Night Vision scopes work by using nearby available light to provide physical recognition for objects in low light. They can be used both day and night and have an effective range of about 150 yards.
Although they may be limiting for people who love long-range shooting, night vision scopes are ideal for those who want to shoot below 200 yards.
Compared to thermal scopes, night vision scopes tend to be cheaper, lighter, more durable, offer greater depth, and have a much longer battery life. They mainly comprise a titanium body that contributes to their lightweight nature, thus making them a good choice for almost any rifle.
These scopes do not need to cost you an arm and a leg. There is an array of options in the market ranging from cheap to expensive. This means that you are able to purchase what is within your budget, even with as low as 500 dollars.
Below are some of the best night vision scopes under $500;
6 Best Night Vision Scopes under $500 Reviews
1) Armasight Orion 5X Gen 1+ Night Vision Rifle Scope
Armasight Orion 5x Riflescope is a high-performance, night vision weapon sight that is commonly used for mid-range shooting. It is preferred by the most demanding sports shooters, hunters, and security personnel for its excellent observational, target acquisition, and aiming capabilities.
The scope is designed with shock-protected optics that ensure a long time of performance. It has a rugged design with a rubberized aluminum body that is highly durable and comes with precision top wheel focus for improved accuracy and ergonomics.
Key features
- It has a powerful 5x magnification
- It has an illuminated red cross reticle
- It has a detachable IR810 infrared illuminator
- It has simple and easy-to-operate controls and adjustments
- Weight 1.7 kg / 3.7 lbs
Pros
- It easily mounts to standard weaver rail
- Water-resistant
- Variable reticle brightness
- Long battery life- 40 hours
- It has a limited two-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for long-range shooting
2) Firefield NVRS 3×42 Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope
NVRS 3×42 Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope is constructed of a lightweight and durable titanium body that has a water-resistant IPX4 rating. It comes with a built-in, high-power IR illuminator that improves the image quality and increases the viewing range in total darkness.
The included flip-up lens covers help to protect your scope from impact and harsh weather conditions.
The rifle scope features an illuminated red duplex reticle that has different brightness settings for different shooting conditions. With a 42mm lens, the riflescope can deliver high light-gathering capabilities and a powerful 3x magnification for clear pictures of medium- to long-range targets.
It has a quick-detach weaver mounting system that is easy to operate when changing optics or switching to iron sights while still maintaining return-to-zero reliability.
Key features
- It is made of durable titanium material
- It has an ergonomic design and quick power-up
- It has a built-in high-powered IR illuminator
- It offers incremental reticle brightness adjustment
- IPX4 Rating
Pros
- It is lightweight
- Durable water-resistant body
3) WANNEY Smart Day /Night Colorful Digital Night Vision Scope
Offering up to 300m night vision range, the Wanney Smart Night Vision scope comes with multi-coated glass objectives and an infrared LED illuminator that allows you to see clearly in perfect darkness. The scope can be used at any time of day providing the best quality image regardless of the lighting conditions.
It allows 1080p HD video recording & photos, recoil-activated video (RAV), and Wi-Fi streaming. These features allow you to record all of your hunting escapades, using your phone/tablet as a viewfinder.
The scope also has a built-in gyroscope that computes the angle of inclination and put it in ballistic coefficient, ballistic model, bullet caliber, muzzle velocity, bullet weight, target range, wind velocity, and relative humidity so as to accurately give a shooting point.
Key features
- It features a built-in rangefinder that calculates the distance, to have the perfect shot every time
- It has a full-colored image; the image of daytime and low light is colored and it’s black and white during complete darkness
- It has 2x digital zoom and 3.9x optical amplification
- It offers 1080P resolution
- It is TF card compatible hence you can shoot a cherished video or take a photo
Pros
- The video recording firmware is upgradeable
- It has a 1-year limited warranty guarantee
- It is lightweight
- Rechargeable
Cons
- A bit costly
4) Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope
The SightMark Wraith Digital Riflescope gives you the best performance with a 1920×1080 HD sensor that provides complete color clarity during the day, and a night mode with either green or black and white viewing options.
It features a removable 850nm IR illuminator for great nighttime image quality, This enables you to acquire targets up to 200 yards at night. The scope is powered by 4 AA batteries offering up to 4.5 hours of battery life every time.
The scope’s weapon profiles allow you to save zeroes for different firearms and calibers. You will also be able to customize your scope thanks to the 10 reticle options and 9 different colors that offer easy aiming and accuracy.
Key features
- It has a high-definition sensor: with video/photo recording in 1080p HD
- It has 10 reticle options and 9 color options for better accuracy
- It has an 8x digital zoom – a 4x optical system for up to 32x magnification
- The scope has a Day/Night mode with full color for day use, black & white or classic green for night vision mode
- It has 4 AA batteries that provide up to 4.5 hours of battery life
- It features an external Micro USB power input
Pros
- It is covered by the Sightmark 3-Year Warranty
- It allows HD photo or video recording
Cons
- It needs some expertise to make the settings
5) Armasight WWZ 4X Night Vision Gen 1+ Rifle Scope
The Armsight WWZ 4X night vision scope is one of the best Gen1 options for your night-hunting adventures. It offers a 4x magnification that allows you to zoom in on targets and make accurate, precise shots with ease.
The rifle scope is built with a water-resistant design that makes it convenient for use in all manner of weather. You will not be worried about accidentally dropping your scope on wet grass while in the field.
The high-performance, mid-range night vision weapon sight offers excellent observational, target acquisition, and aiming capabilities for the most demanding plinkers, hunters, and security personnel. It is among the most dependable, highest-performing weapon sights in the Gen 1 category.
Key features
- It has a 4x magnification
- It has shock-proof optics for durability
- It features an illuminated red cross reticle
- It is compatible with standard weaver rails
- It features variable reticle brightness
Pros
- It has simple, easy-to-operate controls and adjustments
- Water-resistant design
- It has a limited two-year warranty
- Long battery life- up to 40 hours
Cons
- Slightly heavy- 1.45 kgs
6) ATN Aries Mk.390 Gen 1 Paladin Night Vision Rifle Scope
The ATN Aries Mk.390 Gen 1 night vision rifle scope is made with improved optical configurations which lower the F-stop factor and increase the optical resolution for more light transmission through the lens.
More light in the tube ensures brighter and sharper images. It has an ATN precision Red on Green aiming system and an easy push-button operation for easy adjustment.
It also features reticle brightness adjustment options and ATN detachable 450 mW Infrared Illuminator with dedicated windage and elevation adjustments.
Key features
- It has powerful multi-coated all-glass optics
- It features a high-resolution Gen 1+ Image intensifier tube
- It has an easy-to-see “red on green” reticle system
- It allows reticle brightness adjustment
- It has a detachable long-range infrared illuminator
Pros
- It is water and fog-resistant
- It easily mounts onto any standard 7/8″ weaver or Picatinny rail.
- It is supported by a limited two-year warranty
Cons
- It is restricted for export outside the USA
Best Night Vision Scopes under $500 Buying Guide
Quality materials
Your rifle scopes should be made of high-quality materials that will serve you for a long time, even with continued use.
Magnification & Clarity
Night vision optics are mainly used for outdoor activities. Although some of them can be used during the day, most are ideal for nighttime activities, hence the need to look for scopes with a high-quality field of vision. The images should be clear even at long distances.
Power Source
It is good to have scopes that have a long battery life because you will be using them at night. This allows you to enjoy your activities without the fear of running out of power. Spare batteries can be a plus whenever need be.
Detection Range
For hunting or observing wildlife, always consider a night vision scope with a far detection range, that is 800 yards and above. The best optics should have about 10x magnification and be more compact and lighter.
Best Night Vision Scopes under $500 FAQs
- What is the best night vision scope for the money?
In this review, we have discussed 6 of the best scopes in the market today. From ATN to Armasight to Sightmark, these brands are made with the perfect combination of features to offer you the best night experiences.
- Are night vision scopes worth it?
Night vision scopes use ambient light sources or IR to help you see in the dark. These scopes offer higher-resolution images than thermal scopes. They help you distinguish animals even from other moving objects as they offer an almost actual image.
- Which is better thermal or night vision?
Night vision scopes tend to be cheaper, lighter, more durable, offer greater depth, and have a longer battery life than thermal scopes. They are also safer to look through with your eyes.
- How far can you shoot with a night vision scope?
Most night vision devices are designed with a built-in infrared illuminator and most of which are short-range flood light style. This is good for close range and night vision use of up to about 30 yards max distance.
Before we conclude, see these related articles:
- 10 Best Night Vision Riflescopes for AR15
- Best Night Vision Scopes for Coyote Hunting
- 6 Best Night Vision Scopes for Hog Hunting
- Top 7 Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes
Final Thoughts
Night vision scopes are a great addition to any optics shelf. They are ideal for hunters, shooters, and any night activity fanatics. The devices are made with unique technology that enables you to see your targets in low-light conditions as well as in darkness.
The discussed products offer the best outdoor experiences when and are also affordable. They are ideal for any user and environment.