As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours in the field testing various optics. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting your quarry in total darkness. But I know firsthand that night vision gear can get pretty pricey. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best cheap night vision scopes in 2024. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just dipping your toes into night hunting, these affordable options will help you extend your hunting hours without breaking the bank.
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x – Best Overall
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro has been my go-to digital night vision scope for a couple years now. At around $700, it’s on the higher end of “cheap”, but the features and performance make it well worth the investment in my book.
Key Features:
– Day/night use with HD sensor
– 5-20x magnification
– Built-in rangefinder and ballistic calculator
– Video recording and streaming
– 18+ hour battery life
What I love about this scope is the crisp, clear image quality in both day and night modes. The 4K sensor provides exceptional detail, even in low light. I’ve spotted rabbits at 100+ yards on moonless nights.
The smart rangefinder is a game-changer for long distance shots. No more guessing holdovers – it calculates bullet drop automatically. And being able to record hunts and stream video to my phone is just plain cool.
Battery life is stellar too. I can hunt all weekend on a single charge. The only real downside is the weight – at over 2 pounds it’s a bit hefty. But for the features packed in, I’ll gladly lug the extra ounces.
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 – Best Value
If you want solid digital night vision performance at a more budget-friendly price point, the Sightmark Wraith HD is hard to beat. For around $500, you get a versatile day/night scope that punches above its weight class.
Key Features:
– 4-32x magnification
– 1080p HD sensor
– 10 reticle options with 9 colors
– Video & image capture
– 4.5 hour battery life
I’ve found the image quality to be surprisingly good for the price, especially at night. The high-res sensor picks up a lot of detail. It’s not quite ATN-level clarity, but more than adequate for most hunting situations.
The customizable reticles are a nice touch. I like being able to switch between styles and colors depending on conditions. My only real gripe is battery life – 4-5 hours goes fast. I always pack spare AAs.
Overall though, the Wraith HD delivers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a great entry-level digital NV scope for hunters on a budget.
Pulsar Digex N455 – Best Digital Night Vision
The Pulsar Digex N455 is another outstanding digital night vision scope that offers premium features at a midrange price point of about $1000. While not exactly “cheap”, I think it offers excellent value for serious hunters.
Key Features:
– 4-16x magnification
– HD sensor with 1280×720 resolution
– Integrated laser rangefinder
– Picture-in-picture mode
– 8 hour battery life
What sets the Digex apart is the crystal clear image quality and robust feature set. The HD sensor provides exceptional clarity and detail, even in near total darkness. I’ve easily identified animals at 200+ yards.
The integrated laser rangefinder is fast and accurate. Combined with the ballistic calculator, it takes a lot of guesswork out of long range shots. I’m also a big fan of the picture-in-picture mode for precise aiming.
Battery life is solid at around 8 hours of continuous use. The quick-change battery packs are convenient for swapping in the field.
While it’s pricier than some options, the Digex N455 delivers pro-level performance that I think justifies the cost for dedicated night hunters.
PARD NV008P LRF – Most Compact
If you’re after a lightweight, compact night vision scope, the PARD NV008P LRF is worth a close look. At just 450g, it’s one of the lightest digital NV scopes on the market.
Key Features:
– 6.5x/12x magnification
– Integrated laser rangefinder
– HD day/night sensor
– Video & photo capture
– 8 hour battery life
Despite its small size, the PARD NV008P packs an impressive array of features. The HD sensor provides good image quality in both day and night modes. I’ve found the 6.5x magnification to be ideal for most hunting scenarios.
The integrated laser rangefinder is a standout feature at this price point. It’s fast and accurate out to about 600 yards in my testing. Combined with the stadiametric rangefinder, you get reliable distance data.
My only real complaint is the somewhat fiddly controls. The small buttons can be tricky to operate with gloves. But for a sub-$1000 digital scope with rangefinder, it’s hard to beat the compact PARD.
ATN ThOR 4 384 2-8x – Best Thermal Option
While most budget-friendly night vision scopes use digital or traditional light amplification, thermal is worth considering if you can stretch your budget a bit. The ATN ThOR 4 384 2-8x offers solid entry-level thermal performance for around $1800.
Key Features:
– 384×288 thermal sensor
– 2-8x magnification
– Video recording & streaming
– Ballistic calculator
– 18+ hour battery
Thermal optics excel at detecting heat signatures, making it easy to spot warm-blooded animals against cooler backgrounds. I’ve picked up deer at 500+ yards with the ThOR 4 on cold mornings.
Image quality is quite good for an entry-level thermal. The 384×288 sensor provides enough detail to easily identify animals. Higher resolution options are available, but at significantly higher price points.
One downside of thermal is that it can sometimes be tricky to identify specific features or individuals. But for pure detection ability, especially in dense cover, it’s hard to beat.
Night Owl Optics NightShot – Budget Traditional Gen 1
If you’re really pinching pennies, the Night Owl Optics NightShot offers basic Gen 1 night vision performance for under $300. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done for close range night hunting.
Key Features:
– 3x magnification
– Built-in IR illuminator
– Weather resistant
– Uses AA batteries
Image quality is what you’d expect from entry-level Gen 1 – somewhat grainy with a green tint. But it does allow you to see in near total darkness, which is the main point. The built-in IR illuminator helps boost visibility.
I’ve successfully used the NightShot for raccoon hunting and close range hog control. It’s perfectly serviceable out to about 75 yards in my experience. Just don’t expect crystal clear long distance viewing.
For beginners on a tight budget, the NightShot can be a good way to get your feet wet with night vision. Just be aware of its limitations.
Sightmark Photon RT 4.5×42 – Solid Mid-Range Digital
Rounding out our list is the Sightmark Photon RT, a capable mid-range digital night vision scope. At around $600, it offers a nice balance of performance and affordability.
Key Features:
– 4.5x magnification
– 768×576 sensor
– 6 reticle options
– Video & photo capture
– 5 hour battery life
I’ve found the Photon RT to be a reliable performer for general night hunting use. Image quality is good, if not spectacular. It provides clear target identification out to 150-200 yards in most conditions.
The one-shot zero function is handy for getting on target quickly. I also appreciate the ability to save multiple weapon profiles for easy switching between rifles.
Battery life is middle of the road at about 5 hours. Not great, but not terrible either. As always, I recommend carrying spare batteries on longer hunts.
For the price, the Photon RT is a solid choice that should meet the needs of most casual night hunters.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Night Vision Scope
When shopping for an affordable night vision scope, there are several key factors to consider:
Image Quality: This is arguably the most important aspect. Look for scopes with higher resolution sensors and good light gathering ability. Digital scopes generally offer better image quality than traditional Gen 1 units in the budget category.
Magnification: For most hunting applications, 3-4x magnification is sufficient. Higher magnification can be useful for long range shooting, but often comes with a narrower field of view.
Battery Life: Nothing worse than having your scope die mid-hunt. Look for units offering at least 4-5 hours of runtime. Rechargeable batteries are convenient, but the ability to swap AAs in the field can be handy.
Durability: Night hunting can be tough on gear. Look for scopes with robust construction and some level of weather resistance.
Additional Features: Things like rangefinders, ballistic calculators, and video recording are nice to have, but not essential. Prioritize core performance over bells and whistles.
Day/Night Use: If you plan to use the scope for daytime hunting as well, look for units with good color rendition in day mode.
Weight: Remember you’ll be lugging this scope around. Lighter is generally better, especially for mobile hunting.
Warranty: A good warranty can provide peace of mind when investing in electronic optics.
Final Thoughts
Night vision technology has come a long way in recent years. While top-end thermal and Gen 3 units still command premium prices, there are now many affordable digital options that offer solid performance for the average hunter.
My top overall pick remains the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro. Its combination of image quality, features, and battery life is tough to beat in the sub-$1000 category. But any of the scopes on this list should serve you well for nighttime pursuits.
Remember, the “best” scope is the one that fits your specific needs and budget. Consider your typical hunting scenarios, target distances, and must-have features when making your choice.
Happy hunting, and stay safe out there in the dark!