If you are shopping for the best night vision scope, you have probably come across dozens of scopes that offer night vision capabilities which makes it difficult to make a choice of the best night vision scopes.
In this post, we researched several reviews and customers reports and put together the best collection of best night vision scopes in the market today.
Most of these scopes covered in this post can be considerably picked as the best night vision scope for coyote hunting and the best night vision scope for hog hunting.
Best Night Vision Scopes
Night visions were considered to be designed using cutting-edge technology years ago. They were more expensive and quite fragile thus they were more common with the military.
Choosing a Good Night Vision Scope
Today, there are so many night visions available in the market. They are cheaper and come in an array of sizes. Modern night visions are more reliable and easier to use than those that were made in the past years.
There are so many affordable night vision scopes that can be used for any shooting application. Night vision scopes are nowadays not used in the battlefield.
They are commonly used by sportsmen to hunt predators, varmints, and other nocturnal games. Night vision scopes are also used for recreational and tactical shooting.
If you have never used a night vision scope before, using it can be overwhelming and confusing. This article is focused on helping you understand how night vision scopes work and what to look for in the best night vision scopes.
We have also provided you with reviews of some of the best night vision scopes available in the market as well as the different types of night vision scopes.
Types of Night Vision Scopes
Night vision scopes are designed using special technology that lets you see in low-light environments. The night vision scopes use either an image intensifier tube (IIT) or a camera sensor to transmit images. The devices that utilize an IIT are categorized in generations, ranging from Gen 0 to Gen 3 Plus. Here are some of the different types of night vision scopes available in the market today.
Gen 0
The first-night vision scope was in this category. This type of night vision scope was first introduced during World War II and was used by both German and US forces. This category of scopes needs an active infrared light to produce a viewable image. The device comes with an Infrared (or IR) Illuminator light, which is used to create an image along with an anode/cathode electron accelerator and a phosphorus screen.
While Gen 0 lets you see images in low light, they have several drawbacks. These night vision scopes are fragile, and the images they produce are relatively low quality. The device’s IR light can be seen by others in the area thus giving away the shooter’s position.
Gen 1
Night vision in this category uses passive infrared and ambient light. The devices are designed to use an improved photocathode to increase image resolution and reduce distortion. The images produced by Gen 1 technology tend to have blurry edges and lower resolution than those that use more recent technology.
Gen 2
The night visions in the Gen 2 technology produce much clearer images than the Gen 0 or Gen 1. The technology has an added micro-channel plate to increase light gain and image resolution.
Gen 3
The Gen 3 technology night visions scopes use the same technology as Gen 2, but they have gallium arsenide to increase sensitivity. It ensures bright clear images of all-night vision technology. The Gen 3 technology increases the life of the night vision devices as well as improves image resolution. The technology makes the night vision expensive, making it hard to find a Gen 3 night vision scope for under $2000.
Night vision devices that utilize Gen 0 through Gen 3 technology show green images. The main disadvantage to using a scope with this technology is that the internal tubes cannot be exposed to bright light to avoid them burning out.
Digital Night Vision
You can also get digital night visions that convert ambient light into a digital image that is viewed on a screen. Most digital night vision scopes produce images that are similar to Gen 2 traditional night vision technology.
You can use some of the digital night vision scopes in daylight. Some of the digital night vision scopes may come with features that allow the shooter to record, zoom, and change reticles. Digital night visions scopes are more affordable and versatile than Gen 2 or Gen 3 devices.
Thermal Imaging
Night vision scopes made using thermal imaging technology utilize heat rather than light to produce a viewable image. The scopes produce high-contrast black and white images and can detect tiny differences in heat down to 0.01 Centigrade.
Thermal imaging can be used during the day and make it quick and easy to spot living targets. The images produced may sometimes lack detail, which may make precision shooting challenging for hunters.
Top 10 Best Night Vision Scopes
Despite there being so many night vision scopes in the market, all night vision scopes do not have similar features and capabilities.
Some night vision scopes are ideal for shooting applications than others. If you are looking for a night vision that has many features and is high performance; you should be prepared to spend a huge amount of money.
We have provided you with reviews of some of the best night vision scopes available in the market. The scopes we have reviewed vary in price and the features that they offer. Our selection is based on the performance of the night vision scope. Here are reviews for the 10 best night vision scope.
1Firefield NVRS 3×42 Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope – Best Night Vision Scope
The Firefield NVRS 3×42 Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope is a quality entry-level night vision optic that is suitable for hog hunting, coyote hunting, or any other nighttime shooting endeavor. It is a lightweight and durable night vision scope. The scope comes with a quick-detach weaver mounting system that allows you to easily swap optics for day or nighttime shooting. This is our first pick for the best night vision scope that is a great choice for hog hunting and coyote hunting.
The night vision includes a multi-coated glass to ensure maximum light absorption for clear and quality images. It comes with a built-in infrared illuminator, and an illuminated duplex reticle with incremental brightness adjustment to make it easy for you to use the night vision even in low light conditions. The night vision has a construction made of titanium and has a water-resistant IPX4 rating making the scope capable of handling abuse when out in the field.
Pros
- It has multicoated glass to ensure maximum light transmission for quality and clear images.
- The night vision scope is ideal for hog hunting, coyote hunting, or any other nighttime shooting endeavor.
- It includes a built-in infrared illuminator and an illuminated duplex reticle for effective use in low light conditions.
- The scope includes a quick-detach weaver mounting system that lets you swap optics for day or nighttime shooting.
- It has a water-resistant IPX4 rating, allowing you to use the night vision even when it’s raining outside.
- Firefield NVRS 3×42 Gen 1 Night Vision is made of titanium for rugged durability.
- It is a great entry-level night vision scope.
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Riflescope
ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Smart Day/Night Scope is one of the best day/night optics on the market. It is designed to allow you to make a seamless transition between daylight and nighttime shooting. The night vision is a high-resolution night vision for shooting in all light conditions.
It comes with a super-sensitive 4K ultra HD sensor with a dual-core processor to let you record and stream video at the same time. You can also instantly record videos through recoil activation.
This is our best choice for the best night vision scope that is a great choice for both day and night shooting.
The night vision scope can be mounted to a rifle with standard 30mm riflescope rings. It comes with 18-hour battery life for reliability. The scope has an adjustable magnification (5-20x) which makes it a great night vision scope for long-range shooting. It can be used for all your shooting needs. The night vision also features a ballistic calculator, barometer, range finder, and Wi-Fi streaming.
Pros
- It is one of the best day/night optics on the market.
- The night vision scope can be used for all your shooting needs.
- It comes with 18-hour battery life for reliability.
- The ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Smart Day/Night Scope features an adjustable magnification (5-20x).
- It provides you with a 4K video recorder with a built-in HD screen, and recoil-activated recording to let you capture all your exciting hunting experience.
- The scope comes with a ballistic calculator, barometer, range finder, and Wi-Fi streaming.
- It has a great design that allows you to mount the scope directly to your hunting rifle.
Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescopeis a reliable night vision scope that is suitable for varmint hunting at dusk and dawn. The scope allows you to see coyotes at distances beyond 100 yards. It comes with a large FOV, 3x magnification to let you see targets at long ranges. The night vision has a waterproof construction for reliability when using the scope outdoors.
It is designed to handles the recoil of rifles up to .30 caliber, making it ideal for .308, .30-06, or even.300 Win Mag. The night vision is lightweight and durable. It can be mounted on either Weaver or Picatinny rails. This is our third best choice for the best night vision scope.
The device has three reticle options and includes a built-in infrared illuminator for clear visibility in low light conditions. It is made from heavy-duty engineered thermoplastic to ensure durability and ruggedness.
Pros
- It is a waterproof night vision scope that can be able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
- The night vision is capable of handling recoil of rifles up to .30 caliber.
- It has a built-in infrared illuminator that lets you use the device even in low light conditions.
- Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope is lightweight and durable.
- It features heavy-duty engineered thermoplastic.
- The scope has three reticle options to let you choose the one that suits your situation.
- It includes a large FOV, 3x magnification for precise long-range shots.
- The device can be mounted on either Weaver or Picatinny rails.
Pulsar Phantom Gen 3 4x60mm Night Vision Rifle Scope
Pulsar Phantom Gen 3 Select 4×60 MD Night Vision Riflescope is a durable optic that is capable of withstanding rough handling and rugged conditions. It provides you with a wide field of view (FOV) for clear and quality images. The device features a red-on-green or green-on-green mil-dot reticle and intuitive controls. It is nitrogen purged for fog-proof performance.
The scope includes a Quick-Detach Mount from Pulsar. It has a 3rd generation intensifier tube with a resolution of 57-64 lp/mm and a 101.5mm f/1.69 lens system. The night vision scope comes with a 9° angular field of view, an 8.7 yd minimum focus, a 60mm eye relief, and a +3.5 to -3.5 dioptric adjustment. The scope offers you a low battery indicator. The best night vision scope is based on the quality of the features and the great build quality.
It comes with a lightweight duraluminum and glass-filled nylon composite housing that is water-resistant. The riflescope has windage and elevation adjustments with 1/2 MOA impact point correction.
Pros
- The scope has a duraluminum and glass-filled nylon composite housing that is durable and water-resistant.
- It is nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging.
- The night vision scope comes with windage and elevation adjustments with 1/2 MOA impact point correction.
- It has a 60mm eye relief.
- The scope includes a 9° angular field of view, an 8.7 yd minimum focus, and +3.5 to -3.5 dioptric adjustment.
- It has a low battery indicator to notify you when the battery is low.
- The Pulsar Phantom Gen 3 Select 4×60 MD Night Vision has a red Mil-Dot reticle with adjustable brightness to provide you a clear view of targets in low light conditions.
Sightmark Photon RT Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Photon RT 4.5-9×42 Digital Night Vision is one of the best digital options on the market. It is a lightweight and compact optic that is very durable and easy to mount. The night vision scope comes with a 768×576 CMOS sensor that makes it capable of detecting targets out to 150 yards. It includes six different reticle options and 4 colors to let you choose the reticle that is suitable for your condition.
The scope features built-in video and sound recording and the Stream Vision App that allows you to replay your hunt on your phone or computer.
Users can also live-stream footage to Youtube or any smart device with the original Stream Vision App. It has a built-in Invisible 940nm LED IR Illuminator to let you have a clear view of targets even in low light conditions. The night vision is shockproof, making it ideal for hunting and other tactical shooting activities.
Pros
- It is capable of handling abuse thus it is ideal for hunting.
- The scope lets you record videos of your shooting and shares the videos with your friends.
- It comes with a built-in Invisible 940nm LED IR Illuminator for a clear view of targets in low light conditions.
- The night vision is compact and lightweight, making it easy to use.
- It has a 768×576 CMOS sensor and 2x Digital Zoom that allows far-off targets to be easily identified.
- Sightmark Photon RT 4.5-9×42 Digital Night Vision comes with six different reticle options and 4 colors to let you choose what suits you.
Armasight Vulcan 4.5×3 Alpha MG Gen 3 Night Vision Scope
The Armasight Vulcan 4.5X 3 Alpha MG Gen 3 Night Vision Rifle Scope is a reliable night vision optic that uses Gen 3 night vision technology. It features an illuminated mil-dot reticle that comes with both a manual brightness dial and an automatic brightness setting.
The scope has a bright-light cutoff and LED battery power indicators displayed on the screen of the eyepiece to let you know when the battery level is low.
It is fitted with a double lever-lock quick-release mount that is compatible with Weaver and Picatinny rail systems. This is our sixth choice for the best night vision scope.
The night vision rifle scope has multi-coated glass for maximum light transmission for clear and quality images even in low light conditions. It includes a wireless remote control that makes the device easy to operate.
The night vision has Automatic Brightness Control, which continuously adjusts image brightness to improve the displayed image quality and a variable brightness adjustment for the illuminated red duplex crosshair reticle.
It includes a removable IR illuminator and waterproof rubberized housing for reliability and durability.
Pros
- It comes with multi-coated glass for quality and clear images in all light conditions.
- The optic has LED battery power indicators displayed on the screen to let you know when the battery is low.
- It has an illuminated red duplex crosshair reticle that comes with both a manual brightness dial and an automatic brightness setting to provide you with a clear view of targets even in low lighting.
- The night vision scope has waterproof rubberized housing for reliability when outdoor.
- It includes a double lever-lock quick-release mount that is compatible with Weaver and Picatinny rail systems.
Bushnell 4.5×40 Equinox Z Digital Night Vision W/Mount
Bushnell 4.5X40 Equinox Z Digital Night Vision is a quality and reliable night vision scope that utilizes an infrared (IR)-sensitive CMOS sensor and a micro LCD screen for its night vision capabilities.
It comes with a side rail that allows you to attach accessories directly to the monocular. The night vision shows color images during the day and black and white when the night vision is on for improved clarity and contrast.
The scope has a digital zoom to provide up to 13.5x total magnification to improve the optical 4.5x magnification.
It allows you to capture video and still images in 640×480 resolution and save them to a user-supplied micro-SD card in the built-in card slot. The night vision features an IPX4-rated water resistance housing.
The housing has a contoured shape with knurling to provide a secure and comfortable grip for one-handed operation.
It comes with rubberized menu buttons conveniently located at the top within easy reach of your fingertips. This best choice for the best night vision scope for shooters who like Bushnell scopes.
Pros
- It has a switch on the bottom that allows you quickly switch from video to still images.
- The scope comes with an accessory rail located on the left side that allows you to attach optional equipment like additional infrared illumination or lasers.
- It has a water-resistant construction that is solid and rugged.
- The device has a USB port that lets you transfer the files to a computer without having to remove the card.
- It includes an RCA video-out port that lets the live video feed be sent to an external monitor or recording device.
- The Bushnell 4.5X40 Equinox Z Digital Night Vision has a digital zoom to provide up to 13.5x total magnification.
- The night vision’s frame has a contoured shape with knurling for a secure and comfortable grip.
Armasight CO-X Gen 2HD MG Night Vision Scope
Armasight CO-X Gen 2HD MG Night Vision is designed using second-generation intensifier tube technology.
The technology incorporates a microchannel plate, multi-alkaline photocathode, built-in power supply, and an 18mm format screen to help improve image brightness, and quality. The scope can be wirelessly operated for convenience.
The night vision has a bright light cut-off function that helps extend the life of the intensifier tube and protect it from overexposure to bright light or accidental turn-on during daylight.
The scope has a catadioptric lens design that helps reduce the weight and length of your system. It comes with a rugged housing that is lightweight, durable, waterproof, and resistant to extreme temperatures.
The scope has a detachable XLR-IR850 infrared illuminator for additional illumination of your targets. It provides you with a 12° angular field of view and a 33′ minimum focus distance.
The scope has a rechargeable battery and charger. It features an f/1.44 F-stop and a focal length of 80mm for a wide aperture for collecting night light and improves visibility.
Pros
- It has a lightweight, durable and waterproof construction that can withstand abuse.
- The night vision scope comes with a catadioptric lens design that reduces the weight and length of your system.
- It has a detachable XLR-IR850 infrared illuminator for improved illumination of your targets in low lighting.
- The scope comes with a bright light cut-off function that helps extend the life of the intensifier tube and protect it from overexposure to bright light or accidental turn-on during daylight.
- It is designed to offer you a 12° angular field of view and a 33′ minimum focus distance.
Pulsar Trail LRF XQ38 Thermal Rifle Scope
The Pulsar Trail LRF XQ38 2.1-8.4×32 Thermal Riflescope comes with a built-in recording with 8 GB of internal memory, an integrated laser rangefinder, white-hot, and black hot viewing modes, and 13 different reticle options to let you choose the one that suits you. It is dustproof, fog proof, waterproof, and works reliably in temperatures ranging from -13 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
The night vision comes with 384 x288 sensors, combined with a variable 2.1-8.4x magnification that provides you with a contrasted wide field of view and quick target acquisition for precise shot placement.
It includes 13 useful variable electronic reticles for repeatable, accurate performance. The night vision has an ultra-easy user interface with ergonomic button locations, to prevent you from taking your eyes off the target while making quick range adjustments. This is our ninth-best choice for the best night vision scope.
Pros
- It features an integrated, automatic video record that is recoil-activated.
- The night vision allows you to store your videos and pictures on the internal 8GB memory and share them with others using the Stream Vision app, which allows remote viewing live.
- It has an XQ38 objective lens that helps detect heat signatures up to 1,475 yards showing the slightest details.
- The scope offers you 10 different reticle choices with various brightness settings to accommodate any type of shooting condition.
- It has an IPX7 fully waterproof housing for improved durability and reliability in all weather conditions.
ATN ThOR HD 384 Smart Thermal Rifle Scope
ATN ThOR HD 384 Smart Thermal Riflescope is a unique night vision optic that detects heat signatures rather than gathering ambient light.
It comes with a ballistic calculator, laser rangefinder, and high-resolution HD video and photo recording.
The recoil-activated video (RAV) allows you to capture every shot, and Wi-Fi streaming lets you share everything with your friends.
It is capable of providing clear and quality images in any weather condition. The night vision has Bluetooth capabilities that let you control your device and Livestream feeds from your phone or tablet.
It can easily be integrated with a smart rangefinder that can range your target in only two clicks. The device has an ergonomic design for easy operation. This is the last pick for the best night vision scope in this tier of the top 10 best night vision scopes.
Pros
- It is easy to hold and operate.
- The scope has a rugged construction that can handle outdoor conditions.
- It allows you to take videos and images of your hunting using the recoil-activated video (RAV).
- The ATN ThOR HD 384 Smart Thermal Riflescope has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities to let you share your videos with your family and friends.
- It includes a smart rangefinder that can easily range your target.
- The night vision scope has a ballistic calculator.
Conclusion
Identifying the best night vision scope to meet your specific shooting needs can be a tough decision.
However, it can be very rewarding if you get the best night vision. No matter which optic you choose, it is important for you to spend some time getting to understand it.
All the night vision scopes we have reviewed make a great choice for those looking for quality and reliable night vision rifle scopes.
We hope that you have found the article to be helpful and useful in your quest for the best night vision scope. Let us know which night vision you find to be more reliable from our review of night vision scopes.
You can also tell us your experience using different types of night vision if you have had the privilege to use different night visions.