A head-mounted 1x monocular for walking, camp chores and checking the property in the dark with both hands free. The Prowl 2 adds a Full HD sensor and IP65 sealing for $50 more.
Amazon $199.99
A basic $60 monocular for a first look at backyard wildlife at night. Expect a low-resolution picture and short battery life.
- 3xOptical
- YesIR
- 2.5 hRuntime
Price checked November 9, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- The cheapest way here to see and record in the dark
- 3x optical magnification
- Light at 10.6 oz
- Records only 640 x 480 video
- About 2.5 hours on a pair of CR123A cells
- No water resistance
- Night Owl’s own documents disagree on the lens size and zoom
How it scores
The rating comes from 8 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its type. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | NOXM50-DG |
|---|---|
| Image | |
| Type | Monocular |
| Sensor | CMOS |
| Optics | |
| Optical magnification | 3x |
| Field of view | 7.2 ° |
| IR illuminator | Yes |
| Recording and power | |
| Video recording | 480p |
| Phone app / Wi-Fi | No |
| Battery | 2 x CR123A |
| Runtime at night | 2.5 h |
| Build | |
| Head mount included | No |
| Water protection | No |
| Weight | 10.6 oz |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Alternatives in this type
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 $99.95A compact 6x monocular for spotting deer or coyotes at the edge of a field. Barska does not publish its battery life or water resistance.
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