The Best Night Vision Scope Reviews

Not long ago, night vision devices were available only to select individuals, such as army men, policemen, and very rich people. But things have changed. You can now purchase a night vision scope for a reasonable price.

The main problem hunters have now is how to choose the best night scope for hunting in the dark. My night vision scope reviews are here to help you resolve this quandary. 

Let me tell you right away: of all the reviewed scopes, I give a slight advantage to the ATN X-Sight 4K because it performs equally well during the day and night. I was genuinely impressed with its night vision camera too – my recordings turned out really good.

You do not have to agree with me. Read along, and then you can tell me what your favorite is!

In A Rush? Here Are Our Picks

Let’s take a quick glance at the products we will talk about here.

The 8 Best Night Vision Scopes

Best Overall: ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Scope

• Smooth zoom function with 5-20X magnification
• Ultra HD sensors 
• One Shot Zero function
• Smart Mil-Dot Reticle
• Obsidian 4 Dual Core processor 

As I have already mentioned, ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is my personal favorite. It might bear a hefty price tag, but it is well justified. Besides 5x and 20x magnification, this device has a useful ballistic calculator and range finder too. Therefore, you just need to know the approximate target size, and you can range it with a push of a single button. 

The battery life is amazing, too. The specifications state it can last up to 18 hours. I have spent almost all night playing with this scope in night vision mode and had no issues with the battery. I was also genuinely impressed with the quality of the image I received. The ultra HD sensors and an Obsidian 4 Dual Core processor work wonders in extreme low light conditions.

I have also tried the ATN X-Sight 4K during the day. The resolution of the images was excellent, and the colors were crisp. One of the features I really liked is the recoil detection system that turns on the camera for you in perfect time to record your shots. You can use this scope to 

simultaneously stream your hunting adventures directly on your mobile device and save them on your SD card.

I should also mention there is plenty of eye relief, so there is no need to worry, even if there is a lot of recoil. The unit is easy to attach and remove but it feels a bit heavy. It weighs 2.2 pounds.

Pros

• Seamless transition between day and night viewing
• 4K resolution and recoil activated 20 frames per second (fps) video recording
• Spin to zoom wheel
• Weather resistant
• Excellent customer service 
• Extra long battery life
• 2-year warranty 

Cons

• High price
• Heavy

Runner Up: Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Scope – Best Overall

• Advanced 1920×1080 high-resolution sensor
• Wi-Fi remote view
• 4x optical zoom and 1-8x digital zoom (up to 32x magnification)

The Sightmark Wraith HD scope has several features that make it stand out from its competition. It also costs less than ATN X-sight digital night vision scope, even though it offers excellent full-color day mode and night mode. The nighttime images are quite satisfactory thanks to the combined work of the wide 50-millimeters (mm) objective lens and the built-in Infrared (IR) flashlight. I liked that I could switch between the traditional green and black and white mode. 

The night vision range enables you to detect your target for up to 200 yards. If you want to see further than that, you can buy more powerful lamps. I was happy to find out there are nine different colors and 10 reticle styles to choose from and magnification between 4 and 32. 

I had no trouble zeroing in on my target using the one-shot zero mode or recording HD films. Thanks to the Wi-Fi remote view, I could also send my recordings and images directly to my mobile phone. 

The device delivers up to 4.5 hours of usage with 4 AA batteries. It is not impressive, I know, but if you are not too far from your car or home, you can extend the battery life by charging it via the external Micro USB port. The quick-change battery pack also makes it easy to replace dead batteries on the go. The unit comes with a 3-year limited warranty, which can ease a lot of worry.

My only complaint is that the scope feels rather bulky and it weighs almost 3.5 pounds! The viewscreen icons could be bigger since they are hard to read. 

Pros

• Excellent day and night mode
• 10 reticle styles and nine colors to make your reticle visible in every environment
• Micro USB and memory card slot
• Easily removable eye cup to prevent light dispersion in the dark
• High-resolution video recording and Wi-Fi remote view
• 3-year warranty 

Cons

• Bulky and heavy
• Poor battery life

Premium Option: Meopta MeoNight 1.1 Night Vision Scope 

• Gen 2+ Photonis XX1441 intensifier tube 
• Green phosphor display
• Resolution of >55 lp/mm (typically 67)
• Signal-to-noise ratio >18
• 10-year warranty under Meopta’s extended warranty

Meopta is a reputable company with a long tradition, and MeoNight 1.1 is one of its best products. Unfortunately, the price reflects product quality, meaning not everyone can afford it. I was a bit nervous trying it out, but I was relieved to learn this scope came with a 10-year warranty (if you register within 30 days from purchase). 

It was one of the first Gen 2 tube night scopes I have ever used, and I was impressed, to say the least. I could see my target as far as 800 yards away from me. Even with magnification, I had no trouble hunting varmints at a distance of 250 yards. I believe that with a bit of practice, I could do even better than that.

Even the most avid huntsmen can never drain the battery on this unit due to the long 50-hour battery life provided by the supplied CR123A battery. If that does happen, the low battery indicator is there to warn you on time. The unit will shut down automatically if you do not use it for an hour. 

Considering its long range, this is a rather compact scope. I have mounted my unit via a Picatinny rail in front of my scope, but if you like to have it at the back, you can buy an adapter. You can activate the MeoNight with the included cabled remote (I wish it was wireless, though). Feel free to take this device everywhere, no matter the weather, since it is both fog-proof and water-resistant, as well as shock/recoil-rated for 3500 joules.

Pros

• MeoDrop hydrophobic coating keeps your objective dry and clean 
• Minimum 12-degree field of view
• 1x50mm configuration
• Auto shut-off and low battery indicator
• Amazing 50-hour battery life

Cons

• Expensive
• Remote is not wireless

Best Value: Firefield NVRS Night Vision Scope

• Fixed focus Gen1+ hunting scope 
• A 30 lp/mm image tube
• Multi-coated glass 3×42 lens 
• Wide 14° view angle
• Titanium alloy housing with IPX4 water-resistant rating

The Firefield NVRS Night Vision Scope delivers the best price-quality ratio. So, what do you get for your money? First of all, there is a 42mm lens with high light-gathering capabilities and effective 3x magnification. I liked that I could adjust the brightness of both the image and the reticle. 

The Firefield NVRS is very easy to attach and remove. The unit has a sleek ergonomic design, so, there is no need to remove it when you are on the move – it won’t get in your way.  The waterproof titanium body is a bit heavy since it weighs two pounds.

This Gen 1+ scope has an HD sensor to record your hunting activities or take pictures. You can have a clear view of mid-range targets up to 165 yards away. A built-in infrared illuminator covers the space with invisible light and secures good performance in low-light conditions.

The Firefield NVRS Scope has a great battery life too. The two standard AA batteries can last you up to 50 hours. It is also good to know that stabilized power supply can resist recoil to 3700 joules. You need not worry about potential problems due to a 3-year warranty.

Pros

• High-definition sensor
• Bright light protection circuitry
• Built-in IR flashlight for better view in the dark
• Conveniently-positioned windage and elevation adjustment controls
• Flip-up lens cover
• Ergonomic design and quick detach weaver mount

Cons

• Titanium casing is a bit heavy

Best Thermal Scope: ATN THOR LT 160 3-6X 

• 160×120 thermal resolution
• 90 mm eye relief
• Hardened aluminum alloy casing
• Built-in calibration

The ATN THOR LT 160 3-6x is one of the best night vision scopes with thermal technology in its price range. I must stress that it is one of the cheapest thermal scopes you can buy too. It was the first model with a heat detection sensor I had ever tried, and I was wowed by its performance even though it is a basic model. Thermal scopes have far better results than IR ones when used in rain, fog, or dense vegetation. You can use them in the complete dark too. The ATN THOR is no exception. 

You can use this scope during the day too. However, if it is extremely hot or cold outside, the images might be hard to interpret. You also have to be careful not to point the scope directly toward the sun, as that could damage it. 

I was surprised at how lightweight this scope feels as it weighs only 1.4 pounds. The mount is not included and needs to be bought separately but the charger is included. A single battery charge lasts about 10 hours.

It might lack some advanced features, but that might be an advantage since it is easy to use. If you hunt at close-range, this device is right up your alley. The detection range is 475 meters or 520 yards, the recognition range is 240 meters or 260 yards, and you can identify any target at 160 meters or 175 yards. It’s easy to zero in, too. The scope also has built-in technology to calibrate after every shot. 

Pros

• Attractive price
• Battery life of 10+ hours
• One Shot Zero function
• Extremely lightweight
• 3-6x digital zoom
• 60 Hz refresh rate allows you to keep up with moving targets.
• 3-year warranty

Cons

• Limited when it comes to long-range use. 
• No ballistics
• No video recording or streaming 
• Mount must be purchased separately

Best Handheld Scope: Bushnell Equinox Z Night Vision Monocular

• 40 mm lens with 3x digital zoom and 4.5x magnification
• 750 feet viewing distance (maximum)
• Video out capability
• Water-resistant housing 

This Bushnell night vision scope is reasonably priced and highly versatile. It can be handheld and mounted via Picatinny style rail or the included tripod – the choice is yours. It proved a reliable companion on my deer hunting trip – it even doubled as a spotting scope. The 40 mm lens with 4.5x magnification produced a clear image I had no problem interpreting. I could see up to 250 yards and enjoyed a wide field of view.  

The infrared illumination performed well in low light conditions and I could switch between two brightness settings. Unfortunately, the light sensitivity could not be altered while filming videos. 

I came to the conclusion that this scope produces better pictures and videos when it is handheld. However, be careful not to drop it since the glass does not seem very thick – I think it might break easily. Luckily, the housing is water-resistant, so rain should not be an issue. It also comes with its own carrying case.

This night vision monocular can be used during the day and night. My daytime recordings had surprisingly vivid colors. The unit uses AA batteries, but they do not last very long. It would thus be wise to always bring spare batteries with you.

Pros

• Portable handheld unit with a tripod mount option
• Reasonable price
• Day and night usage
• Water-resistant casing
• Built-in IR illuminator with two brightness settings
• Ergonomic design

Cons

• Settings cannot be altered while video recording
• Low battery life

Easiest To Use Scope: Night Owl Optics Night Vision Scope

• High-resolution 640×480 display
• 3x magnification
• 100-200 yards range in typical nighttime environments

The Night Owl Optics Scope is very easy to use. I don’t think I’ve ever found my target more quickly. The offered features are decent, considering the price. It has a built-in IR flashlight and a range of 100 to 200 yards. You can also upgrade the IR illuminator to gain more range.

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the image the Night Owl delivers. Unfortunately, the 3x magnification did not allow me to have a good look at far-away objects compromising my shooting precision. 

The biggest downside of this unit is the low battery life. It drains 4 AA batteries very quickly, and it is complicated to replace them. First, you need to detach the scope and then you must re-zero it. It is tiresome to do all that out on the field. 

On a brighter note, the casing is 100% waterproof and extremely lightweight. The whole unit weighs mere 1.3 pounds. 

Pros

• Easy to use and extremely lightweight
• High-resolution display and good image quality
• Upgradable built-in IR flashlight
• Water-proof casing 

Cons

• 3X magnification
• 4-7 hours of battery life
• Complicated battery replacement

Cheapest Option: Bestsight DIY Digital Night Vision Scope

• The 5-inch clear display screen with 720P resolution image
• 5W 850nm laser IR with a big zoom area
• 360 degrees adjustable camera
• 3 AA battery operated (not included)

Bestsight DIY digital night vision scope is quite a unique-looking device and definitely the biggest one I have ever seen. This scope is very cheap, though, and is thus a good option for newbies and occasional nighttime hunters. It is easy to set up, thanks to the detailed manual.

The digital viewing screen provides excellent images from afar and the device can be used in the daytime and nighttime. Daily images have vivid colors, but I was most pleasantly surprised with the night vision captures, especially considering the price tag. The unit also has a powerful IR illuminator, allowing hunters to view their targets in complete darkness. Thanks to the Telescopic Zoom, the night vision range is quite satisfactory, too.

The unit comes with a 1.5-year warranty and a lot of accessories. In my opinion, this device is one of the best night vision scopes for stationary hunters. If you want to be able to move around quickly, you should better consider other scopes from the list. 

Pros

• Budget price
• Excellent performance-price ratio
• Crosshair adjustment
• Daytime and nighttime settings
• Comes with two eyepiece tubes 
• Fog-proof and waterproof

Cons

• Takes time to detach and take apart
• Batteries do not last long

What To Consider When Buying A Night Vision Scope?

As I have already warned you, your main problem is choosing the best night vision scope from an array of units sold on the market. Different price tags and features could confuse even the most avid technophiles. That is why I want to help you find the right night vision scope.

I have studied and tried out numerous night vision scopes to come up with the list I have just presented you with. Somewhere along the line, I learned quite a bit about night scopes. That is why I am confident I can teach you everything you need to consider when choosing your device. 

First of all, you have to consider what your needs are. You do not need to spend a small fortune on a night vision device with a 500-yard range if you are always hunting midrange up to 300 yards. Combine the list of important considerations below with your personal needs and preferences to find the night vision scope that will tick all your boxes and become your regular companion on every nighttime hunting adventure.

The following video offers some tips on how to choose a scope:

Level Of Night Vision Technology (Generation)

One of the crucial considerations when purchasing your night vision scope is its Generation or Gen. The latest generation night vision scopes deliver the highest image quality and vice versa. 

There are currently four levels of night vision technology or generations you can buy:

Generation 1

Gen 1 devices, also known as “Starlight scopes,” are the most affordable night vision scopes on the market. Therefore, if you want a low-budget night vision scope, explore available Gen 1 units. Be careful, though, as there is a significant quality range in this category.

For example, you can find a Gen 1 night vision scope that costs as little as $100 or as much as $400. The price difference usually indicates different quality levels and more/fewer features.

Generation 1 technology is a so-called light-gathering technology. These night vision scopes work only when there is enough light to gather. They will not work well in the complete dark. Luckily, contemporary Gen 1 devices usually come with a built-in IR illuminator.  

Generation 2

Gen 2 night vision scopes are greatly improved in comparison to Gen 1 devices thanks to a more advanced image intensifier (the microchannel plate). On the downside, there are slim chances that you can purchase an affordable night vision scope in this category.  Improved resolution and brightness will cost you a lot since Gen 2 night vision scopes usually sell for $1000 to $1500.

Generation 3

In my humble opinion, Gen 3 night vision scopes are the highest you should go for hunting purposes. In fact, they are top-notch technology for civilians. What are their advantages in comparison to Gen 1 and Gen 2 night vision scopes? 

First of all, Gen 3 night vision devices operate in complete darkness. They also deliver the highest resolution and highest quality image. Of course, these improvements come with a price to pay. Hence, these night vision scopes typically cost around $3,000 to $4,000. 

The price is well justified, though. After all, they are so hi-tech, that you cannot even take them out of the US without a special permit from the State Department.

Generation 4

Generation 4 night vision scopes are widely sold nowadays, but the U.S. military does not call them that. They refer to these devices as Filmless & Gated image intensifiers. The filmless means that the ion barrier film is no longer present, while gated means that these devices feature a “gated” power supply. 

What does this new technology bring? For starters, you can use a Gen 4 night vision scope during the daytime if you want to. The image resolution is much improved too. Finally, the halo from the bright light sources is minimized. 

But these devices run from about $5,000 to $6,000. They are thus reserved for only the most demanding users. I am yet to meet a hunter that owns one. If you are lucky enough to be able to afford this great night vision scope, you should know that their sale is restricted and they cannot be shipped out of the USA without a special permit.

Type Of Night Vision Device

Night vision scopes can come in different forms: goggles, monoculars, binoculars, and scopes. Of course, hunters are most interested in a scope because it can help target animals in dark. However, the other types of night vision devices can come in handy when you are out in the wild at night, too.

For instance, monoculars and binoculars are great for scouting the terrain in the dark. On the other hand, hand-free goggles are unsurpassable when it comes to using night vision on the move. Unfortunately, most goggles don’t offer the magnification range other night vision devices do.

Working Method 

How do night vision devices work? There are two possible working methods: utilizing infrared light and using thermal sensors. Let’s discuss both methods in more detail.

Infrared Method

The infrared method is the most popular among night vision scope manufacturers. How does it work? The night scope is equipped with kind of a infrared flashlight, the so-called IR illuminator, which emits invisible infrared (IR) light, and a built-in sensor that detects the light and delivers the image you see. 

Infrared light is invisible to both humans and animals. Hence, it won’t spook your prey or give away your location.

I like using infrared night scopes when I am hunting with friends. Why? These scopes can detect infrared light from other night vision devices. This means you and your friends can spread out and cover more ground.

The only downside is that these scopes are susceptible to weather changes. Infrared light can be blocked by snow, rain, or fog, just like any other type of light. Therefore, infrared scopes will have a diminished range in such conditions.

Thermal Method

Thermal scopes feature a sensor that detects heat coming off a living being or an object and then uses that information to produce an image. The range of thermal night vision scopes depends on the sensitivity of the built-in heat sensor. In general, thermal scopes enable hunters to see much further than infrared scopes.

Thermal night vision scopes are not affected by weather changes. However, they are not perfect. Their biggest flaw is their high price. I have seen them being used by professional hunters only.

The following video compares thermal and infrared thermal devices:

Range

 There are two types of ranges you must consider when buying a night vision scope:

Detection Range 

The detection range represents the maximum distance from your night vision scope to the object or the animal you can detect.  It means you can see something in the distance but cannot identify it. 

Recognition Range

The recognition range represents the maximum distance at which you can identify what you are seeing (whether it is an object, animal, or human). It means that you can clearly see most of the details too.

Magnification

Magnification or zoom is one of the first things hunters consider when shopping for a night vision scope. However, it is not the most important one. If you magnify your image but cannot recognize the object, animal, or person on it, you won’t benefit from this feature much. 

Hence, you ought to consider both the night vision range and magnification. For instance, my hunting buddy is currently using a night vision scope that boasts a 1.25-5x zoom and a detection range of 750 yards. However, its identification range is only 180 yards. My unit is a mid-range night vision scope that offers 2-8x zoom, a detection range of 900 yards, and an identification range of 250 yards. Can you guess who has a better score when we hunt in typical nighttime environments?

You do not need to use the zoom-in function when looking at a moving target. On the other hand, the opposite is true when hunting stationary targets. In this case, the higher the magnification, the better. Therefore, the best night vision scopes are those that offer variable magnification.

Learn more about scope magnification:

Field Of View

Field of view stands for the size of the area that can be viewed through a night vision scope in a single moment. The larger the field of view your device has, the less you’ll have to move your device around, and the more comfortable you’ll be watching animals or objects.

Resolution (Clarity)

The better the resolution of your device, the clearer the image. Also, the higher the resolution, the higher the recognition range. 

Signal To Noise Ratio

Different kinds of noises can interfere with the signal of your night vision scope and reduce image quality. Luckily, most night vision scopes these days are digital devices. A digital scope uses an array of different image-processing algorithms to reduce noise.

Objective Lens

The objective lens is the one that is located at the end of the night vision scope – furthest from your eyes. Its role is to gather the light needed for your scope to produce the image you see. 

The larger the objective lens is, the clearer the picture will be. However, as I have already mentioned, modern scopes add infrared light to the environment and that is why their lenses do not need to be very big. Therefore, you can enjoy a smaller, lighter, and less expensive lens and still have a clear image. The downside is that smaller objective lenses deliver smaller images, too.

HD Sensor

My night vision scope has a built-in HD sensor that activates automatically. So, I speak from experience when I tell you that you should have this feature too. An HD sensor enables you to record HD video and take pictures while you hunt. It also allows you to live stream your adventures via a Wi-Fi connection. Why is this important?

First of all, you can keep your recordings and pictures for future reference, potential legal issues, and for memory’s sake. You could also use them for training newbies, improving your abilities, and keeping a record of animals you spot on your hunting trips.

Reticle

The reticle is the dot in the center of your display pointing toward your target or where the bullet will hit. It does not have to be a dot, though. Many devices allow you to change the style of the reticle and turn it into a crosshair or something else. Sometimes you can change its color too. I prefer red because it makes my target stand out in the dark. If you want to be able to customize your reticle, make sure the scope you buy has this option.

Watch this video to learn how to choose the best scope reticle:

Weight & Size

A night vision scope should be compact enough for you to use it comfortably. Therefore avoid heavy and bulky devices. If you use a tripod, the weight, and size do not matter as much. 

Brand

You should buy a scope made by a reputable manufacturer. After all, it is not something you buy every day. Many big manufacturers make highly popular scopes, but you should also consider smaller, less-known companies producing high-quality, fair-priced devices.

Before you open your wallet, answer the following questions:

• Does the manufacturer you are considering have a support or service center in your area?
• Does the device come with a warranty? 
• Are the reviews you can read on specialized forums and social networks positive?

I am sure that you will make a proper decision. Having read this article, you already have all the info you need to buy the ideal night vision scope. 

FAQs

Are night vision scopes worth it?

Night vision scopes are worth it, especially if you do a lot of hunting at night. On the other hand, the best night vision scopes cost a lot of money. Therefore, consider how often you plan to use your device before you invest in it.

Who makes a good night vision scope?

A good night vision scope is made by many manufacturers worldwide. Yet, even though European companies make reliable scopes of excellent quality and Chinese companies produce the cheapest devices, American manufacturers are still the true market leaders.

Is night vision scope better than thermal scope?

Night vision scope is better than thermal scope when you want to identify an object or animal in the dark. On the other hand, thermal scopes are better at detecting animals or moving objects from a long distance in both dark and daylight.

The Night Vision Scope Reviews: Final Countdown

It is time to declare a winner. For me, the answer is simple.The ATN X-Sight 4K has proven to be the crème de la crème of night vision optics. It works equally well in the daytime and nighttime and covers all my shooting needs. 

If ATN X-Sight is too expensive, you can purchase the new Sightmark Wraith Digital Scope at half the price. It offers a night and day mode too but has a shorter battery life and lower magnification. 
I hope you enjoyed reading my reviews. If you have any questions, let me know. Also, please share this article, you might help someone find a perfect night vision scope like you hopefully did.