Whether you are a professional hunter or you hunt for recreational purposes, you will need the best night vision scope and the right tools to get satisfying results on your hunting trips.

Along with the right kind of rifle you also need a well designed night vision scope if you wish to go hunting at night.

Night vision scopes come with many features that make them amazing additions to your weapon and with the right kind of night vision scope you can improve your chances of hitting your target even during the night or under poor lighting conditions.

If you are planning to go coyote hunting anytime soon then you should definitely get a night vision scope so you will not only be limited to hunting during the day.

To help you get started we have included a list of the best 10 scopes you can order today and also included as much information as possible on the topic of night vision scopes to give you all the details you need to choose the right model for your hunting.

Be sure to read till the end of the post to know everything there is to know about this highly effective device.

10 Best Night Vision Scopes Reviewed

In this section, we reviewed 10 best of best night vision scopes for you, what are those? Let’s see the list:

1.   Vortex Optics Crossfire II.
2.   ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope.
3.   ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14x Digital Smart Day/Night Riflescope.
4.   Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope with IR illuminator. 
5.   Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope.
6.   Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC 1in Waterproof Matte 
      Riflescope.
7.   Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope.
8.   Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope.
9.   Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective Riflescope.
10. UUQ 4-16×50 Tactical Rifle Scope.

Before you read out our 10 best night vision scopes review, you can see a comparison table at a glance.

Let’s Have a Look!

Product name	Image	Range and Size	Magnifiacation	Price
Vortex Optics Crossfire II		100 yds, 1 inch Tube	4-12x	Check Price
ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope		100 yds, 1.5 sight height.	5-20	Check Price
ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14x Digital Smart Day/Night Riflescope		100 yds, 1.5 sight height.	3-14	Check Price
Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope		100-200 yds,	3x	Check Price
Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope, Matte Black		1 inch tube	3-9x	Check Price
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC 1in Waterproof Matte Riflescope		100 yds, 1/4 inch tube	3-9x	Check Price
Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes		100 yds,1 inch tube	4-12	Check Price
Nikon Buckmasters II, 4-12x40mm, BDC, Riflescope		100 yds, 1/4 inch	4-12	Check Price
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective		1 inch tube	4-12	Check Price
UUQ 4-16x50 Tactical Rifle Scope		100 yds	4-16	Check Price

Vortex Optics Crossfire II

The Crossfire II by Vortex Optics comes with a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is perfect for hunting game as it offers reliable performance even when the situation gets tricky and you are unable to correctly guess the holdover.

This rifle scope is designed to provide hunters with the accuracy required when targeting moving game such as coyote and deer while ensuring quick and easy focusing.

We also have a detailed review on Vortex Optics Crossfire II in case if you want to check that out.

The long eye relief allows you to sight your target and fire exactly on point so you can get the perfect shot in before your target moves.

As soon as you sight in you can reset the MOA settings to zero with simple movements of your finger on the capped turrets. You can easily train your mind to remember the clicks and adjust your tool in a matter of seconds.

Picture quality is great with the multi-coated lenses where glare is reduced and image clarity is increased but keep in mind that enlarged images will not be as sharp.

The single tube is made from aircraft grade shockproof aluminum that is also sealed for a waterproof and fog-proof presentation so you can use the scope through any weather conditions.

With variable magnification (4-12x) and a field view of 24.7-8.4 feet per 100 yards, the Cross II is ideal for medium range shots where you can enjoy using this tool for both tactical and hunting purposes.

Pros:

• Variable magnification
• Weatherproofed
• Multi-coated lenses
• Resettable MOA turrets

Cons:

• Images may start to lose clarity with higher magnification setting (+7X)
• Some customers mentioned that the scope would not hold a zero

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ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope

If you are looking for an all-around rifle scope which you can use during the day and at night then check out the X-Sight II by ATN.

This cool looking scope offers images in HD 24 hours around the clock so it doesn’t matter whether you are out hunting in broad daylight or roaming around the forest at night- you will enjoy the same performance throughout.

With so many features and functions on this scope, you would expect it to carry a hefty price tag but surprisingly it only costs around $600.

If you want to share your hunting experiences with your loved ones or use them for future reference you can easily do so with the Recoil Activated Video system incorporated in the scope that capture all your experiences in 1080p high definition.

To ensure that you travel light this versatile tool also comes with a rangefinder that you can use to calculate the distance of your target so you can aim for the best shot.

Another feature that will make things easier for you is the ballistic calculator that only requires an input of environmental information from your part for it to make all necessary calculations so that you have a higher chance of hitting your target.

For maximum magnification without losing the quality of the images the E-Zoom technology performs exceptionally well.  Magnification ranges from 5- 20 so you can adjust and set it according to the distance you want to shoot at.

Pros:

·         Includes an IR Illuminator

·         Day/Night mode enabled

·         Records videos and captures images in 1080p

·         Comes with a Ballistic Calculator and Rangefinder

·         Easy control with the ATN X-Trac Remote

Cons:

·         Some models showed faults in video recording

·         Concerns over the tool holding a zero

·         Customer service is not too great

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ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14x Digital Smart Day/Night Riflescope

Our next scope is another version of the X-Sight II by ATN.

This is also a digital riflescope which you can use both during the day and at night while recording everything moment with the built-in video recorder.

For nighttime hunting, the night vision technology provides clear images in green, black and white so you can identify your target and hit it exactly where you want to.

According to some users, the still photography quality on this scope is really good where you get crisp and bright images but the video quality somewhat drops with higher settings of magnification.

Moreover, the Recoil Activated Video (RAV) works just about okay with a few concerns over the activation time not always being accurate.

You can connect your device to the WiFi to share files although the system may not always run smooth.

Note that the device runs on a battery so the life of the battery will depend greatly on how many features you have running and how often you use them.

When it comes to zooming in on an object or target far away you can enlarge images within a range of 3-14 x magnification which allows you to fire from a distance when you have to.

Features like a built-in range finder, a ballistic calculator and day/night mode all work together to ensure that you successfully hit your game animal and enjoy your hunting experience in all lighting conditions.

Pros:

·         Effective for day and night time hunting

·         High-quality image capturing and video recording

·         Built-in Range finder, IR illuminator, and Ballistic Calculator

·         Variable magnification

Cons:

·         Might not be fully resistant to all kinds of weather

·         Battery drains fast with multiple features running

·         No windage or elevation settings- users need to use the auto calibration feature to zero the scope

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Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope with IR illuminator

The NightShot is designed particularly for night time activities such as hunting and surveillance but can also be used in daylight.

 With high-quality night vision technology and 3x magnification power, hunters can use this scope with their shotgun, crossbow, paintball, Airsoft and any rifle below 30 caliber bullet or 30 caliber non-magnum bullet.

The 640×480 (VGA) high-resolution display offers clear images at a range of 100-200 yards on most nights with sufficient ambient light. The range will increase or decrease depending on the natural lighting conditions.

You can also choose your reticle type to suit varies shooting environments and also activate the LED IR to illuminate the surroundings for better viewing.

For easy zeroing, there is the adjustable windage and elevation system where one click equals ¼ inch at 50 yards. With accurate measurements, you can easily adjust and aim for accurate shots at any distance.

The battery life will vary according to usage but you can expect a running time of anywhere between 2 to 5 hours with the IR activated. Average battery life is approx 3 hours.

Pros:

·         Built-in infrared illuminator for the darkest nights

·         Variable range depending on available light

·         Weatherproof

·         High tech night vision

·         Easy to zero

·         3x magnification

Cons:

·         IR kills the battery life

·         The scope must be removed to replace batteries

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Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope

Leupold is a well-known brand and their scopes consist of high-grade components that all come together to provide users with an outstanding performance at shooters and hunters can count on.

The VX-1 is one of their best selling scopes and for all the right reasons too. The main tube feels light to hold but is made sturdy using aircraft grade aluminum alloy which makes the scope super durable and also resistant to scratches.

Just like all Leupold scopes, the VX-1’s weatherproof construction makes it ideal for all environmental conditions.

With multi-coated 40mm optical lenses and a 3:1 zoom ratio the scope offers adequate clarity and a wide range to shoot from. You can easily adjust the settings to match on spot situations to increase your chances of hitting your target successfully.

With ¼ MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation, you will get accurate measurements every time you aim for a target no matter at what distance you position your weapon from.

The 30mm main tube makes room for all the features that are smartly located for quick and easy access.

If its versatility and top-notch performance you are seeking then this durable and ultra modern styled rifle scope should fit right into the criteria.

Pros:

·         Delivers bright images even in low light conditions

·         3-9x magnification

·         Waterproof Casing

·         Multiple aiming points

·         Versatile and durable construction

Cons:

·         Clarity level of the images may change at different ranges

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Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC 1in Waterproof Matte Riflescope

While many riflescopes on the market are designed for hunting but not many are made to specifically meet the requirements of deer hunters. If you are into buck hunting then you will most definitely love the Buckmasters II by Nikon.

Equipped with some of the highest quality components and made with durable materials, the Buckmasters II is one of the most popular riflescopes among deer hunters.

All the parts are proudly made by Nikon so the scope’s construction is carefully thought of, bringing to you a compact single piece that is made to last.

Even at far ranges, you can hold ‘dead-on’ with the help of the BDC reticle that is designed with see-through ballistic circles. This works equally well for long range shooting as well as for shorter range target aiming.

Each click turns ¼ inch at 100 yards and with the positive-click reticle you can zero your tool faster and maintain your preferred setting.

Vibrant and sharp image viewing is made possible with several layers of anti-glare coating on the lenses. This results in clear viewing in every lighting condition, even when zooming to the maximum range of 9x.

This well-made scope is also weatherproofed and protected against shock so you can enjoy an undisputed over-all perform during all your hunting trips.

Pros:

·         Clear and crisp picture quality

·         Multiple coated lenses

·         Original BDC reticle made by Nikon

·         Weatherproofed

·         Good eye relief

·         Long distance accuracy

Cons:

·         Some customers felt that compared to other Nikon scopes this model has minimum adjustable features.

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Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope

The Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope is idyllic for activities ranging from big game hunting to long-distance shooting.

You can hunt for the game over a range of lengths as it is equipped with a Dead-Hold BDC reticle which makes estimating hold-over no longer an issue.

Side by side, the reticle can be focused in an instant due to the addition of the fast focus eyepiece.

Zero reset right after sight-in is made possible by the metal on metal precision turrets while exact tracking is ensured by a precision glide erector.

You are sure to get crystal lucid, vivid images at any time of the day as the lenses are fully multi-coated.

Furthermore, this scope is very durable and is also shock-resistant as it is a solid one-piece tube that has been given an anodized finish, this also gives the scope a more camouflaged look so that the device blends in well with the surroundings.

It comes with the lifelong assurance of fog-proof and waterproof presentation to allow you to use the scope in all weather conditions.

Pros:

·         BDC reticle is useful for up to 500+ yards.

·         Durable construction

·         Turrets do not need extra equipment such as a screwdriver or other tools to be adjusted

·         High-quality lens and clear images

Cons:

·         Eye relief turned out to be not so great for some users

·         Manufacturing errors in some cases led to faulty scopes being delivered to customers

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Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope

The Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope is a shockproof, waterproof and fog proof scope which makes it suitable for use in any weather conditions and also reduces its likelihood of becoming damaged under pressure or due to rough usage.

It has lenses that are completely multicoated for maximum transmission of light at any brightness level. They will provide you with a high-resolution image of your target regardless of your location and its environmental conditions.

The magnification range of this scope is vast which means that you can use it to hunt and shoot in places of your choice, whether it’s in a dense forest or if it’s out in the open, without having to worry about losing your target or missing shots.

These scopes have a patented BDC reticle which augments your aim and presents you with the very best in precision shooting, also taking out guesswork from the process.

Pros:

·         Glass is clear and glare-free- resulting in sharp images

·         Effective BDC

·         Unswerving eye relief and remarkable brightness in viewing

·         Lightweight

·         Affordably priced

Cons:

·         Turrets were defective in a few purchases.

·         Elevation adjustment was defective for a few buyers.

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Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective Riflescope

With adjustable objective lenses that measure 50mm and come with a magnification power of 4-12x, you can rely on this scope for any range of shooting.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II is fully equipped with configurations and features that make it ideal for game hunting.

With long eye relief and a fast focus eyepiece, you can aim and hit your target at first attempt. This is further ensured with the incorporation of the Dead-Hold BDC MOA Reticle.

You no longer have to guess or rely on other sources to estimate holdover because the reticle is designed with customized hash marks that do the job accurately for you.

With a second focal plane reticle that maintains visual size during magnification, you get the same appearance no matter how close or far the image is zoomed.

To guarantee long life and sturdy construction the single piece tube is made using only the highest grade aluminum that is also sealed for waterproof performance.

Pros:

·         Easy to adjust turrets

·         Durable material

·         Adjustable objective lenses

·         Dead-Hole BDC MOA Reticle

·         Shockproof, waterproof and fog proof

Cons:

·         Some users were not too impressed with the eye relief

·         Images may be blurry at certain ranges

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UUQ 4-16×50 Tactical Rifle Scope 

The UUQ 4-16 Tactical Rifle Scope has a built-in rail of diameter 22mm which enables you to mount it to any gun that has a rail of 22mm and 11mm, without any trouble.

This scope has fingertip turrets and a ¼ MOA audible click-stop which helps you to be sure whether your scope has been locked into place or not.

You can easily adjust this scope in accordance to your comfort and hunt in almost any time of the day as it has 5 levels of brightness that one can choose from in its range finding reticle.

This scope comes with a green laser that is detachable, meaning that you can use it only if you want to. The laser is very precise and it helps you to aim at your target more accurately, thus increasing your possibilities of getting a perfect shot almost every time.

The lens of this scope has an aperture with a diameter of 33mm, which makes it apt for usual shooting as well as aiming at a moving target. Although the scope has 4x-16x modifiable magnification and distance, you can aim at a target effectively only up to 100 yards.

Pros:

·         Setting it up is fairly easy and can be fitted on to any gun with mentioned
diameter.

·         Optional green laser included in the set. A green laser beam is easy to notice even in broad daylight.

·         Adjustable brightness

·         Waterproof.

·         Shockproof.

Cons:

·         The red laser seems to have not worked well for some customers.

·         Some users reported that the red dot sight moved from the target even after
adjustments.

·         Image clarity could be better.

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Benefits of a Night Vision Scope for Coyote Hunting

Night vision scopes are popular for both hunting in the dark and as a survival tool. The benefits of this rifle accessory are so many that it could actually be a necessity and not just an extra item which you add to your weapon.

Below we will discuss just a few of those benefits so you can get an idea of how the product could be an advantage for you.

Fewer chances of missed shots

This is obvious and probably the reason why you should get a night vision scope when hunting coyotes.  If vision clarity in the dark wasn’t an issue then most of the hunting would take place at night because that is when most animals make a presence. Your night vision scope will allow you to see clearly and aim accurately so you will have a better chance at hitting your target.

Wide range

All night vision scopes come with magnifying power that brings the object to close view-thus making your target seem nearer. You can easily take a shot at your prey even when it is yards away.

Be prepared at all times

Don’t let poor lighting or distance put a halt to your hunting pleasure because with a night vision scope you will have the advantage of both clear images and a good range to shoot from whenever you come across a potential target.

Build confidence

When you score every time you aim and hit your target you start to build confidence and get even better with every shot. A night vision scope can help you hunt in the dark just as well as you would in broad daylight.

Protection

If you want to remain the hunter and not become the prey then you need to stay alert and protected at all times. During the day you can see around you and know when danger is near but at night it can be very risky to move about without the proper tools. With the help of night vision scopes, you can keep a check on your surroundings and even shoot directly at any approaching threat. CSO tells us a lot about the threat hunting.

How to Choose a Night Vision Scope

1. Generation

Through the years night vision scopes have been designed and developed to meet the user’s needs and they have been categorized under ‘generations’ to cater for different fields of use.

Currently, Night Vision Scopes can be found in 4 generations but not all of them are available to the general public or civilians.

Let us take a look at the generations below:

a)     Generation 1

The most affordable kind and widely used by civilians. Gen 1 night vision scopes are designed to multiply ambient light in the surrounding to give you clear images in poor lighting conditions. Available ambient light (natural light collected from the moon and stars) determine how much range one would get from these scopes but the most average range would be around 75 yards. The life expectancy of Gen 1 Night Vision Scopes is approx 1,500 hours.

b)     Generation 2

These scopes are much more reliable than Gen 1 night vision scopes- thanks to the more advanced technology used in the making. With the help of micro-electronics, the device shows images that are more distinct and clear even when there is minimum ambient light. The average sight range of 200 yards and longer life expectancy of 4000-4,500 hours is another improvement made on this generation.

c)      Generation 3

Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes are not available to civilians and are issued only to the military and special forces. They have the ability to produce amazing images with high resolution and are perfect for long range shooting. The average sight range is 300 yards, the best so far among all night vision scope generations. Life expectancy is approx 10,000 hours and performance is enhanced all over.

d)     Generation 4

The latest and most advanced generation is basically an enhanced version of all the previous generations combined. It is restricted by the military so not much is known about it except that its performance is exceptional.

2. Clarity

Clear and vivid images are possible only with high-resolution pictures and that is something you must look for in your night vision scope.

The main difference between night goggles and night vision scopes is that the first item only helps you see better in the dark while the latter helps you see better and also allows you to aim and hit your target from a distance.

You can tell if the picture you will see through the night vision scope’s lens will be clear or not by the resolution provided. Resolution is measured by lines per millimeter and the greater the number of lines the higher quality of the image you will be looking at.

The lenses on the night vision scope are greatly responsible for the image quality so if you want crisp and bright images then see that the lenses are not cheaply made.

Poor quality lenses will result in blurry pictures and reduce your chances of aiming right.

3. Durability

You could be spending anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on your Night Vision Scope so if you want the money to be well spent then you need to make sure that the product is long lasting.

Durability must be measured from all angles but the most important areas to look at are the sturdiness of the scope tube, the materials used in the construction, the quality of the lenses and of course its ability to resist weather conditions.

The tube should not feel flimsy, it should be able to withstand recoil and the outer shell should not be prone to scratches. You can easily tell how well a scope is made from the materials used.

You don’t necessarily have to go for a heavy scope although the weight is usually an indication that the lenses or other components are heavyweight which could mean that they are made from durable resources.

The glass optics (lenses) is the most important parts of the scope and also the most delicate. However, high-grade lenses will be less prone to damage-thus delivering better quality images for longer.

How your night vision scope deals with harsh weather conditions will depend on its weather resisting capability. Our next point explains what you need to look for in the scope to ensure that it withstands all kinds of environmental changes.

4. Water-proof/Fog Proof

NV scopes have little electronic tubes so they should not be exposed to water and be kept dry at all times. But then again we have no control over whether or the conditions outdoors.

Luckily most night vision scopes are made waterproof nowadays so that even if you get caught in the rain or accidentally drop your weapon in a puddle it does not mean the end of things for you.

The makers of rifle scopes use a system to seal the tubes by first sucking out all air and moisture from within and then adding gas before sealing the ends. The gas inside creates a pressure that prevents external elements like air and water from entering the tubes.

This process not only keeps water out but also reduces the chances of fog build-up that could blur the images or cause damage to the inside mechanism of the scope.

5. Magnification

No matter what brand or type of scope you buy, it will have some level of magnifying power on it because expanding an object or the target in view is one of the main jobs of any rifle scope.

But the range varies from model to model and can be adjustable or fixed power.

If your night vision scope comes with variable power then you have the option to increase or reduce the level of magnification according to your comfort and also the distance between you and your target.

This can be great for coyote hunting and moving game as it will allow you to aim from any distance. But variable power also requires some adjusting and changes that need to be made every now and then.

Having fixed power means that that you will not have to go through any complicated adjustments and can be ready to shoot anytime you find your prey on spot.

However, this kind also has its drawbacks because a fixed power means that you will have to aim from a particular distance every time if you want to get an accurate shot. If you have time to move to the perfect distance every time you fire then fixed magnification range will be ideal for you.

6. Field of View

Most night vision scopes have a set distance of 100 yards but the field of view may vary on each model.

To determine the field of view on a scope you must look at a target 100 yards away through your scope and check out how much area surrounding the target is visible to you.

If you have a clear view of 30 feet wide at 100 yards distance then it means that your night vision scope has a field view of 30 feet per 100 yards. But this range changes with high settings of magnifying where the field of view gets smaller with increased zooming in.

7. Recognition Range

The range of sight can be tricky on night vision scopes because of how these scopes work.

Regular day time rifle scopes have a great range because they don’t really have to rely on ambient light to bring you clear images through the lenses so the range is hardly affected but in night vision scopes the range will depend and vary according to the amount of light collected from the surroundings.

You will get a higher recognition range on a full moon night from the same night vision scope that will deliver a lower range on darker nights.

If you are lucky then your chosen night vision scope should come with a chart with information on how much range you will get on certain lighting conditions. That should tell you what to expect on particular nights.

8. Infrared Illuminators

Built-in infrared illuminators (IR) are perfect for really dark nights when the scope doesn’t have much ambient light to work with.

Infrared illuminators work like spotlights but are more convenient if they are built-in your night vision scope. The range isn’t always great and is best for short distance targets but it is still a good option to have when hunting for coyotes or other game at night.

Type of Night Vision Devices for Hunting

There are many night vision devices you can choose from that will help you hunt in the dark but some are better suited for the job than others.

We have picked 3 of the most popular devices that hunters carry with them and explained them below so you can tell their differences and also compare to see which one you think will be right for your hunting trips.

1. Night Vision Goggles

You have probably seen heroes on films or video games with night vision goggles strapped on their heads. These cool looking devices are great for night time hunting or any activity that require clear sighting even in darkness.

While night vision goggles are mostly used by the military or armed forces they are also used by hunters that are active at night.

However, night vision goggles are not particularly designed for hunting so they do not provide much detail on long distance targets. They do come with 1x magnification which make them excellent tools to have nearby when keeping an eye on the surrounding area but they do not do much for aiming or shooting your prey down.

2. Night Vision Binoculars

These tools are great for long distance observations but not at all ideal for close range hunting. With high magnification power and a narrow field of view, night vision binoculars are the perfect devices for checking out targets or an area that is far away.

They can be used in hunting but only has equipment for long distance observation.

3. Night Vision Rifle Scopes

The most common nighttime device for hunting purposes has to be the night vision scope because it is designed especially for nighttime visibility and aiming. With features such as crosshairs markings, magnification, range and a decent field of view, these tools make night time hunting easier and safer.

 Best Night Vision Scope for Deer and Coyote Hunting

With so many different models of Night Vision Scopes in the market it is not easy to pick one but when it comes to hunting for deer and coyote then there are some factors that make some models better than the rest.

By ticking on some points you can now easily find the best night vision scope for the job.

·         Rifle mounting 

If your night vision scope can be mounted on your hunting rifle when it comes in super handy and with convenience for the user. You can look through the scope and aim more accurately with this kind of placement.

·         Water resistant

Having a water resistant frame enables you to confidently move about at night without having to worry about damage caused by a sudden rainfall or moisture in the air.

·         High magnification

A good range in magnification allows hunters to chase and hit their target from a distance. Make sure that the image does not blur with a high level of magnification because many models of night vision scopes fail to keep the quality of the images high on maximum magnification.

·         Battery life

Longer battery life will mean longer hours of hunting and better chances of scoring

·         Video Output

You can record special moments with some night vision scopes that enable video recording. If you want to capture a moment and share it with your loved ones later or use it for other reasons then you can so with the help on this feature.

·         Adjustable features

Having adjustable features that allow you to fix ranges can be an advantage in hunting because you will be able to set your equipment to adapt to various situations and conditions according to the environment and target of choice.

All the night vision scopes we reviewed in this post fit perfectly well in the criteria for deer and coyote hunting because they have the right features and the ideal construction for the purpose.

Difference between Thermal and Night Vision Scopes

Let us start with how Night Vision Scopes work

Night vision scopes collect light from whatever source that is available- mostly from the moon and stars and turn the light into electricity. This is further made stronger and expanded to convert into an intensified light that you end up seeing in the form of an image.

The work takes place in the vacuum tube of the scope where the first entry of the collected light passes through the objective lens and travels inside to reach the photocathode.  The light when entering through the lens are photons but the photocathode converts them to electrons.

The electrons then multiply while passing through the microchannel plate before they are converted back to light that creates the images for the viewer to see.

The image resolution is produced in the microchannel where all the complex technology takes place and this varies according to the generation technology of the Night Vision Scope in question.

How are Thermal Images formed?

Thermal scopes release infrared energy that cannot be detected by the naked eye.

It all begins with the optic lenses but the processing mainly starts with the Infrared detector elements that are activated on a certain area where the temperature readings are collected.

This is done to create a report on the heat pattern (Thermogram) that is further converted to electronic impulses.

The electronic impulses then go through a signal processing unit that sends the information to the display for viewing.

A lot takes place from the start of the process to the end which requires a lot of details but to simplify things let us just say that in the end, you get to view images even in the darkest of surroundings.

So when we compare the two technologies we can see that even though night vision scopes require ambient light to produce pictures, the image you see is noticeably detailed and the target is easy to identify whereas with thermal imaging the scope can detect game but cannot deliver images with facial outlines or detailed features.

How to Zero Night Vision Scope

For every hunter or shooter, doesn’t matter if you are a pro at it or you’re simply just a learner, one word you will hear of at some point is “zeroing”. What is it really to zero a scope? To zero a scope is to align your rifle scope or the main optic with the barrel of it so that you find the crosshairs matched with where the rifle bullet will land or fall.

If you’re a newbie you’ll now want to know how to zero your night vision scope. And that’s what we’re here for! It’s pretty easy and simple so read on to learn the steps.

Find a range

This is essential because you will be required to be at a place you are familiar with and one that has the required equipment at. Since a range will have the proper targets meant for zero, it’ll be much easier and faster for you to learn.

Get a bipod

A bipod, also known as a “rest” is something you can fix your rifle onto. This will hold it into place so you can put in your scope onto the rifle and shoot without any human errors such as shaking.

Know your scope

One the side and top of your scope you’ll find an adjustment dial that moves from left to right. The dial should be labeled as MOA (Minute of Angle), or as “1 click= ¼ at 100 yards”, and so on. This determines the distance of the crosshairs from the target. Hence, 1 click means the crosshairs will move the only ¼ away for 100 yards.

To move vertically, you’ll need to twist the top dial and to move horizontally, you’ll need to twist the side dial with whatever adjustments required. The adjustments for both dials are measured in the same way.

Please remember that your specific scope may come with its own adjustments and instructions so in order to get the best results please check out the manual if your product comes with one.

How to Use Night Vision Scope

To use a night vision scope, you’ll need a source of light, such as an IR or simply rely on natural lighting if you don’t have the right equipment. Next thing you need to do is fix your night vision scope onto your choice of rifle or equipment. Now you can move onto learning how to use it in your activities.

Zeroing properly

We explained this above so please read the instructions carefully to go about this step.

Turn on the night vision

A night vision scope will allow the reticles to light up, hence allowing you a much brighter and clearer image. But this is only possible if your night vision has an IR equipped. An IR is an Infrared Reticle.

Setting up

Depending on what you’re setting up your scope with, you’ll either have to get it hooked to a rail or any other type of mount. This will keep your night vision scope in place and allow you free movement.

Range

To get proper measurements from your target, you need to close the distance in between. Otherwise not only will you miss the shot, but your NV scope may also not pick up enough light or may be out of focus.

You’ll need to know that a night vision scope isn’t the same as an ordinary scope which can be used in daylight. Night vision scopes cannot be used during the day since it’ll burn the optic unless they are equipped in a way to endure both, daylight and nighttime.

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Conclusion

To summarize everything, a night vision scope will not only make it possible for you to view objects in the dark but also enable you to hit your target on point.

Our top 10-night vision scopes are designed with all the necessary features that one would need in order to hunt successfully and safely despite poor lighting conditions.

Keep in mind all the factors you need to consider before purchasing your night vision scope and you should be set to enjoy the best hunting experience every time.