Humans, fortunately, or unfortunately, are left to use technology to improve their night vision capabilities. In this article, we will talk about rifle scopes that improve night vision capability.
So, to recap, our focus in this article will be on budget-priced best night vision scopes. Some of these will use thermal imaging technology, and some will use light amplification technology. Both offer the same benefit – enhanced ability to see in the dark.
Comparison Table
We’ve selected eight different budget-priced scopes from the Amazon.com web site for review here.
Product | Best Features | Rating | Price Range | View on Amazon |
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4.2 out of 5 |
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4.0 out of 5 |
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3.9 out of 5 |
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3.9 out of 5 |
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3.9 out of 5 |
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3.7 out of 5 |
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3.6 out of 5 |
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3.5 out of 5 |
How Night Vision Devices Work?
The scopes we will review here are based on two different technologies – light amplification, or night vision, and thermal imaging recognition. Let’s take a look at the night vision technology first.
The history of night vision devices (NVDs) can be traced back to World War I, when a Hungarian scientist developed an infrared system to help warn the British of incoming enemy aircraft.
In the 1930s, Germany began experimentation with NVDs and installed them on their tank fleet in the 1940s during World War II. Infrared NVDs were used by American snipers late in that war, and also in the Korean Conflict during the 1950s.
NVDs generally fall into three categories – scopes, cameras, and night vision goggles. Scopes are typically monocular, designed for handheld use, or mounted to rifles. Goggles are night vision binocular, using both eyes, and used in many search and rescue and military applications.
Thermal imaging cameras are a hybrid, using the technology of night vision and a camera to see and record images. Our focus here will be on the monocular application, in particular, rifle scopes.
Let’s look at how the technology works in an NVD using light amplification technology.
Night vision devices boost a dim, dark scene in a series of simple steps:
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Night Vision Devices (NVDs) employ devices called Intensifier Tubes. As the name suggests, they intensify light that passes through them.
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Electric signals are the only things we can intensify directly. The trick, therefore, is to convert light into electrical signals. The signals can then be amplified and re-converted back to light.
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Voila, you have intensified light!
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The Intensifier tube converts received light (photons) into electrons (Electric signals). A photomultiplier then amplifies the signals.
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The amplified electric signals are then blasted onto the goggles phosphorous screen. The screen converts the signals back to the light.
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The result is a far brighter image observed through the device.
In addition to the military, security, and law enforcement applications, night vision devices can also be used for hunting, wildlife watching, human surveillance, navigation, and detecting hidden objects.
They are also used in many game applications, such as paintball. Because of the military-grade technology in several of these models, they are not eligible for export.
Some states also have bans on night vision devices, and these typically are related to a gun mounted NVDs. If there are questions about use or applicability, please check with the appropriate regulatory agency.
Technology improvements improved performance and reduced costs, and, beginning in the 1990s, thermal imaging devices found their way into civilian applications. Many were the same as those noted above, and they are also used to include medical imaging and diagnosis, environmental control, and automobile guidance systems.
Like the other NVDs, exports may be strictly controlled, because of their potential use in sensitive military applications.
This can be captured even in total darkness, which is an indication of why these devices are so important in search and rescue operations. See below for an example of how a thermal image might be displayed:
If you are interested in more information about thermal imaging technology, please watch this short video:
Buying Guide
Before we move to the next part of this article, let’s take a quick look at how a clip-on night vision device is typically used. Primarily, however (and our focus here), is their use as a night vision scope when clipped to a rifle, and used in conjunction with the standard, day vision scope of that rifle.
Typically, the day vision scope will provide the magnification, although some of these night visions scopes have magnification capability also.
Below is an example of a typical clip-on combination scope assembly:
The standard day scope is toward the back, or right in the picture, of the rifle, and the night vision device is clipped to the rifle immediately in front of that scope. So now, on to the buying guide:
Best Budget Night Vision and Thermal Scopes Review
Before we start in on the item by item product reviews, let’s look back and clarify that there are two different technologies in the night vision being utilized by these best night vision scopes. One replies on infrared rays being used to differentiate heat patterns between the target and the background.
The other relies on amplification of existing light, such as moonlight or starlight, to be able to see the target. Below is an example of each type of technology:
Sightmark SM18008 Photon – Best Overall
This night vision scope is the best rated of the eight we will review, and utilizes light amplification technology. The scope has its own magnification capability, rated at 4.6 X 42. This is a lighter weight NVS, at 1-1/2 pounds, designed for medium-range shooting.
It claims 33% longer battery life than similar models. It has video recording capability but needs a separate target device to hold them. It’s adaptable to both rifles and crossbows.
Pros
- The lower end of the scaled pricing for a highly rated model
- Six reticle combinations (the sighting cross, as in the first picture above) based on application
- Special filters for daytime use, but they do impact image quality
Cons
- Advertised as shockproof and waterproof, but no IPX ratings available as confirmation
- Reviewers either love it or hate it; 84% of all reviews are 4 or 5 stars, however
Night Owl Night Shot Digital
This light amplification device has an operating range of 100 -200 yards in typical nighttime applications. High resolution, 640x480 pixels display gives good clarity and contrast. It’s produced from engineered thermoplastics for the lighter weight of 1.3# yet good durability. The 52mm objective lens has 3X magnification capability.
Night Owl Night Shot Digital
Features and specifications:
- NVS has adjustable windage and elevation capability
- 5.6o lateral field of vision
- operates on 4xAA or lithium batteries, with an estimated life of three hours
- three different reticle configurations based on application
- built-in IR illuminator
Pros
- Lightweight and durable, weatherproof unit
- Suitable for use as monocular, or in crossbow application
- Suitable for day and night use
Cons
- Not suitable for guns over .30 caliber
- Changing of batteries requires a scope to be removed from the gun, which then requires re-sighting when reattached
Firefield FF16001 NVS – Best Value
This is another light amplification scope, constructed with a titanium body for durability, but also resulting in a somewhat hefty 31 ounces. It’s day/night rated, but users claim daytime use is difficult and not very clear.
It has a brightness adjustment for the reticles and has a high-powered IR illuminator standard. The optics are 3X42 for higher light-gathering capability.
Pros
- A solid 3.9 rating combined with the second-lowest price at $229
- Users rate the night vision optics very positively
- Rated for high accuracy once sighted-in
Cons
- Many complaints about the stability of the mount and locking mechanism
- Battery life not up to stated specifications
ATN X-Sight II HD5-20
With this model, we’re starting to move into some of the “nice to have” and “bells and whistles” features; however, at $530, the price is moving up too. Starting with 1080 pixels video and photo recording, with wi-fi streaming, to HD resolution in the day or night applications, to ballistic calculators and range finders, this is a full feature NVS.
ATN X-Sight II HD5-20
Features and specifications:
- hight vision is rated “very functional” at the 150-yard range, and high ratings for accuracy
- operates with 4xAA batteries for about six hours, and an optional power pack is also available
- high-density display for crisp, clear images in both day and night usage
- clear, wide, 240-feet FOV at 1000 yards, 85mm objective lens
Pros
- Some nice to have functionality, specifically around improving shot accuracy and range calculations
- Recoil activated video recording automatically starts upon firing
- Several available options from manufacturer to enhance battery life, ballistics calculations, and IR illumination
Cons
- A little pricy unless you really want the additional features
- Many complaints in customer reviews about service and support
- Complaints around the stability of mount and holding “zero” after recoils
Optic Guru Thor LT Thermal NVS – Best Performance
This scope is a thermal, or IR sensing, night vision scope. A couple cautions here. This is the most expensive scope on the list, at $1200, and the 3.9 ratings are based on only five customer reviews at Amazon.
There is also very little detail on the Amazon site, so some of this information here has come from other sources. This is a lightweight, 1.4# scope, advertising ultra-low battery consumption. Operating at both day and night, it claims a detection range of 400 yards and identification at 150 yards.
Optic Guru Thor LT Thermal NVS
Features and specifications:
- magnification goes up to 6X, although clarity decreases as magnification increases
- advanced detection capability to see through smoke, fog, etc.
- hardened aluminum alloy construction for durability and lightweight
- ten-hour battery life with 3xCR123A batteries, with optional power pack available to extend life further
Pros
- One-shot sighting. Shoot, move the reticle to the impact point, then center for one-shot sighting
- Good range and optics; detection limits are very favorable
Cons
- One complaint (of five reviews) about the durability of scope because of rifle recoil
- Very limited information is available on specifications or performance
Sightmark SM18015 Photon
A lot of functionality in this night vision scope, with a fairly reasonable price and rating. It has wi-fi streaming capability, built-in video and sound recording, 8 GB onboard storage, and one-shot zero functionality. High-powered IR illuminator gives up to 220 yards range in full darkness.
Pros
- This unit has much of the same functionality as other units costing several hundred dollars more
- Quick change battery pack, using 4xAA batteries
- JPEG file format, approximately five hours of memory capability
Cons
- Some complaints about the ability of scope to hold zero after shooting
- Only 25 customer reviews, so fairly easily swayed by overly positive or negative reviews
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro
This scope has the second-highest price of the list, and, somewhat surprisingly, the second-lowest rating. This scope uses light amplification technology and features 4K clarity in the optics. It operates in both day and night modes and has a ton of new and varied features, including dual-stream video recording and wi-fi.
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro
Features and specifications:
- ultra-low battery consumption, offering 18 hours life from 2xCR123A batteries
- recoil activated video, and dual, simultaneous streaming to a mobile device and to an SD card for data storage
- compatible with several ATN options, including battery pack, laser range finder, and remote control
- built-in ballistic calculator with the range finder
Pros
- All the bells and whistles you’d want, including 4K optics
- iOS and Android app compatible
- Built-in IR lighting
- Very good reviews on distance identification capabilities
Cons
- Combination of higher price and low rating is worrisome
- Most complaints center around software applications; several patches out which may correct them
- Customer service and support complaints noted
Bestsight DIY Digital NVS
This is another light amplification scope and is the lowest priced, and lowest-rated, scope on the list. It can be used in day and night applications and offers color images during daylight operation. Unique from this list in that it comes with a 5” display screen for image viewing, rather than only through the eyepiece.
Pros
- Good value for the price, but recommend reading through the reviews to set expectations before purchase
- Reviews on night vision capability are quite good, but the limitation is the illuminator
Cons
- Chinese manufactured, and some issues noted about service and support
- Illuminator not very powerful. Most reviewers recommend purchasing a stronger illuminator
Conclusion
If you are considering the purchase of a thermal or light amplification night vision scope any time soon, hopefully, this article and review will give you some guidance and save you some time and research.
These two scopes were very close overall, and you really would not go wrong with either. The differentiator was the difficulty in changing the batteries on the Night Owl; other than that, they are virtually identical in features, price, and performance.
The Optic Guru did get strong reviews and recommendations for performance on Amazon and other sites.
The Firefield unit wins the best value category by virtue of the lower price and slightly higher rating.
As we noted earlier, however, we do recommend you look at your own requirements, and apply them against the performance and features of these units as part of making your purchase decision.
Finally, it’s relevant to point out that the technology around thermal imaging and light amplification is still fairly new, only a couple decades old. As such, it is rapidly developing and changing.
As advancements are made, and new applications developed, such as self-driven cars and personal security, the price of the technology will likely drop as development and supply improve. Make sure that the purchase today does not become a garage sale item tomorrow.