What is night vision scope?🧐
It is the ability to see in low light or total darkness. Such devices are tools that allow us to take advantage of this natural ability and improve our vision in a wide range of conditions.
Features✍️
Night vision scopes use image intensifier technology to amplify available light up to many thousands of times. This allows users to acquire targets or observe wildlife without the need for additional external lighting. There are several features:
- ❇️ Magnification & Objective Lens Size – The magnification is typically indicated by two numbers; the first number indicates the power of magnification and the second indicates the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters (mm). A higher power of magnification allows you to see more detail, but it also decreases the field of view and reduces the amount of light that enters the scope.
- ❇️ Resolution – Such scopes will typically indicate their resolution in lines per millimeter (lp/mm). The higher the lp/mm rating, the sharper and clearer your target image will be at any given distance. Keep in mind that resolution can be affected by atmospheric conditions as well as how much light is available during observation or hunting.
- ❇️ Built-in Infrared Illuminator – This illuminator is a powerful flashlight that emits invisible light in the infrared spectrum. This light is barely visible to the human eye, but it makes objects appear brighter and more detailed when seen through a scope.
- ❇️ Range of View – It will depend on the magnification and objective lens size, as well as other environmental factors such as atmospheric conditions and available lighting. Generally speaking, higher magnification and larger objective lenses will increase your range of view; however, this also decreases the field of view.
- ❇️ Battery Life – It is typically measured in hours and can range from a few minutes to several days. Standard alkaline or lithium batteries are the most common power sources for these scopes, but some models may also be powered by rechargeable batteries or solar technology.
Benefits⌛️
Night vision scopes offer numerous benefits for a wide variety of applications. They can be used for surveillance, security, hunting, and even military operations.
- ✴️ These scopes let you observe the environment in low light without the need for any artificial light sources. With this technology, you can identify objects much farther away than with the naked eye.
- ✴️ Furthermore, most night vision systems will enable you to differentiate between colors in complete darkness.
- ✴️ When it comes to hunting animals at night, such scopes give hunters an edge over their prey by allowing them to detect movement from far away and remain unseen themselves.
- ✴️ For security purposes, they are invaluable since they enable professionals to identify suspicious activity from afar without interruption or detection from others. It’s also much easier for individuals patrolling an area to have a clear view of their surroundings with these devices rather than relying on their eyes alone at night time.
- ✴️ Finally, military personnel rely heavily on night vision equipment during missions that take place in the dark because it allows them to maneuver undetected while still being aware of their environment and potential threats lurking around them.
⚙️How to configure it?⚙️
Night vision scopes provide hunters and wildlife enthusiasts with the ability to observe nature and game in low-light conditions. Configuring a scope correctly is critical for achieving optimum performance. Here’s what you need to know:
- ☑️ Mounting: The first step in configuring is to securely mount it on your weapon of choice. An accurate rifle mount should allow for precise adjustments while maintaining the stability necessary to deliver consistent results. To ensure optimal performance, make sure that your mounting system is level with the ground and properly aligned with the barrel of your rifle.
- ☑️ Illumination Settings: Depending on the type of scope you have, you may be able to adjust the brightness of its image intensifier tube using dedicated illumination settings. This feature allows users to fine-tune their view for any given situation or environment, giving them an enhanced level of control over their viewing experience.
- ☑️ Zeroing: Since every shot counts in hunting situations, it’s important that you zero in your scope before heading out into the field. To do this properly, you will need to aim at a target at various distances until it appears as a clear image within the sight picture of your scope’s reticle crosshairs.
- ☑️ Reticle Selection: Most modern models come with several different reticles (crosshairs) designed for various applications or environments. Before using your scope in real-world scenarios, take some time to familiarize yourself with its reticle options by testing them out on targets in low-light environments similar to those in which you plan on hunting or observing.
📺 More examples in this video:
TOP 14 Night Vision Scope
1# ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x Smart HD Day/Night Riflescope
We want to begin with a very classic scope with the night vision feature. This model is based on a well-designed scope with standard 30-mm ring mounting and a 4K ultra-sensitive sensor that provides you with Full HD videos in 30, 60, or 120 fps, and from 5 to 20 times magnification. With the help of this scope, you can stream and record video simultaneously. Just connect it to your mobile device using wi-fi or Bluetooth. Plus, video can be recorded automatically thanks to the recoil activation. The battery life is also good and it’s about 18 hours from one charge. In addition to this, you can enjoy the following features: a ballistic calculator, a smart range finder, and recoil resistance.
2# Pulsar Digex N455 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The next up is also in the shape of a classic scope with a decent range of advantages but a little bit more expensive. This model provides you with an HD sensor that allows you to record 1280x720p videos and to detect living objects at a distance of 1970 yards (around 550 yards at night), with the help of magnification that scales from 4x to 16x. What is good about this model is that it offers plenty of useful features, such as picture-in-picture mode for better aiming, 5 shooting profiles with 50 zeroing distances, 10 reticle options, and remote operation. Besides, it’s protected by the IPX7 waterproof rating.
3# NiteSite Eagle Dark Ops Elite Night Vision System
Here we’ve got a separate NV system for your rifle scope. Just attach it to your scope to obtain a laser rangefinder feature and a 550-yards nighttime detection range. The device is lightweight and it’s equipped with an IR camera and a 3.5-inch LCD to record and view videos. In addition to this, the system is waterproof. The downside of this model is its battery life because it lasts for about 4.7 hours at half of IR power. It’s super easy to use and install this night vision, so it’s a good solution for many shooters.
4# Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
If you like the idea of combined devices more, then take a look at this great example at a reasonable price. This scope with the night vision module allows you to take down your targets any time of day. The nighttime detection range is 550 yards and the magnification is from 4.5 to 18x. The scope also has a good field-of-view, which increases the accuracy of aiming. It’s possible thanks to the HD CMOS sensor that comes with a 1024×768 AMOLED display, which means you can also record and view videos that will be stored on the internal memory (16GB). You can customize the scope with the help of 5 shooting profiles and 10 different reticle options. Plus, it has the IPX7 waterproof. Unfortunately, the maximum working time is only 8 hours.
5# ATN NVM-14 Gen3 Night Vision Monocular Generation III Scope
It’s time to observe something techier and more expensive. This is a high-quality optic that can be used for multiple purposes. You can mount it to your helmet, weapon, head, or simply hold it in your hands. Amplifying the residual light after reflection, this NV system provides you with a clear, crispy image at nighttime. It’s waterproof and it works for up to 40 hours from 1 CR123A or 1 AA battery. Just attach this system to your tool and enjoy powerful night vision.
6# SightMark Photon RT 4.5-9x42S Digital Night Vision Riflescope
For those who are looking for a cheap model that can replace the need for multiple devices, there is a good scope designed by SightMark. It’s a standard riflescope with a 768×576 CMOS sensor that allows you to record and stream video with a detection range of 220 yards at nighttime. This model has a decent magnification from 4.5 to 9 times, and it also provides shooters with nice customization: 6 reticle options with 4 color options. Thanks to the IP55 waterproof rating, you don’t have to worry about water contact.
7# ATN X-Sight II Day/Night Vision Smart HD Technology Rifle Scope
This is a good riflescope too. It has better characteristics and it can satisfy more needs, but the price is also higher. Except for standard features, such as an HD sensor, 3-14x magnification, day/night video recording with recoil activation, and so on, this model has a lot to show you. The scope provides you with the following features: 3D magnetometer, 3D accelerometer, E-compass, E-barometer, gyroscope, waterproof, various reticle patterns, and different shooting profiles. By purchasing this item, you obtain a bunch of opportunities that may help you a lot.
8# Konus KonusPro-NV 3-8×50 Zoom Night Vision Riflescope
There is nothing much to say about this particular model — it’s just a good riflescope with night vision for a reasonable price. It has a 30/30 digital reticle and it allows you to shot photos and videos day and night. The scope is easily mounted on Weaver/Picatinny rails, so you won’t face any complications upon installation. A nice bonus is an 8GB micro SD card that comes with the scope.
9# SightMark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Riflescope
What is the cheapest model on the market? This one is probably the best out of cheap scopes because it still provides you with the necessary features that work well. Moreover, the features are pretty good! This scope is equipped with a Full HD sensor that ensures a clear picture in the daytime and allows you to detect targets at nighttime at a 200-yards distance, with the help of night vision with black and white or green options. The magnification is rather significant and it’s from 4 to 32. 10 reticle options and 9 color options allow you to adjust the scope for your needs. The device runs on 4 AA batteries, which is enough for about 4.5 hours of working.
10# ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14x Smart HD Day/Night Riflescope
This model is very similar to the first one on our list. It’s from the same product series and it also uses a 4K sensor with a dual-core processor, which allows you to record and stream HD videos at the same time (RAV is enabled). The rest of the features are the same, except for magnification that is only from 3 to 14x. It’s a great tool that costs not a lot of money and gives you the opportunity to clearly see at night at a great distance.
11# SightMark Photon RT 6-12×50 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
SightMark offers good products at a reasonable price. The model we are going to look at is not an exception. This riflescope with a 768×576 CMOS sensor and a night vision feature can detect targets at 200 yards at nighttime. Plus, it has a nice magnification from 6 to 12x with 2x digital zoom. 6 reticle options and 4 color options will also help you achieve the best result in shooting, no matter what kind of situation you have.
12# Armasight WWZ 4x Generation 1+ Night Vision Rifle Scope
Comes to this model, will suit professional shooters perfectly. Despite a low price, this scope offers quite good characteristics. First of all, it’s durable, waterproof aluminum construction with shock-protected optics, that provides you with a night vision module and 4x magnification. The reticle is bright, accurate, and can be adjusted as you need. Besides, mounting is pretty simple, so the use of this device is not complicated. Another great advantage is 40+ hours of working time.
13# Armasight CO-LR Bravo Gen 3 IIT Clip-On Night Vision Scope
In the 13th position, we have a night vision monocular for a weapon that can be operated manually or remotely using a wi-fi/Bluetooth connection. This module is compact, light, and easy to install. You can quickly switch to a daytime scope, thanks to the mounting peculiarities of the scope. Plus, it doesn’t require re-zeroing. This model is recommended to use with 12x daytime optics to ensure the best quality.
14# Gen 2x Digital X-Gen Night Vision Monocular XGEN
In the last position, there is a monocular which is the change and the simplest one. Using a 640×480 sensor, it offers 2x magnification and 5 different settings that can be toggled with one button. Therefore, this model is extremely easy to use, but it can’t satisfy all of your needs. However, if you are looking for a cheap solution to see at nighttime, you can purchase this night vision system with no doubt.
Confirm zero on a scope💡
Zeroing a night vision scope is an important step for ensuring accurate shots in the dark. To achieve the best accuracy, it’s essential to properly sight in the scope and then use a bore sighter to confirm zero. This process requires patience and attention to detail but can be easy if done correctly.
- ➡️ First, mount the scope onto your rifle and use a set of rings or mounts specifically designed for your intended application. Make sure the reticle is centered and aligned with the barrel of your rifle before proceeding with further steps.
- ➡️ At this point, you’ll need to center the reticle about your target using the elevation windage turrets on either side of the tube. Once you’ve achieved basic alignment, it’s time to move on to boresighting. To do this, place a laser bore sighter into the chamber of your rifle as if you were loading ammunition.
- ➡️ With this securely in place, turn on your scope and observe where the laser dot appears on the reticle. Adjust the elevation and windage turrets until that dot is perfectly centered midway between each corner of your crosshairs or other aiming point in your reticle.
- ➡️ Once these steps have been completed successfully, turning off all lights will give you an estimate of what you can expect once you begin shooting in true darkness using night vision technology.
FAQ😎
Conclusion😉
Whether you’re an experienced hunter, a law enforcement officer, or just someone who wants to know what’s going on in the dark, investing in the best night vision scope is essential. With this buyer’s guide and product reviews, you now have all the information necessary to make an informed decision when purchasing your next scope. We hope that our tips will help you find exactly what you need so that you can enjoy maximum performance from your new purchase! Happy shopping!🤠🎯
My life has taken me through different complications and exciting moments, so what I’ve learned is to always be ready to fight. My father is professional military personnel and he made me familiar with various weapons since my childhood. My first one was a bow, and then I started to have a fancy for this unbelievable world of firearms. My main specialization allows me to share my thoughts about different devices, guns, and gun details with the English-speaking community. In my articles, I talk about pistols, rifles, knives, shotguns, and many other tactical and survival things.
Read more about our team of expert authors.
Affiliate Disclosure: Rotorm.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Optics Planet, Lucky Gunner, Brownells, Cabelas, Rainier Arms, 5.11 Tactical, Bass Pro Shop, etс. Clicking a link helps keep Rotorm.com free, at no extra cost to you!
About the author: Each article on our site is written by experts in survival and tactical equipment, gun enthusiasts, extreme travelers, military, law enforcement and desperate professionals, read about the author at the bottom of the article or visit "About Us" page.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency.
Specifically, I’m interested in finding a night vision optic for aiming with my single tube. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could provide me with proper education on this matter.
In my experience, I have found that using an ATN NVM-14 Gen.3 Night Vision Monocular Generation III Scope is incredible. It can work for about 40 hours and give a clear image.
I’m currently in search of the top night vision rifle scope to mount on my AR. The primary purpose of this scope will be for hunting raccoons and foxes, with potential forays into hog and coyote hunting as well. I don’t require an extensive range and don’t anticipate shooting beyond 200 yards.
I have personal experience using ATN X-Sight II Day/Night Vision Smart HD Technology Rifle Scope. In my opinion, this device is a suitable choice for beginners. It offers clear advantages in terms of learning holdovers and quickly acquiring targets. Overall, I believe it is a better choice once you have become proficient with optics and want a more streamlined and accurate shooting experience.
Hello everyone, I’ve encountered an issue while testing scopes in a shooting range. I’m specifically looking for recommendations on scopes that have proven to be effective for distances of 100-200m when using night vision. I would greatly appreciate hearing about the scopes that have worked well for you in similar situations.
I prefer using Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 Digital Night Vision Riflescope. They provide a remarkably crisp view. Moreover, its detection range is 550 yards.
I recently began using the Armasight WWZ 4x Generation 1+ Night Vision Rifle Scope. It offers a satisfactory level of zoom, allowing me to observe targets more closely.
As I browse through various scope options, I often come across models that claim to have “night vision” capabilities. When looking at the product images showcasing the “night vision” view, it seems like you’re peering through a scope in a well-lit environment. Can you recommend a scope with such features?
With my ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x Smart HD Day/Night Riflescope, I have noticed that pushing the focus beyond 75 to 100 yards starts to test its limits. However, within that range, I have consistently achieved sub-1″ MOA accuracy. It performs solidly, and I have been quite pleased with its performance for shorter distances. The primary purpose for which I use my scopes is the night hunting of coyotes and boars, and in this regard, the ATN has proven to be amazing. Its performance under low-light conditions is excellent, allowing me to spot and engage targets effectively.
I own a SightMark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Riflescope, and I must say that I’m quite satisfied with it. The performance and features it offers meet my expectations, and I find it to be a reliable night vision scope for my needs.