BUDGET
Everyone’s financial situation is different, and what one person can reasonably afford may be very different from the next.
The guidance in this section is based on our experience working with hundreds of customers and reflects our honest, real world recommendations.
Our goal is to help you spend wisely, avoid bad purchases, and get into a device that will serve you well long term.
REALISTIC ENTRY LEVEL BUDGET
STARTING POINT
MONOCULARS
$2,000+
If you’re balling on a budget, you should expect to spend a minimum of around $2,000 for a quality monocular.
At this price point, you’re typically looking at:
- A Generation 2 device
- An older surplus Generation 3 unit
While we do carry other entry level options, we strongly recommend trying to get into a PVS-14, Raptor, RVM-14, or MH-14 rather than a proprietary device.
REALISTIC BINO BUDGET
BINOCULARS
$4,000 to $5,000+
For binocular night vision, a realistic minimum starting point is $4,000 to $5,000.
This typically puts you into a Generation 2 binocular system.
The advantage at this price level isn’t image quality. It’s the fact that you’re gaining:
- Two 40° fields of view
- Better depth perception
- Easier visual adjustment and adaptation
That said, we still recommend aiming for a non proprietary binocular housing whenever possible.
OUR HONEST TAKE
MONOCULAR VS. BINOCULAR
There are a lot of voices online claiming:
“You should only buy binos.”
“If you’re buying a monocular, don’t invest much into it.”
We disagree.
A well set up monocular makes you easily 90% as capable as a binocular system for most applications.
Where binoculars truly shine:
- Driving under night vision because you have to scan less
- Tight movement environments because you have to scan less
- Coordinated team movement or CQB because you have to scan less
With that said, you can still do all these things with a monocular. You just have to slow it down and scan, which is something you should be doing anyway.
IMPORTANT EXCEPTION
WHEN WE DON’T RECOMMEND A MONOCULAR
We typically advise against a monocular configuration when a customer:
- Is prone to vertigo, dizziness, or motion related discomfort
- Has difficulty processing split field visual input
This is because using a monocular requires the brain to process two different images at once:
- One eye sees a bright intensified image
- The other eye sees a dark natural scene
Statistically, this affects approximately 2 out of every 100 people. In those rare cases, a bino would be advisable.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
FINANCING MAY MAKE A BETTER SETUP MORE REALISTIC
PAY OVER TIME
UP TO 12 MONTHS
Interest free for qualified customers. Terms may vary.
Sometimes the cheapest option is not actually the smartest option.
If financing or pay over time options allow you to get into a better, serviceable, long term setup instead of buying the cheapest device available, it may be worth considering.
Night vision is expensive, but buying the wrong device just to save money can cost you more later. A better supported setup may give you:
- Better long term serviceability
- Better upgrade flexibility
- Better mounting and accessory compatibility
- More confidence in what you are buying
- A setup you are less likely to outgrow
Financing is not for everyone, and we do not recommend stretching yourself beyond what is financially reasonable. But for some customers, especially those who qualify for up to 12 months interest free payments, monthly payments can make it easier to get into the right device the first time instead of settling for something they may regret later.
Financing and pay later options are subject to approval. Terms may vary.
If you are unsure whether it makes more sense to buy now, finance, or wait, contact us. We will help you look at realistic options for your budget and goals.
NEED HELP CHOOSING?
We’ll help you build the right setup for your budget and goals.