If you are on the hunt for the best night vision scope under $500, you have come to the right place. In this review, we look at affordable night vision scopes ideal for hunting and tactical applications.
Over the years, night vision scopes have become quite widespread. Unlike in the past when these high-end scopes were preserved for the military, today they have become more and more accessible to the average hunters and shooters looking to take up the challenge of shooting at night.
With modern technological advancements taking place in the optics industry, night vision scopes are now more affordable than ever. You don’t have to break the bank to get a quality unit.
Best Night Vision Scope Under $500-Our Top Picks
1) Night Owl Optics NightShot 3x NV Rifle Scope
Night Owl Optics makes quality and top-performing scopes and the NightShot 3x NV Rifle Scope is no different.
This rifle scope offers the best low-cost solution for your night vision sighting needs.
The scope features a fixed 3x magnification for bringing distant subjects close and a high resolution 640x 480 display which provides clear image views.
The built-in IR illuminator broadens your vision in typical nighttime environments.
With an IR illuminator on, the scope provides an effective detection range of about 100 yards regardless of the light setting.
When it comes to construction, the NightShot 3x NV Rifle Scope is designed to stand the recoil of .30 rifle calibers and lower non-magnums.
It is shockproof for added durability and weatherproof for reliable performance in any weather condition. It also brings to the table 3 black and white reticles for easy aiming and greater accuracy.
This night vision scope can also be used for training, airsoft, paintball, PCP air guns, and more.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 x
- Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny, Weaver
- Parallax: 10 yds to infinity
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Eye Relief: 2.7 in
- Reticle: 3 each in black and white
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Illumination Type: LED
- Night Vision Generation: Digital
- Battery Life: Approximately 3 hours
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 14.75 x 5.25 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.3 lb
Pros
- 100-yard maximum effective range
- Multi-use-Paintball, hunting, varmint hunting, airsoft, and hog hunting
- Built-in IR illuminator
- 3 black and white reticles
- Weaver and Picatinny mounting
- Weatherproof construction
- Shockproof and recoil resistant
- High resolution,640x 480 display
- Lightweight and portable
- Daytime operations will not damage the scope
Cons
- Battery life could be better
2) SightMark Wraith HD 2-16×28 Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
The SightMark Wraith HD 2-16×28 comes in a compact and lightweight package, but it is highly powerful. It comes packed with virtually every feature that you need to take your hunting skills to the next big level.
As a mid-range night vision scope, it boasts a versatile 2x to 16x magnification ideal for engaging targets at different ranges.
With the low 2x magnification, the scope provides the much-needed wider field of view which helps in easy target identification.
Moreover, the scope comes with 10 reticle patterns in 9 color options so you can customize your whole shooting experience.
Another good thing about the scope is that it’s built for rough hunting conditions.
It boasts a durable aluminum body that is shockproof, impact and recoil resistant, and water resistant for all-weather reliability.
Other features found in this night vision scope are 5 weapon profiles, built-in HD video recording, an 850nm IR illuminator, and an ultra-sensitive night vision sensor.
Specifications
- Magnification: 2 – 16 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
- Tube Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle: 10 Pattern
- Illumination Type: LED
- Night Vision Generation: Digital
- Eye Relief: 2.4 in
- Exit Pupil: 28 mm
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Range of Detection: 200 yds
- Battery Life: 2 hours
Pros
- Wide field of view
- 200-yard detection range
- Sightmark 3-Year Warranty
- Durable aluminum housing
- IP55 water resistance
- Built-in 1080p HD video recording
- Lightweight design
- 2-16x adjustable magnification
- 850nm IR illuminator
- Day/night mode
- High-definition sensor
- 5 weapon profiles
- 10 reticle options in 9 colors
Cons
- Memory card not included for video recording
3) SightMark Wraith HD 4-32x50mm Digital Rifle Scope
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What is a night vision scope?
A night vision scope is a device that improves your vision at night so you can aim at your target easily and more accurately. When hunting a night vision scope will broaden you vision, increase your situation awareness and help you see your prey clearly while remaining hidden.
How does the night vision scope work?
Night vision scopes use optoelectronic image enhancement which works by gathering the smallest amounts of lights and amplifying that light into the black and white or classic green image that you see on your scope.
Even on cloudy and moonless nights, the scope will use infrared light and give you clear views of your objects.
Why do you need a night vision scope?
Investing in a quality night vision scope will help improve your odds of accurate target acquisition. Even on the darkest nights, a top-performing night vision scope will give you clear views of your target so you can plan your shot.
A night vision scope can also protect you from dangerous animals. It is hard to see objects clearly at night with your naked eyes. With a night vision scope, you will be able to see every object and stay away from danger.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Night Vision Scope under $500
When you are in the market for the best night vision scope under $500, look out for these key factors to ensure that you get what you really need.
Image Quality and Clarity
The quality and clarity of images a night vision scope provides can make or break your hunting expedition. Some night vision scopes provide low-quality images so it becomes difficult to know where to place a shot. To avoid this, get a scope that has high-quality optics and high resolution. It will provide crisp and clear sight pictures even in the poorest light settings.
Range
Night vision scopes have a smaller range compared with regular scopes. Make sure that you look for a scope whose effective range meets your hunting range. Most night vision scopes under $500 have an effective detection range of 100 yards to 200 yards which is sufficient for most hunters.
Durability
Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing a night vision scope. A scope that is durably made will give you many years of field performance which translates to high reliability and great value for money. Try to look for scopes that are made with high-quality materials preferably aluminum. Additionally, the scope you get should be shockproof to stand rough outdoor handling and recoil resistant. It is also wise to get a scope that has a weatherproof construction.
Weight
A scope’s weight will determine how easy it will be to use and carry in the field. Lightweight scopes are easy to mount, detach and use. They are easier to carry around from place to place and they won’t interfere with the accuracy of your rifle. Thus, look for a lightweight scope so you will get the most out of your outdoor expedition.
Battery Type and Life
Another thing you should consider is the type of battery the scope uses. It should be powerful enough to last as long as your hunting trip. The last thing you would want is a scope that shuts down in the middle of your hunting expedition. Also, make sure that the battery type is easy to source when you need a replacement.
Care and Maintenance
While night vision scopes are generally durable, they can succumb to wear and tear if you don’t take good care of them. Here is what you should do to make them last longer.
- Do not use the scope during the day if it doesn’t have dual functionality. Otherwise, you might damage it if it is exposed to bright light.
- Remove the batteries when you are not using the scope.
- Handle the scope with great care. Be careful not to drop or bump it on hard surfaces.
- Lubricate the threads and O-rings regularly. This will help them retain the water resistance integrity and reduce wear and tear.
- During storage, make sure that you keep the scope as dry as possible.
Conclusion
We hope that you have found all the information that you need to make the correct buying decision. Knowing what features you need in a night vision scope can help make the buying process less daunting and time-consuming.
Use this guide and get the scope that works best for your needs and budget.
Read Also
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