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Best Night Vision Scope For Under $1000
The benefits of a reliable night vision rifle scope or rangefinder cannot be underestimated. Rather than being restricted by daylight, you can enjoy night hunts, tracking wild hogs and coyotes during their most naturally active hours.
Unfortunately, many hunters presume that purchasing the best night vision scope has a significant downside: the cost.
While hunting at night may be highly enjoyable, the equipment that allows you to do so is undeniably on the pricey side… but perhaps not as pricey as you have initially expected.
Below, we’ve reviewed five options suitable for those searching for a cheap night vision scope that is suitable for their budget.
We here at rusticpursuits.com know first hand how important and time consuming these choices are for you when you are planning to acquire a new functional tool or accessory for you outdoor gear needs. From rifle accessories to spinning reels, know that our team puts careful consideration into our hand-picked selections, so that you can spend less time researching reviews online and more time out in the great outdoors.
So without any further hesitation, let’s jump right in to our first choice for our favorite night vision scope for your rifle.
Check Out Our Favorite Night Vision Scope
Top Night Vision Scope Comparison Chart
Best Night Vision Scope
1. ATN X-Sight II Smart HD 5-20 Day/Night Rifle Scope
ATN X-Sight II Smart HD 5-20 Day/Night Rifle Scope
Admittedly, the name may be a bit of a mouthful, but the ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20 is definitely a night vision rifle scope that it’s worth learning more about.
First and foremost, the digital capabilities of this scope are incredibly impressive – day and night vision is available in HD, making it a perfect choice if you’re looking for a dual-purpose scope that can greatly improve your prowess whatever time of day (or night) it is. The magnification is impressive too at 5-20, making this a suitable choice if you’re looking for a long-range option.
Digging deeper into the possibilities offered by the ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20, there are a range of additional options that are sure to be hugely beneficial to any hunter. The Ballistic Calculator, for example, helps to take the guesswork out of making your shot, and performs extremely well when you’re short on time.
Furthermore, the Smart Range Finder claims to be able to identify your target within two clicks, while the ‘smooth zoom’ feature helps you to stay on target with sophisticated magnification.
Moving beyond the realm of lining up a shot itself, the ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20 is also able to record video, capture photos, and even stream your latest hunting trip via Wi-Fi. While this it could be argued these features go above and beyond the basic requirements of your average night vision scope, they definitely fall into the category of “nice to have”, and most hunters are sure to enjoy exploring the possibilities they offer.
Given the features and functionality offered by this scope, it’s no surprise that the ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20 is at the higher end of the price range – though still incredibly reasonable, as night vision scopes go. The price varies somewhat, but you’ll usually need to pay between $600-$700 for this model, which given its abilities, is indisputably a good deal.
- Use Day & Night in HD resolution - our HD technology gives you crystal clear vision whenever required
- Zero range: 100 yard. Day & Night Vision in Millions of Colors - best hunting optic that fits the situation at hand.Field of View at 1000 yards- 240 feet.Initial Velocity:2850 fps
- Ballistic Calculator - shifts Point of Impact on the fly letting you quickly calculate ballistics for any shooter's needs. Easily determine exact ballistics for expert long-range and angled shots
- Smart Range Finder - identifies the range to your target with two clicks. Once distance is determined automatically adjusts your Point of Impact.5-20 Magnification - Smooth Zoom offers fine tune adjustments for your perfect magnification every time
- 1080p HD Video Recording & Photos, Recoil Activated Video (RAV) and Wi-Fi Streaming - allow you to record all of your hunting trips, using your phone / tablet as a viewfinder. Firmware upgradeable
2. Sightmark Photon RT 4.5-9×42 Digital Night Vision Scope
Sightmark Photon RT 4.5-9×42 Digital Night Vision Scope
If you’re looking for a night vision scope that is packed with incredible specifications, then the Sightmark SM18015 is definitely worth considering.
The specs for this model are truly incredible; 4.5x42s digital night vision should more than meet any hunter’s needs, while the fantastic 640×480 LCD display makes finding your target a breeze.
Impressively, Sightmark believe that the in-built 850nm LED IR illuminator allows users to find targets up to 220 yards away even in total darkness – a big claim, but one that this night vision rifle scope seems more than capable of delivering on.
Furthermore, the image remains clear and easy to read even when used at greater distances; Sightmark have clearly focused on providing a device that really does what it says it will, rather than leaning on jargon without actually doing the work to deliver a great user experience.
As we’ve mentioned, the core basics work very well, but there’s more to this night vision scope than may initially meet the eye. In particular, the in-built video and sound recording and integrated Wifi are nice touches; not essential, of course, but it’s always good to boost functionality, and the Sightmark achieves this goal with ease.
Finally, it is worth noting that the Sightmark offers the supplementary extras of Wifi and video record capabilities at a relatively low price point; you can usually expect to pay around $650 for this scope, which is more than reasonable. Given the price point and the decent quality, this scope is best considered a high-to-mid-range option, and could be particularly useful for a user who already has a basic night vision scope and is looking to move up to the next level in terms of features.
- WiFi remote view via Pulsar stream vision
- Built-in video/sound recording
- One-shot zero function
- High resolution 768x576 cmos sensor
- 6 reticle options with 4 colors
3. ATN Thermal Rifle Scope
ATN Thermal Rifle Scope
If you’ve never considered the benefits of a thermal scope, then you’d probably be initially shocked at the price that they typically go for. The ThOR LT series is designed to meet the high market demand for hunters and target shooters who are seeking to acquire a thermal scope for their rifles.
It is quite simply a sleek, rugged, and minimally designed piece of hardware, crafted specifically for marksmen. Let’s dive into some of the specs so you can see exactly way this high tech scope is exactly the next addition you need for your rifle.
So what are the benefits of thermal imaging in your rifle scope? The heat detecting sensors not only allow you to see in the total darkness, but it will help you detect your target in the midst of several obstacles in the way such as of heavy vegetation, smoke, and fog.
Is the image clear? Without any hesitation, yes. The ATN Thermal Rifle Scope utilizes a 1080p high definition camera that reviles a stunningly clear image to the rifleman. Long gone are the days of foggy, off-calibrated rifle scopes when you purchase this modern tech inspired rifle scope.
This smart scope allows you to switch between a “white hot” mode, and a “black hot” mode, which simply means that the color of your intended target will either appear white or black threw the lens of the scope with the opposing or opposite color for the background. This unique feature allows the marksman to optimally tailor the contrasting thermal image to his/her preference.
This 30mm aluminum alloy tube scope allows you to reap the benefits of a traditional design while coming in with a sleek new design and state of the art features like recoil resistance to higher caliber weapons.
The ATN Thermal Rifle Scope uses an internal Li-Ion battery which was designed specifically to use minimal energy consumption with sacrificing operating performance. The battery life thrives for an impressive 10+ hours, and can withstand even the harshest of temperatures. So whether you’re in a north woods blizzard with – 20°F temperatures or in dry dessert heats of 120°F, you know that this scope won’t compromise on its integrity.
The 22oz scope enables you to be more agile, and balanced. It’s immensely important when you’re looking to conserve energy for the high stakes shot.
What are the downsides? Quite frankly, there are none. Some may sweat when they see the initial price of this scope. But then you remember that this isn’t just a flimsy rifle scope that you’re picking up off of the shelf at Wal-Mart, that is not only going to fail to do the job that you originally intended it for. Not to mention that these scopes are built poorly, and will most likely only last a few seasons due to this fact.
The ATN Thermal Rifle Scope on the other hand is a high tech, heat detecting, thermal imaging scope, that is built to perfectly complete your cherished rifle set up. It will not back down from a challenge. Whether temperatures rise to blistering heats, or fall below freezing this scope will withstand the beating. When you find yourself in damp rainy landscapes, the lens on this scope will not fog up, or have any compromised areas that will leak in water.
Its features are broad and abilities are only limited to user that possesses it. Don’t make the mistake of missing out on the opportunity to complete your rifle set up with this game-changing scope.
- Affordable price for a quality thermal scope is possible. We are breaking the price barrier and making your dreams come tru
- Advanced heat detection sensors allow you to see in total darkness, through dense fog, smoke and heavy vegetation
- Enjoy traditional design: 30mm tube scope made of hardened aluminum alloy, recoil resistant to higher caliber weapons
- Maximum performance with minimum power consumption (internal Li-Ion battery life 10+ hours). Operating Temperature - 20°F to +120°F / -28°C to 48°C
- Lighter than an average scope, so it will make you feel more agile and your rifle balanced. Small things that make a big difference when you're out on an all nighter in the woods
4. Athlon Optics 8-34 x 56 Nightvison Riflescope
Athlon Optics – Argos 8-34 x 56 Nightvison Riflescope
Coming in at just under 16 oz, this light weight scope does not compromise on durability or function.
How many times have you bought an inexpensive, poorly built accessory for your rifle or other gun in your collection, just to come to find out that it lacked integrity and couldn’t hold up to the job that you had in store for it? Rest assured, we have too. Luckily that is not the case with this rugged scope. It is crafted by 6061T6 aircraft grade aluminum that possesses exceptional strength and can withstand beating after beating.
This scope utilizes a first focal reticle which allows you to see clearly while this specialized reticle zooms in and zooms out of your intended target. This allows you to have full confidence in the scope’s ability to get the job done in real scenarios when you’re out in the elements, where your live abject will be moving closer or further away from your stationed firing location.
Having a clear image is everything when you are using a scope on your rifle. What good does having a scope on your rifle if the lens is just going to fog up as soon as weather conditions aren’t optimal? That is not a concern with the Argon Riflescope from Athlon Optics. This scope is forged with an advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses that bring vivid color threw the 30mm tube. Best of all, it will not fog up due to condensation or damp weather conditions, so you can feel confident in any impromptu scenario that requires as few distracting factors as possible, and allows you to focus on eliminating the target.
You never quite know what kind of environments or weather conditions will be present when using a scope on your rifle, but it is always better to be prepared for anything rather then a piece of machinery fail in a critical situation when you were desperately counting on it. Argon’s rifle scope allows you to have fully confidence in it’s ability to function in severe conditions with it’s IPX-7 level waterproofing. This means that when you find yourself in damp environments, rainy overcast fields, or in thick damp woods, this scope will still thrive in it’s ability to get the job done.
- First focal plane reticle stays valid at all power settings allowing you to fully utilize the specially designed reticle that shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out.
- Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses gives you better light transmission to bring optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum.
- Reticle etched on the glass that provides excellent backing support for complex reticle design and offers great durability and much higher shock resistance to recoil
- The 6061T6 aircraft grade aluminum tube that has exceptional strength and superior mechanical integrity will protect these world class optics no matter what punishment you throw at it
- Argon purging gives you better waterproofing and thermal stability.Water Resistance Level:IPX-7
5. OpticGuru ATN 4k Pro Smart Day/Night Scope
OpticGuru ATN 4k Pro Smart Day/Night Scope
Coming in at our number 5 position is the OpticGuru ATN 4k Pro Smart Day/Night Scope. As the name suggests, this scope utilizes a crystal clear 4k smart resolution system which is by far the best quality out of any of the scopes in this list.
This state of the art rifle accessory also comes equipped with a Day/Night mode which enables riflemen to spot their targets in dark lighting situations. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve encountered a a raccoon or other little varmint wrestling around in our garbage or garden in the back yard. In those moments it should would have been handy to have one of these bad boys on our go-to rifle.
This rugged scope comes in at around 34 oz. Which to some may sound like a lot for a scope, but when you consider all of the added features and the amount of practical utility they all posses, then it will be the least of your concerns.
Lastly, the battery is worth noting on this thing. It lasts for an impressive 18 hours! Which means you can spend less time worry about battery life when you are in those high stakes moments when you need the scope to preform optimally in an instant notice.
- Obsidian IV Dual Core Processor and Ultra HD Sensor - an ideal combination to satisfy your 24/7 hunting needs. Rich color palette for the daylight, sharp black-and-white image at night
- Dual Stream Video Recording - Wifi Streaming and Video Recording now can be turned on simultaneously with no negative effect on performance
- Ballistic Calculator feature makes every shot a kill. Point of impact is adjusted automatically with consideration of ammo type, range to target and environmental data
- Recoil Activated Video - focus on the game, let X-Sight handle the routine tasks. As the scope senses the recoil, video is automatically stored on the SD card
- Ultra Low Power Consumption - over 18 hours of active use. No more lost opportunities due to drained batteries
In conclusion
We chose the options above in order to cover the full spectrum of price points and functionality. Some models offer more advanced or supplementary features; others focus on the core night vision capabilities – and it’s entirely up to you, the buyer, to decide which is most suited to your specific needs.
However, the one thing that anyone looking for a cheap night vision scope under $1000 can be certain of is that all of the models above perform incredibly well within their specifications. So whether you choose to go high-end, or prefer a more entry-level device, you can be confident that any of the scopes above can offer great benefits to your hunting experience.