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 rates 3.3 among binoculars and goggles digital night vision devices; the Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40 rates 3.3 among monoculars ones. The Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 costs $309.95 less ($59.99 vs $369.94).
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.
Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40
#4 in MonocularsFull review
The middle Equinox Z2, with a wider view than the 6x50 and the same app streaming and 1080p recording. At current prices the 6x50 costs less.
Amazon $369.94$369.94
Scores side by side
These two sit in different type classes (binoculars and goggles and monoculars), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 | Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Image 25% | 50 sensor and screen resolution not published (neutral score used) | 50 sensor and screen resolution not published (neutral score used) |
| Optics 15% | 57 3x optical, 42 mm objective | 68 4.5x optical, 40 mm objective, 6° view |
| Runtime 15% | 50 runtime not published (neutral score used) | 50 runtime not published (neutral score used) |
| Value 15% | 100 $59.99 | 21 $369.94 |
| Waterproofing 10% | 50 water resistance not published (neutral score used) | 25 IPX4 |
| Warranty 10% | 0 1-year warranty | 100 5-year warranty |
| Recording 5% | 50 records, resolution not published (neutral score used) | 61 records 1080p |
| Claimed range 5% | 17 394 ft claimed | 57 750 ft claimed |
Specifications
| Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 | Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Image | ||
| Type | Binocular | Monocular |
| Sensor | CMOS | - |
| Screen | - | LCD |
| Optics | ||
| Optical magnification | 3x | 4.5x |
| Digital zoom | 2x | - |
| Objective lens | 42 mm | 40 mm |
| Field of view | - | 6 ° |
| IR illuminator | Yes | 850 nm |
| Claimed range in darkness | 394 ft | 750 ft |
| Recording and power | ||
| Video recording | Yes | 1080p |
| Phone app / Wi-Fi | No | Yes |
| Battery | 2 x CR123A (not included) | 4 x AA (not included) |
| Build | ||
| Head mount included | No | No |
| Water protection | - | IPX4 |
| Weight | 15.3 oz | 22 oz |
| Warranty | 1 year | 5 years |