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 2.5. The Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 leads on value and optics. The Firefield Hexcore HD 1-3x wins on warranty and claimed range. The Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 costs $155.98 less ($59.99 vs $215.97).
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.
Firefield Hexcore HD 1-3x
A binocular that doubles as head-mounted goggles, for walking and camp use as well as watching from one spot. Battery life with the IR turned up is short.
Amazon $215.97$215.97
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 for value ($59.99 vs $215.97) and optics (3x optical, 42 mm objective vs 1x optical, 20° view).
- Choose the Firefield Hexcore HD 1-3x for warranty (3-year warranty vs 1-year warranty) and claimed range (657 ft claimed vs 394 ft claimed).
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 | Firefield Hexcore HD 1-3x |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Image 25% | 50 sensor and screen resolution not published (neutral score used) | 40 1280 x 720 sensor, 640 x 360 screen |
| Optics 15% | 57 3x optical, 42 mm objective | 20 1x optical, 20° view |
| Runtime 15% | 50 runtime not published (neutral score used) | 0 1.5 h stated runtime |
| Value 15% | 100 $59.99 | 44 $215.97 |
| Waterproofing 10% | 50 water resistance not published (neutral score used) | 0 not water resistant |
| Warranty 10% | 0 1-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Recording 5% | 50 records, resolution not published (neutral score used) | 39 records 720p |
| Claimed range 5% | 17 394 ft claimed | 49 657 ft claimed |
Specifications
| Night Owl Optics NOB3X-DG 3x42 | Firefield Hexcore HD 1-3x | |
|---|---|---|
| Image | ||
| Type | Binocular | Goggles |
| Sensor | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor resolution | - | 1280 x 720 |
| Screen resolution | - | 640 x 360 |
| Optics | ||
| Optical magnification | 3x | 1x |
| Digital zoom | 2x | 3x |
| Objective lens | 42 mm | - |
| Field of view | - | 20 ° |
| IR illuminator | Yes | 850 nm |
| Claimed range in darkness | 394 ft | 657 ft |
| Recording and power | ||
| Video recording | Yes | 720p |
| Phone app / Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Battery | 2 x CR123A (not included) | 4 x AA (included) |
| Runtime at night | - | 1.5 h |
| Build | ||
| Head mount included | No | Yes |
| Water protection | - | No |
| Weight | 15.3 oz | 19.1 oz |
| Warranty | 1 year | 3 years |