Bushnell Equinox Z2 6x50 Night Vision Monocular review

Does this battery-powered digital viewer impress or disappoint when the lights go out?

Bushnell Equinox Z2 6x50 Night Vision Monocular held in a hand against a white wall
(Image: © Gavin Stoker / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

A useful 6x magnification wedded to a large-ish 50mm objective lens to scoop up plenty of ambient light is at the core of this any-time-of-the-day-or-night viewer. Because it’s a CMOS-powered digital rather than analog device, in operation this feels less like a standard monocular and more like a camcorder without a flip-out LCD screen. Although the low-resolution VHS video-like view via the eyepiece is disappointing, I appreciated the ability to commit 8MP stills or 1080P video to an optional microSD card. That said, achieving critical focus and blur-free results is hit and miss, especially if hand holding. I wanted to love this one but wish the operation was less clunky and the view provided was sharper. It does however offer fair value and construction feels sturdy, especially when the 4xAAs required for power are inserted.

Pros

  • +

    Magnified views of people and subjects whether it’s day or night

  • +

    Ability to capture the moment to optional microSD card

  • +

    Water-resistant to IPX4 level, but not waterproof

Cons

  • -

    Low resolution, grainy viewing through eyepiece disappoints

  • -

    Bulky and weighty to hold and use for extended periods

  • -

    Eats up batteries at a rate of knots

  • -

    Still paying a premium over otherwise sharper analog alternatives for the ability to ‘see’ in the dark

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

I can never eat enough carrots to see as well in the dark as I’d like to. Fortunately then, there are various digital devices that can come to our aid and act as our all-seeing eyes – or singular ‘eye’ in the case of the Bushnell Equinox Z2 6x50 Night Vision Monocular I'm looking at here.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Magnification6x
Objective lens diameter50mm
Field of view at 1000m74.2 metres
Maximum focusing distance274 metres or 300 yards
Power4x AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries
Weight765g
Dimensions62x105x208mm

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Gavin Stoker

Gavin has over 30 years’ experience of writing about photography and television. He is currently the editor of British Photographic Industry News, and previously served as editor of Which Digital Camera and deputy editor of Total Digital Photography

He has also written for a wide range of publications including T3, BBC Focus, Empire, NME, Radio Times, MacWorld, Computer Active, What Digital Camera and the Rough Guide books.

With his wealth of knowledge, Gavin is well placed to recognize great camera deals and recommend the best products in Digital Camera World’s buying guides. He also writes on a number of specialist subjects including binoculars and monoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, trail cameras, action cameras, body cameras, filters and cameras straps.