7 Best Night Vision Rifle Scopes: The Ultimate Guide

What Is the best night vision scope?

In addition to being legal in many jurisdictions, manufacturers have discovered a way to create affordable models that the average person can use, which is why night vision scopes are now so popular.

Due to the various options available new buyers have been left asking themselves, what is the best night vision scope?

This article will carry out an in-depth review of the best night vision scope available on the market and give a buying guide to help a new buyer make the perfect decision.

Best Night Vision Scopes-Top Picks

Product	Image	Best Price
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope		Check on Amazon
Armasight Vulcan 4.5x Bravo Gen 3 IIT		>Check on Opticsplanet
AGM WOLVERINE-4 NL2 scope		Check on Amazon
SightMark Wraith HD 4-32x50mm Digital Rifle Scope		Check on Amazon
Pulsar Digex C50 3.5-14x30mm Night Vision Rifle Scope		>Check on Opticsplanet
Night Owl Optics NightShot 3x40mm  w/ IR850-NS Illuminator		>Check on Opticsplanet
ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x, Day/Night Hunting Rifle Scope		>Check on Opticsplanet

The detailed reviews….

1. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope

This is a digital night vision riflescope from a reputable brand, and it brings with it all the good features that make it one of the best and most reviewed night vision scopes. It delivers an enhanced image thanks to a powerful CMOS sensor with a resolution of 3864 x 2218 pixels. The image is then shown to the user on a micro-display measuring 1280 x 720 pixels.

This scope stands out in a number of ways, one of which is the duration of the battery, which can operate continuously for more than 18 hours. Secondly, it includes a rangefinder which is an optional feature and can be used to determine the precise distance to a target. Additionally, you get a ballistic calculator, video recording, and a smart mil-dot reticle. That lets you adjust the variance between hash marks on the reticle.

2. Armasight Vulcan 4.5x Bravo Gen 3 IIT Night Vision Rifle Scope

 

This is a gen 3 variant of analog night vision, and it sure delivers a good quality image characteristic of the Gen 3. It’s an excellent alternative for anyone who doesn’t take his shooting to chance and will give the user an edge in nighttime conditions. when it is extremely dark. The scope is simple to attach, and the user will have increased accuracy thanks to its illuminated reticle.

It uses a multi-coated glass lens to enhance your vision at night. Additionally, nitrogen has been placed within the glass to stop fogging. The adaptable scope can be powered by either an AA battery or a CR123 cell, both of which are capable to give a 50-hour life. This is made easier by a shut-off feature that turns the device off after 60 minutes of inactivity.

3. AGM WOLVERINE-4 NL2 Night Vision Rifle Scopes

This scope’s excellent Gen 2+ night vision offers sharp images in low light with a resolution of 45-57 lp/mm. In addition to being waterproof shockproof and fog-proof, it is purposefully made to be durable thanks to the use of an aerospace aluminum alloy on the casing. Along with that, it boasts a completely multicoated lens, which significantly contributes to the improved image you receive.

That’s not all, it’s enhanced for accuracy with features like a double lever quick-release mount, to facilitate accurate positioning. Additionally, a fine focus is provided, which modifies the lens to get the perfect shot. It loses out on a variable magnification but offsets that by having a fairly wide field of view measuring 9 degrees. Making it the ideal choice for tracking all of your moving targets.

4. SightMark Wraith HD 4-32x50mm Digital Rifle Scope

This digital night vision scope has a reputation for providing high-quality images at a reasonable price. It is also simple to convert between night and daytime modes, where you still get beautiful full-color images. You can also choose between a green and a black-and-white viewing option when using the scope at night.

With the help of the Sightmark Wraith’s detachable 850nm IR illumination and 50mm wide objective lens, it will aim for targets up to 200 yards out. The powerful HD CMOS sensor adds to that capability and delivers sharp images for processing. That’s not all, a variable 4-32x magnification with a high maximum will help you get that clean shot. The scope uses 4 AA batteries good for 4.5 hours. Additionally, you get 9 color selections, 10 reticle pattern customizations, and video recording functionality.

5. Pulsar Digex C50 3.5-14x30mm Night Vision Rifle Scope

 

This digital night vision scope is an excellent option for a range of tasks, including pest management, target scouting, and hunting. Both during the day and at night, it provides a detailed image, and at an effective range of 500 meters. The scope favors your accuracy because it’s easy to mount using the classic 30mm rings. And can easily be paired with an aftermarket IR illuminator to further enhance your image

The adoption of a lithium battery that can provide power for more than 10 hours ensures longevity in the field. Additionally, the scope has an IPx7 waterproof rating, so you won’t need to worry because it will function flawlessly in challenging circumstances. Overall, this scope is dependable and accurate, plus it has a recording option so you can capture everything.

6. Night Owl Optics NightShot 3x40mm Night Vision Rifle Scope w/ IR850-NS Illuminator

 

This digital night vision scope is similar to the NightShot Rifle Scope but includes an IR illuminator. It’s the perfect alternative if you need a budget night vision scope that is capable of giving you a high-quality image. Although it is only capable of a range of 100 yards, most shooters find it sufficient for nighttime use. And this has resulted in numerous positive reviews. If you are a long-range shooter however this isn’t your type.

This riflescope uses a CMOS sensor with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, and a tiny screen with a comparable resolution for the final image. Additionally, it is simple to mount on a weaver or Picatinny rail and is suitable for a number of applications, including air rifles and crossbows. This scope however fails when it comes to battery life with the 4AA batteries only managing 4 hours of continuous use.

7. ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x, Day/Night Hunting Rifle Scope

This is a budget alternative that brings with it the reputation of ATN optics. It is a digital night vision capable of giving out Sharp images both during the day and at night. This ATN LTV uses a sensor measuring 2688 x 1944 pixels that deliver images to an HD display measuring 1280 x 720 pixels. Besides, it mounts easily using the 30mm standard rings.

This scope is noteworthy for its great ergonomics, which make it simple to use. in addition, the battery will give you 10+ hours of useful life, making it a dependable option out in the field. The scope is lightweight weighing 1.6 lbs and its multiple reticles enhance your chances of getting a clean shot.

Things to Consider When Buying a Night Vision Scope

These are the characteristics to look out for when buying a night vision scope

TYPE OF NIGHT VISION

Not all-night vision scopes are created equal. each uses a different technology. To amplify the target object under low light. The two types of technologies are;

Digital Night Vision

Digital night vision relies on a Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor (CMOS sensor) similar to the one found on a digital camera. The sensor converts the photons in light into photoelectrons which are then digitally amplified to give a more visible image. This type of night vision is more popular because it’s cheaper and can also be used in daylight without getting damaged. It however doesn’t give sharper images when compared to advanced types of analog night vision.

See also: Best digital night vision scopes

Analog Night Vision

This type of night vision relies on physical components to amplify the ambient light surrounding a target object. To give the user a visible image of the target under low light. Technically it uses an intensifier tube which is a vacuum tube, containing a photocathode and a Multichannel plate (MCP). Photons from incoming light strike a photocathode and are split into photoelectrons. The photoelectrons are then multiplied by the MCP before they are converted back to photons to be visible to the user.

Analog night vision is available in different generations each with its own level of advancement.

• Gen1– These only have a range of about 100 yards and provide images of lower resolution. Additionally, each is expected to have a lifespan of only about 1500 hours.
• Gen 2-More advanced than Gen 1 with a useful range of around 200 yards. they also give sharper images and will last for around 5,000 hours.
• Gen 3– This is currently the best night vision on the market and the one preferred by the military. The range of gen 3 is 300+ yards depending on the model and it will give the cleanest and brightest image to the user. The life expectancy of this type of night vision is 10,000+ hours
• Gen 4– This is simply a little evolved version of gen 3. But it was found to be less reliable having a lifespan of fewer than 10,000 hours. It’s very rare because it also happens to be very expensive.

See also: Generations of night vision explained

MAGNIFICATION

On a scope, you’ll frequently see a letter “X”; this letter is typically accompanied by a number, like 3x or 3-10x. If the magnification contains only a single digit (3x), it is fixed and cannot be changed. However, if there are two digits (3-10x), it signifies that the magnification is variable, and you can choose any magnification between 3x and 10x.

When an object is magnified, it appears larger than it would when viewed through a regular scope without any magnification. 3x means that the object will appear 3 times larger. This will be helpful in identifying distant targets and aiming for a clean shot, especially on stationary targets.

IMAGE CLARITY

Image clarity is determined by a variety of things; first, it depends on the resolution of the display. this is shown by the number of pixels for digital night vision, for instance, 1080 x 720 pixels is better than 640 x 480 pixels.

for an analog type of night vision scope, the resolution is usually denoted by line pair per millimeter (lp/mm). More advanced gen 3 models will usually have a resolution of 63-74 lp/mm, and these are the ones with the best image clarity.

The size of the CMOS sensor for digital night vision is another factor that affects clarity. Additionally, you may notice terms like “coated lens” specifying a night vision scope, which denotes that the lens has been coated to lessen light loss due to reflection. In comparison to a lens with a single coating, a multi-coated lens allows more light to pass through resulting in sharper images.

FIELD OF VIEW

This is the total area that can be viewed through the scope in one instance. It’s measured either in degrees or ft at 100/1000 yards. A larger field of view makes it easier to track moving targets, and also makes it comfortable because it eliminates the need for frequent head movement.

WEIGHT & SIZE

The sizes of different scopes vary. Therefore, one should choose one that is convenient to operate while mounted to the handgun. It is simpler to maneuver in the field with a lightweight scope that has portable dimensions.

BATTERY

Night vision scopes are powered using a battery, and without power, there will be no night vision. You must consider how long your battery lasts if you want to use your scope in the wilderness for extended periods. Ideally, a good scope should give you at least 4 to 5 hours of juice. A provision to attach an external power pack can, however, compensate for a less durable battery.

It’s also an advantage if you are using a rechargeable battery because it is expensive to constantly replace batteries.

VIDEO RECORDING

Some scopes do have this feature if that is a factor for you. It’s typically absent on analog night vision scopes.

Night Vision Scopes-FAQs

Is thermal imaging better than night Vision?

Yes and no the answer to this question isn’t as straightforward because each has its own advantages and disadvantage.

The thermal scopes are known to work well during the day, and also in harsh conditions like smoke and densely forested areas. They are however expensive and make it impossible to identify targets. Night vision scopes, on the other hand, are cheaper and identify targets pretty well.

See also: Best Thermal Rifle Scopes

Are night vision scopes legal?

Each country in the world and state in the USA has its own laws regarding the ownership and use of night vision scope. The user should go through these regulations depending on his/her particularity.

See also: Is it legal to own a night vision device?

Can you add night Vision to a normal scope?

Yes, we have clip-on night vision that can be attached to a normal scope to convert it to night vision. The PARD NV007V clip-on is one type of attachment that is available at an affordable price.

Is ATN a good brand of night vision?

ATN does indeed offer quality optical gadgets, particularly night vision equipment. They are dependable and give excellent performance. Numerous positive reviews support this.

CONCLUSION

Well done if you read this article before making a purchase, The most thorough review of the best night vision scope currently on the market can be found here. When looking through night vision scopes, the provided buying guide will also assist you in making the most informed choice.