night vision scope

5 Best Night Vision Scopes in 2022

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Night vision scopes used to be only available to select groups of people. Namely the military personnel, law enforcement, and people with money. This has changed drastically in the last 15 years or so, with companies making inexpensive night vision scopes for the average person.

Many hunters have begun to utilize this technology for hunting in the dark when there is little to no light. Hogs and raccoons are two of the animals on the night hunting list, and even a cheap night vision scope will do the job well.

Best Night Vision Scope Night Vision Scene
A sample of a night vision scene sourced from Rifle Optics World

These are the 5 best night vision scopes in 2022:

Pulsar Digisight N750 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
  • Has a video output for recording
  • Has a 6.75 zoom feature
  • Features one-shot zeroing
  • Size is relatively larger than other scopes
  • Heavy weight
$1419 Shop NowClick to read my review
Fire Wolf Tactical 850nm Infrared Night Vision Scope
  • 850nm Infrared Illuminator
  • Day (color) and night (IR monochrome) mode
  • 3MP 16mm HD camera lens
  • 1x magnification only
  • Battery not included
$134 Shop NowClick to read my review
Top Pick
GGD Telescopic Infrared Night Vision Monocular Scope
  • Comes with a built-in IR
  • Light weight and has a long battery life
  • Digital windage/elevation adjustments
  • Lens cover in the way of accessory rail
  • Features only 2x Magnification
$339 Shop NowClick to read my review
Sightmark Wraith 4K Night Vision Rifle Scope 3-24x 50mm
  • Multiple rifle profile settings
  • Magnification: 4-32×50
  • Built-in HD video/audio recording
  • Higher learning curve for additional options
  • Menu system is complicated
$799 Shop NowClick to read my review
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Riflescope
  • Day/night seamless transition
  • 5-20x magnificaiton
  • Recoil activated recording
  • A little expensive for the category
  • Added weight is also something to consider
$699 Shop NowClick to read my review

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The range of prices and features is extensive and can be mind-boggling. I have studied several night vision scopes to come up with some of the best I would recommend. One thing you should consider before purchasing is to determine what you need it for.

So if you are hunting midrange, around 100 to 300 yards, then you want something designed specifically for that. It’s for the purpose of not wasting money on a 600-yard scope range. Another thing to consider is how well you need to see what you are viewing. This refers to what generation of devices you choose for your particular situation. These and other considerations are detailed below.

Things to Consider when Buying Night Vision Scope

Generation

Generation, or Gen for short, is a good proxy for the quality of an image. Gen 1 includes the budget scopes. So if you are looking to get an inexpensive night vision scope, then this is the best option. Their light-gathering ability is based on older technology. In addition, they only work well when there is enough light to gather, such as moonlight. However, these don’t work well in the dark.

Additionally, Gen 2 devices are quite a step up from Gen 1, using a more advanced image-intensifier with better resolution and increased brightness. While Gen 3 night vision scopes are the best of the best for civilian activities. These are capable of working in complete darkness and have the highest resolution and image.

Infrared (IR) Illuminator/Laser

An IR illuminator or laser can be used with your scope to give it added accuracy and reliability. The IR Illuminator is invisible to the naked eye but, when used with night vision, can help illuminate the target much better without the need for other light. It is a lifesaver if you are hunting in thick woods or without moonlight. To make the best night vision scope for hunting varmints, many hunters add a laser sight to their scope. This is another option to consider when purchasing a new scope. Some have these capabilities built into them, making them even more convenient.

Other Considerations

The best night vision scope for the money is ultimately a matter of personal preference. If you think cheap is better, then a Gen 1 scope might be your best choice. Keep in mind that these tend to be the heaviest of the three types and might lack other features that you want. If you need variable magnification is another thing to consider. Most night vision scopes are fixed, but there are a few variable options available, which come in handy for long-range situations.

Another thing to think about is its durability. Moreover, if you are outdoors with your scope often, finding one that is waterproof, shockproof, and has coated outer lenses is the best choice. Lastly, do you want it with or without a reticle? A red, green, or amber reticle is a great addition, especially for a night vision scope on an AR-15.

Now, let’s look at the seven best choices for a night vision scope.

The Best Night Vision Scopes

With all the considerations above, you can imagine how difficult it was to find several of the best night vision scopes. I scoured the internet for night vision scope reviews and asked around to get other hunters’ perspectives on what they thought was the best.

ScopeMagnificationMSRP
Pulsar Digisight N750 Digital Night Vision Scope6.75x$1419
Fire Wolf Tactical 850nm Infrared Digital Night Vision Scope1x$134
Gun Gear Depot Telescopic Infrared Night Vision Monocular Scope
2x$339
Sightmark Wraith 4K Night Vision Rifle Scope 3-24x 50mm4x$799
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Riflescope5-20x$699

Pulsar Digisight N750 Digital Night Vision Riflescope

This next option is a great buy for a Gen 2 scope. It has a built-in laser IR illuminator with a three-step power adjustment. In addition, you can use this in the pitch black of night with the IR. Unlike the previous scope, daylight will not damage the interiors. Additionally, the housing is made from a composite material that can withstand the daily abuses of hunting or target practice. It also comes with a wireless remote.

It has internal focusing, which makes adjustments quick and easy. The operating design is also intuitive and very simple to operate. Additionally, it has an additional weaver rail for accessories and a flip-up lens cover to protect your investment. With one-shot zeroing, you can take it out within a few minutes and be ready to hunt.

This scope wasn’t on too many night vision scope reviewers’ lists. So, it’s more like a hidden gem. It has the image quality and resolution of scopes that are hundreds of dollars more expensive. It also has a video output to record your hunts and can be plugged into a video player on sight so that your buddy can watch your hunt. Compared to a Gen 1 that is useful to a maximum of 150 yards, this scope can shoot more than 300 yards and can spot up to 1,000 yards away.

Pros
  • Durable composite housing
  • Has a 6.75 zoom feature
  • Internal focusing unit
  • Contains an adjustable IR illuminator
  • Can be used at day or night
  • Additional weaver rail for accessories
  • Features one-shot zeroing
  • Has a video output for recording
  • Comes at an affordable price
Cons
  • Heavy weight
  • Size is relatively larger than other scopes
  • Has a poor battery life

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Fire Wolf Tactical 850nm Infrared Digital Night Vision Scope

The Fire Wolf Tactical Digital Night Vision Scope is a great night vision scope for hunting. It’s made to be used day and night for hunting, and it can even provide a color view during the day. In addition, the scope has a night vision range of 100-200 meters and good resolution in full darkness. It also has a 4.3-inch LCD screen with adjustable brightness and contrast that makes night hunting considerably easier.

Though it only offers 1x magnification, it then offers a powerful IR illuminator which is the 850nm OSLON Black Series Infrared illuminator. This thing provides better night vision range and clarity in every use. The scope comes with a range of scope attachments and is suitable for a variety of applications including surveillance, nighttime hunting, and wildlife observation.

The camera is equipped with a 3MP 16mm HD Infrared lens that delivers a sharp and clear image both during the day and at night. Another important feature is the one-button switch between day (Color) and night (IR Monochromatic) modes.

For the price, the scope is an excellent alternative. It does not come with a battery but it comes with a USB charging cable, instruction kits, a charging box, and mounting brackets.

Pros
  • 850nm Infrared Illuminator
  • Day (color) and night (IR monochrome) mode
  • 3MP 16mm HD camera lens
  • Comes with USB charging cable and box
  • Easy attachment
Cons
  • 1x magnification only
  • Battery not included

GGD Telescopic Infrared Night Vision Monocular Scope

This is a great monocular night vision scope for the AR-15. It is designed for great night visibility shooting at the short-medium range. Additionally, this is a digital night scope that is very light, and versatile. It also has a built-in IR torch for illuminating in complete darkness. Plus, it is made of strong polymer and aluminum alloy so that it is durable and long-lasting. This scope is waterproof and dustproof, making it resistant in most environments.

With a 2x magnification and a 28mm objective lens, it provides a smaller image and resolution. However, this is fine for shorter-range shooting. The details are also spectacular up to 120 yards, and it can be used day or night. It does not include video recording, making the set-up simple and straightforward – you can plug and play in seconds!

In addition, this scope is 30% lighter and has a long battery life compared to many other digital night scopes in its class. Moreover, it can handle the recoil of a 308 and is simple to zero out. It has a nice cover to protect your optics. For the price, this night vision scope is a terrific option.

Pros
  • Comes with a built-in IR
  • Excellent for day and night use
  • Light weight and has a long battery life
  • Digital windage/elevation adjustments
  • Scope mount kit included
Cons
  • Lens cover in the way of accessory rail
  • Field of view (FOV) smaller than anticipated
  • Features only 2x Magnification

Sightmark Wraith 4K Night Vision Rifle Scope 3-24x 50mm

The Wraith line of scopes from Sightmark has always been an excellent scope popular with hunters. The Wraith 4K is a significant upgrade from the Wraith HD, which is an exceptional value for money and has a range of features. Additionally, the Wraith 4K offers a resolution of 4000×3000, which is phenomenal, especially when used during the day. The full-color image is crisp and clear and, at night, the typical IR image is incredibly crisp. Unlike the Wraith HD, the Wraith 4K records both video and audio, and the quality is worlds apart.

The focus objective ring and eyepiece dial focus give precise tactile feedback. It also comes with a one-touch record button that you can use on the fly to capture that perfect shot. Moreover, the zoom feature is easy to use with the zoom wheel located on top of the scope with zoom increments of 0.1-1.0 of power. Another awesome feature that makes the Wraith 4K has a built-in battery that you can use for a solid five hours at night and as a bonus.

Is the Wraith 4K worth the $300 premium over the Wraith HD? The answer is yes. Overall, the Wraith 4K is a significant upgrade from the Wraith HD, which levels up your night game hunting.

Pros
  • 4k resolution
  • Multiple color reticle
  • Multiple rifle profile settings
  • One-touch record button
  • Daytime full-color mode
  • Magnification: 4-32×50
  • 200-yard detection range
  • 850nm IR Illuminator
  • Built-in HD video/audio recording
Cons
  • Higher learning curve for additional options
  • Menu system is complicated

ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Riflescope

If you want to experience the bleeding edge of tech, then this should be one of your considerations. A scope that performs well not only at night but also during the day is something that everyone can appreciate. In addition, it takes a special kind of optic to allow a seamless transition between day and night and the ATN X-Sight 4K pro is that special optic. 

This scope also features a combination of magnification of 5-20x and 18 hours of battery life. This could be the scope that covers all of your shooting needs. Additionally, it also comes with a ballistic calculator, barometer, range finder, and Wi-Fi streaming. Another feature to take note of is the Recoil Activated Video. This recognizes the recoil and stores it automatically on the SD card. This also makes your epic shots easier to share with your friends. 

Customer service is another strong suit of ATN. Furthermore, glowing reviews from customers with excellent experiences in their interactions with the company makes it a definite recipe for success and popularity.

Pros
  • 4k resolution
  • Day/night seamless transition
  • 5-20x magnification
  • 18-hour battery life
  • Recoil activated recording
  • Excellent customer service
  • Built-in 120 frames per second (fps) video recording
  • Reprogrammable modes
Cons
  • A little expensive for the category
  • Added weight is also something to consider



The Final Word

Well, determining which scope is best is a hard decision, especially considering I put Gen 2 and Gen 3 scopes in the mix. Additionally, it’s hard to beat the quality and resolution of these later-generation scopes. I am also considering the price. Also, these are all great scopes, so I will break down how I see them.

The GGD Telescopic Infrared Night Vision Monocular Scope is our top pick and therefore the best night vision scope on our list. Simply put, you will not find a better scope with a price tag of less than $300. Furthermore, others on this list are great scopes with many extra features that make them stand out against others of the same price.

To summarize, these are night vision scopes that assist you when you need to hunt varmints and hogs. As always, happy hunting.

More scopes:

Total
16
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3 comments
  1. I find the ATN scopes from 3x and the 5x is better than any of the above listed. Just a little harder to use because of all they do for you but no one ever classes the ATN series scopes both under 600.00 and has a gen 3 optics nearly I feel I love mine

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