5 Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes

What are the Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes? Read on to discover the best on the market, their features, pros, and cons.

Technology has revolutionized the scope industry. Each day better and better scopes are coming up thanks to the diversification and improvement in technology. Vision scopes come in different generations but Gen 3 is the real deal for accuracy, long distances, durability, and versatility.

Product	Image	Best Price
1) ATN NVM-14 Gen.3 Night Vision Monocular Generation III Scope		Best Price
2) Pulsar Phantom Gen 3 Select 3x50mm Night Vision Riflescope		Best Price
3) Bering Optics PVS-14BE Night Vision Monocular		Best Price
4) Bering Optics D-950U Gen 3+ Elite Night Vision		Best Price
5) Bering Optics Night Probe Mini Gen 3 Clip-on Night Vision Attachment		Best Price
6) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope		Best Price
7) Armasight Orion 5X Gen 1+ Night Vision Rifle Scope		Best Price
8) Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope		Best Price
9) AGM 11P14123453031 Model PVS-14 3NL3 Mil Spec Gen 3″Level 3″ Night Vision Monocular		Best Price

Before we dig deeper into the best Gen 3 Night Vision scopes let’s get a comprehensive differentiation of the Different Night Vision Generations.

Night Vision Generation Categories Explained

Generation 1

This Gen 1 Night Vision Scopes technology dates way back in the ’60s. It gets you some night vision. These Gen 1 scopes have limited applicability and offer very low-quality night vision.

This is our TOP CHOICE GEN 1 SCOPE.[Firefield NVRS 3×42 Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope]

Features

• Maximum range up to  75 yards depending on the night conditions
• Images are not that clear due to lower resolution
• Works on built-in IR illuminators which won’t allow a passive operation as one is easily spotted
• A smaller field of view
• Battery life is very short
• Image distortion
• Shorter Life Expectancy unlike the Gen 2 and 3 which last 5000 and 10000 hrs respective the Gn 1 will only last 1500 hrs

Generation 2

The Generation 2 Scope Technology is an advancement from Gen 1, A good Gen 2 scope is much closer in performance to a Gen 3 scope. Here are the features.
Features

• Useful range up to 200 yards depending on night conditions and the scope model
• Much clearer and bright images thanks to the better resolution
• Doesn’t need IR illumination hence the ability to operate passively
• The field of view is full eliminating image distortion
• Better Battery life
• Versatile, Durable, and great Adaptability
• Better life expectancy than Gen 1

This is our TOP CHOICE GEN 2 SCOPE [Sightmark Photon XT 6.5x50L Digital Night Vision Riflescope ]

Generation  3

Generation 3  night vision scopes are the best. Most Special Forces use them for the most top secret and most daring missions.These scopes offer the best performance, cleaner images and top quality.

This is our TOP CHOICE GEN 3 SCOPE [ATN ThOR HD 384 Smart Thermal Riflescope]

Features

• Useful range up to 300 yards
• Brightest and Cleanest images thanks to a great resolution
• Best performance even in the worst low light conditions
• Best for passive operations
• An all light scope technology
• Versatility, Adaptability, and Durability to the next level
• Longest life expectancy and great battery life

Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes

Choosing the best gen 3 night vision scopes can be a chore. We are here to help. Below are some of the factors to consider before buying a gen 3 night vision scope.

1. Type of scope

You may decide on an actual rifle scope if you are set on using this for tactical purposes, however, you can also get something else. A monocular can be used in place of scope if it comes with the proper mount.

The downside of using a monocular in lieu of a scope is that a monocular doesn’t have a reticle for aiming accuracy. You can also get a transformation system that turns your day vision devices into night vision devices.  That is courtesy of the included infrared bulb, which makes it more versatile but expensive.

2. Clarity

The clarity of the images and the sensitivity of the components inside your scope contribute greatly to its effective range. The better the image and light gathering ability, the more effective it will be at range. Some night vision scopes are effective to about a hundred yards, while others are effective out to several hundred yards.

3. Day and night use

The ability to use the scope both night and day is a really essential factor to consider while selecting a night vision scope, if you want a scope you can use no matter the light conditions and if you don’t mind having a big digital scope connected to your rifle at all time, during the day or at night. The inconvenience of having to re-zero a rifle constantly as you switch between a night and day is tiresome. Instead, if you are going to use one rifle for everything find a scope that will do both or find one that can be fitted to your standard optic to give it night vision abilities.

4. Image Quality and Clarity

When you are looking at an image on a screen with a night vision optic, you can get similar levels of clarity like with a real telescopic sight but some of the best models in the market offer excellent image quality. Whether a scope is generation 1, 2 or 3 refers to the quality and clarity of the image. Look for a night vision scope that offers adequate clarity to clearly identify your target however remember that the better the clarity and crispness of the target image, the costlier the scope will be.

5. Infrared red (IR) type

You will require a powerful infrared light be able to see at increased distances. Your scopes infrared shall not be visible to your targets, whether you will be using it for tactical use or for night time observation. The 850nm wavelength is among the high powered but the 450nm can still work for brush hunting.

6. Durability and Versatility

The best Gen 3 night vision scopes should be versatile and made to last and perform. You need a reliable night vision scope that will be able to withstand your tactical purposes, therefore it is good to ensure that it is built from wear-resistant materials. Aluminum or titanium for the scope’s body is considered the best materials nowadays as they are so sturdy.

A night vision scope purged with nitrogen is also great as it prevents internal fog. Your whole scope should be resistant to water, dust as well as fog. It will be even better if you get a weatherproof scope although, the best optics are those built entirely out of the glass with multiple layers of coatings.

7. Features and Specifications

Make sure that you get appropriate dimensions for your purposes. The bigger the magnification, the further away from your target you can shoot. Nevertheless, your field of view will decline considerably with a higher magnification. Most gen 3 night vision devices allow a good distance of a few hundred yards, unlike the gen 1 devices with which one hundred yards is considered good enough. Also, consider the lens diameter. The larger the diameter, the more light it allows to pass through the lens allowing you to receive a brighter image.

8. Resolution

The higher the resolution, the better you will see your target. This is, however, courtesy of a reliable image intensifier tube. Although the image might be black and white in the dark, a higher resolution allows you to precisely see the details of your target even at a satisfactory distance.

9. Battery type and life

Modern night vision scopes will frequently just run a number of AA’s, as long as you use good quality batteries they should last for several hours relying on the type and model. Be aware though that modular IR illuminator frequently needs more specialist batteries and will eat through them faster, therefore, select them wisely and consider opting for rechargeable batteries.  Whatever batteries it takes, if you choose a quality product it will work and carrying with you a few spare batteries is always reasonable even if your scope is marked as having a multi-day battery life.

FAQs

• Can I use a night vision scope during the day?

This will depend on your scopes technology. You can certainly use a digital night vision scope during the day. They operate very well and will frequently have full color and great resolution, making them work pretty much like a good quality rifle scope. On the other hand, you cannot use a traditional night vision rifle scope during the daytime. Some can be damaged by sunlight. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using them in bright light.

• What is a night vision scope?

When we say night vision, what we are actually talking about s light amplification devices. A night vision scope is simply a device that is mounted on a rifle that enables you to amplify any ambient light or use infra-red light to see your target at a distance. The more reflective the target is to that light, the brighter it will appear.

• How does a night vision scope work?

The digital night vision scopes use infra-red light instead of the light our eyes see which it picks u and convert it to a visual image. Digital night vision scopes can also be used during the daytime, unlike the traditional night vision scopes.

Traditional night vision scopes operate by using a light sensor and a phosphor screen. Instead of infra-red light, it requires some light from the visual spectrum, though it requires very minimal. Light in the form of protons enter the scope and impact a detection screen and are converted into electrons. These electrons are the multiplied as they pass through a scope and are fired into a phosphor screen that glows from the impacts.

• How long does a night vision scope last?

Night vision scopes tend to burn out with time. However, this isn’t the case with the digital night vision scopes. They can last for decades or a lifetime if given proper care. What you might need is an upgrade due to technology advancement. Traditional night vision scopes are the scopes known to burn out.

• How do I mount a night vision scope?

Most digital night vision scopes are large and bulky and cannot possibly mount with the normal mounting hardware used for scopes. They will mainly have their own integrated mounting solution. Most are mounted with the Allen screws to any usual Picatinny or weaver rail simply with no need of using adapters.

Some traditional night vision scopes will use a standard scope ring. You will mount them just as you would a regular scope on whatever bases or mounts you have. Always ensure that you have properly sized rings and that they are not over tightened.

• Are Gen 3 night vision scopes worth buying?

Yes, they are. Gen 3 night vision scopes are the absolute best as they provide incredible performance at an affordable price. They have a resolution and clarity which is extremely high therefore producing quality images. Some gen 3 military-grade night vision devices can even operate without an illuminator because the ambient light is sufficient.

• What is the difference between the night vision generations?

This is a very important question when you need to deeply understand the best gen 3 night vision scopes and how they work.

Gen 1.

Gen 1 devices get you some night time ability which is better than no night vision. It is old and dates back from the 1960s. It is fine for various applications but has various limitations that include; the maximum useful range is around 75 yards, low-resolution images, inability to operate passively and shorter battery life.

Gen 2.

Gen 2 is a huge improvement from gen 1 devices. A good gen 2 device is a lot closer to gen 3 performance than it is to gen 1 performance. The major improvements over gen 1 include; longer battery life, better resolution hence cleaner and better images, ability to operate passively, longer useful range of about 200 yards and 3 times longer life expectancy than gen 1. If you are able to make a step up to gen 2, it is certainly worth it.

Gen 3.

Generation 3 is the real deal.it is the kind of night vision you can wear all night.  Gen 3 devices usually have a wider depth of field, requiring less manual adjustment between close and far images.  These devices allow the user to choose between manual gain and automatic gain. The manual game allows the brightness of the image to be adjusted relying on ambient light available. They offer excellent performance at a budget. An autogated tube option gives you state-of-the-art capability. With proper care, it will really last a long time.

• What is the difference between night vison and thermal imaging?

Night vision operates on the principle of light amplification. Thermal imaging, on the other hand, is a technology that creates a photographic image or video sequence of light emitted by an object at terrestrial temperatures.

• How far can my night vision scope see?

This will depend on the model you are going to use. Generally, the expensive models can see farther into the night.

Advantages of  Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes

1. Longlife

With proper care when using it or when storing it, gen 3 night vision scope will last an extremely long time.

2. Versatility

Gen 3 night vision scope offers the best versatility because of its better performance when using with magnification lenses, scopes, camera adapters, and other night vision accessories.

3. Long-range

Depending on the model and conditions, gen 3 night vision scope can be used to see with clarity long ranges up to 300 yards and above.

4. Best resolution

Gen 3night vision scopes offer the best resolution therefore, producing the cleanest and brightest images.

5. Durability Longest life expectancy of ten thousand plus hours and best reliability.
6. Passive Operation Greater ability for completely passive operation. It is able to operate without the use of infra-red illumination.

Disadvantages

3. Traditional night vision scopes tend to be worthless during the day since they can’t be exposed to sunlight or they will burn out.
4. Digital gen 3-night vision scopes come at a very high cost compared to the other generations. As a result, they are normally reserved for demanding naturalists, police, researchers, etc.
5. Fog, smoke, and dust tend to obscure the image.

Conclusion

Gen 3 night vision scopes are an incredible advancement in technology available to hunters, military, sportsmen among others. They offer incredible benefits that weren’t there in past years.

In this guide, you will find some of the best gen 3 night vision scopes in terms of quality, features and for those on a budget, find some of the cheapest products that anyone in need of a night vision scope can easily afford. This is your best Guide for the Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes on the Market.

See Also

• 7 Best Binoculars for Coyote Hunting Day or Night Vision
• 6 Best Day and Night Vision Scopes
• 8 Best Night Vision Scopes for Hog Hunting /Pig Hunting
• 7 Best Night Vision Goggles for Hunting
• 7 Best Night Vision Scopes for Coyote Hunting
• 6 Best Night Vision Scopes for Rats