When it comes to monoculars in the outdoor space there are three categories that are available -day time monocular, night vision monocular and a thermal monocular. Day time monoculars give you the ability to see during the day only for things like bird watching, law enforcement use, camping, hunting among others. They are available in different magnifications, sizes, colors, etc. Some of the manufacturers for the daytime monoculars include Vortex, Sightmark, Bushnell, Sig Sauer, etc.

In the night vision world the manufacturers include AGM,Pulsar, ATN, N-Vision, Infiray Outdoor & Night Vision Guys. Night vision monoculars are available in a Generation 1+, 2nd Generation and a 3rd Generation. 1st and 2nd Generation night vision monoculars are typically manufactured overseas while the 2nd Generation and 3rd Generation are manufactured in the United States. Price ranges vary anywhere from $300 to $10,000. The price all depends on the performance an end user is looking for. The 3rd Generation as an example gives the end user the ability to see 350 yards in total darkness. This specific application is great use for both law enforcement and hunting purposes. One of the most popular night vision devices available in a 3rd Generation is made by Night Vision Guys. Night vision works in total darkness but must be used with ambient light such as moonlight, starlight or the internal IR. Night vision cannot be exposed to any sort of light as it will burn the tube intensifier, therefore, it cannot be used during the daytime. Last but not least, thermal monoculars are available from the same manufacturers - AGM, Pulsar, ATN, N-Vision, Infiray Outdoor & Night Vision Guys.Thermal monoculars have the ability to be used for both day and night with hurting the technology. Thermal monoculars detect and measure infrared energy or heat signatures that emits any type of heat signature.