Hand scopes are your least expensive option because they contain only one night vision tube. No matter which Gen scope you choose - Gen1+, Gen2+ or Gen3 - all will provide you with excellent night vision at a great price.

Binoculars, because they contain two night vision tubes, cost more than a scope. They tend to be easier to use however, especially if you're new to night vision. While pretty well everyone knows how to use binoculars, scopes take a bit of learning to get used to looking with one eye only. Binoculars also deliver true depth perception while scopes do not.

Goggles are usually the most expensive as they are designed to wear on your head, freeing your hands to do other things. In addition to wearing them, many goggle systems are designed to let you remove the optics unit from the headset and use them just like binoculars, often with optional high power lenses.

If goggles appeal to you but the price is too high, consider a Mono-Goggle system. Just like a scope the price goes down because only one night vision tube is required, but in this case you can wear it while walking around.

For more help on choosing the right scope, binocular or goggle system, click this link to our "Best Value Guide".