Thermal optics are not cheap. These are among the most expensive single pieces of equipment that night hunters are likely to carry, and in some instances will be much more expensive even than a hunter’s rifle, in some instances by several times.
That’s why it’s important to answer questions about which one to get before you put several hundred if not a few thousand dollars into one.
Namely, if you are weighing the differences between options like thermal monoculars or binoculars. There’s generally not a need for both in a hunter’s loadout, so the question is, which one should you get?
Well, let’s take a closer look at some areas in which thermal monoculars can outperform binoculars, either in a relative or an absolute sense.
Areas in Which Thermal Monoculars Take the Edge Over Binoculars
Despite the fact that they are smaller and lighter, thermal monoculars actually offer a few core features that many users will find superior to thermal binoculars. The chief ones will be explored here.
- They’re generally more affordable. Since they are simpler and far less complex than thermal binoculars, a monocular is often the more affordable option, and they can be considerably less expensive. Options like the DNT HOUND are great entry-level options with a highly attractive price point.
- They’re usually smaller, lighter and more compact. Thermal optics can be heavy and a scope alone can often weigh well more than a pound. Thermal binoculars are generally even heavier. There are however some lightweight thermal monoculars out there that are actually lighter than a pound. Many of them are fairly compact and can be easily carried without badly impacting your overall loadout.
- They only require you to use one eye. Some hunters suffer from night blindness when using thermal binoculars, when their night vision in both eyes is affected. Monoculars only let you use one eye, preserving your vision in the other. In addition, some can support red display color palettes which help preserve your night vision even in the eye you are using.
- Some are highly versatile and can serve as more than just a thermal monocular. This is perhaps the single most compelling argument in the camp of thermal monoculars. Some of them can be used as clip-on thermal optics, giving you the flexibility to mount them to your rifle’s rail, converting your existing scope into a thermal scope.
It’s Really Up to You
Ultimately, this post is not to suggest that thermal monoculars are universally better than thermal binoculars. Either can be suitable for you, and if you don’t mind the extra price and prefer the familiar form factor of binoculars, then that may very well be a better option.
Shop Both Thermal Monoculars and Thermal Binoculars at Dark Night Outdoors
Whether you determine thermal monoculars or binoculars are better for you is a personal choice, but regardless of which you decide to go with, get what you’re looking for online at Dark Night Outdoors.
They carry a wide range of thermal optics and represent the best brands in the industry, including but not limited to DNT, RIX, iRay, Nocpix, PULSAR, and several others. Visit their website to get a better impression of what they offer and if you have questions or would like a personalized recommendation, get in touch with them directly at 309-781-8421
