Hunting in the dark or the dim light is definitely not a simple process, but it’s a great time for finding what you’re looking for. It can be a whole lot easier than you might think. However, if you have the best night vision rifle, the chances for the easy part will increase greatly.
Here, we’re going to help you figure out some of the absolute best options for your night vision rifle and we’re going to make sure you know what to use, not before we’re going to enumerate the main factors to look at before buying one.
| Product Name | Magnification | Lens Diameter | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefield FF16001 NVRS | 3x | 42 mm | 1.8 lbs. | Check price on Amazon |
| Yukon NVRS Titanium | 2.5x | 50 mm | 1.9 lbs. | Check price on Amazon |
| Armasight Vampire 3x | 3x | 70 mm | 3 lbs. | Check price on Amazon |
| ATN Aries Mk.390 | 4x | 90 mm | 3.2 lbs. | Check price on Amazon |
| Firefield FF26014T Rifle Scope | 2.5x | 50 mm | 3 lbs. | Check price on Amazon |
| Sightmark Photon XT | 4.6x | 42 mm | 2.3 lbs. | Check price on Amazon |
| NiteSite WOLF Medium Range System | 328 yards | 35 mm and 40 mm | 4.5 lbs. | Check price on Amazon |
Table of Contents
Important Features
Before adding a scope to your rifle, you need to know that the right one is used. In terms of compatibility, things are not that complicated, but what about the other factors? Let’s dig in.
Magnification Power
There are all different types of magnification that you could choose for your night scope. For off-hand shooting or following a target, magnification under 10x is ideal. For a full-scale rifle, a larger magnification can be great but you’ll need to have the scope itself supported in some way.
If you’re magnifying above 20x however, you’re definitely not going to get anything better and you may actually end up with more problems and difficulty getting that shot off. You’ll find that you actually miss shots even more because you’ve got too much zoom on your scope.
In general, you’re going to want to look at a scope that’s 10x or lower. This is going to provide you with just the right amount of magnification and zoom and it’s also going to keep you from needing a lot of additional support while you’re at it.
You can just set up the scope and easily see whatever you want to improve your shooting experience or even your walk through the woods.
Dedicated Or Not
A dedicated night vision rifle scope is going to provide you with even more power and even more reliability because it’s designed specifically to provide you with better night vision. This is going to ensure that you’re ready for anything but you will have to switch out your scope when you’re going out at night or when it starts getting late.
This is difficult for a number of people because you have to carry along two different scopes with you if you’re going to be out for extended periods of time.
Other scopes may have the ability to switch between a ‘day’ vision and a night vision. These aren’t going to be quite as high quality, but they are definitely going to give you some of the good features that you’re looking for. You’ll see that they switch back and forth easily and you only have to carry one scope with you, which is a benefit.
Scope Purpose
Think about what you’re going to use that scope for. If you’re going to be primarily using it for hunting you’ll want to look at different types of scopes than you will if you’re looking for something that you can use to simply see in the dark.
Make sure that you pay attention to the different features of the scope, which are going to help you understand what it’s able to do and just how it’s going to help you with the goals that you’ve set.
The objective lens diameter, eye relief, coating options, magnification and more are all going to affect what your scope is able to do and whether you’ll be able to use it the way that you actually want. Just make sure you look at everything carefully before you get started.
Variable vs. Fixed Scope
If you’re looking to save some money you’ll definitely want to get a fixed scope, which has only one level of magnification. This is going to be less expensive and it’s going to work great for hunting in normal situations. It’s best if you’re just hunting from a midrange area and you’re not going to be too far away from the target you’re going for.
A variable scope is able to switch between different magnification levels. These are going to be more expensive, but they’re going to give you more versatility and more features at the same time. That’s definitely going to be an important feature that you’ll want to look into.
Some scopes are going to have more variability when it comes to what you can zoom while others are going to be smaller in range. These are great when you really don’t know how far away you might be from your target.
Objective Lens Diameter
Any lens that you have is going to let in a specific amount of light. This is called the objective lens diameter and it’s important for a night or ‘day’ vision scope. You want to look at the numbers on your lens to find out what the OLD is.
So if your scope says 9×40 then it means you have a 9x zoom lens and a 40mm diameter scope, which is the objective lens diameter. If you have a high zoom you’ll want to make sure that your scope diameter is high enough to accommodate and let in the right amount of light.
Over 10x zoom is definitely going to want at least a 50mm OLD, to provide enough light to counter the zoom. If you don’t have enough light coming in alongside the zoom you’re going to have trouble focusing and getting a clear picture.
Eye Relief
You want to be able to keep your head back from the scope in order to see what you’re doing. After all, your eye isn’t going to be right up next to a scope on your gun while you’re aiming. Eye relief is just how far back your eye can be while not interfering with your overall vision through the scope.
A larger eye relief is going to help you when you have the recoil of your scope, since you don’t want to hit yourself when you fire and the gun bounces back.
Four inches is common for a rifle, but you may find better scopes that are going to provide you with even more eye relief. In fact, some are going to provide you up to 20 inches of eye relief, though you may reduce your overall field of view in the process. It’s important to balance this out for your scope.
Coating System
There are different types of coating that are definitely going to affect the way that your scope works. Some have what’s called ‘coating,’ which means at least one of the lens surfaces has a single coating on it. A fully coated lens means that a single layer is covering all of the air to glass surfaces.
Next is multi-coated, which means that there are several layers on at least one of the surfaces and fully multi-coated means that there are multiple layers on every air to glass surface of the scope.
The coatings that you find on the scope are able to provide fog proofing and waterproofing. They’re also going to be slightly more expensive, however, so you’re going to want to make sure you consider this when you’re getting that scope.
Top Product Reviews
You know the features, you can base your decision of buying depending on the destination of your scope but now comes the part where you have to chose. Why not have a list of the top products to make it easier?
Firefield FF16001 NVRS
Price: Approximately $350
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Dimensions: 9 x 3.2 x 3.4 inches
Specific features: 3x magnification, 42mm diameter, flip-up lens cover, incremental brightness, quick detach weaver mounting system
Best use: Medium to long-range targets
The Firefield FF16001 NVRS comes with 3x magnification, which works great for a variety of different purposes. It also has a 42mm lens diameter, which compliments the magnification perfectly. You’ll have a flip-up lens cover to help you protect the lens itself as you’re moving.
You get incremental brightness options to help with your vision no matter what you’re doing. You will have no problem with it in just about any conditions, from regular weather too harsh. That way, you’re always prepared for whenever you want to go out into the wilderness.
PROS:
- Works during the day or at night
- 3×42 magnification and lens diameter
- Titanium material
- Quick detach system
- Enhanced, multi-coated optics
CONS:
- Can be heavy
- Does not work for indoor purposes
- Effective range is about 50 yards
Related: If you’re going out into the wilderness you’re definitely going to want the Evolva Future Technology T20 IR. This flashlight will definitely help you see everything in the dark, without hurting your night vision.
Yukon NVRS Titanium
Price: Approximately $300
Weight: 1.93 lbs
Dimensions: 12.9 x 4.5 x 4.4 inches
Specific features: 50 mm lens diameter, 2.5x magnification, limited lifetime warranty, works with digital camera
Best use: Night vision with moderate distance
The Yukon NVRS Titanium features 2.5x magnification to provide just the right vision. You can see everything within a moderate distance and you’ll easily be able to get just the perfect amount of light during the day as well with the 50mm lens.
Made with titanium, this riflescope is extremely durable, and ready for anything when you head out into the wilderness. It’s also capable of attaching to just about any rifle, including bolt action options. That means you’re going to have no problem getting it connected and ready to go for whatever you want.
PROS:
- 5x magnification
- Detection up to 220 yards
- Eye relief of 45mm
- IR illuminator effective distance 100 yards
CONS:
- Field of view is small
- Infrared illuminator lets off a glow
Related: The Solomone Cavalli 223 is inexpensive and the laser display helps you zero in and sight in easily. It has great quality and it looks great too.
Armasight Vampire 3x
Price: Approximately $800
Weight: 3 lbs
Dimensions: 10.8 x 3.7 x 3.4 inches
Specific features: CORE technology, long-range infrared illuminator, water and fog resistant, mounts with standard weaver rail
Best use: Moderate distance night vision
The Armasight Vampire 3x uses CORE technology and features a long-range infrared illuminator that is easily detachable. You also get a water and fog resistant technology that keeps you able to see everything, whatever the weather may be.
You also have a simple method of attaching the scope to the weaver rail. That way you’ll be able to easily get it set up and get started on your next hunting excursion. You’ll be able to see everything you want and the shock protected lens will be great if you’re wandering through the wilderness.
PROS:
- CORE technology
- Shock protected lens
- Long range infrared illuminator
- 3x magnification
CONS:
- Objective focus is somewhat fragile
- Somewhat heavy weight
- Doesn’t have zoom
Related: When you decide to get a night vision scope you definitely need to make sure that you have batteries to use with it, which is what these Streamlight 85177 batteries are for.
ATN Aries Mk.390
Price: Approximately $450
Weight: 3.2 lbs
Dimensions: 20 x 16 x 6 inches
Specific features: Multi-coated glass optics, water and fog resistant, limited 2 year warranty
Best use: Ideal for moderate range
The ATN Aries MK.390 is designed to give you just the right amount of power to see at night with 4x zoom. It also has a water and fog resistant coating, so even if you’re outside in less than ideal weather you’re going to have no problem hunting the way you want.
You’re also going to love the long range infrared illuminator and the simple to see reticle system. This riflescope is easy to install on a weaver or picatinny rail so it fits just about any gun that you might have.
PROS:
- Weaver or picatinny rail connection
- Water and fog resistant
- Limited 2 year warranty
- 4x magnification
CONS:
- Not ideal under brush
- Light is not as good as expected
Related: The Streamlight 88704 Super TAC Illuminator is ideal for getting plenty of light wherever you want to be. It’s moderately priced and great for darker areas and your favorite hunting experience.
Firefield FF26015T Rifle Scope
Price: Approximately $450
Weight: 3 lbs
Dimensions: 13.6 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
Specific features: Titanium build, 2.5x magnification, 50mm lens diameter, high quality resolution
Best use: Ideal for low to moderate distance
The Firefield FF26014T Rifle Scope is a little more expensive but it has a lot of features at the same time. It has an extended weaver mount and is designed for bolt action rifles.
You’ll even get a gen 1 image and resolution so you can always see what’s going on wherever you are hunting. Made with titanium, this scope has a flip clover that protects it when it’s not in use and it has an ergonomic design that makes it great for any type of use, even in higher elevation and wind levels.
PROS:
- 5x magnification
- Fits bolt action rifles
- Made with titanium
- Ergonomic frame
CONS:
- Somewhat heavy
- Higher price
Related: The Leupold Rogue is a great quality pair of binoculars that helps you get a great view of whatever you’re hunting for or even if you’re just doing some exploring.
Sightmark Photon XT
Price: About $500
Weight: 2.3 lbs
Dimensions: 17.6 x 4 x 3.8 inches
Specific features: 33% longer battery, 30% lighter than digital night vision, long eye relief
Best use: Medium range
The Sightmark Photon XT is capable of working throughout the day and the night with 6 different reticle styles to choose from. It contains an 810nm LED IR illuminator and is resistant to even bright light exposure.
Shockproof and weatherproof, it is designed for any type of weather and features an additional weaver to add your own rail accessories. You even get a long eye relief that makes it easier to use and focus without having to worry about losing some of your field of vision.
PROS:
- Long eye relief
- Works day or night
- 30% lighter than other digital scopes
- 6x magnification
CONS:
- Front focus dial is awkward to use
- Manual is not very thorough
- Control placement is awkward
Related: Keeping everything you need for your next hunting excursion right there with the gun isn’t always easy but these Picatinny QD Rings are definitely going to help, and at a low price too.
NiteSite WOLF Medium Range System
Price: Approximately $900
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Specific features: Video screen and recording features, included battery, 330 yard range
Best use: Recording night hunts or excursions, moderate distance
The NiteSite WOLF Medium Range System features a 3.5” LCD screen and a video out jack that lets you record everything that you do that night. It even has a 1.5Ah battery that can get you up to 7.5 hours of running time.
Ready to go at night or during the day, this scope is one you’re not going to want to miss out on because it really has a whole lot of features and will help you get everything you’re looking for in a moderate weight unit that gives you plenty of ‘light’ without spooking the animals that you’re hunting during the night.
PROS:
- 5” LCD screen and recording
- 5 hours of running time
- Works night or day
CONS:
- Somewhat heavier weight
- Bulky to use with most rifles
Related: The WindFire Mini IR Lamp is designed to give you plenty of light and works great with just about any night vision device. You’ll definitely be better prepared with this.
Conclusion
No matter what you’re looking for in your night vision scope you want to make sure that you’re getting high quality. These are some of the best options you’re going to find and they’re definitely going to improve the way that you experience getting out there in the wilderness at night.
So what kind of night vision scope do you use? What do you look for when you’re choosing your new night vision scope? Do you like one of these or are you looking for something else? Let us know all about it.
