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
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
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours Reticle: Multiple digital options Pros
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
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
Pros
Affordable digital dual-use scope 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
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
Pros
Custom ballistic profiles 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
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
Reticle: Green triangle post (illuminated) Pros
Battery-free illumination Excellent low-light transmission Durable, weatherproof design Cons
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
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
Pros
Cons
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.