As an avid hunter who’s spent countless nights stalking prey, I know firsthand how crucial a quality night vision scope can be. But I also understand that not everyone wants to drop thousands on high-end thermal optics. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best night vision scopes you can snag for under $500 in 2024.
Trust me, you don’t have to break the bank to dramatically improve your after-dark shooting. I’ve tested dozens of budget-friendly night vision scopes over the years, and the technology just keeps getting better. Today’s sub-$500 options offer features that would have cost a small fortune just a few years ago.
So whether you’re gearing up for nighttime varmint control, hog hunting, or just want to extend your range time after sunset, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into my top 7 picks for affordable night vision in 2024:
Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope
When it comes to value for money, it’s hard to beat the Night Owl NightShot. I’ve used this scope on several budget builds, and it never fails to impress.
Key Features:
- 3x magnification
- 640×480 resolution display
- Built-in IR illuminator
- 100-200 yard range
- Weatherproof construction
What I Love:
The NightShot punches well above its weight class in terms of image quality. The 640×480 display provides a crisp, detailed picture even in near-total darkness. I’ve clearly made out coyotes at 150 yards on moonless nights.
The built-in IR illuminator is surprisingly powerful. I rarely find myself wanting for an external IR light, even when scanning dense brush.
Potential Drawbacks:
Battery life is mediocre at around 2 hours with IR on. I always pack spare AAs. The plastic body also feels a bit cheap, but I haven’t had any durability issues so far.
Firefield NVRS 3x42mm Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope
If you want that classic Gen 1 night vision look, the Firefield NVRS delivers. It’s a no-frills workhorse that gets the job done.
Key Features:
- 3x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- Titanium body
- Built-in IR illuminator
- Shock resistant
What I Love:
The NVRS is built like a tank. The titanium body can take a beating, making it ideal for rough use. I’ve dropped mine more than once without issue.
Image quality is solid for a Gen 1 device. You won’t mistake it for cutting-edge digital NV, but it’s more than adequate for most hunting scenarios.
Potential Drawbacks:
The eye relief is pretty tight at 45mm. It took me a while to find a comfortable cheek weld. The field of view is also fairly narrow.
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Riflescope
The Sightmark Wraith HD is a feature-packed digital scope that narrowly sneaks under our $500 budget. It’s a versatile day/night optic that’s equally at home on an AR or bolt gun.
Key Features:
- 4-32x magnification
- 1080p HD sensor
- Color daytime mode
- 10 reticle options
- Video recording
What I Love:
The Wraith HD’s day/night versatility is a game-changer. I can leave it mounted full-time on my .223 without compromising daytime performance. The 1080p sensor provides excellent image quality in both modes.
The 4-32x zoom range is incredibly useful. I can scan wide at 4x, then zoom in for precise shot placement.
Potential Drawbacks:
Battery life is mediocre at around 4.5 hours. The buttons are also a bit small and fiddly to use with gloves.
ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
ATN has made a name for themselves with feature-rich digital optics, and the X-Sight II HD doesn’t disappoint. It’s packed with smart features that can elevate your hunting game.
Key Features:
- 5-20x magnification
- HD 1080p video recording
- Built-in rangefinder
- Ballistic calculator
- WiFi streaming
What I Love:
The X-Sight II’s ballistic calculator is a game-changer for long-range shooting. I’ve made consistent 300+ yard shots on hogs using the built-in rangefinder and auto-adjusting reticle.
The HD video recording is also fantastic. I’ve captured some incredible hunting footage without needing a separate camera.
Potential Drawbacks:
There’s definitely a learning curve to master all the features. It can be overwhelming at first. The scope is also on the heavy side at over 2 pounds.
Bushnell Equinox Z2 Night Vision Monocular
While not technically a rifle scope, I had to include the Bushnell Equinox Z2 on this list. It’s an incredibly versatile night vision device that can be handheld or mounted as a front-of-scope NV add-on.
Key Features:
- 3-6x magnification
- 1-3x digital zoom
- Built-in IR illuminator
- Video recording
- Daytime color mode
What I Love:
The Equinox Z2’s versatility is unmatched in this price range. I often use it handheld for scouting, then quickly mount it to my scope for the actual hunt. Image quality is excellent for the price.
The daytime color mode is surprisingly good. I’ve used it as a spotting scope on bright days without issue.
Potential Drawbacks:
Battery life is mediocre at around 3 hours. The buttons can also be a bit finicky to use in the dark.
Sightmark Photon XT 6.5x50L Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Photon XT offers an impressive 6.5x magnification that’s ideal for longer-range night shooting. It’s a solid choice for dedicated nighttime hunters.
Key Features:
- 6.5x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- 640×480 resolution
- 6 reticle options
- Video output
What I Love:
The 6.5x magnification hits a sweet spot for nighttime hunting. It’s enough reach for longer shots without sacrificing too much field of view. I’ve made clean 200-yard shots on coyotes with this scope.
The 640×480 resolution provides a crisp, detailed image. The built-in IR illuminator is also quite powerful, easily reaching out to 120 yards.
Potential Drawbacks:
The scope is digital-only, so no daytime color mode. Battery life is also somewhat short at around 5 hours.
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
Squeaking in just under our $500 budget (depending on current sales), the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is a technological marvel. It’s packed with advanced features that can dramatically improve your hunting success.
Key Features:
- 5-20x magnification
- 4K sensor
- Ultra HD night vision
- Ballistic calculator
- Dual stream video recording
What I Love:
The 4K sensor provides stunning image quality in both day and night modes. It’s a noticeable step up from 1080p optics, especially when zoomed in.
The ballistic calculator and rangefinder combo is incredibly useful for long-range shooting. I’ve made first-round hits on prairie dogs at 400+ yards using the auto-adjusting reticle.
Potential Drawbacks:
All those features come at the cost of complexity. There’s a steep learning curve to master everything. Battery life is also mediocre at around 18 hours.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Night Vision Scope Under $500
Now that we’ve covered my top picks, let’s break down what to look for when shopping for a budget-friendly night vision scope:
Generation vs. Digital
Traditional night vision scopes are categorized by “generations” (Gen 1, Gen 2, etc.). At the sub-$500 price point, you’re mostly looking at Gen 1 devices or digital night vision.
Gen 1 Pros:
- Classic green night vision look
- No batteries required
- Simple, reliable operation
Gen 1 Cons:
- Limited range (usually under 100 yards)
- Can be grainy or distorted
Digital Pros:
- Often clearer image quality
- More features (recording, rangefinders, etc.)
- Can be used in daytime
Digital Cons:
- Require batteries
- Can have lag in low light
My Take: For most hunters, I recommend digital night vision in this price range. The image quality and extra features generally outweigh the simplicity of Gen 1 devices.
Magnification
Consider your typical shooting distances when choosing magnification. For close-range varmint control, 3-4x is usually sufficient. For longer shots on hogs or coyotes, you may want 6x or more.
Remember that higher magnification often means a narrower field of view. Finding the right balance is key.
Objective Lens Size
Larger objective lenses gather more light, potentially providing a brighter, clearer image. However, they also make the scope bulkier and heavier.
For most hunting applications, a 40-50mm objective lens strikes a good balance between light gathering and portability.
Resolution
For digital scopes, pay attention to the sensor and display resolution. Higher numbers (like 1080p or 4K) generally mean a clearer, more detailed image. This is especially important when trying to identify targets at longer ranges.
Battery Life
Nothing’s worse than having your scope die in the middle of a hunt. Look for scopes that offer at least 4-6 hours of runtime. Always carry spare batteries, especially in cold weather which can drain them faster.
Extra Features
Many digital scopes offer bonus features like video recording, rangefinders, and ballistic calculators. While cool, these can add complexity and drain battery life faster. Decide which features you’ll actually use regularly.
Durability
Your scope needs to withstand recoil, bumps, and potentially harsh weather. Look for robust construction and some level of water resistance. Scopes with aluminum or titanium bodies tend to be more durable than plastic.
Final Thoughts
Night vision technology has come a long way in recent years. Today’s sub-$500 scopes offer capabilities that would have cost thousands not too long ago. While they may not match the performance of high-end thermal optics, they can dramatically extend your hunting opportunities without breaking the bank.
My top overall pick for 2024 is the Sightmark Wraith HD. Its combination of day/night versatility, clear image quality, and useful features make it an exceptional value. However, any of the scopes on this list can be a game-changer for your nighttime hunting.
Remember, the best scope is the one that fits your specific needs and shooting style. Consider your typical hunting scenarios, rifle setup, and must-have features when making your choice.
Happy hunting, and I’ll see you out there after dark!