Best Night Vision Scope : Top 3 Best Night Vision Scopes

What is the Best Night Vision Scope ?

Night vision scopes are a product of the night vision technology that has been around for over 30 years. Years ago, it was impossible for you to get reliable night vision equipment that provides you with a clear view of your surrounding other than just turning your surrounding green.

Today you can get a wide range of professional night vision equipment that provide you a clear and bright view of your surrounding and allow you to make accurate shots in dark and foggy conditions.

There are so many night vision scopes available in the market today, making it hard for most people to be able to identify the best night vision rifle scope that matches their requirements. Night vision scopes can be pricey; you therefore need to be sure about the best night vision scope for your rifle that will provide you with value for your money.

The process of identifying the best night vision scope can be long and frustrating especially if you are buying your first night vision rifle scope. If you are completely new to rifle scopes then it can be more challenging for you when it comes to selecting the ideal night vision scope.

Night vision scopes have more features and specs than the normal rifle scopes. Due to the numerous features present in night vision make the technical and hard to understand for most beginners.

Most new and average shooters find it very challenging to identify the ideal night vision for their rifle from the wide collection of scopes in the market today. We have spent time to do a thorough research of the best night vision rifle scopes.

Using our findings, we have come up with a list of the best night vision scope for 2018. Our choice of the night vision scopes is based on the build of the scope, the features present, durability of the scope and accuracy and reliability the night vision scope offers.

Tips of Shopping for a Night Vision Scope

Prior to learning of some of the best night vision scopes in the market, we have provided you with a few tips of shopping for a night vision scope to act as a guide for you.

It is very important for you to understand how night vision scopes work so as to be able to decide which scope is ideal for your situation.

The shopping tips below will not only act as a guide to help you shop for the best night vision scope but will also help you have a better understanding of how night vision scopes work.

Select scopes with high gain settings

Infrared gain is the way in which night vision scopes magnify light to provide you with a visible image. Getting an infrared night vision scope with high gain is necessary when shooting on in extremely dark conditions or when shooting at longer ranges.

If you are using longer lenses for distance viewing, you will need a scope with more gain to compensate for poor light transmission over the lens. Rifle scopes with powerful lenses magnify better, but are not good for light transmission.

The gain setting is intended to solve this issue. When you increase the gain setting of the night vision scope, you increase your ability to shoot accurately at long ranges. The best night vision scope should provide you with a high gain setting.

Think through the range you prefer

Standard night vision scopes provide you with 1-4X power range because they are limited in legal use to control varmints. The magnification power range is enough to help you control varmints in your property. Premium and recent model night vision scopes provide you with about 6X or more.

The main difference between the normal rifle scopes is that most night vision scopes have a fixed magnification power, because they come with imaging systems which makes the night vision scopes heavier.

Only the most expensive night vision scopes support adjustable magnification. On the other hand, you can get cheap and lightweight rifle scopes that provide you with adjustable magnification.

Consider the quality of the image

The old-styled night vision scopes provide you with an image by amplifying light in an imaging tube, usually made of glass, ceramics, or film. These scopes work like a camera, thus their quality ratings are stated in line pairs per millimeter LP/mm.

To help you have a better understanding, think of pixels on a TV screen whereby the more light pairs per millimeter, the better the image quality. Almost all night vision scopes offer you with clearer image at the center of the lens and some blurring around the edges.

Previous night vision scope models from the 1st Gen produce minor black spots while the latest models use an embedded microchip to fix the issue. The most recent night vision scope additions to the Gens 3 and 4 use film-less imaging units ensure impeccably clear images with deep contrast and definition.

Majority of the latest scope models are all-digital, which eradicates all flaws and distortions in the traditional night vision scopes. The best night vision scope should provide you with higher contrast ratios, and better definition.

Identify the generation of the night vision scope

The technology used to create night vision scopes is categorized by “generation,” which acts as a guide to help you know how recent a particular night vision scope was developed.

The first generation scopes are the oldest scope models that are functional and affordable but they are often heavy and bulky, and need some residual background light for them to be effective.

The 2nd generation scopes are more expensive than the 1^st generation. They have a price range of $500-$1,000. These scopes use a micro-channel plate to magnify light further than the first generation technology.

The night vision scopes don’t need any visible background light to work effectively. The gen 2 night vision scopes are also free of the black spot problem found in the 1^st generation scopes.

The gen 3 night vision scope and the 4th generation scope are best night vision scopes. However, they are very expensive and have a price range of $2,000-$3,000. The night vision scopes provide improved light transmission, and a great magnification range.

The 4-6^th generation scopes are the most advanced night vision scopes that come with “gated film-less”. They are the most expensive night vision scopes that have a price range of $4,000-6,000. Due to their high price, these scopes are mainly sold to law enforcement agencies and other professionals.

Nevertheless, consumers who are able to afford the night vision scopes can purchase the scope. The scopes provide you with magnification range of up to 10X, and image quality that is near-perfect.

Advanced night vision scopes come with cutting edge technology that includes; advanced digital/thermal imaging systems, high magnification ranges and superb resolution for military-grade performance. The scopes are premium night vision scopes that can also be used in the daytime.

Understand the different ergonomics of night vision scopes

Night vision rifle scopes are usually heavier than ordinary rifle scope. The 1^st generation night vision scopes are heavier and larger while the 2^nd -5^th generation scopes are gradually lighter and conspicuous.

The premium night vision scopes are sleeker but are still hefty and will therefore add weight to your rifle, so you need to modify your rail setup and have appropriate mounts.

Look out for durability

Due to the numerous features found in night vision scopes and the advanced technology used to make the scope, they tend to be less durable than the traditional rifle scopes. The night vision scopes have numerous moving parts and electronics which compromise the durability of the scopes.

Most night vision scope manufacturers provide short warranty coverage. Most night vision will provide you with a warranty that does not go above 2 years.

Top 3 Best Night Vision Scope for the Money

After carrying out a thorough research of the night vision scopes available in the market today, we have come up with a list of the best night vision scopes based on the top reviews for AR-15 rifle optics for sale in the market.

#1) Firefield Tactical Night Vision Scope

Firefield Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope is a cheap night vision scope that is solid and sturdy for bolt-action. It is a great .308 scope that provides you with a powerful magnification range and a large objective lens. The Firefield scope has a fixed magnification of 2.5×50. It features a large 50mm lens that is made using high quality glass.

The construction frame of the Firefield scope is made from rugged titanium alloy to ensure stability and durability. The lenses of the night vision rifle scope are fully multicoated to ensure maximum light transmission for clear and bright images. The tactical night vision scope is equipped with an illuminated reticle, with a simple cross design and control knobs that make it easy to use.

The Firefield Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope provides you with the 1^st generation night vision imaging system with a good infrared illuminator. The scope can easily be mounted on any rifle but it is not recommended to mount a rifle that is larger than the 308 rifle.

Features of Firefield Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope

Fixed magnification of 2.5×50
Large 50mm lens
Rugged titanium alloy construction frame
Illuminated reticle
Fully multicoated lenses
Control knobs for windage and elevation adjustment

Pros of Firefield Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope

The construction frame of the night vision scope is made from rugged titanium alloy to ensure stability and durability
The Firefield Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope features fully multicoated to ensure maximum light transmission for clear and bright images even in low light conditions.
It is equipped with an illuminated reticle, with a simple cross design and control knobs that make it easy to use
The tactical night vision scope can easily be mounted on any rifle.
Firefield Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope has a large 50mm lens that allows for maximum light transmission.
The Firefield scope has internal focusing which makes it easy to get sighted and shot using this scope.
The scope combines the 1^st generation night vision imaging system with a good infrared illuminator to provide you with high quality images.
The Firefield Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope is lighter compared to most 1^st generation night vision scopes.
Firefield Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope is a cheap night vision scope that is solid and sturdy.

Cons of Firefield Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope

The quality of the glass used for the scope lens is good but it is not the best quality compared to what is found in gen 2 night vision scopes.
The imaging technology used in the Firefield Tactical Night Vision Rifle Scope is less consistent and does not provide you with more details compared to what is in gen 2 night vision scopes.
The illuminator of the night vision scope isn’t as powerful as that of more expensive scopes.

#2) ATN Gen 2+ Night Arrow 4-2 Night Vision Scope

The ATN Gen 2+ Night Arrow 4-2 Night Vision scope is an advanced night vision scope that is between the 2^nd and the 3^rd generation scope. The night vision scope features a smart imaging tube system with automatic brightness control for impeccable image quality.

The scope provides you with 4X lens set for added distance which is ideal for mid-range shooting. The imaging system of the atn night vision scope has an automatic brightness control feature which gets rid of the need to constantly adjust brightness by hand to prevent oversaturation on snow or sandy surfaces.

The reticle of the night vision scope has a two-tone color scheme for better visibility. It comes with simple, easy to use reticle control system, which is easy to use.

The atn night vision scope is equipped with a powerful IR illuminator for improved visibility in foggy or misty conditions. It is one of the best night vision scopes for the money.

Features of ATN Gen 2+ Night Arrow 4-2 Night Vision scope

One-knob IR controller
4X lens set
Reticle with two-tone color scheme for better visibility
Powerful IR illuminator
Automatic brightness control feature
Adjustable eyepiece with a diopter correction
Two adjustment knobs for windage and elevation

Pros of ATN Gen 2+ Night Arrow 4-2 Night Vision scope

The scope provides you with a wide objective that offers you a wide field of vision, which helps add background contrast in the dark.
The reticle of the atn night vision scope has a two-tone color scheme for better visibility.
The side focus turret of the ATN Gen 2+ Night Arrow 4-2 Night Vision scope allows you to zero-in with just one knob.
The night vision scope has an adjustable eyepiece with a diopter correction and has extra-padding for a generous eye relief.
The atn night vision scope provides you with 4X lens set for added distance which is ideal for mid-range shooting
The imaging system of the ATN Gen 2+ Night Arrow 4-2 Night Vision scope has an automatic brightness control feature which gets rid of the need to constantly adjust brightness by hand to prevent oversaturation on snow or sandy surfaces.
It is equipped with a powerful IR illuminator for improved visibility in foggy or misty conditions.
The night vision scope comes with 2-year warranty coverage.

Cons of ATN Gen 2+ Night Arrow 4-2 Night Vision scope

The atn night vision scope does not have parallax adjustment thus it can be challenging to focus on objects closer than 25 yards.
The ATN Gen 2+ Night Arrow 4-2 Night Vision scope does not provide you with a high magnification power.

#3) Armasight Zeus 640 – Night Vision Scope

The Armasight Zeus 640 is a premium night vision scope that is ideal for serious nighttime shooters. The night vision scope offers you full thermal imaging system with video recording capabilities as well as the latest technology.

The scope provides you with adjustable magnification can zoom from 3-24x for clear and bright images. The Zeus night vision scope offers you detailed images thanks to its 640×480 resolution sensor and a large 60mm Lens, which ensure maximum light transmission.

The Zeus 640 scope uses the latest FLIR Tau 2 VOx microbolometer core thermal imaging inside that is not affected by daytime brightness, which often damages most night vision scopes.

Armasight Zeus 640 is a versatile scope that easily fits any rail setup. It has high quality lenses that are fully multicoated for quality images and are shock-proof to protect them from damage caused by heavy recoil or accidental drop.

The construction frame of the night vision scope is made of CNC-machined aluminum, and is nitrogen-purged for moisture and fog-proofing.

The ends of the scope are sealed with O-rings to prevent water, dust and debris from entering the scope. It is also padded with rubber to keep the lenses safe.

Features of Armasight Zeus 640

Fully multicoated lenses
CNC-machined aluminum construction frame
Nitrogen-purged for moisture and fog-proofing
FLIR Tau 2 VOx microbolometer core thermal imaging
Large 60mm Lens
Video recording capabilities
Adjustable magnification

Pros of Armasight Zeus 640

The night vision scope is sealed with O-rings to prevent water, dust and debris from entering the scope and is also padded with rubber to keep the lenses safe.
The construction frame of the Armasight Zeus 640 vision scope is made of CNC-machined aluminum, and is nitrogen-purged for moisture and fog-proofing.
The Zeus scope provides you with adjustable magnification can zoom from 3-24x for clear and bright images.
Armasight Zeus 640 provides detailed images thanks to its 640×480 resolution sensor and a large 60mm Lens, which ensure maximum light transmission.
The Zeus night vision scope uses the latest FLIR Tau 2 VOx microbolometer core thermal imaging inside that is not affected by daytime brightness.
It has fully multicoated for quality images and are shock-proof to protect them from damage caused by heavy recoil or accidental drop.
It is one of the versatile night vision scopes that easily fit any rail setup.
The Armasight Zeus 640 is covered by a 3-year warranty, with 10 years of coverage on the FLIR detector.
The Zeus is a great night vision scope for ar 15.

Cons of Armasight Zeus 640

It is a premium night vision scope thus it is expensive and has a price tag that is prohibitive to most consumers.
The night vision scope is heavier than the standard rifle scope thus you might strain your shoulders when you go for long hunts.
The batteries that come with the Armasight Zeus 640 are not quality thus you need to invest in rechargeable battery packs.

Conclusion – Night Vision Scope

The three scopes are some of the best night vision scopes in the market today. The Firefield night vision scope is a cheap night vision scope that is great for beginners in night hunting. It is reasonably prices and is packed with great features that come in handy during night hunts. It is the best ar 15 under 1000.

The Night Arrow night vision scope is another great ar 15 night vision scope that provide you with more advanced features than the Firefield scope.

The scope provides you with better image quality and is lighter than the first generation scopes. The Night Arrow does not offer you high magnification but the image quality it offers makes it the best ar for the money.

The Armasight Zeus is the most expensive night vision scope of the three night vision scopes. This scope is only ideal for serious nighttime hunters who are comfortable with the price tag of the Zeus scope.

The scope has more advanced features and offers you cleaner imaging system for high-quality images than any gen 2 night vision scope. It is a versatile night vision scope that can be used during the day and at night.

The scopes can make a great choice for people looking for reliable and durable night vision scope for ar-15. We hope that we have helped you understand how night vision scopes work and that your search for night vision scope for sale will be easier.