The Best Night Vision Scope for Your Money

Whether you’re doing some night time hog hunting or you just want a cool night vision scope for your AR-15 or other rifles, this post is for you.

Our helpful post will show you what to look for in night vision scopes and also show you the differences and pros/cons of the best night vision scopess on the market today.

best night vision scope for the money

Let’s get started with our list of the best night vision scopes for your money below.

Sightmark Photon XT 4.6x42S Digital Night Vision Riflescope

This is probably the “best buy” when it comes to night vision scopes. Sightmark has engineered this scope well to reduce weight and battery life, while incorporating an external IR flashlight. The big 42mm objective collects plenty of light, and the 640×480 display provides enough resolution to put you on target at up to 120 yards. 4.6x magnification is perfect for the maximum range of the scope, without being annoying closer in, similar to the range of an ACOG.

The built in infra-red light takes a lot of battery power, so mounting another IR light that uses a separate battery will extend battery power even further. I would avoid regular AAs like the plague. If you can, find a suitable high power battery that will deliver prolonged performance.

You can run output to any device you like through the video jack, allowing you to record images or video for later viewing. The reticule has several options to pick from for a customized sight picture. Windage and elevation are electronically adjustable for very fine tuning.

Yukon NVRS Titanium 1.5×42 Night Vision Rifle Scope

For low cost night vision, this is a pretty impressive deal. This is a low power scope, at 1.5x. A Gen 1 night vision package with optional photo and video recording. Windage and elevation are adjustible in 20mm clicks at 100m. The reticule is red-on-green, and the optics are multi-coated.

Housed in the durable titanium body, this scope is ready to go. It comes with a flip-up lens cover for the 42mm objective. The Pulse illuminator minimizes battery drain, while still providing ample IR to assist the range of the scope, which is claimed to be around 100 yards. With the low magnification, that’s probably the limit of the optic for accurate shooting. The resolution is 32-36 lp/mm, and has a focus range down to seven yards.

If you are on a budget, this is a nice scope that will perform admirably for the price without crippling your bank account or getting you in trouble with the spouse. Those looking for a cheap night vision scope will be happy.

ATN X-Sight II 5-20 Smart Riflescope w/1080p Video

Big on features, without going overboard on price. This one grabs your attention as soon as you see the list of what it can do. 5-20x magnification, Wi-Fi video streaming, GPS, smartphone control, etc. This has all the features you would expect from a high end digital camera, except it mounts to your rifle and helps you identify targets in the dark.

It doesn’t stop there. Being a CCD scope, you can use the scope during the day or at night. No worrying about burnt out intensifiers, and it’s as simple as pushing a button to literally see the difference between night and day. It has a built-in rangefinder, multiple reticle selection, and memory storage for different weapons. You can sight in in on multiple guns and it should hold a solid zero with very little tweaking.

This isn’t the top of the line, but it’s definitely worth a look. It probably represents the future of night vision, and where CCD NV technology is headed. The best price? Check Amazon for this scope.

ATN Gen 2+ Night Arrow 4-2 Night Vision Weapon Sight

 

If you want a true Gen 2+ night vision scope, you don’t have to spend $5000. You can pick up a solid night vision scope from ATN. This scope is water and fog resistant, though I wouldn’t drop it in a fish tank, and has an illuminated red reticule reminiscent of a more traditional scope design.

This is a 4x magnification system that will show you the light in the shadows. Night Arrow is designed to use a single AA battery, and also comes with a two-year warranty. It weighs 3.1 pounds, and comes with a mount specific to the scope. Windage and elevation rely on good “old-fashioned” turrets, unlike the CCD night vision scopes.

It’s a little large and bulky, and doesn’t come with any fancy features, but for a solid longer-range night vision scope designed in the fashion of reliable, time proven, night vision technology. The Night Arrow is tough to beat. Especially for the price.