Best Night Vision Scope – Top 11 Best Night Vision Scopes Review

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There is much to be said about predators. They own the night and drive lesser creatures into shelter and hiding. Even man, the apex of all animals, often feels fear after dark. The one thing that separates us from those hunters of the night is our poor vision in low light. But that has changed, now you too can own the night, all you need is the best night vision scope you can get your hands on!

Short on time? Check out our picks for the Best Night Vision Scopes.

1. ATN X-Sight 4K Night Vision Scope
2. AGM Global Vision Wolverine 4
3. Bushnell Equinox Z2 Night Vision
4. BESTSIGHT Night Vision Scope
5. Pard Night Vision 6.5-12x Riflescope
6. Yukon Sightline N450S Night Vision Riflescope
7. Sightmark Wraith HD Night Vision
8. ATN X-Sight LTV Night Vision Scope
9. Night Owl Optics Nightshot Digital
10. X-Vision Xtreme Night Vision Scope
11. Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 Night Vision Scope

What Is A Night Vision Scope?

When I say night vision, what I’m really talking about is light amplification devices. In true darkness like a cave, they will do you no good unless you have some method of introducing light yourself. The good thing is the light doesn’t need to be in the visible spectrum, a little Infrared Light (IR) that is invisible to the naked eye will light up the darkness for most night vision scopes.

A night vision scope is simply a device that is weapon-mounted that allows you to amplify any ambient light or use IR light to see your target at a distance. The more reflective the target is to that light, the brighter it will appear. For hunting, especially things like Hog and Coyote, these have been the best tool ever invented.

How Does Night Vision Work?

The more modern digital night vision uses IR light instead of the light our eyes see which it picks up and converts to a visual image. Scopes of this type have become increasingly common and are a rapidly growing market. Unlike traditional night vision, digital night vision can often be used during the day as well.

Traditional night vision operates using a light sensor and phosphor screen. Instead of IR light, it needs some light from the visual spectrum, though it needs very little. Light in the form of photons enters the scope and impacts a detection screen and is converted into electrons. These electrons are multiplied as they pass through a scope and are fired into a phosphor screen that glows from the impacts.

That is a very basic explanation of traditional night vision scopes. The technology gets more advanced as you move through the different generations. The basic principles are the same for all traditional night vision, it’s the technology inside that takes care of those principles that change.

Types of Night Vision Scopes

You can divide modern light amplification night vision into two distinct technologies. The newest is digital night vision which works like a security camera. These are a rapidly growing sector of the market and often sell for much less than the older technologies, even though they are newer. Part of this is due to the lack of durability in many digital night vision scopes.

Traditional night vision scopes are true light amplification technology rather than substituting IR light. These scopes are divided into generations based on the exact technology used to amplify light. Most consumer models of night vision will be Gen 1, with a few Gen 2 options here and there that cost several times more than Gen 1.

There are Gen 3 scopes that are currently used by the military but can cost several thousand dollars for a cheap model. Gen 4 is the newest technology but is going through some growing pains and still costs a fortune with some models reaching past the $10,000.00 mark.

Thermal Scopes vs Night Vision Scopes

Many people confuse thermal and night vision optics and truth be told, there are a lot of similarities in how they work but they are two different technologies with one huge difference. A night vision scope relies on some form of light, be it visual or IR. It doesn’t have to be bright light but enough to reflect off the target. That reflection is the key, night vision requires reflected light.

Thermal optics, on the other hand, use IR but are more sensitive to the part of the IR spectrum that is radiated from a target in the form of heat. Thermal scopes need no reflected light or external source or IR. They see what the target is giving off naturally and will work during the day and even in complete darkness.

How to Zero Night Vision Scopes

While the exact process for zeroing a night vision scope is very similar to a regular rifle scope, your choice of targets may need to change. The monochrome view of any night vision alone would make seeing rings on a target difficult aside from the use of IR light or other variables.

Some companies make targets specifically for use with night vision which is a worthwhile investment but making your own is also a possibility. If you choose to make your own, use different materials for your rings than you have for your background. Duct tape works very well but so does textured paint. You still want a color difference but the texture will help you differentiate.

You will still be adjusting your elevation and windage as with a normal rifle scope and chasing your impacts to get zeroed. Many night vision scopes offer a one shot zero function to make this pretty simple. You do want to start at closer range than with a traditional scope and take zeroing in small steps rather than big leaps. Consider zeroing every 10 yards until you reach your desired range.

How to Use a Night Vision Scope

Using a night vision scope will vary somewhat between technologies. For a digital scope, use it as you would a normal scope, just make sure it’s powered up. Time of day isn’t important.

It gets a little trickier with traditional night vision optics. The amount of light they need to function and the amount of light they can tolerate before washing out will differ between optics and generations. Avoid light that is very bright that may damage your optic, especially if it’s a Gen 1.

Once you get the light down, a night vision scope will work the exact same way as a traditional scope. Just be aware that spending a lot of time looking through one can cause some eye strain. This seems more pronounced with digital night vision than traditional.

How to Mount a Night Vision Scope

Most digital scopes are large, bulky devices that cannot possibly mount with the usual mounting hardware used for traditional rifle scopes. These will almost always have their own integrated mounting solution. Most will mount using Allen screws to any normal Picatinny or Weaver rail easily and without the need for adapters.

While the same mounting options may be true of some traditional night vision scopes, others will use a standard scope ring. Mount them just as you would a regular scope on whatever bases or mounts you have. Make sure you have properly sized rings and that they are not over-tightened.

How Long Does a Night Vision Scope Last?

This is a common question as most people have heard that night vision burns out over time. If you have a digital night vision scope, it will not burn out as a traditional scope will. With proper care, they can last a lifetime or at least decades.

This is only the case with traditional night vision. A Gen 1 scope will vary greatly depending on its quality but can be expected to get somewhere near 1000 hours of use. Some may only get a few hundred hours if you go with a budget model.

Advancements have increased this time somewhat with the newest Gen 1 scopes. A good Gen 1 scope may last as much as a Gen 2 scope at around 5000 hours of use. Gen 3 can double that. Gen 4 is still up in the air with many claiming it lasts less than a Gen 2.

Can I Use a Night Vision Scope During the Day?

This depends on the technology. You can certainly use a digital scope during the day. They work very well and will often have full color and great resolution, making them work very much like a good quality rifle scope. This is probably the main advantage of digital night vision.

You cannot use a traditional night vision scope during the day. Some may even be damaged by sunlight just from being turned on. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never use them in bright light. The best possible outcome is that you get a full washed-out screen.

Best Night Vision Scopes Review – Updated

  1   ATN X-Sight 4K – Best Night Vision Scope for Coyote, Hog Hunting

At the heart of the X-Sight is a super-powered computer with a quad-core processor that covers everything this king of the digital sights does. In many ways, it’s more powerful than the smartphone you carry in your pocket and that’s before you get to the fact that it’s strapped to a rifle.

The list of things this scope does is staggering. It’s loaded with a ballistic computer, rangefinder, GPS, compass, recording device for video and sound, and a 4K LCD monitor for ultra-crisp resolution. This is very nearly a one-stop device for all your shooting optics needs, especially since it tops out a 14x magnification with plenty of resolution to still pick out fine details, day or night.

You can preprogram your loads into the sight, let it range the target, and let it tell you the adjustments you need to make. If it were any more advanced it would dial it in for you and take the shot but where would the fun be in that? Instead, let the scope record the action and send it to your smart device so you can watch it later. Notice how all the features come up and I still haven’t gotten to the night vision part?

When it comes to night vision, this scope is a stellar performer with two models available at either a 3-14x or 5-20x magnification. The top end of either is reserved for daytime use even if the scope comes with a high-powered IR illuminator. You can get a good distance at night but not enough to need 20x.

With all the tech packed into this scope, you don’t want it to be exposed to weather that is too harsh and it may be a little sensitive to rough treatment. ATN has done a good job of making it robust but not as robust as a traditional night vision scope.

Image quality is just about on par with a Gen 2 night vision optic but you don’t get the same contrast with digital. It should still serve your needs and with an 18+ hour runtime, it will probably hunt longer than you can. While I will always love traditional night vision, this is a great optic worth considering.

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  2   AGM Global Vision Wolverine – Best Gen 2 Night Vision Scope

The AGM Global Vision Wolverine 4 is a Gen 2+ night vision scope with a 4x magnification and a tough shock protected design made from aircraft aluminum alloy. It has a multi-coated glass and a detachable long range infrared LED illuminator that lights up the object through the lens of the viewing screen.

This scope comes with a Mil-Dot reticle with an illuminated red center and brightness adjustment making it great in different lighting conditions. It mounts to standard weaver rails with quick-release mounts.

The AGM Wolverine has a 10 m to infinity focus range with a decent battery life of up to 50 hours and is rechargeable. For those using it in varied weather conditions, it’s water and fog resistant with an operating temperature range of -40°F to +120°F making the AGM Wolverine resistant to most elements you’re going to encounter.

If you’re still on the fence, it also comes with a lens cloth, soft carrying case and a long range IR illuminator.

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  3   Bushnell Equinox Z2 – Best Budget Night Vision Scope

Most traditional optics companies have stayed away from night vision. Production is very different between the two and the market is quickly getting flooded with cheap scopes that are hard to compete with. But it’s good to see Bushnell take up the challenge with a scope that is affordable and worth every penny.

This is a digital scope but unlike most digital scopes it’s very small and quite lightweight at just 2 pounds. Almost everything about this scope is modest. The magnification is only 4.5x max but that works very well for this scope. No one is making any 500-yard shots after dark and 4.5x will get you to 100 yards perfectly with pinpoint accuracy.

Just like any other digital scope, you can record the action but you also get a one push button that will snap a still shot of your target that is amazingly hi res. If used during the day, you can get some impressive shots of your buck so if you happen to miss it, at least everyone will have evidence that you did, in fact see it.

Probably the best thing about this scope, and there are a lot of good things, is that it uses standard AA batteries. You can stock up at the local supermarket without the need to worry about recharging or finding rare, expensive batteries. I wish more companies would take their cue from Bushnell on this. Even with AA batteries, you will still get more than a night’s worth of hunting, and you will get it cheap.

There is no doubt that you could hunt with this scope and do very well but I think this is perhaps the best scope on this list for a home defense gun. Its affordability, ease of use, and size make it about perfect. The fact that it works day or night is only a bonus. Bushnell has done an outstanding job with the Equinox Z2..

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  4   BESTSIGHT Night Vision Scope With Camera

The Bestsight is not in effect a scope at all, but a system that will partner with your rifle scope to make it work as a night sighting system. The unit involves a number of separate parts that add up to a complete system attached to your scope.

The elements involved include a unit that slips over the viewing end of your scope, a unit that is attached to the main tube as an illumination system, followed up by a camera-style viewing screen. What the unit sees through the scope will be transmitted to the viewing screen including the sub tension displayed in the primary optical system ( main scope ).

Whereas most systems make up a primary main tube of their own the unit is a “ ridge along” system of sorts. The unit has no information regarding generational levels, being 1.2.3, therefore it is hard to state the level of generated light gathering ability.

In general, you’re going to get what you’re paying for in this system and this unit is on the low end of the scale. I would suggest it is a basic recreational sight, versus a professional-grade optical system.

The manufacturer suggests that the buyer add an SW IR illuminator or even stronger to the system. This would suggest that the effective range regarding the basic unit is on the close inside of the night shooting requirement.

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  5   Pard Night Vision 6.5-12x Riflescope

The Pard Night Vision 6.5-12x riflescope is slightly more expensive than similar models, but it’s also one of the most durable. It is equipped with an IPX7 waterproof rating, so you don’t have to worry about it becoming damaged or defective if it comes in contact with water. It also has an extreme operating temperature range between -13°F and 122°F.

It has a continuous digital zoom of 1x or 2x and can magnify up to 12x, making it perfect for those night hunts when you may need to take long-distance shots.

It’s equipped with Wi-Fi and records videos in high-definition 1920×1080 and photos in 2592×1944. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a TransFlash card or memory card, so you’ll need to purchase one separately to store your pictures and videos.

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  6   Yukon Sightline N450S Night Vision Riflescope

The Yukon Sightline N450S may be one of the most sensitive night vision scopes you can buy. It has minimal external illumination, which allows the object you are sighting to become illuminated rather than the surroundings of the object, but that’s arguably not the best part of this night vision scope. It’s built with a stadiametric rangefinder that helps determine the distance to the object within the scope and its known height.

For example, if you have your sights on a deer, the scope automatically calculates the distance to the deer based on the average height of the deer (approximately 1.7 meters for deer). This helps give you the most accurate distance while also providing the most crystal clear image through the viewing screen.

However, let’s get back to the night vision portion of this scope. You can view up to 350 meters in complete darkness. It also has a picture-in-picture mode and scalable ballistic reticles for you to dial in your shot in both dark and light conditions.

It’s a slightly pricy night vision scope but one that doesn’t cut any corners.

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  7   Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 – Best Night Vision Scope For AR-15

This model of a night vision sighting system is within the medium to lower price range. The scope can be used in both day and night mode, has high definition sensors and also high resolution imaging with the ability to record video.

The scope is a system that carries the 1920×1080 HD sensor, provides full-color clarity in daylight, then hit the switch to night mode and the classic green, or black and white viewing options come into play.

This scope can be changed out to use up to 10 different reticle options and it runs on four AA batteries which is nice.

The night illuminator has a detection range of up to 200 yards.

The unit will store up to five weapons profiles when a switch is made from one weapon to another. Changing out these units is common, and I have run the same unit at night on up to three different firearms ranging from shotguns to AR-15 style rifles.

Mounting on this unit is by way of a fixed picatinny mount, and the scope retains video options as well.

The primary objective on these scopes is again night vision and as to exactly what generation the system on this scope uses I can not be sure lacking the information at this time.

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  8   ATN X-Sight LTV – Best Night Vision Scope Under $1000

Another great ATN scope, the ATN X-Sight LTV is a bit less expensive than the 4k Pro version and as you would expect offers less resolution and some reduced features. However, it’s got a lot of bang for the buck if you can live without some of the extras offered on the 4k Pro model.

This day and night vision rifle scope comes with the QHD+ M584 sensor which produces clear image quality and the night vision mode has no trouble with quick target acquisition. It’s a good all around night vision scope for predator hunters, or even sending rounds downrange when used for varmint hunting.

The scope is easy to mount with standard 30mm rings and comes with an internal rechargeable battery rated at 10+ hours, multiple recticles patterns, One Shot Zero and a 30mm lens for light gathering capabilities.

The unit makes use of a sturdy aluminum body weighing 3 pounds, using a design that allows fast power up as applied to night hunting. Some features such as Ballistics, Streaming, Mil Dot and WiFi/Bluetooth are removed from this model giving the user a solid device minus a few bells and whistles, at a cheaper price point.

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  9   Night Owl Optics Nightshot – Best Night Vision Scope For Varmint Hunting

This night vision system is again affordable in terms of recreational shooting, carries enough features to allow reasonable use in the night shooting settings, and is a compactly constructed unit in terms of field use.

The scope seems to be open in terms of a mounting system and the buyer should check with the manufacturer regarding this area of scope install on a shotgun or rifle. I am not clear on this element of the scopes description and additional research would be required by the buyer. However, weaver rails have been indicated by the manufacturer as workable in this case. That is AR-15, M-16 level sight mounting systems according to my observations.

Range in terms of night shooting effectiveness is listed as 100 to 200 yards. Resolution quality is indicated to be 640X480 display, and the unit is built for use on rifles up to 30 caliber. I am not sure if this means recoil related or some other element of performance. If I were buying the unit I would consider a talk with the manufacturer prior to writing the check or using a credit card.

This unit is built of thermoplastic and retains a built-in infrared Illuminator. Daylight use will not damage the scope. Generation level is not listed with the description of the product.

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 10   X-Vision Xtreme Night Vision Scope

The first thing you may have noticed about this night vision scope is the various buttons placed on the top. These buttons make operating your night vision scope easy in all conditions, but especially in dark conditions while hunting at night.

You can adjust the brightness and contrast using two of the buttons on the top of the scope. Some other features you can control using the convenient buttons are GPS, Wi-Fi, pictures, and video.

When you need to adjust for windage or elevation, just turn the turret on the top of the scope. Each click accounts for 1 MOA.

As far as the specifics of the scope, it has a maximum distance of 700 yards in daylight and 350 yards in nighttime or dark conditions. It’s equipped with Bluetooth so that you can connect the scope to your smartphone for easy and real-time photo and video capturing.

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  11   Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 – Best Night Vision Scope Under $2000

Pulsar is a favorite brand of consumers’ night vision equipment with quality products in all 3 types of night vision scopes. Pulsar is offering distinctive products in thermal imaging and Image Intensification (I^2) technology which use analog tubes, as well as in the digital night vision niche.

The Pulsars` Digisight Ultra 400-series follows in the footsteps of its hugely successful predecessors Digisight N750 and N355. Improvements of the N455 over the N355 are visible in a flip-up protective cover that incorporates a bigger 10mm aperture for daytime use and a 20% greater field of view.

Like previous models, the newest Digisight version comes with the onboard, detachable illuminator, and you can choose one with the 940 nm that operates in the invisible range or a model with an 850nm IR illuminator frequency for a bit more reach.

The Digisight Ultra N455 boasts a 1280×720 CMOS sensor coupled with a 1024×768 AMOLED display enabling it nighttime detection of a human-size target at a range of up to 550 yards.

The N455 Ultra Digisight features 4.5X, 9X, and 18X magnification settings and 2x/4x digital zoom with continuous and stepped options.

The Digisight Ultra N455 also features Pulsars popular Picture-in-Picture digital zoom. It’s an excellent electronic capability, which allows the shooter to see an enlarged image of the aiming area and the full field of view.

Similar to other digital night vision scopes, the Digisight Ultra comes with multiple choice of reticles. In the 455 Ultra case, it sports 10 reticle options in 6 colors.

The N455 is equipped with a recorder and an internal memory to be later transferred to a PC/laptop or mobile device via wired or WiFi connection.

The N455 features high shock resistance and it can withstand .375 Magnum recoil by manufacturer’s statement.

Pulsar rechargeable IPS5 5A-h power system is a quick-detach pack that provides over 5 hours of operation on maximum mode.

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How To Shop For A Night Vision Scope

Night vision scopes have come a long way in the last few years offering many improved features and while the prices have gotten better, they are not cheap. So, what do you really need to get the best night vision scope?

Let your intended use and your budget be your guide. First, give some thought into how you plan to use your scope and what firearm you mounting it on.

While many of the features on new night vision optics are nice to have, they may not all be necessary for everyone.

Let’s determine what you need and what features you can do without to best fit into your budget.

Decide What Technology You Want

Night vision basically comes in two flavors. There are the traditional Gen 1 through Gen 4 devices and then you have digital technology.

For most people, digital night vision will do everything they need and more and cost much less. Still, there is a charm in traditional night vision. The traditional night vision tends to be more durable but offers little else in my opinion.

Most of the scopes reviewed here were digital models with a Gen 2 included that was still in a decent price range, as far as traditional night vision goes anyway. Digital is going to offer you a solid device with the most features, and at a much more affordable price point.

How Much Magnification Do You Need?

The job of magnification on a scope is pretty straightforward. It enlarges distant objects so they are easier to identify.

Typically, night vision scopes have very moderate levels of magnification just like thermal scopes. This works well as most can’t see as far as a scope can during the day. For most people, something less than 10x is more than enough with 3x or 4x being typical for night vision.

However, there are a many digital models that will have high variable magnification for daytime use. With variable magnification you can vary between the lower and higher magnification such as 3-14x.

Digital magnification will usually result in diminished image quality, so just be aware of that. With a lower magnification you will have a better field of view which will also make it easier for you to gauge the size of your target.

Sensor, Display & Video Recording Resolution

Sensor resolution is going to greatly effect image clarity and price. The higher the resolution the better the image quality and typically the higher the price.

When you are looking a the resolution for a Night Vision Scope you have to look at not jut the sensor resolution but also the display resolution and the video recording resolution if you intend to record video.

Like with any screen on a device, the higher resolution will allow you to see more details in an image.

Just keep in mind that choosing a high display resolution and pairing it with a low sensor resolution could result in diminished image sharpness. The higher the resolution, the better.

The bottom line, get the highest display, sensor and video recording resolution you can afford.

What’s the Detection Range?

How far can you detect a target with the scope? More importantly is how far you need to detect a target for your particular use.

Keep in mind that the maximum target detection a manufacturer listed is not always the same as being able to identify a target at that range. Also, the conditions where you’re using the scope will play a part in the detection range as well as things like lens diameter, target size and angle of view.

I usually look at the minimum detection range and see if this is going to suit my needs. I also look at the field of view which diminishes with increased magnification. Try not to get more magnification than you really need and you will have a much better field of view.

Reticle Types

The right reticle helps you aim your rifle and improve your shot placement. Many of the best night vision scopes include multiple reticle patterns and color options. Cross Hair, Mil Dot and Single Dot type reticles and many different color options are all common.

Just make sure you have the type of reticle you prefer on any night vision scope you purchase. If you don’t know which you prefer then choose a scope with several options to test them out.

Batteries

Batteries are one of those things that can be easy to overlook. The important thing is that you know the type of battery that comes with the device you’re buying and it’s what you prefer.

Are they rechargeable? What’s the average battery life? Are they cheap to replace if they aren’t rechargeable? Most of the better manufacturers are not going to cut corners on a cheap battery but make sure you are getting something you will be satisfied with. Battery life can fluctuate a bit from one manufacturer to the next.

What’s the Size and Weight and Durability?

Night vision scopes can be a bit bulky so always look at the size and weight and how durable it is. Most are going to be at least a couple of pounds and when added to the rifle you’re mounting it on the weight can add up quickly.

Think about weather resistance and make sure you are getting something that’s going to be able to withstand the elements and the conditions you’re using it in.

How is the scopes ability to handle the recoil of the firearm you’re mounting it on? Get a scope that is going to withstand the recoil of a high caliber firearm if that’s what you’re using it on. It should also be able to perform in varied weather conditions if you’re using it in hot and cold environments.

How’s the Warranty?

First off, I would always purchase a complex device like a night vision scope from a reputable manufacturer with a history of producing a quality product. That will reduce the chance of you buying a defective product in the first place.

Check their warranty. What does it cover exactly? Another thing I always look at is their customer service and review comments from others who have dealt with the company. I want to have any potential issues dealt with right away without a lot of back and forth.

Most of the well known optics manufacturers are going to have a decent warranty but my advice is always double check and don’t hesitate to ask them if you have any questions about what their warranty covers.

The Extras

One of the benefits of digital night vision scopes are all the different features available. Depending on how you intend to use the scope you may not use all of these but they can be great to have if you use them.

Digital scopes will almost always need some form of IR booster or light and typically come with those on board. If they do not come with one, that is an extra cost.

The other big feature of digital night vision is the ability to record what you are seeing through your scope and even transmit it via Wi-Fi. While this is somewhat of a gimmick, many people enjoy it and some of the best even record sound.

Traditional night vision offers no extras in any scope that I am familiar with. They let you see after dark, that’s about as extra as most people need.

Some of the features available on many of the best Digital Night Vision Scopes.

• Bluetooth Enabled
• Video Recording
• Wi-Fi Integration
• Photos
• Ballistic Calculator
• Recoil Activated Video
• Multiple Reticles & Colors
• Picture-in Picture
• Rangefinder
• One Shot Zero
• Individual Shooting Profiles
• Camouflage Color

Final Thoughts

What can be stated regarding these night sighting systems is the range of options and pricing is quite wide. Know the task that the system is being applied to, factor in your budget, and I’m sure within a reasonable bracket you’re going to find the scope that fits your needs.