A light, low-latency head-mountable monocular for moving around in the dark, at a low price. It does not record and its battery is short.
Amazon $99.95The TakLite IRIS is the better digital night vision device overall, rated 3.1 to 2.8. The TakLite IRIS leads on optics. The Night Owl Optics Night Scope 3x wins on value and recording. The Night Owl Optics Night Scope 3x costs $39.96 less ($59.99 vs $99.95).
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 TakLite IRIS for optics (1x optical, 60° view vs 3x optical, 7.2° view).
- Choose the Night Owl Optics Night Scope 3x for value ($59.99 vs $99.95) and recording (records 480p vs does not record).
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 | TakLite IRIS | Night Owl Optics Night Scope 3x |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 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% | 100 1x optical, 60° view | 40 3x optical, 7.2° view |
| Runtime 15% | 0 2 h stated runtime | 6 2.5 h stated runtime |
| Value 15% | 78 $99.95 | 100 $59.99 |
| Waterproofing 10% | 50 water resistance not published (neutral score used) | 0 not water resistant |
| Warranty 10% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| Recording 5% | 0 does not record | 16 records 480p |
| Claimed range 5% | 50 range not claimed (neutral score used) | 50 range not claimed (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| TakLite IRIS | Night Owl Optics Night Scope 3x | |
|---|---|---|
| Image | ||
| Type | Monocular | Monocular |
| Sensor | - | CMOS |
| Screen | 1.5 in OLED | - |
| Optics | ||
| Optical magnification | 1x | 3x |
| Field of view | 60 ° | 7.2 ° |
| IR illuminator | 940 nm | Yes |
| Recording and power | ||
| Video recording | No | 480p |
| Phone app / Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Battery | Built-in Li-ion, USB-C | 2 x CR123A |
| Runtime at night | 2 h | 2.5 h |
| Build | ||
| Head mount included | Yes | No |
| Water protection | - | No |
| Weight | 7.8 oz | 10.6 oz |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
