Best night vision scope under 500
Many shooters are looking for a low-cost night vision scope to help them improve their shooting experience after dusk. In most situations, however, the price range of most of these night vision scopes discourages them.
As a result, this post tries to look at options that cost less than $500 yet do not compromise on performance, resulting in outstanding value.
A great night vision scope will offer you excellent clarity even in challenging conditions. In addition, it will guarantee great accuracy and will be compatible with your favorite rifle.
There are a number of other features we have included on this review that a shooter should also consider when shopping for a budget rifle scope.
In a nutshell this include; Type of night vision, magnification, weight, field of view, battery life and eye relief.
Best Night Vision Scope Under 500
- SightMark Wraith HD 4-32x50mm Digital Rifle Scope
- ATN OPMOD X-Sight LTV 4-12x, Day/Night Hunting Rifle Scope
- oneleaf.ai Commander NV100 Night Vision Goggle
- NightStar 2x50mm Gen-1 Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope
- Night Owl Optics NightShot Rifle Scope w/ IR850-NS Illuminator
- SightMark Wraith HD 2-16x28mm Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
The detailed reviews….
1. SightMark Wraith HD 4-32x50mm Digital Rifle Scope.
The Sightmark wraith 32x 50 uses digital night vision technology to give you full-color images during the day. And decent night vision images under low light. The digital technology is more like an advanced gen-1 type of night vision technology, but in this case, uses a high-definition sensor measuring 1920×1080 pixels to greatly enhance your view almost matching the gen 2+ type of night vision.
This scope gives an effective range of 200 yards, and within this range, you are assured of a bright image. Greatly enhanced by a removable IR illuminator. You also get additional functionality that includes, a video recording feature and 3x magnification, which enlarges the image but doesn’t really do justice to its quality. The other likable features are its durability, backed by a 3-year warranty. Moreover, the reticle can be modified using up to 10 different options.
Features
- Digital night vision
- 4x optical magnification
- 10 reticle options and 9 color options
- Includes an 850nm IR illuminator
- 1920×1080 Sensor resolution pixels
- Display Resolution: 1280×720
- Built-in Video Recorder
- Supports up to 64Gb memory card
- Battery: CR123A
- Up to 4.5 hours of battery life
- Weighs 36.3 oz
2. ATN OPMOD X-Sight LTV 4-12x, Day/Night Hunting Rifle Scope
These scopes use a digital type of night vision. And are powered by a high-quality processor with low power consumption to give you at least 10 hours of battery life.
The high-quality processor has a 2688×1944 resolution that gives well-defined images, further enhanced by a built-in illuminator that works remarkably in very low light.
The scope stands above the rest when it comes to enhancing the accuracy of the shooter. In addition to being easy to mount, it’s lightweight (1.6lb), and ergonomic, With a respectable target out to a range of 250 yards. In addition, it includes a one-zero shot feature, which allows you to easily adjust the focus for the next target
Durability has also not been taken to chance; the scope has been robustly constructed using aluminum. Moreover, it’s waterproof and can withstand a substantial amount of recoil.
Features
- Digital night vision
- Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Eye Relief: 90 mm
- Sensor Resolution: 2688×1944 @ 60 fps
- 1280×720 pixels Micro-Display
- Multiple reticles
- Video Record Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- 64 Gb micro-SD card
- 30 mm Standard Rings Mount
- Includes an IR Illuminator
- Internal Lithium Ion Battery
- Dimensions: 381x152x76 mm
- Weighs 1.6 lbs.
3. Oneleaf.ai Commander NV100 Night Vision Goggle
This is a cost-efficient alternative that is flexible and effective. It can be used separately as a monocular or coupled with your existing daytime scope to make it a night vision scope. The accessory employs a Sony STARVIS CMOS Sensor to provide you with respectable images in very low-light. And this is further enhanced by an IR illuminator with an effective range of 984ft. Additionally, to conserve power, the IR illuminator’s brightness can be altered by up to 7 levels in line with the target’s distance.
This accessory is durable and uses a 18650 rechargeable battery, that will give you up to 6 hours of runtime. When continually using the built-in IR illumination. You get the choice to capture and store your videos on a micro-SD card with a maximum capacity of 256 GB.
Features
- Digital night vision
- 1080P FHD Sony STARVIS CMOS Sensor
- 4-Inch Display Panel
- 60 fps Refresh Rate
- 70 mm eye relief
- Built-in FHD video recording,
- slow motion mode available
- Built-in 850nm IR Illuminator
- Daytime color mode, Night vision mode
- 328 Yards Clear Nighttime Viewing Range
- Focus Adjustable
- Samsung 18650 Battery
- Battery life; up to 6 hrs.
- 2 Years Warranty
4. NightStar 2x50mm Gen-1 Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope
A feature that makes the Nightstar gen-1 night vision unique is a knob that aids in target focus. The scope’s good multi-coated optics also provide clear, well-defined images that are superior to those of a typical Gen 1 scope.
The scope has a weaver rail mounting mechanism, which makes mounting it simple. And ideal for a variety of rifles, such as the AR-15. Moreover, a flip-up lens cap and integrated IR illumination are included.
You also get excellent usability thanks to chunky-sized knobs and an illuminated reticle for better accuracy when aiming at your targets. Although this scope doesn’t perform as well as more expensive competitors, it gives a relatively exceptional value for a scope that may be used for close targets. It is also user-friendly and reasonably priced.
Features
- Gen 1+ night vision
- Eye Relief: 45 mm
- Resolution 32-36 lp/mm
- Magnification 2x
- Range of Focus 1yard to infinity
- 15-degree field of view
- 83 yards detection range
- Diopter Adjustment +4 to -4
- Built-in IR illuminator
- Battery Type: 1x CR123
- Battery life: 40 hours
- Operating Temperature -22°F to 140°F
5. Night Owl Optics Night Vision Rifle Scope w/ IR850-NS Illuminator
The night owl night vision is one of the most affordable night vision scopes on the market. Its 100-yard range in the dark makes it appropriate for closer targets. Additionally, you receive a 3x magnification that doesn’t compromise the image’s quality.
More work has been done to enhance the visible images, including the use of a lens with a wide 50mm diameter and the inclusion of an IR illumination. Additionally, it features a strong design and is weatherproof, permitting it to be used in inclement weather.
The scope is simple to attach on a Picatinny rail and works well for a number of different uses, such as paintballs, air guns, and crossbows. The only real drawback is that it requires uses AA batteries (4) that only manage 3 hours, of continuous use in the dark.
Features
- Digital night vision
- Magnification: 3 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- 3 black and white reticle options
- Built-in IR illumination
- 640×480 pixels Video Recording capability
- Can withstand up to .30 recoil
- 7 in Eye Relief
- 5 MOA increments reticle adjustment
- Weather resistant
- 6 degrees Field of View
- Battery Type: AA
- Battery Life: Approximately 3 hours
- Dimensions: 13.19x 2.71x 4 in
- Weight: 1.3 lbs.
6. SightMark Wraith HD 2-16x28mm Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
The Sightmark wraith is another variant of wraith on this list albeit this one features a smaller objective lens diameter of 28mm. It has a decent field of view, making it appropriate for the nighttime pursuit of moving targets. Moreover, the scope gives you 1080p video recording resolution and 10 reticle options so you can customize your shooting experience. you also have the choice to save up to 5 weapon profiles for various firearms.
This night vision rifle scope was made with durability in mind; it is constructed of durable aluminum, is weather-resistant, and can withstand some amount of recoil from your weapon. It is one of the more admirable night vision scopes under $500 thanks to all these capabilities.
Features
- Digital night vision
- Magnification: 2 – 16 x
- 28 mm Objective Lens Diameter
- Field of View: 6.2 degrees
- 200 yds range of detection
- 4 in eye relief
- 50 Hz Refresh Rate
- 1920×1080 pixels Sensor Resolution
- Image recording resolution: 1080×720 pixels
- 10 Pattern reticle options
- Illumination reticle
- 1 MOA adjustment click value
- Battery Type: 4 X CR123A
- Battery Life: 2 hours
- IP55 water Resistance Level:
- Dimensions: 10 x2.6 x 3 in
- Weighs 33oz.
Best Night Vision Scope Under 500 -Buying Guide
These are just a few of the qualities to look for in a night vision scope that costs less than 500.
Generation
The generation of night vision determines its price, quality, and the range that it gives you. These generations refer to the night vision scopes that make use of intensifier tubes. However, other night vision scopes make use of a digital sensor to amplify the ambient lighting.
Gen 1-These are the first options that were delicate and had a very short range barely more than 75 yards. The life expectancy was also short and it was estimated to be at most 1000 hours.
Gen 2-These made further improvements in the quality and durability of the lens. they also gave better more-refined images. The life expectancy also increased up to 5,000 hrs. the useful range was also improved to between 200 and 300 yards.
Gen 3-These are very advanced and are currently being employed even by the military. You get a longer working range of more than 300 yards, very good image quality, and a lifespan of more than 10,000 hours. These are also more expensive than the gen 1 and 2
Gen 4-Although still an advanced gen 3, gen 4 is the modern-age type of night vision. That gives smart features and the best utility. You get the best of everything but you’ll pay a very high price for them.
See also: Generations of night vision explained
Magnification
Very high Magnification anything greater than 3x, in most cases, affects the quality of the image. That is visible through the scope. This means that the scope should give you a longer effective range so that you will not often use high magnification. The best range you should be looking for is something greater or equal to 300 yards.
Image quality
Despite the $500 range being budgeted, it doesn’t mean that the scope should display poor images. Good manufacturers have gone that extra length to assure that their night vision scopes have decent sensors, that are able to deliver high-quality images.
A night vision scope under 500 should have a good lens coating. A lens coating reduces reflection, allowing more light from the target to enter through the lens, resulting in a clearer image. The scope should also have high-quality glass that not only resists scratches but also lets in a sufficient amount of light.
Eye Relief
This is the total distance between the user’s eye and the scope’s lens where the entire image of the target is clearly visible without any dark edges. A longer eye relief is advantageous on a weapon with heavy recoil that tends to throw itself backwards when fired. A longer relief also allows the shooter to position his head more freely while aiming.
Durability
The external environment will present different harshness, and a good scope should be able to withstand this. Having reasonable protection against impact waterproofing and elements like fog and moisture is very important.
Durability also extends to the longevity of the battery that powers this scope. Night vision scopes, unlike normal ones, require batteries to power the intensifier tube that amplifies the ambient lighting.
A good scope should be able to give you at least 4 hours of juice. The battery should preferably be rechargeable, because scopes that used replaceable AA batteries may be expensive in the long run.
Weight
It’s good to consider the weight of your night vision scope because A heavy scope will wear down your rifle. And maybe affect your accuracy on the field. The scope should also be ergonomic and easy to use.
Field of view
This is the total area that can be viewed through the scope at once, and it is measured in degrees. Although the field of view adjusts with magnification, the overall field of view on a scope should be large enough to help you cover a large area without moving your head frequently.
Care When Using Your Night Vision Scope
- Avoid long usage to minimize eye strain
- Check the level of protection on your night vision scope to see if it can withstand inclement weather.
- Use a soft cloth when cleaning the lens to avoid any scratches
- When you aren’t using a night vision device keep it inside a carrying case to protect it against any physical damage
- Avoid using your device in direct sunlight because the intensifier tube may be damaged.
CONCLUSION
We guarantee that the night vision scope we have reviewed will give you the best value under 500 $. Although these scopes may not possess some high end features like more expensive alternatives, you will still receive great value for your money, and have great success in the dark. You can also explore additional options available on the market that were not covered in this review with the aid of this helpful guide.