It wasn’t long ago that people considered night vision a fragile, costly, difficult to use, and cutting-edge technology. The night vision technology was mostly used for military purposes. Civilians didn’t even have access to the best night vision scopes.
Nowadays, night vision scopes are available in a wide range of sizes and different features. They are easier to use, better in quality, cheaper, and widely available compared to the scopes available a few years ago. We can find many different kinds of night vision scopes nowadays in the market due to advancements in night vision technology.
The use of night vision scopes isn’t limited to the battlefields now. People are now using the night vision technology for sportsmen, hunters, and other nighttime activities. Moreover, tactical and recreational shooters also use night vision scopes.
If you are not familiar with night vision technology, choosing the best night vision scope can be confusing. But this isn’t something to worry about! We are here to guide you through the complete process of choosing the right night vision scope. We have also reviewed some of the best-rated night vision scopes that you can buy.
Basics Of The Best Night Vision Scope
Before we move on to choosing the best night vision scope, let’s discuss some basics:
Reticle
Mostly they come with a red dot sight or some other targeting reticles. A reticle makes it easier for you to aim onto your target.
Magnification
This is one of the most common terms that you’ll come across. Scopes can have different ranges of magnification, like 4x or 15x. It means that the image you see through a 4x scope appears four times larger than it would appear to a naked human eye. This feature is for scopes with variable ranges as fixed scopes do not have magnification settings.
Objective lens
A larger objective lens is needed for a high magnification range because a larger lens can transmit more light. 40mm to 42mm lenses are enough for most shooters.
There can be other features depending upon the brand you are choosing.
ATN X-Sight is a high-quality optic that comes with a dual-core processor. We were really happy to see that the image quality is very clear, even in complete darkness. Moreover, it has an ultra HD sensor that is helpful to make images clear.
If you love nighttime hunting, then this scope is a great choice. During our testing, we noticed that it is very happy to see the targets because of the night vision mode. Also, the ballistic calculator is very accurate if you want to detect the exact range of the target.
It took a short time to assemble and disassemble the scope. The best thing about this scope is its long battery life which lasts more than 18 hours.
If you want a night vision scope that is good in quality and can be used during the daytime, and you are also on a budget, then SightMark Wraith is the best choice. This scope comes with all of the newest technologies, and you can get everything you need in SightMark Wraith.
We were impressed to see its amazing feature, an invisible infrared illuminator; this surely is a blessing for every hunter, and me as the target cannot see you in dark conditions.
Moreover, we were very happy to see the liberty of choice as this scope comes with six different reticles and four different colors. You can change the settings digitally too. As we mentioned in the beginning, this scope can also be used during the daytime because of the CMOS array.
But one thing that we didn’t like is its short battery life that only lasts 4.5 hours. Moreover, the image quality isn’t good for objects that are 200 yards or more away.
NVRS is an excellent addition to the range of affordable and Gen 1 series of night vision scopes. The scope works well during nighttime, but it doesn’t work efficiently during the daytime in bright sun. We managed to detect the target during the daytime, too, although it wasn’t totally visible.
The best things that we noticed while using this scope are that it has a lightweight titanium body, a design that helps in a quick power-up, and weaver-style mounts. You will find the illuminator as a built-in unit, and it is also possible to adjust the brightness.
This scope is really good in this price budget. You will surely find other products too, but they are not as good as this scope.
The majority of the night vision scopes offer accuracy only during nighttime. But we have found that ATN X-Sight optic is best for both daytime and nighttime hunting.
This scope is good to fulfill all of your hunting needs, and it also has some extra features that will surely appeal to every hunter. You can adjust the magnification zoom between 5x to 20x, a built-in HD screen for 4K recording, and you will not miss any of your hunt moments because of recoil activated recording system.
Moreover, we were very happy to see that this scope also comes with a barometer, Wi-Fi streaming, ballistic calculator, and range finder. So, if you want a high-technology scope for all your hunting needs, then this scope is the best choice. All you need to do is to mount this onto your rifle.
Are you looking for the best night vision scope under $1000 and also offers good quality? Well, this Sightmark Digital Night Vision Scope is the best choice available on the market. Photon RT has a built-in IR illuminator and is lightweight, easy to mount, and compact. We were amazed to see that this scope has the option to choose from 6 different reticles and also features a one-shot zero function.
One more thing that we liked about this scope is its image quality. This night vision scope is a great choice because of its amazing cool features. It has a sound recording and video system. So, you can share or live-stream your videos using Stream Vision App on any smartphone or YouTube.
This scope is a great choice if you want a thermal rifle scope. This is a high-tech scope that you can use for hunting in all kinds of conditions. We mounted this scope on an AR-15, and it was very easy to mount it. Moreover, it has so many options that you can use to improve your hunting experience.
The ATN ThOR-HD works very well on long ranges too. It comes with a range finder, Wi-Fi, and a ballistic calculator which makes it a good choice. Moreover, you can also use its high-resolution video recorder.
We liked the design and maneuverability of Pulsar Digex. This makes this scope good for a wide range of guns. Moreover, it is also to position this scope due to its flexibility.
We were very happy with the rangefinder technology used in this scope as it is good for detecting targets even at 2000 yards. We used this scope during the daytime and nighttime, and the performance of the scope was great. You will get a 546 yards sight even if you are hunting on the darkest night.
This scope also records HD videos that you can watch to improve your hunting. After testing this scope, we can say that this scope is highly durable. Moreover, it is waterproof and resilient at extreme temperatures because of its IP67 ratings.
This ATN model is a thermal night vision scope, and it detects all heat signals from living things. This scope processes the information quickly with its Obsidian IV Dual Core processor.
We found this night vision scope very easy to aim and maneuver. Moreover, the range finder and ballistic calculator help to hit targets every time.
The scopes offer a 1.5x to 15x magnification and have a 30mm diameter. We were happy to see that the targets are visible even in completely dark conditions. If you love recording your hunts, you will love this scope. Because it has a recoil-activated recorder that will record every hunt, and you don’t even start the recording.
A thermal night vision scope can be really helpful in certain conditions. This thermal scope detects heat from the living objects around you and helps you hunt perfectly. We liked that this scope comes with features like a laser rangefinder, high-resolution recording, and a ballistic calculator.
Moreover, we tested its recording system, and it is great. The scope will start recording on its own because of the recoil-activated video system. You can share the recording or stream it online with the Wi-Fi feature.
This best hog hunting night vision scope by vortex has been tested using a modified AR-15, and we can assure you that it works conspicuously well.
This scope uses modern technology in its low-light setting, which allows you to target a hog up to 50 yards away from you! Using this feature of this hunting scope, we were also able to shoot a deer at 200 yards. It is also easy to discover the target due to its reticle. This wide-ranging lens power offers a huge shooting range.
Even though this night vision scope shows outstanding qualities, we didn’t quite like some things. This scope does have an average performance during snow or rainfall. Even though this scope is known to be water-resistant, its quality still distorts under certain weather conditions.
Although the Vortex Optics Crossfire II’s picture quality distorts and drops, we still recommend this scope as one of the best scopes for hunting.
This scope has a great formula for hunting hogs, beneficial to hunters, as it is packed with a bright, reliable scope for night vision.
Pros
Bright illuminated reticles affecting the target
Low light performance
Strong lens power
Light in mass & well built
Quick focus eyepiece
Cons
Performance drops during harsh weather conditions
Night Vision Scope Buying Guide
It is really important to make sure that you buy the best night vision scope as it will cost a lot of money to get another one. You will need to consider your use of the scope, hunting style, and the features that you want in your scope.
Below are some features that you may need to consider:
Construction and Durability
The reliability of a night scope depends upon both the construction and durability. It is always recommended to get a scope that’s at least IPX4 Weatherproof.
Moreover, it is better to buy a scope that is fog-proof and nitrogen charged. If you hunt with a high-recoil or high-caliber rifle, you should look for a scope that is shockproof.
Aircraft-grade aluminum is the best choice when it comes to the durability of the scope.
If you find a scope with anodized coating, then you should get it as it is rust-resistant and best for humid conditions. These scopes can also be helpful during daylight conditions to camouflage your location by decreasing glare.
Magnification
The first and foremost thing is to decide on the zoom magnification. Budget scopes usually are available with a 3x-5x magnification, while professional scopes come with a 6x to 20x magnification in rare cases.
A 50 to the 200-yards range is supported by most of the night vision scopes. If you want a range wider than this, you need to consider the image quality of the scope you are buying.
Optics & Resolution
To identify your target accurately, you need to get a scope with better image resolution.
The resolution of the night vision scopes is usually described in LP/MM or lines per millimeter. The higher the value of resolution, the easier it is to identify the target.
Most of the night vision scopes mention their resolution in pixels. Usually, a night vision scope will produce a 384*200p or 640*480p resolution image. But some professional models can also create up to 4K resolution, but they cost high too.
Battery Life
A night vision scope works on the battery power. So, if you do not have a scope with good battery timing, you might fail to complete your hunt because of the battery.
It is recommended to get a night vision scope that has eight or more hours of battery life. This will help you hunt all night without worrying about battery life.
A scope with a good battery life will certainly cost more than a normal scope, but you should never compromise on this feature.
One more thing that you can do is get extra batteries with your scope; this way, you can change the batteries for a long hunting night.
Size and Type of Reticles
When choosing a reticle, a Bullet Drop Compensation or commonly known as BDC is the best choice for most because of its unique reticle pattern, which helps in reducing the guesswork. A BDC has special aiming points underneath the central dot that help the users.
The user doesn’t need to adjust the elevation manually because of the BDC reticle, and it surely makes it a good choice for long-range scopes.
A maximum number of scopes offer a wide range of choices when it comes to the color, reticle, or type, and these options affect the accuracy of the scope. Choosing these options depends upon the users and what they like.
Conclusion
Buying a night vision scope isn’t an easy decision and you need to consider all of the above-mentioned factors before you buy a scope. Moreover, you can get help from the reviewed products to make sure that you get the best night vision scope for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thermal Vs Night Vision: Which One Is Better?
A lot of people often ask if thermal is night vision or not. This is a common discussion when we discuss day/night digital gadgets. In simple words, both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is better to judge both on the users’ needs. For example, night vision gadgets are usually very costly, but they also offer good battery life and powerful results.
But the question remains the same, which technology is better? Every user will have a different view depending upon the use. If someone is looking for great quality and clear images at night, choosing thermal gadgets is wise. However, a night vision gadget might be best if you are just looking for some extra light during the day.
One more thing that can change the user’s choice of the product is the gadget’s price. Both thermal and night vision gadgets have varied prices. Therefore, choosing a device under your budget can be the right choice.
Lastly, thermal technology also has some advantages and disadvantages. So, it is better to know everything about both types of technology. You should never hurry because both technologies are expensive and you do not want to make the wrong decision.
What Else Can I Do With Night Vision?
If you are planning to buy a night vision, you might also be thinking about what else you can do with the night vision scopes. Well, there can be more than one uses of night vision technology. Many people who participate in adventure sports prefer using night vision gadgets to ensure their safety when hiking, camping, or trying some other sports. If you get night vision goggles, you will notice that some of these goggles come with a red dot sight that comes in handy to see other things at nighttime.
Apart from this, there are numerous other uses too. Military personnel has been using night vision gadgets for many years in combat and battles. Moreover, rescue teams also use these gadgets to make it easier to see objects that other people might not notice without the night vision scopes. So, you can use this technology to hunt and save lives too. NVG can save people from a lot of different types of disasters.
So, are you ready to increase your visibility using night-vision technology? These gadgets can make your next hunt or adventure sports interesting for you. You can use night vision scopes or binoculars in numerous outdoor activities. So, explore different places or hunt different animals with night vision gear.
What Are the Types Of Night Vision Scopes?
The modern night vision scopes can be divided into two different technologies. The newest technologies in digital night vision function like a security camera. Although this technology is new, it is still cheaper than older technologies. The main cause behind this is the lack of durability of the digital night vision scopes.
The traditional night vision scopes do not rely on IR light, but they use true amplification technology. These traditional scopes are further divided into generations depending on the technology used for light amplification. Most models available to the consumers are Gen 1 night vision scopes, while only a few are Gen 2 scopes, and they cost much higher than Gen 1 scopes.
Gen 3 scopes are also available in the market, but these scopes are used by the military and can cost thousands of dollars for a standard model. The newest Gen 4 technology can cost more than $10,000 for some models, and it is also going through some growing stages.
What Is The Difference Between Thermal And Night Vision?
People mostly confuse night vision and thermal scopes, and this can happen because there are numerous similarities between the working and use of both technologies. However, a big difference makes them into two different technologies.
A night vision scope needs light to work, whether it is IR or visual. The light doesn’t need to be brighter but enough to reflect the target off. Night vision scopes always need the reflection of light.
While on the other hand, thermal scopes use a target in the form of heat. There is no need for an external source or IR or light reflection. These scopes work fine during the day and at night because they see what the prey is giving off naturally.
How to Zero A Night Vision Scope?
Although the procedure of zeroing a night vision scope is quite similar to zeroing a regular rifle scope, your choice of targets may need to change. It is difficult to see the rings on a target due to the monochrome view of night vision.
There are a number of companies that manufacture targets to use with night vision. These targets are a good investment, but you can also make one on your own. If you want to make your target, you should use some other material than background material. You can use textured paint or duct tape.
You’ll still need to adjust your windage and elevation as you do with a normal scope. It would help if you started zeroing at a closer range in tiny steps rather than trying big ones. You can start by zeroing every 10 or 15 yards.
How To Use A Night Vision Scope?
The use of night vision scopes varies from technology to technology. A digital scope works just like a normal scope, but you need to ensure that it’s charged. Moreover, it doesn’t matter which time of the day you are using a digital scope.
Using a traditional night vision scope is a little difficult. You need to consider the amount of light a scope needs to work and tolerate; this varies between generations and scopes. It is better to avoid bright light as it can damage your scopes.
If you have the right light, a night vision scope will work just like a traditional scope. If you spend a lot of time seeing through a traditional scope, it can result in eye strain.
How To Mount Your Scope On Your Rifle?
Digital scopes are large, and they cannot be mounted with the normal hardware used to mount scopes. These scopes come with mounting hardware. Most of the scopes will use Allen screws to any Weaver rail easily and without adapters.
Traditional night vision scopes use a standard scope ring, but some use the options same as digital scopes. You need to make sure that you do not over-tighten the rings and have the right size for your scope.
What Is The Average Life Of A Night Vision Scope?
This question is very common among people because people usually think that night vision burns with time. A digital night vision scope doesn’t burn like a traditional scope. Digital scopes can last decades or a lifetime with proper care.
This issue is common in traditional night vision scopes. The life of a Gen 1 scope will vary because of the quality, but it can be used for almost 1000 hours. Using a cheap night vision scope will only get a few hundred hours of life.
The life span of the newest Gen 1 scopes has increased with the latest technologies. A good quality Gen1 scope can last the same as a Gen2 scope which is almost 5000 hours of use. A Gen 3 night vision scope can last as much as 10,000 hours.
Is It Possible To Use A Night Vision Scope During The Daytime?
Whether you can use a night vision scope during the day depends upon the technology of the scope. You can use a digital scope during the day to offer a good resolution and colors during the day. This probably makes them the best good quality rifle scopes.
Traditional night vision scopes are not made for use during the day. Some traditional scopes can get damaged if they are turned on in the sunlight. You should always read the instructions and never use them in bright light.
Does The Battery Life Of Scope An Important Factor?
Yes, the battery life matters a lot to make sure you don’t miss any shot.
How Much Does A Night Vision Scope Last?
Most of the scope lasts longer than you expect if you properly care for them.
Alex Grey was born and raised in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado in 1965. He grew up hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather, who instilled in him a deep love and respect for the outdoors. From a young age, Alex was fascinated with hunting, and he spent countless hours practicing his marksmanship and studying the habits of different game animals.
After finishing high school, Alex attended a local community college and then transferred to a state university to study wildlife biology. During his time in college, he worked summers as a park ranger in Yellowstone National Park, where he gained valuable experience in wildlife management and conservation.
After college, Alex began working as a professional hunting guide, leading hunters on guided hunts for everything from mule deer and elk to bears and mountain lions. Over the years, he has hunted in some of the most remote and challenging environments in North America, from the Alaskan tundra to the Sonoran Desert.
As a seasoned hunter with years of experience, Alex has become an expert in all types of hunting gear, from rifles and shotguns to bows and arrows. He has a deep understanding of the latest hunting technologies, including night vision scopes and thermal imaging equipment, and he is constantly testing new gear and techniques to improve his hunting skills.
In recent years, Alex has turned his attention to sharing his knowledge and experience with others. He founded NightVisioner.com, a website dedicated to helping hunters of all levels improve their skills and knowledge of hunting gear. Through his website, Alex shares tips and tricks for hunting different types of game, reviews the latest hunting gear and technologies, and offers advice on everything from scouting to field dressing.
Despite his years of experience, Alex remains as passionate about hunting today as he was as a young boy. He sees hunting as a way to connect with the natural world, to challenge oneself both mentally and physically, and to experience the thrill of the hunt. His life is a testament to the power of a deep love for the outdoors and a commitment to passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of hunters.
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