10 Best Night Vision Scopes in 2024 – [Buyer’s Guide]

Night vision technology has developed a lot over the past few years. Night vision devices were once primarily used by the military during combats. However, decades later, the technology advanced further and the night vision scopes available today are not only useful to the military but also civilians. Mostly it is the hunters that need best night vision scopes for surveillance, night hunting and as a survival tool, therefore, these are designed for rifle mounting. A night vision rifle scope gives you a technological benefit for optimum target acquisition under low light conditions. Night vision scope infrared illuminator is a feature in many models that help during complete darkness.

The good news is that anyone can now easily find the best night vision scope with the right criteria because night vision technology is now available at many gun shops, sporting goods stores and on online shopping sites. The Internet has provided more access to night vision devices than any other source. You can have a quick peek at hundreds of models from various companies manufacturing night vision scopes.

With a number of options available on the market, shopping for a night vision scope can be puzzling since they are expensive and the high technology features can be confusing. It’s essential to have a good understanding of what you plan to buy and to have general expertise if you want to buy the right night vision scope the first time. We understand that it can be challenging to find the most reliable night vision scopes which could provide you the most amazing features; therefore, we have reviewed 10 of the most popular night vision scopes on the market.

Why need a Night Vision Scope

Night vision scopes can change the world completely not only to hunters but also to novices engaged in personal safety and law enforcement situations outside of agency training. Night vision devices have changed the way people approach low light hours and after. They provide optimal target achievement during low light conditions and help you see in the dark. If you are a hunter, you’re probably aware that hunting does not start until after dark. You will need a night vision scope unless you have a superhuman power to see through the darkness of the night.

There are several kinds of night vision devices. These include active night vision devices and passive night vision systems. Infrared imaging systems and thermal imaging systems are examples of Active Night Vision Devices that use either infrared light, or a heat pattern that objects, animals or people emit, and convert that into a visible image. Passive night vision systems basically intensify images that are picked up in minimal light conditions and make them into a visible image. The image you see through a passive system is often 20 to 50 thousand times brighter than what the naked eye can see. There are several generations of night vision scopes with different specifications.

Types of Night Vision Scopes

There are different generations of night vision scopes based on the resolution and refinement of optical clarity.

Night Vision Scope Gen 1

The Generation 1 night vision scope is great for hunting at night, but it still needs some amount of natural light from the moon and stars to function and isn’t really useful for serious applications or in high risk situations.

Night Vision Scope Gen 2

As compared to the previous generation, the Generation 2 night vision scope is better with reference to performance. It is lightweight, more compact and portable. Furthermore, it is better for hunting than Generation 1

Generation 1 and 2 are most economical and the most suitable options for people who want to use their night vision scopes for a hobby or to control predators.

Night Vision Scope Gen 3

Because of its high resolution and clarity, the Generation 3 is best suited for tactical/law enforcement operations. It can adjust to the lighting conditions better, allowing you to use it more efficiently.

Night Vision Scope Gen 4

The latest version of Night Vision Rifle Scopes called generation 4 is not available for the public yet.

Most of the Generation 3 and Generation 4 night vision scopes are not ideal for sportsmen. These are mostly manufactured for military use and are either very expensive or difficult to come by.

Night Vision Scope Vs Thermal

Although the science behind night vision and thermal optics is entirely different, many people assume that these are used in the similar manner in the field. This isn’t entirely wrong. Both thermal imaging and night vision scope help a hunter in spotting and identifying his targeted game animal. However they have huge differences when it comes to applications and capabilities but if you can afford the expenses and are interested in hunting at night, you should have both. Most professional guides or government hunters will agree that thermal imaging is more useful for locating animals in darkness.

Thermal helps you spot the source of heat from hundreds of meters away. With professional-grade scope, you can identify the source of heat from over a mile in an open ground. Nevertheless, thermal imaging rarely provides you enough detail to make a precise shot. Night vision scope gives you a lot more clarity and definition and allows you to make an accurate hit on the target.

Things to consider before buying a Night Vision Scope

Clarity

Clarity is one of the central aspects. It is critical for hunting as well as tactical operations. You simply shouldn’t pull the trigger if you can’t positively spot and identify your target. The resolution of a scope is measured in lines per millimeter. The higher LP/MM, the more clarity you get.

Budget

Night vision scopes are a lot more expensive than conventional optics so it is important to you have a clearly defined budget before you start looking for a night vision scope. As you increase in quality, you increase in generation and technology of the scope, leading to an increase in the cost.

Range

A night vision rifle scope is not as powerful as a regular rifle scope when it comes to range. It is important to check your scope for its recognition range, which is measured by the amount of ambient natural light. Many manufacturers release a recognition range for different light conditions such as quarter moon, full moon, starlight or overcast range. The more light your night vision scope needs, the better you can identify your target with clarity.

Magnification

Magnification and field of view are also among the most important aspects to consider while buying a night vision scope. Normally, you can get up to 10x magnification with a night vision scope, although some offer higher magnification levels. These higher magnification levels imply two limitations: they are expensive and large. For an optimal experience, especially if you are looking for a more affordable option, you should consider a range of 3 to 5x. Scopes without magnification are also available but they will not do you much good if you do not use them for short range shooting.

Battery Type & Life

Make sure to obtain information about the required battery and expected battery life before you buy a night vision scope. Many military-grade scopes use expensive and non-rechargeable batteries which are not very affordable in the civilian world. If possible, opt for night vision scopes with a common battery or buy good quality rechargeable batteries. Always keep a fully charged set or two with you whenever you go out in the field.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is another important factor which makes night vision scope somewhat similar to regular scopes. A larger magnification feature usually comes with higher weight which is not an advantage because heavy optics won’t allow you to make sudden movements, aim easily or hold your rifle comfortably. If you aim to use your night vision scope for a stationary position, you might have less issue with heavier optics. However, you should try and match the level of technology to your requirements to make sure that your rifle is not overloaded with too much weight or bulk.

Day & Night Use

Some night vision scopes can be used at night as well as day time. Some of these scopes can determine day from night themselves but for most of these you need to manually switch from day to night mode. These scopes are heavier and bulkier so you should decide whether or not you need these before committing to the expense and bulk required.

Weight and Design

The larger the range of your night vision, the larger the optics, which translates into higher magnification. It’s good on an open field for hunting a small game. Although, a lighter, ergonomically designed night vision scope may be the right choice if you are on brush hunting because it will be difficult to aim with a large scope and your speed will be slow.

Durability

Durability is a very critical aspect when it comes to night vision scopes, especially when you consider the amount of money you are investing. You cannot settle for anything less than the best. Night vision scopes are composed of delicate electronic and chemical elements that can be damaged under rough conditions, therefore it is imperative to choose a rugged and waterproof model. Your scope should be durable enough to resist any shock, heavy recoil and mishandling.

Our pick for Top 10 Best Night Vision Scopes 2024

Product Name	Magnification & Objective Diameter	Weight	Price
Bushenll 4.5X40 Equinox Z	4.5 x 40mm	1.38 Pounds	Check Price
Firefield FF26014T	2.5 x 50mm	3.05 Pounds	Check Price
Firefield FF16001 NVRS	3 x 42mm	2 Pounds	Check Price
Sightmark Photon XT 4.6 x 42S	6.5 x 50mm	2.5 Pounds	Check Price
ATN Gen 2+ Night Arrow	4 x 45mm	2.4 Pounds	Check Price
ATN X-Sight II 5-20	5-20 x 600mm	4.4 Pounds	Check Price
Leupold VX-2	3-9 x 40mm	1.23 Pounds	Check Price
Armasight Vampire 3X	3 x 70mm	3.3 Pounds	Check Price
Nikon P-300	2-7 x 32mm	2 Pounds	Check Price
Vortex Optics Diamondback	1. 75-5 x 32mm	1.3 Pounds	Check Price

Best Night Vision Scopes 2024 Reviews

1.    Bushenll 4.5X40 Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Scope

Bushnell is among the largest optics manufacturing companies in the world. They provide a wide range of products from binoculars and rangefinders to rifle scopes and night vision scopes. Although their products include high quality rifle scopes for military and law enforcement as well as budget friendly optics for anyone looking for a cheap night vision scope for hunting or personal security. The brand, in general, is known for its extraordinary quality.  Though, their night vision lineup is categorized under the budget category, but what they offer exceeds the competition for the features and amount of technology you get for the money.

Equinox Z 4.5×40 is a generation 2 night vision scope for fast shooting at moderate distances. It uses a micro LCD screen instead of an intensifier tube and IR-sensitive CMOS sensor. The screen can be used to view color images during daylight, while it switches to black and white images at night and offer a lot more contrast and clarity. You will be able to see display telling you about the monocular status such as IR, battery level and zoom factor etc.

As the name suggests, this scope has 4.5 power magnification and a 40mm objective lens. It also comes with a digital zoom that allows you to get up to 13.5x magnification. Although this is a cheap night vision scope available on the market but still offers amazing light gathering ability and magnification for hunting at decent ranges. This scope is primarily designed to offer exceptional optical clarity and extra wide field of view.

Some of the digital features of this scope are image capturing, AA batteries, video recording, adjustable infrared brightness, tripod mount and Up to 750ft viewing with infrared illuminator.

2. Firefield FF26014T Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope

This durable, lightweight and rugged Night vision Rifle Scope by FireField is one of the oldest in their lineup and features 1st generation intensifier tube. Its optical technology includes 100mm focal length, 2.5x Magnification, 3′ minimum focus and a 15° angular field of view. It helps you to see images that are further away more clearly. As an added advantage, this scope also has a remote control that activates it.

Made from a futuristic titanium body, this scope provides a resolution of 35 LP/MM. The image brightness is further increased in low light conditions by large aperture of 50mm objective which helps to collect more light. You can use its infrared illuminator to add brightness to your target if you are using it in complete darkness with no ambient infrared. Even the reticles of the scope are illuminated to help you to see the target more clearly during the night. The f/1.4 objective lens gives it the remarkable light gathering capabilities which put this scope in a class that is excellent for military, hunters and law enforcement applications. The scope is weather-resistant due to its durable and lightweight titanium covering; therefor it can withstand extreme temperatures. It also features a Picatinny or Weaver style rail on one side which is useful for attaching compatible accessories for maximum functionality.

3. Firefield FF16001 NVRS 3x 42mm Gen 1 Night Vision Rifle scope

The Firefield night vision rifle scopes use Generation 1 technology and are normally affordable but they deliver excellent results when it comes to long range accuracy. With a magnification power of 3x, this scope allows you to view images with more clarity.

With durable titanium housing, this is an ergonomically designed sturdy and lightweight scope that is very reliable and easy to use. With its powerful magnification and multicoated optics covered with flip-up lens protectors it enables you to see your potential target clearly in the dark. When it comes to the reticles of the scope, you can adjust the brightness for better vision during the night.

Another feature of this scope is IR illuminator provides bright images with high-quality resolution when used at night. It also makes this scope best for medium to long-range targets even during late afternoon and dawn. Moreover, this scope can withstand rough conditions and heavy-duty use due to its rugged body. It uses two Lithium Ion batteries for power that will allow you to use the scope through the night.

4. Sightmark Photon XT 4.6x42S Digital Night Vision Rifle scope

Prices seem to be a preordained factor when it comes to high functioning rifle scopes that can be used at any time during day or night; the higher the cost, the higher the quality. Lately, Sightmark defied this view by introducing their Photon XT 4.6x42S Digital Night Vision Riflescope, which includes various features to get the job done. The best thing about this night vision rifle scope is its versatility. It comes with six digital retical options that will allow you to switch to any reticle of your choice to enhance precision. Retical color choices include white, green and red. It also has 2 duplex reticles which are great for hog and varmint hunting. Its crossbow reticles enable you to shoot from 320, 350, 370 and 400 feet. You can also use the German reticle that will make it easier for you to shoot at moving targets and in low light. There is one Mil-Dot reticle that can be used for rangefinding and holdovers. Sightmark Photon XT has 640×480 resolution that provides bright images and enhances contrast. It enables you to see your target with great clarity and minimal difficulty, therefore increasing your chances of hitting the target. The Built-In 810nm LED IR Illuminator of this scope Provides Exceptional Clarity in complete darkness. Digital Windage and Elevation Adjustment System of this scope promotes accuracy. With its video output feature you can easily capture anything during the day or at night without any trouble.

5. ATN Gen 2+ Night Arrow 4-2 Night Vision Weapon Sight – Best Night Vision Scope

The ATN night vision scopes Generation 2 are among the best night vision scopes with the simplest designs but several features that make them quite popular among small game hunters and sports shooters. With its rugged yet lightweight build, ATN Night Arrow is sought after for its excellent quick target acquisition and aiming capabilities required by night hunters. With its optics, materials, and performance, including its ergonomic design, you can have a reliable shooting tool with it. Carefully designed to provide a beautiful matte black finish that will not reflect, this is a low profile night vision sight that can be used for a wide range of tactical functions. It can easily be mounted to any regular weaver rail.

Some of its features include a fixed 4x magnification, resolution of 40/45 LP/MM, fog and water resistance, a high-quality image intensifier unit, 2-year warranty and red on green illuminated reticle. It is designed to use one AAA battery that makes it an economical and efficient choice. Automatic brightness control and light cut off are among the most important features of this ATN Night Vision Scope that make it safe to use in conditions that may end up generating larger amounts of light protecting its sensitive night vision tube against sudden bright light. These features can be useful for longevity and protection of your night vision weapon sight.

6. ATN X-Sight II 5-20 Smart Riflescope – Best Night Vision Scope for Hunting

ATN night vision scope X-Sight II 5-20 has the best platform when it comes to the use of modern technology. Generally a good quality night vision scope is a bit expensive. However,ATN X-Sight II is packed with incredible features at an affordable price and it can be used for both day and night time.  Some of its important specifications include 3-14x or 5-20x magnification, 65 mm eye relief,

This is a digital rifle scope that uses digital imaging to capture the field of view and then projects it onto a high-quality LCD. It can be connected to Wi-Fi so you can watch your recordings through its internet connectivity. It is also equipped with GPS which is essential for hunting in unfamiliar areas. Another amazing feature of this scope is its smartphone control via IOS or Android app. It is also capable of geotagging your location, so know where you are when you captured those photos and recorded your videos. It has a magnification of either 3-14x or 5-20x and a 65 mm eye relief. It can be mounted to Picatinny or weaver style rail.

It has three primary view settings black and white night view, green night view and day view. This feature provides you real flexibility in low light situations and helps you during night hunting. This scope has a high-definition camera which captures and records everything in great details. One of its most favored features is its smart rangefinder which allows you to calculate the distance from your target at day or night. Once your target gets locked, it will automatically adjust the point of impact.

7. Leupold VX-2 3-9×40 Compact Duplex – Cheap Night Vision Scope

Leupold is one of the most reliable and oldest rifle optics manufacturing companies in the world. They are known for their impeccable quality and the clearest glass and lens coatings available. The Leupold VX-2 3-9×40 Compact is a part of their flagship line that brings a lot to the table. It is a lightweight and rugged scope, ideal for hunting and scouting.

The VX-2 3-9×40 scope has a 40mm objective lens and a magnification of 3x to 9x. It has an eye relief of 3.7 to 4.2 inches. The index matched lens system of Leupold increases light transmission, giving you a sharp sight image. Unwanted glare is also removed due to the blackened edges of the lens. Moreover, the lens is coated with proprietary DiamondCoat, which makes it scratch resistant. This scope is designed mainly for excellent image brightness and quality. The Leupold duplex reticle presents an unobstructed field of view which helps you to take a precise shot. Due to its compact design, it does not interfere with target acquisition. The krypton/argon purging process makes the scope fog-proof and waterproof, making it endure rough conditions.

8. Armasight Vampire 3X Night Vision Rifle Scope

The Armasight Night Vision Scopes are equipped with the latest Ceramic Optical Ruggedized Engine technology. The company introduced their proprietary CORE image tubes back in 2012 in the Armasight Spark monocular, and it was a considerable achievement. Due to this technology Armasight Vampire 3X gives you the double resolution of an average Generation 1 scope. Additionally, Armasight Vampire 3X IIT CORE night vision scope attachment provides a clearer and flatter night vision image. This night vision scope attachment has a solid aluminum body with a sealing and rubber coating on the O-ring for further protection.

All Gen 1 scopes need IR to get clarity, brightness and acceptable detection range. However, Vampire 3X IIT CORE has a detachable XLR-IR850 long range LED illuminator. With photocathode sensitivity levels of upwards of 400μm/lm, all-glass multi-coated lenses and a resolution of 60-70 lp/mm this scope approach Gen 2 qualities at Gen 1 prices. This makes it an excellent scope for ambient light conditions and you can use it as a standalone optic.

The scope has a red, illuminated reticle with variable brightness, which makes accurate shot placement extremely easy for you. Its quick release Double Lever Mount makes it extremely handy to remove the scope. This Armasight night vision scope is water, dust, and fog-proof and therefore is perfect for use under rough conditions.

9. Nikon P-300 SuperSub Reticle

Nikon is a trusted and well-known brand when it comes to magnification and optics. It has a reputation for ultra-clear glass. It has created yet another reliable scope with excellent build and magnification. Nikon P-300 is a very affordable model with great value in terms of versatility and is incredibly easy to use.

The Nikon P-300 has a 2-7×32 magnification and the BDC SuperSub reticle made from Nikon’s multicoated optics. The reticle rifle scope is designed to work with subsonic and supersonic ammunition and provides great accuracy and magnification to your firearm. The focus can easily be adjusted using the Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets which gives audible feedback making it easier. As a short-range tactical scope Nikon P-300 has a fairly wide, 32mm objective lens that lets a lot of light in and offers excellent low light performance for dim tactical situations. This scope is also compatible with Nikon’s Spot on Ballistic Match Technology and helps you to easily determine the zeros for your supersonic and subsonic rounds.

10. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Vortex is very trusted and popular in the industry for all the right reasons. They are known to produce some high-quality optics and reasonable prices. The Diamondback Second Focal Plane Rifle scope is no exception with all the outstanding qualities in such a low price range.

Some of its key features of Diamondback Rifle scope include the magnification range from 4-12x and the eye relief of 3.1 inches. The field of view through the scope is 32.4-11.3 feet at 100 yards. This inside of the scope has multicoated optics that allow maximum light transmission, particularly when paired with the 40mm objective lens. This provides perfectly clear image quality without any reflection.

Another optical feature of this scope is that the reticle is on the second focal plane. This implies that the scale of the reticle will remain the same while you change the magnification range. Its fast-focus eyepiece and the precision glide erector system provides you with a flawless, instant and smooth visionary experience even under harsh conditions. With a single-piece tube body, it offers excellent durability, strength and weather and fog-proof ability.

Accessories for a Night Vision Scope

Ir-940 Extra-Long-Range IR Illuminator (940nm)

The IR-940 IR Illuminator is perfect for those who want to remain completely undetected by their targets. Its 940nM wavelength makes it almost entirely invisible to the naked eye. IR illuminators mount easily on CCD or night vision devices or can be hand-held. This accessory is Ideal for extremely low light conditions.

51MM CLIP-ON NIGHT VISION RAIL MOUNT ADAPTER (FITS D-930/KRYSTAL 950)

It attaches to the Picatinny rail that is built-in to Night Optics clip-on night vision systems. This night vision system with a base height of 51mm aligns perfectly in front of day optics with a similar base height. This high-quality aluminum mount provides a stable connection between optic and weapon without a zero shift.

F28 Thermal Imaging Lens

This lightweight, portable and waterproof thermal lens allows users to swap lenses quickly. It is a quick-release thermal lens with focal length F28 mm designed to be utilized as a removable lens for thermal imagers ( Helion XP Series).

Phokus Hoplite NVG Focusing Cover

It was developed by SOF end users to reduce far to near focusing time. This is achieved with hinged aperture control. The invention provides extraordinary speed for target identification of threats at 5 feet or 300 yards.

USGI PVS-14 3X MAGNIFIER

This is a high-performance Galilean Afocal Telescopic lens that can easily be attached to the objective lens of various night vision devices. It fits into the internal threads of the PVS-14 or PVS-7 objective lens or attaches to the objective of the MUM when coupled with the MUM/ MiNi-14 Magnifier Adapter.

WILCOX PROTECTIVE COVER FOR OBJECTIVE LENS (AN/PVS-14)

This is a unique and cost-effective ring assembly that fits into the interior diameter of the AN/PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular.  It provides a scratch-resistant and anti-reflective protective cover to the objective lens. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Does a Night Vision Scope Work?

A night vision scope intensifies the available light to allow the human eye to see more details. A thermal unit detects the discrepancy in temperature between an object and the surrounding area. For lighting products, there must be some light available (moon, stars, artificial sources). These products use this available light and amplify it with a special tube so that the human eye can see during the dim light conditions. Quality units can also use infrared light when the available light is not sufficient to obtain a usable image.

2. How much does a night vision scope cost?

Entry-level pricing for good quality Gen1 and Gen2 night vision scopes ranges typically from $500 to $1000. But some brands are producing high-quality, feature-packed scopes for much lower prices, so you can also find a night vision scope under $500 with some fantastic qualities.

3. Why is the Night Vision Scope Heavy?

A night vision scope can be heavy and bulky due to some extra components used in CORE technology or a huge 108mm objective lens. The large aperture requires more glass leading to a heavier lens. However, it also guarantees high light transmission and therefore better image quality.

Final Word

Though night vision scopes were initially used for military and law enforcement applications, over the past few years this technology has become available for civilians as well. These scopes provide you the ability to see clearly even when it’s completely dark, or the target is at a great distance.  

If you plan to take advantage of this technology, you need to spend some time learning about it and make yourself familiarize with the uses and the science behind Night Vision Scopes. With a large number of choices available on the market today, it can be confusing to choose a night vision scope that meets your requirement.

The above list comprises of some of the best night vision scopes. You will find some options that are suitable for people who are budget conscious as well as those who would spend a bit more gladly to get the best night vision scope with a lot of technology. Irrespective of which category you fit in, you should know that most models of night vision scopes can be mounted to any rifle except for a few. We hope that with the product options and additional information about different generations and brands of Night Vision Scopes, a lot of you can now choose the best product that suits your requirements.