Best Night Vision Scope Attachment
When shooting at night without adequate vision, you will have difficulty seeing your targets, which is why a night vision scope is an essential complement to your rifle scope. It allows you to see your targets clearly and increases your safety by highlighting the dangers lurking in the woods.
If you already own a day scope, you will need the best night vision scope attachment. It is the simplest way to upgrade your scope to one with night vision capability.
The following are some of the best night vision scope attachments available on the market today.
Top Picks | |
Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision |
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BESTSIGHT DIY Digital Night Vision Scope |
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TRYBE Optics GEN2 and GEN 3 PVS-14 |
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oneleaf.ai Commander NV100
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3D Night Vision Attachment
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Armasight CO-MINI Gen 3 Clip-On |
The detailed reviews…
1) Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision for Long Range
The Armasight CO-LR-LRF is a night vision scope attachment that’s designed to be mounted in front of any day scope. It converts the day scope to a night vision scope and provides a detection range of up to 1000 yards.
This product is very simple to mount and detach. You can mount it on any standard Picatinny rail in seconds. The set-up process requires no tools and is suitable for use with any day scope with up to 10x magnification.
Since this night vision scope attachment mounts in front of your day scope, it doesn’t interfere with the scope’s eye relief. Moreover, it has a lightweight design so it won’t add any unnecessary weight on your scope and firearm. For added convenience, this product is waterproof for use in wet weather conditions and comes with a low battery indicator that shows you when it’s time to replace the batteries.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Mounts in front of the scope
- Quick and tool-free mounting
- Durable build
- High-quality Gen 3
Cons
- Recommended for 10X or less magnification
2) BESTSIGHT DIY Digital Night Vision Scope
This Bestsight attachment will impress you with how unique it is and how well it’s able to work in the dark. It attaches to the eyepiece of the scope and displays the target image onto a 5″ screen that’s attached to the top of the scope using an O-ring.
In addition, this attachment includes an infrared light to illuminate the target, increasing visibility and range from which it may be used efficiently.
The attachment also includes thorough instructions for quick assembly, and once you get used to it, it is really simple to use. It weighs only 0.7kg, so it won’t add much weight to your day scope or make the rifle difficult to carry.
The sole disadvantage of this clip-on is that the screen lacks a night setting and can be very bright in the dark.
Pros
- Gives great images
- Includes an IR illuminator
- Easy to assemble
- lightweight
Cons
- Needs some getting used to
3) TRYBE Optics GEN2 and GEN 3 PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular
The TRYBE Optics GEN2 and GEN 3 PVS-14 NV monoculars are specially made for the most demanding military applications. It boasts Gen 2 or Gen 3 Green night vision technology which delivers excellent clarity at night. You can either use it handheld or mount it on your weapon, head, or helmet for hands-free use.
This night vision monocular features a 1x fixed magnification that increases your situational awareness for added safety. The lightweight design makes it easy to mount and ensures that it doesn’t add unnecessary weight to your weapon. The variable gain control lets you increase or decrease the image tube brightness for better image contrast in different light conditions.
Moreover, this multi-purpose night vision monocular is powered by one AA battery which provides a whole 50 hours of continuous runtime. If you are using it for late evening hog hunts, this is enough runtime to keep you going through the whole night.
Pros
- 50-hour runtime
- Multipurpose application
- Easy to mount on a helmet
- Wide 40-degree field of view
- Outstanding Image Quality
- Durable
Cons
- Relatively unknown brand
4) oneleaf.ai Commander NV100
This is hands down the best budget night vision attachment to use with your day rifle scope. To begin, it is really simple to install; the only equipment necessary is an Allen key to tighten the screws on the adaptor. Furthermore, the attachment can be used as a standalone night vision monocular, making it a versatile piece of equipment.
This attachment generates crisp images and includes a diopter to fine-tune the images for sharpness. Furthermore, it includes a slot for inserting a micro SD card of up to 256GB to record your results.
This attachment is well-made and includes a 4-24x power zoom and a 1-3x digital zoom, which allow for precise zooming in on a target for shot placement. The controls are simple to operate, and it has an infrared light with six brightness settings. The 18650 battery included also lasts for a significant duration
Pros
- Built-in FHD video recording
- Built-in IR Illuminator
- Lightweight (.82 lbs)
- Works during the day and night
- Long eye-relief
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- limited field of view
5) 3D Night Vision Attachment
The 3D Night Vision Attachment allows hunters and shooters to transform their daytime scope into a high-quality night vision device. It comes with a QD mount that makes it easy to mount and detach. It’s easy to use and durably made to stand up to the harshest outdoor conditions.
When you use this scope attachment, you will be able to identify and shoot objects that are as far as 350 yards. The external illuminator included facilitates easy target identification at night so you can make the most out of your hunting trip. Once mounted, this night vision attachment provides generous eye relief for comfortable viewing with or without your eyeglasses.
Pros
- Powerful IR illuminator
- Durable construction
- Day and night use
- 2 Shim’s for different size eyepieces
- Generous eye relief
- Made in USA
Cons
- Needs some getting used to
6. Armasight CO-MINI Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision
If you are looking for a small, lightweight and easy-to-carry night vision scope attachment, you should get the Armasight CO-MINI Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision. Though compact, this device has a high-powered image intensifier tube that provides plenty of flexibility to your weapon. It mounts easily in front of your daytime rifle scope or red dot sight and transforms it into a powerful night vision device.
This product has a focus range of 20m to infinity and a 22-degree viewing angle that helps you identify your targets with ease. The weaver-style quick-release mount makes it easy to mount and detach with no tools needed. Moreover, it comes with a wireless remote control that gives you a one-touch night vision activation.
In terms of construction, this night vision scope attachment is made from high-quality and sturdy materials for ultimate durability. It is powered by a single 1.5V AA or 3V CR123A lithium battery that provides many hours of continuous run time. Above all, the device is designed to maintain zero all the time and it comes with a variable gain control and a bright light cutoff feature that you can use to adjust its night vision brightness depending on the situation at hand.
Pros
- 22-degrees viewing angle
- Easy to mount and detach
- Lightweight and portable
- sturdy design
- Good battery life
Cons
- Lacks any kind of focus
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Night Vision Scope Attachment
When shopping for the best night vision scope attachment, here are some of the things you should consider.
Design
One of the most important factors you should consider is the design of the night vision attachment. It should have a design that’s compatible with your day scope and the weapon you intend to mount it on. If you plan to use it in low light conditions or for hunting in the dark, decide whether you need an attachment that allows you to zoom in on the target or one that gives you a wide range of sight.
Weight
Look at how heavy the attachment is before you choose to buy it. How heavy the product is will directly affect your shooting comfort. If you’ll be walking around a lot looking for targets, make sure that you get a lightweight night vision attachment. A heavy one will not only be difficult on your hands, but it might also interfere with the weapon’s accuracy. Some heavy attachments make the weapon uncomfortable to shoot.
Clarity
The main reason why you are getting an attachment is to improve the accuracy of the scope at night. Therefore, you must look for an attachment that provides clear views at any lighting condition. In optics, clarity is measured in lines per millimeter (lp/mm). The higher the number this number is, the clearer the images will be.
Color Visibility
The other important factor you should consider is the color visibility. When hunting or shooting at night, some colors will let you see objects better than others. Green works very well for outdoor applications while red is ideal for night vision scope. If the scope you are using has a bullet drop compensator reticle, you should know that longer ranges will need a small red dot for greater accuracy.
Durability
A night vision scope attachment that’s made from high-quality materials will stand up to the unforgiving outdoor conditions and give you many years of use. So, ensure that you get a product that’s durable, shockproof and recoil-resistant. It’s also best to look for a weatherproof product so you’ll be able to use it in any weather condition.
Ease of Use
The best night vision scope attachment is one that’s not only easy to use, but also easy to install. After you find an attachment that’s compatible with your rifle and scope, look at its assembly process. An attachment with a simple installation procedure will make its setup a breeze.
Distance
Distance is the other factor you should consider. Look for a product that helps you to shoot from a longer range. This way, you don’t have to get too close to the target for your safety. If your firearm doesn’t have a scope, consider getting one with an adjustable zoom so you’ll be able to make the necessary adjustments during use.
Price
The cost of night vision attachments varies from one model to the other. Generally, how much the attachment costs will be determined by several factors such as durability, functionality as well as the brand name. With so many products to choose from, it’s good to avoid the low-cost attachments as they are less durable and will break quickly. Also, some brands are more reliable but more expensive. But if you can afford them, go ahead and invest in a product that will give you many years of use.
IR Illuminator
When you are shooting at night, an IR illuminator will help you identify your targets easily for accurate shot placement. If the scope you are using doesn’t have an illuminator, it should have mounting capabilities for one. Generally, the bigger the IR illuminator, the better especially when you are shooting in total darkness.
Night Vision Scope attachment-FAQs
Can you turn a regular scope into a night vision?
Yes. All you need is a clip-on night vision attachment. When you mount a night vision attachment, you will transform your day scope into a high-end night vision device that you can use to view targets at night. The night vision attachment has unique light-gathering technologies such as green lasers, fiber optics and black tubes for great viewing capabilities.
How far can you see with a night vision scope?
It depends on several factors such as the amount of ambient light available and the strength of the scope that you are using. A light-colored object in a dismal environment will produce better contrast, but the same object in a well-lit area might be less visible.
Are night vision scope attachments worth it?
Yes. A night vision scope attachment will help you change your day scope into a night vision device. This way, you don’t have to buy a separate night vision scope.
What makes a scope night vision compatible?
Night vision devices are ideal for different applications. The type of night vision attachment that you get will depend on what you plan to use the scope for. There is no one-size-fits-all attachment, so you must get a device that suits your needs.
Advantages of Night Vision Scope Attachment
- Better shooting accuracy. The best night vision scope will improve your shooting accuracy by providing clear views of the targets in any lighting condition.
- Better sight picture. Night vision scope attachments have superior light-gathering abilities which provide better sight picture even in total darkness.
- Lightweight and easy to use. Most attachments have a lightweight yet durable design so they won’t add any extra weight on your firearm. They are also easy to operate even in low-light situations.
- The best night vision scope attachments are compatible with a wide range of firearms. If you have a collection of firearms, you’ll be able to mount them easily on your firearms and use them in different shooting activities.
- Dual functionality. Having a night vision scope attachment means that you can use your day scope during the day and transform it into a night vision device for use when the sun goes down. The dual functionality feature comes in handy for hunters who would still want to chase their game even in low-light settings.
- Multi-purpose application. Most night vision scopes are suitable for multiple outdoor applications. They make a great companion for hunters who prefer to hunt down game at nighttime. They are also used by soldiers who are out on missions and by law enforcement officers who are on patrol at night
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post has given you the information you need to make the best buying decision for a night vision scope attachment. All the night vision attachments listed above provide great features that you need to change your day scope into a powerful night vision device. Get any one of them based on your needs and budget and they will change how you hunt/shoot at night for the better.
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