PointOptics is reader supported. We earn an affiliate commission if you buy through our links . Learn More.
Night vision scopes may come in all shapes and sizes, but the technology used to power them typically falls into a few simple categories: Digital Night Vision, Gen 1, 2, and 3 night vision, and then finally thermal imaging. Thermal imaging, however, is often considered separate from night vision due to the technology it uses.
However, the result is that it still allows one to insights on their target in hard-to-see situations (low light being one of those). When we compiled this list of products, we decided to leave out the often budget-breaking thermal imaging versions and only base our top recommendations off of scopes that use traditional 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation night vision technology and those that use digital night vision.
While scopes can be used for various reasons, and this guide should suit several – we’ve crafted this guide with hunting specifically in mind.
ATN X-Sig
The ATN X-Sight blends the latest technology with the more traditional scope form to bring you one of the best scopes from both worlds.
Overall Winner
The ATN X-Sight combines quality optic performance with cutting-edge technology to create an extremely solid night vision scope that can impress the harshest of critics.
Best With Gen 2 Technology
If you’re looking to really kick your hunting into the next gear with superior night vision technology, the Armasight Nemesis 6x-SD offers great build quality and optics performance at a reasonable price for a Gen 2 scope.
The Lightweight Option
The Sightmark Photon XT 6.5x50L is a great lightweight solution, weighing in at less than a lb of weight. This lightweight scope will leave your rifle feeling just as familiar as it did unsighted.
Most Magnification
The ATN X-Sight II takes this award as its 20x magnification is only duplicated with the similar ATN X-Sight 4K. These scopes are both viable for a long-range option.
What is a Night Vision Scope?
As BrainStuff explains in their video, a night vision scope will basically let you see in the dark, and human sight is severely intensified when light conditions are low. There are several kinds of night vision devices. You will find active night vision devices, such as thermal imaging systems and infrared imaging systems, as well as passive night vision systems. The active ones use either infrared light or heat patterns that objects, animals, or people emit and convert them into visible images.
Passive night vision systems amplify images picked up in minimal light conditions and make them visible images. What you see through a passive system is often 20 to 50 thousand times brighter than what you could see with the naked, unaided eye. There are a couple of generations, and they all have different specifications.
This was primarily done for military uses. During combat, soldiers found it very difficult to identify enemies and objects in the dark. Using a night vision scope was much easier, and they had an advantage when they needed to enter combat in subpar light conditions. However, a bit later, the technology started to appear in things such as a night vision rifle scope available commercially. The tech wasn’t limited to military use anymore, as hunters began using it more and more for finding animals in the dark.
Right: Cathode tube based night vision
Night Vision Scope Technology
When it comes to the technology used in these night vision scopes, digital is the most recent technology to be used. Instead of using traditional photocathode tubes that turn invisible infrared light into electrons and then into visible light, digital night vision technology uses a CMOS chip like those found in cameras.
Digital night vision scopes are actually taking photos at regular intervals, which are then rapidly displayed on the screen. Digital still has a lot of work to do to catch up with the newer generation cathode tube technology found in traditional night vision scopes, but it does offer an affordable alternative that can compete with the early gen versions.
Gen 0 night vision was the original night vision technology to be used in the military. While still in existence, most night vision devices on today’s market have evolved from this exact device, and typically now Gen 1 devices are more commonly found in the entry-level price ranges. Gen 0 was a large, clunky technology that has since been improved, using even smaller hardware.
Gen 1 night vision may be old, and it may not live up to the quality of the later generations, but these devices are widely available to consumers at far more affordable prices. The fallback of Gen 1 is that it is often reliant on a fair bit of moonlight to be present before it shows its worth.
Gen 2 saw a big leap in performance from the Gen 1 devices as new hardware came into play in the 1970s. A microchannel plate was added in this version, which increased the number of electrons converted into visible light to the eye. These require far less environmental light to be present to provide a clearer, sharper image. Gen 2 night vision scopes will
Gen 3 saw another big increase in quality due to enhanced materials being used for the tubes and more efficiency of electrons to visible light. While Gen 3 was developed nearly 40 years ago – this technology is still being used by most law enforcement and military and is in most high-end night vision equipment.
Gen 4 is a little complicated, as this is also technically considered to be “Gen 3 autogated tubes” by the US military. However, manufacturers and retailers will often refer to this technology as Gen 4. In this new generation, developed in the 2000s, you’ll find the addition of an automatic gated power supply, which provides more efficient electron conversions, and a great all-around product that offers excellent quality.
For more information on the finer details of the different types of night vision, check out this article.
1. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro
The first option on our list is a product by ATN. Their X-Sight 4K Pro comes in two magnification configurations, either 5-20x or 3-14x, and they’re both great. Besides the magnification factor and lens size, all other specifications are the same, so whatever we write below absolutely applies to both of them. It’s often said when you discuss features of your hunting gear that you need “one thing that has everything.” That’s what the X-Sight aims to do – bring every desirable hi-tech feature in a single night vision rifle scope.
It’s a smart rifle scope, and when we say smart, we mean brilliant. It’s one of the most capable and intuitive night vision scope options on the market today. With that said, the price isn’t as high as you’d expect it to be. First of all, the eye relief is amazing. You get a clear view, a picture that isn’t distorted at all, and your eye is as far from the sight as it should be.
Another benefit is that when you’re zooming, you won’t see pixelations. This is a common problem with many scopes, but not with the X-Sight 4K Pro. The image quality is amazing. The resolution is high, the optics are incredibly fast, and the colors are vivid so that you can see everything clearly.
Recording/ Streaming
While we’re discussing smart tech, it’s worth mentioning that you can record what you’re seeing AND stream it in HD at the same time. There’s an SD slot inside, and it lets you review your activities afterward, as well as share them if you want to. The HD’s transition to a night vision scope happens seamlessly, and all it takes is the push of a button, which is really easy to find.
Ballistics Calculator
There are two hunting features that you won’t find on many other night vision rifle scope options, and they’ll come in handy more often than you might think. The first one is the advanced ballistics calculator. Any good scope should be primed on paper targets, and the X-Sight does that in a very high-tech way. The ballistics calculator considers the range, wind, angle, and things such as temperature and humidity and lets you set them up for different firearms in profiles.
Smart Range Finder
The other one is the smart range finder. All you need to do is take just two readings of your target. The scope doesn’t just range in. It also adjusts the reticle’s point of impact.
In-Short
When you consider everything the X-Sight has to offer, it’s hard to beat the feature set. If you’re thinking that all those features are taxing on the battery life – don’t worry. It gets around 18 hours of uninterrupted power with a single charge. If you’re after a high-tech night vision scope, then this is it. This is our top pick.
2. Pulsar GS Super 1+ Night VisFirefield FF16001 NVRS 3 x 42 Night Vision Scope
The Firefield FF16001 is one of the best night vision scopes on the market today. It’s made with amazing sharpness and clarity, and this is why it is absolutely perfect for hog hunting. The 3x magnification will bring any target closer to you. You also get very user-friendly controls when you have a distant target you want to see clearly.
This night vision scope has a rugged titanium body, and it is made to protect the scope from any mechanical shocks or impacts. This is crucial because hunting at night often requires intense movements that a regular scope might not handle. Because it’s so durable, it’s also great for usage in unfamiliar terrains, as you don’t have to worry about it too much.
Ruggedness isn’t the only thing the manufacturers paid attention to. The small size and unique shape make it very ergonomic and easy to mount or hold. We also thought it important to mention that it is super light. Titanium as a material is stiff and light, but the Firefield is incredibly light for a night vision scope that offers this much.
Magnification
The 3x magnification the Firefield comes with is considered ideal. If you need something that lets you hit a 3” bull’s eye at a distance of 100 yards, you’re at the right place. The magnification lets you see and hit your target without any issues. When you combine the magnification with the clarity of the scope, you get unmatched performance for night hunting.
IR Illuminator
The illumination is another key quality, as there’s a built-in IR illuminator that helps a lot during extremely dark conditions. If you’re after precision, you don’t need to look much. Further, the FF16001 has you covered.
In-Short
Overall, it’s a great scope, one you really can’t go wrong with. The magnification is just about perfect for night hunting, you can easily see smaller targets over a larger distance, and its clarity and sharpness are impeccable.
3. ATN X-Sight II
We have already spoken about their X-Sight 4K Pro, and there’s another item by ATN on our list: their X-Sight II 3-14x. This is actually the result of thousands of hours of research, where ATN wanted to make something absolutely feature-packed and bring it to the market at a reasonable price. And they did succeed because the X-Sight II gives you a lot, and the price is lower than competitive products that don’t really offer that much over it. You can see how some of the features work here as well, and you have our full review below.
The first thing you’ll notice is the fact that it actually isn’t that heavy. It does feel hefty and quality made, but it won’t weigh you down. It runs on four AA batteries, and its housing has a beefy cap you screw on. You will get a few hours of battery life with it, but as with any other battery-powered outdoor device, it’s recommended that you carry replacements.
Or, even better, you can use the USB port and connect a power bank to it. That should give you a bit more juice. ATN offers a kit itself, and it also has a pouch for carrying and plenty of power. Since it can record photos and videos, it also has an SD card slot that accepts cards up to 64GB.
Features
As far as features go, there are plenty. The night vision functionality, our main concern, works wonderfully. Devices comparable in quality can easily cost four times as much, yet the X-Sight II doesn’t cut any corners in terms of sharpness and contrast. You have a choice between green and black & white, and you can adjust the light sensitivity. Unlike other optics, even if you accidentally trigger the night vision mode, that won’t cause any damage to the device. Another nifty feature is the ballistic calculator.
With a traditional rifle scope, you need to range your target and calculate the drop. Then, you need to accommodate for the slope you’re shooting from – and all this before the wind changes even a bit or the target moves. Here, you have a two-step system that does this for you and gives you a shot at correction.
Last but not least, there’s a host of media options. You can take photos and record video, and there’s a recoil-activated video (RAV) system, which captures about 10 seconds before recoil is detected. You don’t really need to worry about not capturing that really nice shot!
In-Short
All things considered, ATN did again what they did with the X-Sight 4K Pro, albeit in a bit of a different package. They managed to cram an immense amount of features in a package that only costs a fraction of what competitors are selling theirs for. Is it worth it? If the feature set is what you need, yes, yes, it is.
4. Armasight Nemesis 6x-SD
When you’re looking for a night vision rifle scope, the magnification factor is actually an essential part. It greatly depends on your specific needs and requirements, but the most common night vision scope magnification factor is 3x. This is often not enough for long-distance viewing, and that’s where the Armasight Nemesis 6x comes in. It has a 6x magnification factor, which is more than plenty for long distances, and lets you see your targets closer and keep them in focus.
The issue with larger magnification factors with a Gen 1 night vision scope was a narrow field of view, relatively short range, and image quality degradation. However, the Armasight Nemesis is actually a Gen 2+ night vision, which improves on many of those shortcomings.
The range is much longer, hence the justification for 6x magnification. There’s also a better resolution, as well as images that are brighter and clearer. The field of view is much better, and you can expect it to last longer than Gen 1. All of this combined makes a Gen 2 scope much more versatile than anything with Gen 1.
Features
The Nemesis 6x has an internal elevation and windage adjustment, which lets you adjust your scope at the desired angle without any difficulty. If you’re an expert already, this might not mean much, but for people that aren’t that well versed, you get the accuracy that you may not be able to achieve manually yet. The crosshair reticle is thin yet well-defined, and you can aim at small and far-away targets without any issues. At night, it’s illuminated in red for better visibility.
In-Short
When you factor in everything you get with it, the only potential downside is the price. However, the price is just high when you compare it to other offerings on this list. When you compare it to other alternatives in its price range, it’s actually very good. The Gen 2 night vision scope technology improves a lot over scopes that still use Gen 1, and that alone makes the Nemesis very worth it. Add to that the magnification factor, and you get the best night vision scope for long-distance hunting in this price range.
5. Bushnell Equinox Z 4.5×40
Bushnell is a household name in the optics game. They have quite a few products, from binoculars and rangefinders to rifle scopes and night vision scopes. Even though its products range from budget options to high-end models, the brand, in general, is known for its exceptional quality. This is exactly why we weren’t surprised with the quality and performance we got from their Equinox Z 4.5×40.
This is an amazing monocular, which uses an IR-sensitive CMOS sensor and a micro LCD screen instead of an intensifier tube. Even though it doesn’t seem like everything else on the market, it does perform admirably. You can use the screen to view color images if you use Equinox Z during daylight.
At night, it switches to a black-and-white image which offers much more contrast and better clarity. That display will also let you see icons that tell you things about the monocular’s status, such as battery level, IR, zoom factor, and information on the recording (more on that below).
Features
As the name suggests, you have a 4.5x magnification. We mentioned earlier that oftentimes 3x is enough, but for some people, the more, the better. That’s why the Equinox Z also comes with a digital zoom that lets you get up to 13.5x total magnification. You have the ability to capture both video and stills in a resolution of 640×480, and you can save them on a micro SD card.
Or, if you’d rather send the live video feed to a monitor or recording device, there’s an RCA video-out port. If you choose to save the files, you can transfer them via the USB port without needing to remove the card. Those icons we mentioned earlier show elapsed and remaining recording time and how many images you can take based on the memory you have available.
Build Quality
We shouldn’t neglect the build quality, as you get a contoured shape with knurling, completely sufficient for a comfortable, no-worries grip. It’s also IPX4 rated for water resistance, and the menu buttons are rubberized and located at the top for easy reach. Accessories are easily attached to the side rail, and there’s also a ¼”-20 socket if you want to mount it on a tripod.
In-Short
Even though we did concentrate on the specs a bit more, they must be mentioned purely because you get so much in a Bushnell monocular at this price point. Everything that Bushnell included in this night vision scope works stunningly, from the display and night vision itself to the recording features.
The clarity is amazing, regardless of whether you’re looking through it during the day or at night. You’ll get a sharp, vivid image with more details than you’d need. And, behind all of that is Bushnell’s name, which does bring a certain amount of quality and reassurance by itself. A great option for just about anyone!
6. Night Owl NightShot
Just like Night Owl themselves say, the NightShot is here to satisfy the needs of people who want a low-budget yet high-quality night vision scope. If you have a .30 or lower caliber rifle, non-magnum, and don’t want to invest too much, read on. The NightShot actually offers quite a bit in terms of performance and features and cuts fewer corners than you’d expect.
First of all, you have 3x magnification. As discussed a bit earlier, it’s actually the ideal magnification for hunting at night, unless what you need is extremely long-distance hunting. But, if you’re into that, you’re most likely looking at scopes that are a bit more expensive. The focusing distance begins at 10 feet and goes on to infinity. You can usually see up to 200 yards in typical nighttime environments and get a clear, sharp image on the 640×480 display.
Features
The reticle options are limited to three different ones, each in black and white. There’s a built-in IR illuminator, as well as elevation and windage adjustment, which are things you may not be expecting at this price range.
There are no corners cut on build quality either, as it’s a light yet stiff night vision rifle scope. It won’t weigh you down, and it’s even weatherproof, so you don’t have to worry about any water or dust ruining your day (or night, for that matter). The one potential downside, though, is battery life. The 4 AA batteries will last for approximately three hours before you need to change them. This might be a dealbreaker for people who want to use their scope for longer periods of time. This is something to be aware of.
In-Short
If budget is your primary concern and you don’t mind changing out the batteries a bit more often, by all means, go for it; it’s a decision you won’t regret.
7. Sightmark Photon RT 4.5-9x42S
If you think that the Photon XT just won’t cut it for you and want something that’s a bit better, this is what you should be looking for. Just like Sightmark themselves say, it’s an improvement over the Photon XT in a few important things. The first big improvement is the sensor. You now get a 768×576 CMOS sensor, one that has a 40% higher resolution than what you’d find in the XT.
You also now have a variable digital magnification, which is 4.5x and 9x, and there are stepped zoom for a customized field of view. The 640×480 LCD display is still here, and you have a built-in recording for both video and sound. There is 8GB of built-in memory, so you don’t have to spend extra money on an SD card. You also get integrated Wi-Fi with the Stream Vision App, which is always welcome and lets you download your videos to a smart device.
The S in the name lets you know that you’re dealing with an LED IR illuminator, more specifically, an 850nm one. This lets you hone in on a target that’s up to 220 yards away in pitch-black situations. The six reticle options will give you four different color options. You also have a one-shot zero function, so you can zero the Photon RT without messing with it too much.
Features
In terms of construction and durability, you have a metal body that is IPS5 water-resistant and shockproof. When you’re hunting in night conditions, you often need to resort to sudden movements and actions, and this can easily damage the optics in your scope if it isn’t well built. Fortunately, this won’t be the case with the Photon RT. If you want to add additional accessories, you can do that via the additional Weaver rail. It works with most 30mm rings you can find, and you get a carrying case with it, as well as a spare battery container, pouch, and a lens cloth.
Batteries
As far as batteries go, it requires four AA batteries. That’s twice as much as the Photon XT, but the better specs require a bit more power. You have a quick change cartridge that lets you change them out quickly, and there is a power bank-compatible micro USB port. This lets you extend the battery life if it’s essential.
In-Short
When you consider everything, it is indeed an improvement over the Photon XT. You get a better sensor, more smart features, and a variable magnification, which often comes in handy. It’s one of the best night vision scope options you can get today, and the price is lower than high-end models that don’t offer much more.
8. NiteSite Wolf Night Vision Scope
Night vision rifle scope prices are dropping nowadays, making it tempting for people who don’t use them to start. However, many users are hesitant to throw away their scopes, the ones they are already using, and switch to new technology they don’t know that well. NiteSite saw an opening here, and they now offer kits that can convert any existing rifle scope into a night vision scope in a matter of minutes.
They have various options, from the Viper to the Wolf and Wolf Plus and the Eagle. The one we’ll be talking about here is the mid-range Wolf option. All systems require no change to your scope, and they don’t need any ambient light because they have an 850nm IR beam and onboard LED illumination. They also have audio and video output and use a lithium battery pack for power.
Features
The system works in a simple way. You have the IR sender and viewing screen, which you clamp on top of the scope, facing forwards. You then connect a camera module to the scope, which picks up the image. Basically, you’re looking at the screen while seeing what the camera is seeing through your scope. This is great if you don’t want to change the scope completely but still want a night vision scope. You get the best of both worlds, and the NiteSite system works great.
As mentioned, the Wolf is in the middle of the range. It’s usable at distances of up to 330 yards, thanks to the three LED IR beams in the projector unit. The 1500mAh battery should be sufficient for a few hours, and you are not likely to need the 5500mAh of the Wolf Power Plus. The NiteSite Wolf night vision scope is also waterproof making it ideal for damp conditions.
In-Short
When you consider everything, if you already have a scope but want to try night vision, the NiteSite systems are a great way to do so. The Wolf is the midway option, with plenty of range, yet within the budget price range, and is the best buy if you want to try things out.
9. Armasight Vampire 3X
Even though the Nemesis is a Gen 2 night vision scope with many features and improvements over Gen 1 devices, its price puts it out of reach for many casual users. Therefore, Armasight saw a need for a Gen 1 device that would be a bit cheaper yet offer performance similar to a Gen 2. This was when they introduced their CORE image tubes.
CORE stands for Ceramic Optical Ruggedized Engine, and the end product was the Armasight Vampire 3x. It’s much better than a Gen 1 and gets dangerously close to Gen 2, especially considering the price. Let’s take a better look.
Features
The first major thing is the resolution. Photocathode sensitivity levels are very high; the lenses are all glass and multi-coated. This makes it a great scope for ambient light conditions that are somewhat challenging, and you can use it as a standalone optic. All Gen 1 scopes need IR for any acceptable performance, but you may not need one with the Vampire. Sure, there’s an XLR-IR850 long-range illuminator, but you’ll find you won’t be using it as often as you’d think. The night vision scope actually works amazingly well without it.
You get a red, illuminated reticle with variable brightness, which works great.
In-Short
All things considered, the Vampire 3x is an interesting option if you’re looking for the best night vision scope that doesn’t break the bank. It’s built well, and the optics are stunning. It hands down beats most of the Gen 1 devices that it competes with, and as mentioned above, gets close to Gen 2 performance. You can actually see some of that performance here. However, the price is kept as low as possible, making it a great option. The only potential downside might be its weight, so if you think that might be a problem, do give it some thought before pulling the trigger.
10. Sightmark Photon XT 6.5x50L
Sightmark’s Photon series was created to bridge the gap between cheap, barely usable night vision scopes and high-end, costly options. They do so very well by providing a mid-range night vision rifle scope in pricing without cutting corners when discussing quality and optics. The Photon XT 6.5×50 comes in two configurations, the L (reviewed here) and the S. The only difference is the infrared illuminator. The L model comes with a laser IR illuminator, a touch better than the LED one in the S model.
The price difference isn’t too big, and the laser illuminator is absolutely worth paying the extra for. Even though it’s a tad grainier, it throws much farther than the LED one and uses much less battery. While discussing the battery, the Photon XT makes use of two AA batteries. They should last around 5 hours if you aren’t using the IR illuminator or around 4 hours if you are using it.
Features
If you need a versatile scope that offers a range of long-distance applications, you’re at the right place. There are plenty of reticles, such as ones for crossbows, Duplex reticles for varmint and hog hunting, as well as a Mil-Dot one for holdovers and rangefinding and a German-style reticle. With the 6.5x magnification and 50mm lens, you get optimal brightness at distances of up to 200 yards. The 640×480 resolution will give you plenty of detail. You also get a video output feature, which lets you capture everything you see, regardless of whether it’s day or night.
Versatility
There is also an integrated weaver rail in case you want to attach any additional accessories. You’ll find a digital elevation and wind adjustment system for guaranteed precision. And, since we’re discussing versatility here, it’s also worth mentioning that there’s a small peephole in the cover, which lets light in if you keep the lens cover closed. This is a digital night vision system, and there isn’t a risk of damaging the unit like other night vision scope alternatives.
In-Short
Overall, the Photon XT improves on some of the minor shortcomings of the original Photon. You get a fairly wide range of applications with it, and you can use it both in daylight and at night, which is great for anyone looking for a single scope for their rifle. The night vision functionality is more than great, and you’ll be able to hunt in darkness with ease!
Buyers’ Guide
If you have read this far, you know what some of the best night vision scope options today are. But what if you can’t make up your mind? What if you don’t really know what features you really should look for, and what are some you could do without? We did discuss what types there are, so let’s take a look at the two generations mentioned here (Gen 1 and Gen 2), as well as what you should keep an eye out for when buying. You’re here to make an informed buying decision, so let’s help you do that.
Night Vision Scope Generations
Currently, there are four generations of night vision technology. However, only Gen 1 and Gen 2 are being used for budget rifle scopes.
Gen 1 is the early technology, where the huge scopes used back in Vietnam were shrunken down and made to rely on passive infrared. The devices still need some light to work and aren’t really meant for serious applications or high-risk situations. This makes them great for hunting, and that’s why the vast majority of the devices on this list are Gen 1 devices. You don’t really need more than that, and if you want it, it’s going to cost a pretty penny.
However, with Gen 2 devices such as the Armasight Nemesis above, there’s a pretty large jump in size, clarity, and overall performance. This is where the really lightweight, small, and portable devices began appearing, and people who can afford that do appreciate it. These devices are often used by non-combat troops, as well as by reservists.
You won’t find many Gen 3 or Gen 4 devices on the market, but they exist in military applications. The Gen 3 tech is what most combat arms troops have, and it further improves Gen 2 scopes. There’s better clarity and resolution, and you also get increased sensitivity and less necessary light. With Gen 4, the protective coating on the microchannel plate was removed, and there’s a further 20% improvement in performance in clarity. However, this significantly decreases the tube’s life, and they aren’t used in many situations nowadays.
What Should You Pay Attention to When Buying a Night Vision Scope?
If you were only looking for a monocular or binocular, you could get a better generation and be done with it. However, you’re looking for a night vision rifle scope with a different goal. It’s made to hit a target, and plenty of different factors affect the quality within the generation. Generational advantages exist, but one Gen 2 scope can perform much better or worse than another one.
Clarity
The first important aspect is clarity. An optic’s resolution is actually critical for both hunting and tactical operations. It’s simple – if you can’t positively identify what you’re aiming at, you shouldn’t be pulling the trigger. The resolution with a night vision scope is measured in lines per millimeter, and the higher this number is, the more clarity you get.
Range
Next, we have a range. You must know its recognition range when you have a night vision scope. Night vision is far from the point where rifle scopes are, and it can’t see over thousands of yards. When you’re talking about night vision scopes, you’re looking for recognition range and not total range. A longer optic will often produce more light and the amount of ambient natural light measures that range.
Many manufacturers choose to release a recognition range for an overcast range, only starlight, quarter moon, and full moon. Night vision requires some light, and you’ll notice that the range will increase as you go up the scale. If a scope’s full moon recognition range is, let’s say, 800 yards, you may not get more than 150 if there’s an overcast sky.
Magnification and Field of View
Magnification and field of view are also important. Generally, you can get up to 10x with a night vision scope, even though some offer higher magnification levels. These higher magnification levels come with two caveats – they’re large, and they’re expensive. For the optimal experience, especially after a more affordable option, you should look at the 3 to 5x range. There are also scopes without any magnification, and they’re very affordable, but they won’t do you much good unless you use them for close-range shooting.
The field of view is how much you can see at a set distance. When discussing optics, this distance is usually 100 yards. For example, a 30 feet field of view means that you can see 30 feet wide at 100 yards. The field of view decreases as you increase the magnification, though. If you want easy observation, this is an important consideration for hunters and athletes.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is another key factor. There are a few ways in which regular scopes are very similar to night vision ones. For example, a heavy night vision scope is still heavy. A larger magnification factor usually warrants higher weight, which isn’t an advantage. You often have sudden movements, need to aim easily, and hold your rifle comfortably, and heavy optics won’t help you with any of that.
Durability
Durability is always important, especially when you factor in the amount of money you’ll be investing. Hundreds or thousands of dollars is a pretty major investment for many. When you’re adding this much electronics, as well as tubes and other specialized devices for night vision, you’re only increasing the number of things that can fail during usage. You do need to know the limitations of the gear you’re using. Is it waterproof?
Electronics play a major role with these optics, and if they aren’t waterproof, water can easily destroy them. What kind of recoil can the night vision scope handle? Electronics, especially small and sensitive ones, are actually damaged pretty easily. Do you have a 300 Win Mag? Not all scopes can handle that.
Infrared Illuminators
Last but not least, there are Infrared illuminators. Your night vision scope should either have one or have the ability to attach one. When you have some natural light while hunting, you may not think you need one. However, having it lets you shine an infrared light, which will undoubtedly make you see a bit clearer. The illuminators often have a limited range, and if you want a more powerful one, it will usually be larger.
Conclusion
Even though night vision optics originally appeared and were used for military applications, you can’t deny the everyday user’s advantages. The ability to see objects clearly even when it’s pitch black, at distances that are greater than a stone’s throw, can be used in many scenarios.
It’s no secret that the latest generation tech is still used by the military only, and it’s tough to find it in commercial products, but there are Gen 1 and Gen 2 scopes that are amazing and give you more than you would ever need if you want to hunt in darkness.
In the list above, you have options ranging from ones for people who are very budget-conscious to ones who would gladly spend a bit more if that means they can get a lot of techs and the best night vision scope for their money. Regardless of your category, you’ll undoubtedly find one of the products suitable for your specific requirements. You should know that regardless of which of the options you go for, you won’t regret them as long as you’ve set your expectations and requirements realistically.
ATN X-Sig
The ATN X-Sight blends the latest technology with the more traditional scope form to bring you one of the best scopes from both worlds.
