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 $369.94The Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40 is the better digital night vision device overall, rated 3.3 to 2.8. The Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40 leads on warranty, optics and waterproofing. The Night Owl Optics Night Scope 3x wins on value. The Night Owl Optics Night Scope 3x 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.
A basic $60 monocular for a first look at backyard wildlife at night. Expect a low-resolution picture and short battery life.
Amazon $59.99Which should you buy?
- Choose the Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40 for warranty (5-year warranty vs 1-year warranty), optics (4.5x optical, 40 mm objective, 6° view vs 3x optical, 7.2° view) and waterproofing (IPX4 vs not water resistant).
- Choose the Night Owl Optics Night Scope 3x for value ($59.99 vs $369.94).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every monoculars digital night vision device; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40 | Night Owl Optics Night Scope 3x |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Image 25% | 50 sensor and screen resolution not published (neutral score used) | 50 sensor and screen resolution not published (neutral score used) |
| Optics 15% | 68 4.5x optical, 40 mm objective, 6° view | 40 3x optical, 7.2° view |
| Runtime 15% | 50 runtime not published (neutral score used) | 6 2.5 h stated runtime |
| Value 15% | 21 $369.94 | 100 $59.99 |
| Waterproofing 10% | 25 IPX4 | 0 not water resistant |
| Warranty 10% | 100 5-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| Recording 5% | 61 records 1080p | 16 records 480p |
| Claimed range 5% | 57 750 ft claimed | 50 range not claimed (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Bushnell Equinox Z2 4.5x40 | Night Owl Optics Night Scope 3x | |
|---|---|---|
| Image | ||
| Type | Monocular | Monocular |
| Sensor | - | CMOS |
| Screen | LCD | - |
| Optics | ||
| Optical magnification | 4.5x | 3x |
| Objective lens | 40 mm | - |
| Field of view | 6 ° | 7.2 ° |
| IR illuminator | 850 nm | Yes |
| Claimed range in darkness | 750 ft | - |
| Recording and power | ||
| Video recording | 1080p | 480p |
| Phone app / Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Battery | 4 x AA (not included) | 2 x CR123A |
| Runtime at night | - | 2.5 h |
| Build | ||
| Head mount included | No | No |
| Water protection | IPX4 | No |
| Weight | 22 oz | 10.6 oz |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year |
