For nocturnal hunters, some sort of thermal optic is a must. Whether you use a thermal scope for scanning and scouting or have a dedicated thermal monocular or set of binoculars, one way or the other they’re necessary to identify your target quarry.
But they’re expensive, so you’re faced with an important question: should you get a pair of thermal binoculars, or is a monocular a better option for you?
Cost
All in all, cost is determined more by features and functionality than it is by whether the optic is a monocular or a pair of binoculars.
For instance, a thermal monocular with a greater NETD sensitivity and a higher resolution sensor and refresh rate will be more expensive than binocs with less impressive ratings.
But, holding everything the same, a thermal monocular should be slightly more affordable than a pair of binoculars.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Most users agree that the use of a pair of binoculars that lets you look with both eyes is more natural than using a spotting scope or a spy glass or a monocular. So in that respect, binoculars may take the edge.
Packability and Weight
Once again, if you hold all else equal, thermal monoculars should weigh considerably less than comparable thermal binoculars. That makes them a potentially superior option with respect to
Night Blindness
Some hunters comment that the use of thermal optics gives them headaches and causes mild discomfort as they switch back and forth from trying to adjust to the darkness and observing the display.
One condition is called “night blindness” which refers to the temporary, but lingering blindness experienced immediately after looking back into the darkness after viewing the display of a thermal optic.
The severity and duration of night blindness will be affected by the brightness of the display as well as the color setting (predominantly red palettes are better in the dark for preserving night vision) as well as by individual factors.
However, it is also worth mentioning that night blindness is a more significant problem with thermal binoculars than it is with thermal monocular since you only need one eye to view through a thermal monocular.
For hunters, therefore, the use of a monocular, which is more akin to a scope anyway, may be seen as preferable as it allows you to maintain your night vision in one eye.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, while there are advantages and disadvantages to both thermal monoculars and binoculars, this is still a personal choice. There is no objective answer as to whether one is better than the other. Just be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of each so that you can make an informed decision about which will suit you best in the field.
Where to Get Thermal Monoculars or Binoculars
In the market for a new pair of thermal binoculars, or perhaps a scope or a thermal monocular? Make your first stop online to Dark Night Outdoors. They carry an impressive range of thermal optics from the leading brands, including but not limited to Nocpix, PULSAR, and iRayUSA. Visit their website for more information.
