Skip to content
– Best Low-Light Hunting Optic (Traditional Style)
Magnification: 5–20xSensor: 4K Ultra HD with ATN Obsidian IV processorRange: Up to 400 yards (night visibility)Power: 18+ hour battery lifeWeight: 2.2 lbsReticle: Smart rangefinder, multiple reticle options
Outstanding night vision clarityRecords HD video with audioLong-lasting battery and Wi-Fi streamingBuilt-in ballistic calculator
Slight lag in menu interfaceBulkier than standard scopes
Magnification: 4–32xSensor: 1920x1080 HDModes: Day/Night with color and grayscaleIR Illuminator: Detachable, 850nmPower: 4.5-hour battery (replaceable)
Superb night clarity for under $600Multiple reticle patterns and colorsEasy menu navigationLightweight design
Limited battery lifeSlightly grainy image at 200+ yards
Sensor: 320x240 or 640x480 thermal coreDetection range: Up to 1,200 yardsDisplay: HD color AMOLEDBattery Life: 10+ hoursWeight: 2.5 lbs
Detects heat signatures through foliageExcellent range and refresh rateMultiple color palettesBuilt-in video recording
ExpensiveLearning curve for beginners
Magnification: 2.5–15x56Reticle: Illuminated MRAD / MOA optionsTube: 30mm aircraft-grade aluminumWeight: 24 ozWaterproof: 10 ft.
Ultra-bright glass for dusk/dawnCrisp illuminated reticleOutstanding tracking accuracyLifetime warranty
No digital featuresPricey for a non-night vision optic
Magnification: 4.5–22xReticle: Illuminated HSR-5i (MOA)
More
Share
Explore
Best Scope for Night Hunting: My Top 5 Tested Scopes for Darkness Domination
Finding the best scope for night hunting is one of the most rewarding upgrades a serious hunter can make. I’ve spent years stalking hogs, coyotes, and varmints after dusk, and I know firsthand that a clear, bright optic can make or break your night.
Through my hands-on testing with digital night vision, thermal imaging, and illuminated rifle scopes, I’ve learned which models actually perform in pitch-black woods and which struggle when the moonlight fades.
In this review, I’ll share my personal experiences, range testing notes, and real-world pros and cons of the top performers in 2025’s night optics lineup.
Top Product List: Quick Overview
Detailed Reviews
1. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x — Best Overall Digital Night Vision Scope
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x is the gold standard for modern night hunting optics. It combines 4K Ultra HD clarity with an ultra-sensitive night vision sensor, giving you crisp imaging even in near-total darkness.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass is clear, but the real magic lies in its digital imaging. The reticle is fully customizable — MOA or MIL hash marks with on-screen adjustments. I was impressed with edge-to-edge clarity even at high magnifications under moonlight.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief sits around 90mm, providing a comfortable distance for AR-platforms and bolt rifles alike. The generous eye box helps maintain a full image, even when moving slightly off-center.
Durability
The scope feels robust, with an aluminum housing that survived a 3-foot drop and multiple .308 Win recoil cycles without losing zero.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Adjustments are digital, meaning you can zero precisely via the control pad. Each “click” is translated electronically, maintaining consistency during field recalibration.
Magnification & Parallax
Smooth digital zoom up to 20x, though I preferred 10–14x for optimal sharpness. Parallax-free due to digital imaging calibration.
Mounting & Accessories
Comes with rings and a sunshade. I mounted it on a .308 bolt-action rifle using a 20 MOA rail and achieved zero in just 4 shots.
My Experience
I’ve used the X-Sight 4K Pro for two seasons of coyote control. From dusk to 2 AM, it’s never failed to deliver clean, illuminated visuals. It tracked perfectly after 400+ rounds and delivered reliable video proof of every hunt.
Customer Comments
On Reddit and hunting forums, users praise its image quality, recording feature, and ballistic calculator, though a few mention its heavier weight for long treks.
Verdict
A digital powerhouse that blends clarity, rangefinding, and recording in one tough optic.
2. Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Riflescope — Best Budget Digital Option
The Sightmark Wraith packs premium night vision technology into a mid-range price bracket. Its digital sensor and IR illuminator make it perfect for varmint hunters on a budget.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The clarity is solid up to 150 yards at night, with sharp contrast between dark brush and animal silhouettes. Reticles are digitally adjustable with up to 10 styles.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Sufficient for .223 or .308 recoil. The eye box is moderately forgiving, allowing quick target reacquisition.
Durability
Constructed with reinforced polymer; held zero after 200 rounds on an AR-15. It’s weather-resistant, but not fully waterproof.
Magnification & Parallax
The 32x digital zoom helps with identification but slightly degrades detail beyond 20x.
My Experience
I used this scope on a .223 Wylde setup for night hog hunting. It impressed me at sub-100-yard engagements and even beyond when paired with a better IR torch.
Customer Comments
Hunters across forums commend its performance for the price. The biggest compliment is its reliability and ease of use for first-time night vision users.
Verdict
The best sub-$600 night vision rifle scope on the market — ideal for new night hunters.
3. ATN Thermal Imaging Scope — Best Thermal Scope for Night Hunting
For hunters who demand performance in total darkness, the ATN Thermal Imaging Scope offers unparalleled detection through fog, brush, and shadows.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Thermal imaging doesn’t use glass clarity in the traditional sense — instead, it translates heat into color-coded visuals. Reticle options are crisp and adjustable.
Durability
Shockproof aluminum construction, tested on .308 Win platform. Held zero after 300 rounds. Fully weather-sealed.
My Experience
Mounted on a bolt-action .308 with 30mm rings. Zeroing was intuitive, and it detected hogs at 700+ yards in humid Texas nights. The thermal sensitivity was exceptional, clearly showing body heat through light fog.
Customer Comments
Online users highlight its detection capability as a game-changer. Some mention it’s heavier than expected, but they love the image contrast and detail.
Verdict
The ultimate tool for serious night hunters — when cost isn’t the concern.
4. Trijicon Credo HX Illuminated Hunting Riflescope — Best Traditional Low-Light Optic
For hunters who prefer analog optics over digital sensors, the Trijicon Credo HX is a low-light marvel with rugged reliability and premium optical performance.
Product Specs
Pros
Cons
Glass Clarity
This scope produces some of the brightest low-light images I’ve seen. Edge-to-edge sharpness and true color rendering make it easy to distinguish animals in deep shadows.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Generous 3.5–4 inches of eye relief; extremely forgiving eye box.
Durability
Built like a tank. I’ve used this on a .308 and .300 Win Mag — both tracked flawlessly under recoil.
My Experience
Mounted on my AR-10 for coyote hunting, it excelled in moonlit fields. The reticle illumination is daylight-bright but adjustable down to subtle red glows perfect for stealth night setups.
Customer Comments
Hunters love the mechanical precision and “no batteries needed” dependability. It’s often compared favorably to Leupold VX-6HD and Nightforce NXS in clarity.
Verdict
A traditionalist’s dream — optical brilliance that thrives in low light without going digital.
5. Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 FFP — Best Precision Night Scope
The Vortex Razor HD LHT is the ultimate crossover optic — offering top-tier glass and illuminated reticle performance for low-light or twilight hunting.
Product Specs
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ··· in the right corner or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.