Skip to content
Share
Explore

5 Best Scope for Day and Night Shooting: Top 5 Dual-Purpose Optics for 2025

Finding the best scope for day and night shooting is one of the biggest challenges for modern hunters and tactical marksmen. Traditional optics perform excellently in daylight but fall short in darkness, while night vision scopes often lack daylight clarity.
Today’s market, however, offers a new generation of hybrid optics that merge these worlds—providing crisp visuals under bright sun and exceptional detection capabilities after sunset.
In this detailed review, I’ll share my top picks for 2025, personally tested across different rifles and lighting conditions, from early dawn to pitch-black nights.

Top Product List

Here’s a quick look at the best models for all-day performance:
Each of these optics bridges the day-night gap with unique technologies—ranging from digital sensors to illuminated reticles and light-optimized glass coatings.

Detailed Reviews: 5 Best Scope for Day and Night Shooting of 2025

1. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x

image.png
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro combines a 4K Ultra HD sensor with a dual-core processor, allowing for seamless transitions between day and night modes. It’s a digital powerhouse that records your hunts in 1080p while delivering clarity in low light.

Specs

Magnification: 5–20x
Objective Lens: 70mm
Sensor: 4K Ultra HD CMOS
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Reticle: Multiple digital options
Weight: 2.2 lbs

Pros

Crisp 4K video capture
Dual-streaming Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Long-lasting internal battery
Smart ballistic calculator

Cons

Slight lag in night mode transitions
Requires external IR for true blackout conditions

Glass Clarity & Reticle

Daylight performance is exceptional, with colors rendered vividly through the large 70mm lens. The digital reticle remains sharp at all magnifications.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Comfortable at around 90mm, though the digital screen can cause mild eye fatigue during prolonged use.

Durability

Housed in aluminum alloy, the scope handles recoil from .308 rifles with ease.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

Fully digital and menu-controlled, with precise adjustments saved automatically.

Magnification & Parallax

Smooth zoom transitions without image distortion, though parallax adjustments are software-driven.

Mounting & Accessories

Mounted on my AR-10 using ATN’s quick-detach mount—fit was solid, zero held after 400 rounds.

My Experience

In dusk hunts, image detail was stunning. Rabbits at 150 yards were clearly visible without IR. At midnight, an added IR torch turned it into a near-thermal performer.

Online Discussions

Hunters on Reddit’s r/NightVision community often praise its “do-it-all” capability for both hogs and coyotes.

Verdict

If you want a single digital optic to handle both sun and starlight, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro remains the benchmark. ​

2. Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Riflescope

image.png
The Sightmark Wraith delivers true digital versatility for both day and night use. With a full-color daytime mode and green or black-and-white night vision, it’s built for shooters who need reliable low-light precision.

Specs

Magnification: 4–32x
Objective Lens: 50mm
Display: 1080p HD
Battery: 8 hours
Reticle: 10 options
Weight: 2.0 lbs

Pros

Affordable digital dual-use scope
Sharp HD image quality
Multiple reticle colors
Sturdy aluminum chassis

Cons

Limited field of view at high zoom
Slightly heavy for lightweight rifles

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The lens delivers balanced contrast during daytime. At night, IR illumination enhances targets up to 200 yards.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Good comfort, though eye box narrows above 16x magnification.

Durability

I used it on a .223 Rem bolt-action rifle in wet fog; it showed no internal condensation—impressive waterproofing.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

Digital buttons provide clear increments; tracking was consistent over repeated zero tests.

Magnification & Parallax

Digital zoom works seamlessly, but optical clarity slightly drops at 32x.

Mounting & Accessories

Standard Picatinny rail mount; setup on my Ruger Precision took under 10 minutes.

My Experience

During a feral hog night hunt, I was impressed by its ability to distinguish shapes even without full IR brightness. Recorded video playback was clear and true to the scene.

Online Discussions

Forums note its reliable performance in “budget night vision” class—often compared favorably to ATN’s more expensive offerings.

Verdict

A dependable and affordable alternative for those wanting both day and night clarity. ​

3. ATN X-Sight Pro Smart Day/Night Hunting Scope

image.png
A direct evolution of ATN’s proven X-Sight series, the Pro Smart offers sharper imaging and faster sensor response under mixed lighting. It’s ideal for hunters moving between daylight fields and moonlit forests.

Specs

Magnification: 3–14x
Objective Lens: 50mm
Sensor: HD 1080p
IR Illuminator: Included
Battery: 10 hours

Pros

Rapid light transition
Integrated rangefinder
Custom ballistic profiles
Built-in video recording

Cons

Shorter battery life than 4K Pro
Slight software lag in cold weather

Glass Clarity & Reticle

Produces warm tones in daylight; at night, clarity remains commendable up to 150 yards.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

About 90mm eye relief, easy target acquisition through generous digital display.

Durability

Solid build—survived a drop test on gravel with only minor cosmetic damage.

My Experience

Mounted on a .308 Win bolt-action with 168gr match ammo, I zeroed it in 5 rounds at 100 yards. It retained perfect zero after 300 more shots.

Online Discussions

Users report reliable real-time streaming and minimal pixel noise compared to earlier ATN generations.

Verdict

The perfect balance of smart technology and field reliability for hunters transitioning between daylight and moonlight. ​

4. Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm Riflescope

image.png
The Trijicon AccuPoint is a traditional optic enhanced for low-light performance, using tritium and fiber optics instead of batteries. It’s a masterpiece of analog illumination that shines when the sun dips below the horizon.

Specs

Magnification: 2.5–10x
Objective: 56mm
Reticle: Green triangle post (illuminated)
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Weight: 1.4 lbs

Pros

Battery-free illumination
Excellent low-light transmission
Superior glass clarity
Durable, weatherproof design

Cons

No digital night vision
Slightly bulky for LPVO setups

Glass Clarity & Reticle

Trijicon’s multi-coated lenses deliver near-perfect edge-to-edge clarity. The illuminated reticle adjusts automatically to ambient light.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Generous 3.6–4.1 inches of relief, forgiving eye box perfect for hunting rifles.

Durability

Built from aircraft-grade aluminum and waterproof to 10 feet—this scope is virtually indestructible.

My Experience

Mounted on my Browning X-Bolt in .30-06, the TR22 stayed zeroed through rain and recoil. Dawn hunts offered brilliant clarity with zero glare.

Online Discussions

Praised widely on hunting forums for "true dusk-to-dawn visibility" without needing electronics.

Verdict

An unmatched analog option for hunters who prefer simplicity with flawless optical performance. ​

5. Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 FFP Riflescope

image.png
The Razor HD LHT is a top-tier tactical optic with advanced light transmission coatings, providing outstanding low-light usability. Its illuminated reticle and first focal plane design make it suitable for both hunting and long-range target shooting.

Specs

Magnification: 4.5–22x
Objective: 50mm
Reticle: Illuminated FFP
Weight: 21.7 oz
Tube Diameter: 30mm

Pros

Premium HD glass
Zero stop turrets
Lightweight build
Extended eye relief

Cons

Premium price tag
Reticle slightly dim on bright days

Glass Clarity & Reticle

True high-definition optical system—contrast and sharpness remain outstanding from edge to edge.

My Experience

Tested on an AR-10 with .308 Win under moonlight. Even at 400 yards, targets were visible due to the illuminated reticle and superb glass brightness.

Online Discussions

Long-range shooters appreciate its “gold standard” low-light resolution in hunting circles.

Verdict

For those wanting optical excellence without full digital systems, the Razor HD LHT reigns supreme. ​

How to Choose the Right Scope for Day and Night Shooting

When selecting the right optic, consider:
Optical Type: Digital vs. traditional illuminated scopes.
Magnification Range: 1–10x for versatility, 20x+ for long range.
Light Handling: High-quality glass or sensor with IR assist.
Reticle Illumination: Must adjust automatically or manually for light transitions.
Battery & Power: Choose 8–18 hours runtime for digital scopes.
Mount Compatibility: Ensure proper clearance for bolt actions or AR rails.

FAQs

1. Can I use a night vision scope during the day? Yes, digital models like the ATN X-Sight and Sightmark Wraith support full-color daylight use.
2. Are infrared illuminators safe for wildlife? Yes, most IR lights are invisible to animals, making them perfect for hunting.
3. What’s better—digital or analog illumination? Digital offers flexibility and recording, while analog (like Trijicon) is maintenance-free.
4. How far can I shoot at night? With IR assist, expect clear identification up to 300 yards depending on terrain.
5. Can I mount these scopes on any rifle? Most come with standard Picatinny mounts suitable for AR, bolt-action, and air rifles.

Conclusion

The world of optics has evolved—today’s best scope for day and night shooting doesn’t force you to choose between clarity and technology. For full digital capability, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is unbeatable. The Sightmark Wraith offers great value, while the Trijicon AccuPoint and Vortex Razor HD LHT dominate in pure optical quality. Each of these scopes has proven itself from first light to full darkness, ensuring you never miss a moment, no matter the time of day.

Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.