Objective lens | 42 mm | - |
| Field of view | - | 10 ° |
| IR illuminator | Yes | 850 nm |
| Claimed range in darkness | 394 ft | 427 ft |
| Recording and power | ||
| Video recording | Yes | Yes |
| Phone app / Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Battery | 2 x CR123A (not included) | 4 x AA |
| Runtime at night | - | 5 h |
| Build | ||
| Head mount included | No | No |
| Water protection | - | No |
| Weight | 15.3 oz | 15.1 oz |
| Warranty | 1 year | 5 years |