Tested True – Firefield Hexcore HD 1-3x Night Vision Binoculars

For many of us hunters and outdoorsmen, the world doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, so let’s discuss night vision. Whether you’re tracking hogs after dark, scouting terrain for the next morning’s hunt, checking on livestock, or just curious about what’s moving around your property at night, having a way to see in the dark is a game-changer. The market for night vision gear has exploded, with options ranging from budget-friendly monoculars to high-end thermal scopes that cost as much as a used truck .  Enter the Firefield Hexcore HD 1-3x Night Vision Binoculars.

Today, we’re looking at something aimed squarely at the accessible end of the spectrum: the Firefield Hexcore HD 1-3x Night Vision Binoculars 🛒. Firefield is known for producing gear that offers a lot of features without breaking the bank. The question is, do these digital binos deliver enough performance for the demanding North American outdoorsman? Let’s dive in.

First Impressions

Pulling the Hex Core HD binos out of the box, the first thing you notice is their solid feel. They have a rubber armor coating that provides a decent grip and should offer some protection against bumps and scrapes in the field. They are light at 1.2 lbs, and  feel balanced in the hand . The dimensions (7 x 4 ⅜  x 2 ⅜  mm) make them reasonably compact for a binocular setup .

Included in the box are the essentials: a neck strap, a soft-sided drawstring cover, head strap with action cam mounts, and a lens cloth . The objective lens caps are attached, which is handy, though like many budget optics. Powering them up requires 2 AA batteries (included), which slot into a compartment on the bottom.  The rubber coating feels comfortable and provides an anti-slip grip. The controls consist of four buttons on the top left side: Menu, Power, Up arrow, Down arrow.  The focus dial is found on the left side near the front of the objective lens.

Features & Specifications

Here’s what the Firefield Hexcore HD 🛒 brings to the table:

• Sensor: CMOS 1920×1080 HD Sensor
• Display: 1280×720 LCD Display (viewed through the singular eyepiece that fits both eyes)
• Magnification: 1x base magnification with 3x digital zoom
• Objective Lens: 21mm
• IR Illuminator: Built-in 850nm LED with 3 power levels
• Detection Range: Up to 150 yards
• Recording: Captures 1920×1080 video and photos
• Storage: MicroSD card slot (up to 128GB)
• Power: 2 x AA Batteries (Alkaline or Lithium recommended)
• Runtime: Up to 6 hours
• Weather Resistance: IP65 Rated (Dust-tight and protected against water jets)
• Hands Free: Tripod mountable (1/4” socket)
• Other: Adjustable diopter (focus)

Performance in the Field

The HD sensor and display provide a clear, full-color image during daylight, essentially acting like a regular pair of low-power digital binoculars or a camcorder. The 1x base magnification offers a wide field of view, great for scanning areas. Kicking in the 3x digital zoom gets you closer, but as expected with digital zoom, there’s some pixelation. It’s useful for positively identifying something you’ve already spotted within range, but don’t expect the crispness of high-power optical glass.

When darkness falls, switching to night mode with the press/hold of the down-arrow button reveals a reasonably sharp black and white image, thanks to the HD sensor and display – a noticeable step up from older, lower-res digital units. The built-in 850nm IR illuminator is crucial and obvious. In testing, it effectively lit up targets out towards the claimed 150-yard detection range under moonless conditions. Keep in mind, 850nm IR emitters produce a faint red glow visible to animals (and humans) looking directly at them. This was not an issue for observing less wary critters or general surveillance, but for close-in work on spooky animals, it’s a consideration. The three power levels on the IR are useful; I could dial it down for close targets to save battery and reduce the visible signature, or crank it up for maximum reach.

The 150-yard range proved adequate for some common hunting scenarios like watching feeders, scanning field edges, or checking pastures. If your needs consistently push beyond that or you want to stay further back to avoid being smelled, you’ll need a more powerful unit.

The recording function is a fantastic feature at this price point. Capturing video or photos of wildlife activity, or simply documenting what you saw, adds significant value and is much simpler than using ocular-only devices that require a separate camera to be mounted. The HD resolution video (1920×1080) saves to a common MicroSD card, making transfer easy.

In use, the binoculars were easy to handle. Adjusting focus with the diopter allowed for a sharp image tailored to individual eyesight. The top-mounted buttons were easy enough to manage for switching modes (day/night), adjusting IR level intensity, zooming, recording and playback.  The menu allows for date/time settings and screen brightness settings. The IP65 rating held up to the dusty ATV rides and trails I used, giving confidence in typical outdoor conditions; however, I didn’t have a chance to use them in the rain.

What I Loved (Pros)

• Affordable Price Point: Brings digital night vision and HD recording within reach for most budgets.
• Versatility: Allowing for tripod mounting, freehand use, or head/helmet-mounted operation. This flexibility makes them adaptable for a wide range of situations, whether stationary observation or on-the-move tracking.
• HD Sensor/Display: Delivers good image clarity for the price, both day and night.
• Built-in Recording: Captures quality HD video and photos directly to a MicroSD card – excellent for scouting and sharing experiences.
• Simple Operation: Straightforward controls (once memorized) and basic 1-3x digital zoom are easy to master quickly.
• Low light: excellent low-light clarity at dusk and dawn. I was able to clearly see animals within range without needing to activate the infrared. Excellent way to film archery hunts during these low light periods.
• Standard AA Batteries: Convenient power source you can find anywhere.
• Good Weather Resistance: The IP65 rating ensures it can handle the elements like dust

What I Didn’t Love (Cons)

• Limited Magnification: Only 1-3x digital zoom; image quality suffers at max zoom, and it’s not for long-range observation.
• Modest Detection Range: 150 yards is functional for many uses but limiting for others.
• Visible IR Signature: The 850nm IR illuminator’s faint red glow could potentially alert sharp-eyed game at close distances.
• Digital Limitations: Performance relies heavily on the IR illuminator; don’t expect thermal or high-end NV performance.
• Button Design: The buttons are placed too close together and feel nearly identical, making it easy to confuse them during use. Adding more separation or varying the texture or shape would greatly improve usability and reduce accidental presses.
• Tunnel Vision: When wearing the binoculars mounted, there was a strong tunnel vision effect, which made it difficult to maintain awareness of my surroundings. I’m not sure if this is common across all brands and models, but it’s something users should be aware of when considering this setup.
• Stamped Picture Font Selection: The font / timestamp is hard to read on the photos taken, especially in daytime mode.

Final Thoughts

The Firefield Hexcore HD 1-3x Night Vision Binoculars 🛒 are a solid performer in the entry-level digital night vision market. They successfully deliver HD viewing and recording capabilities for nighttime observation without demanding a hefty investment.

Let’s be clear: these won’t go toe-to-toe with multi-thousand-dollar thermal units or high-end Gen 2+ traditional night vision. The magnification is basic, the range is suitable for closer work, and the IR isn’t totally covert. However, for the hunter monitoring feeders or field edges inside 150 yards, the landowner wanting eyes in the dark, or the outdoorsman looking for an affordable way to see after sunset, the Hex Core HD offers compelling value.  However, if you are looking to count tines on buck feeding in a field at night past 100 yards, you’ll need something else, likely of better technology and higher price.

If you understand the capabilities and limitations of digital night vision at this tier, and your needs align with its strengths – moderate range observation and recording on a budget – the Firefield Hexcore HD 1-3x is a capable tool that makes nighttime viewing accessible.