Night Vision scopes are excellent for coyote hunting. They provide the tools necessary to perform concise and ethical kills and will ultimately increase your night hunting experience. The variability between night vision scopes is immense. Fortunately, this article will help you pick the very best night vision scope for coyote hunting. After extensive testing, I determined the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition is the #1 choice.
Best Night Vision Scope For Coyote Hunting
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HuntersHalt: #1 Pick
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- Perfect For Hunting In Low Lighting
- Comes With Enhanced Night Vision
- Great Battery Life
- Great Value For Your Money
- Versatility - Daytime & Nighttime Modes
- Compatible With Most Rifle Types
- Clips-On To Existing Rifle Scope
- Super Long Battery Life
- Bright Light Cut-Off - Protects Your Eyes
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ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x70mm
Up to 11% Off and Free Gift w/ Free Shipping
- Perfect For Hunting In Low Lighting
- Comes With Enhanced Night Vision
- Great Battery Life
- Requires A Mini-SD Card For Scope Updates
Right away I could tell that the ATN x sight 4k is a highly versatile scope, both a day and night vision scope. Also, the mounting system of these ATN scopes is universal, enabling you to mount it on almost any rifle with 30mm Rifle Scope rings. Here is what you should know about the ATN x sight 4k.
Night Vision: The ATN x sight 4k sight picture is in ultra HD black and white. For the price, I personally have note seen anything better. With a built-in ATN Ultra HD sensor providing a clear viewfinder to help with your coyote hunting. The scope also has a built-in IR illuminator to help with complete darkness field of view.
The user interface is extremely thorough yet easy to use, with controls that allow you to adjust focus and brightness easily. The field of view will depend on your specific scope size.
Digital zoom is between three to nine on the standard version. I found it can be easily adjusted by a small knob located on the scope housing.
Battery life: Under optimal conditions, the battery life lasts up to 18 hours before needing to recharge. However, this will vary depending on weather and ambient light conditions. I personally just charge my scope overnight each day so this isn’t a huge deal for me.
Video Recording Capabilities: The scope has a 4K ultra HD sensor and a dual-core processor, allowing it to record video and stream in ultra-high 4K simultaneously. Streaming is done by the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth system of the ATN x sight.
The ATN X sight features recoil-activated technology – automatically saving the footage to the internal SD card when the gun has been fired. I was a big fan of this feature!
One shot Zero: The ATN x sight 4k is the only scope that allows you to zero your scope with one shot. Simply place a shot on a target at 100 yards. Then, using the d-pad of the scope, adjust the zeroing crosshairs over the point of impact while holding the primary crosshairs over the target. This is significantly easier than traditional scope adjustments I make on my regular rifle scopes.
The ATN X Sight will then automatically adjust, making the next shot’s point of impact align with the crosshairs – a real-time saver at the target range!
Additional Features: The ballistic calculator and the smart range finder are included in this night vision scope. The ballistic calculator helps to improve accuracy, all you need to do is add the caliber and specific round specifications you are using into the scope software, and the ATN x sight 4k will make the necessary adjustments.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Enhanced Night Vision mode with excellent field of view, providing clear vision
- Recoil-Activated Video with recording at 30,60, and 120 FPS also allows Wi-Fi Dual-Streaming and ATN Radar.
- Ballistics Calculator and smart range finder
- One shot Zero –Major time saver!
- Recoil resistance
- Long battery life of up to 18 hours
- Easily update your scope from the comfort of your phone to stay up-to-date with the latest firmware and software.
CONS
- Requires a mini-SD card to update the scope.
- Sometimes has software glitches.
Our experience with ATN X Sight 4k
We used the ATN x sight 4k on a .223 caliber for hunting coyotes. It worked exceptionally well, clearing a couple of farms and ranches of coyotes and leaving the farmers satisfied. Overall, we are very impressed, and this night vision scope is one of the best, if not the best, night vision scope for coyote hunting.
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SightMark Wraith HD 2-16x28mm Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
- Great Value For Your Money
- Versatility - Daytime & Nighttime Modes
- Compatible With Most Rifle Types
- SFP Reticles Aren't For Everyone
The SightMark is hands down the best night vision scope for coyote hunting if you are on a budget yet still want some amazing features. Still offering excellent value for a reasonable price. This night vision scope comes with a universal Weaver mounting rail allowing you to mount the scope on almost any rifle.
Night Vision: The SightMark also has enhanced night vision capabilities thanks to its Ultra HD Sensor. This night vision scope also has an infrared illuminator. SightMark also makes some of the best night vision crossbow scopes that I’ve tested myself.
Users can easily switch between three options: black and white, crips, and green-scale night vision imaging.
Zooming is also easy to do with this night vision scope, and magnification starts at 4x power, with an additional digital 8x power zoom, allowing for accurate mid-range shooting.
Battery life: This particular scope uses four AA batteries with a rated battery life of 8 hours. Although, the battery life will diminish much quicker in harsh weather conditions. The great thing is that you can replace the batteries and continue hunting coyotes. Many of the Best Rifle Scopes have a very long battery life.
Video Recording Capabilities: This night vision scope lacks a bit regarding video recording capabilities as it can only record in 1080p high resolution, which is saved onto an internal SD card and is available for later handling via computer. Unfortunately, the SightMark does not offer streaming services.
Additional Features: This night vision scope has ten different reticle styles you can choose from, which is not necessary but still a nice feature.
The scope offers smart memory, with the capability of storing up to five different zeros. You will be able to sight in and save settings for various rifles. Allowing for much wanted versatility from a night vision scope.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Value – Offering performance yet affordability
- Versatile – Daytime and nighttime modes with three different models to choose from
- HD Sensor
- Up to five zero settings for different rifles
- Ten reticle options, available in nine different colors
- AA batteries make it easy to replace your batteries and ensure you are always able to hunt coyotes
CONS
- The SightMark has a second focal plane reticle
- A small field of view compared to other night vision scopes.
Our experience with Sightmark wraith HD
The SightMark is definitely our preferred choice when we hunt coyotes in rugged areas. This night vision scope is tough and is cheaper to replace than the other night vision scopes.
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AGM Global Vision Comanche-22 Medium Range Night Vision
- Clips-On To Existing Rifle Scope
- Super Long Battery Life
- Bright Light Cut-Off - Protects Your Eyes
- Premium Pricing - Out Of Budget For Some People
The AGM global vision is a clip-on nv scope to an already mounted scope. The clip-on feature allows this night vision scope to be used on binoculars as well, making it a versatile scope. The AGM is definitely not a cheap night vision scope compared to other scopes like the ATN. I will say that AGM is a top-notch brand & they even make some of the best M&P 15 Sport 2 scopes that I have experimented with.
Night Vision: Being a clip-on to a normal daytime scope, this sight is a great option if you want to use the same rifle for daytime hunting. The resolution for this night scope is just above standard with 45-51 lp/mm.
Unfortunately, only one color mode is available: the standard green phosphor. However, the AGM night vision optics has a Manual Gain feature used to adjust the overall brightness based on the ambient light conditions to ensure maximum visibility. This is one of the reasons I also rated AGM as the best night vision scope for hog hunting that I’ve used.
The magnification will ultimately depend on the rifle scope it is clipped on. It is advised not to exceed x7 magnification as the high resolution is limited. It has an 80mm lens, thus the field of view on this night vision rifle scope is excellent.
Battery life: The AGM is the best night vision scope in terms of battery life. Two options are available CR123A or standard AA batteries, both will last up to 60 hours. When I compare this to the best elk hunting rifle scopes, 60 hours isn’t much. But for a night vision scope that is a great battery life!
However, when hunting in sub-zero conditions, the lithium battery is advised.
Additional Features: Because it is a clip-on, it can be mounted onto binoculars or headgear, given you have the proper attachment gear. Making this one of the most versatile night vision scopes available.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Clip-on – so you can easily use it on your daytime scope as well.
- Versatile mounting – can be used as a night vision rifle scope and on binoculars and headgear alongside other night vision equipment.
- Manual gain – Adjust for ambient light surroundings
- Bright light cut-off – Automatically cuts off at 40+ lux, preventing eye and scope damage.
- Long battery life – up to 60 hours
CONS
- Low recoil resistance – Because it is a clip-on the recoil resistance is very low and should thus not be used by big game hunters with high caliber weapons .
- Unbalanced – The clip-on can make your rifle unbalanced because it extends beyond the traditional scope length.
- Range – The AGM’s magnification is x1, with a limited resolution that restricts it to use on a rifle scope with less than x7 magnification. Thus it is not advised for long range targets.
- Expensive – This clip-on scope is the 2nd most expensive scope on this list.
Our experience with agm global vision
Our experience is primarily restricted to night hunting as it is a night scope and does not offer a daytime view. We had the opportunity of hunting wild pigs and coyotes with this nv scope.
I must say that it is an excellent scope for coyote hunting. It is easy to clip on and use and gets the job done—five out of five stars from us for coyote hunting at mid-range.
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Night Owl Optics NightShot 3x NV Rifle Scope
- Most Budget Friendly Option
- Durable - Weatherproofed For Any Condition
- Daytime Use- Not Just A NV Scope
- Can Only Handle Recoil of .30 Rifle Or Less
The Night Owl is the cheapest night vision scope on this list. However, this night vision scope is a Gen 1 night vision scope, so you should not expect as high definition night vision as with the other night vision scopes on this list. Night Owl also makes some of the best cheap low light scopes that I’ve tested.
Night Vision: The night vision on the Night Owl is still excellent. It has a built-in infrared illuminator, yet it is compatible with an external infrared illuminator.
- The magnification is only x3, which is more than enough for coyote hunting under 100 yards.
- The sight picture is only grayscale, which means you are restricted to only using black and white images.
Battery Life: The Night Owl uses 4 AA batteries and can last up to 5 hours, depending on weather conditions.
A major flaw in the night owl is that the batteries are located at the bottom of the night vision scope’s housing. You will need to remove the scope from the rifle each time you want to replace the batteries.
Additional Features: You can select which reticle you want to use, which is nice.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Budget Friendly – It is the cheapest night vision scope on this list
- Built-in infrared illuminator
- Daytime Operation – Although using it in night vision mode is much better
- Multiple Reticle Options
CONS
- Battery Replacement – Situated at the bottom of the scope, you will need to remove the scope each time you replace the batteries.
- Resolution – The resolution is somewhat lacking because this night vision scope is a Gen 1 night vision scope.
Our experience with night owl optics
We needed a cheap night vision device for our first coyote hunting endeavors. The Night Owl provided excellent visibility in complete darkness. Just make sure you know the difference between thermal vs night vision scope for hunting. Overall, it is not for long range use, yet we were satisfied with the entire scope except for the battery replacement hassle.
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Armasight CO-MINI Bravo Gen 3 IIT Clip-On Night Vision Scope
$400.00 Off w/ Free S&H
- Compatible With Just About All Carbine Optics
- Versatile - Can Be Used With & W/Out Rifle Scope
- Solid Battery Life - More Than 24 Hours
- Premium Pricing - Not For Budget Shoppers
- Limited Warranty
The Armasight is also a clip on digital night vision riflescope. However, this scope is more than double the price of the AGM. You can expect countless features embedded into your night vision scope for this high price. For many shooters the price tag alone is just too much to even consider. The pricing actually reminded me of several of the 450 Bushmaster rifle scopes that I’ve used in the past.
Night Vision: The Armasight is a Gen 3 IIT, meaning the night vision technology is some of the best you can expect to find.
It allows for easy spotting of targets within 350 yards allowing for excellent short detection range. Included is the IR850-XLR Long Range IR Illuminator, which is detachable, that can boost the range up to 550 yards.
The resolution is 64-72 lp/mm, providing high resolution. Manual gain and bright light cut-off are features of this night vision scope.
The sight is seated in front of the objective lens of the rifle scope and has a light suppressor also included. Another great feature is that it is compatible with a red dot sight.
This site works best on scopes with 1-6x magnification.
Battery Life: The Armasight also allows two battery options. Using AA batteries will give you up to 24 hours of runtime, while using CR123A can provide a runtime of up to 45 hours.
Additional Features: The Armasight has a wireless remote, increasing ease of use. You can activate the sight from the remote or adjust the scope via the remote, minimizing unnecessary user movement.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Gen 3 – Latest night vision technology and best night vision resolution
- Clip-on – Can easily be attached in front of the objective lens by a Weaver quick release mount, allowing you to easily switch between rifles, binoculars and headgear.
- Wireless Remote – Increases ease of use for the scope.
- IR illuminator – Extending range up to 550 yards.
CONS
- Price – Most expensive scope on this list.
- Low recoil resistance
- Unbalanced – The clip-on can make your rifle unbalanced.
Our experience with Armasight
The Armasight is one of the best night vision scopes for coyote hunting. Although expensive, the ease of use with all the additional night vision devices included in the package makes night hunting a breeze.
Buyers Guide
Do I Need A Night Vision Scope?
It will be advised if your objective is to hunt active nocturnal animals. Night hunting is made much easier by using digital night vision scopes, they allow for efficient, ethical kills. just be sure you know how to sight in a night vision scope to make your life easy!
If you experience constant pest problems on your farm or ranch or want to do some nighttime hunting, you will need a good night vision scope.
What To Look For In A Night Vision Scope?
1) Price
Night vision scopes are costly, and if you find a cheap one, it is best to avoid them. Digital scopes should be of the highest quality to ensure reliability. A good price point is below $2,000, with an average of $1,000. However, check for coyote hunting reviews on the specific digital night vision riflescope before you purchase it.
2) Features
Features to look for in the best night vision scopes are:
- IR Illuminator
- Recoil activated video
- Ease of use
- Bright light cut-off
- Manual gain.
The resolution is another factor to look at, some newer generation digital scopes offer better resolution, making long-range targets easier to spot and shoot.
However, the best night vision scopes go beyond the standard night vision green phosphor and use an IR illuminator to make it a thermal scope. The added thermal vision lets you make a clear and concise decision before shooting.
3) Battery Life
Nobody wants the inconvenience of having to replace batteries while busy coyote hunting. The best night vision scopes often have excellent battery life.
As a general rule, look for a digital night vision riflescope that allows for at least 8 hours of battery life. It really depends on the specific scope you use.
Use Cases For Night Vision Scopes
Night vision scopes are used worldwide in conjunction with thermal scopes or as a standalone tool for night hunting. However, the best results are obtained using an IR illuminator to make it a thermal imaging scope.
Night vision scopes can be used for:
- Varminting, such as coyote hunting
- Night hunting (if not regulated)
- Using binoculars at night if you have a clip-on night vision scope
Should I Coyote Hunt At Night?
Yes, if it is not regulated in the state you are hunting, it is better to hunt coyotes at night. They are primarily active at night, making spotting them easier. Using night vision for coyote hunting will also allow for more efficient and ethical kills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is night vision or thermal better for coyote hunting?
Is night vision good for coyote hunting?
What color night vision is the best?
What are the disadvantages of night vision?
What color is hardest to see at night?
The Bottom Line
Night vision scopes are expensive, so it is best to choose the correct one for you. Taking into consideration all of the features each scope has to offer as well as ease of use. You should select a scope based on your rifle rather than the other way around.
In the end, choosing any one of these night vision scopes are sure to leave you satisfied. After testing all of these scopes it is clear to me that the ATN X-Sight 4K was the best option!
Up to 11% Off and Free Gift w/ Free Shipping
- Perfect For Hunting In Low Lighting
- Comes With Enhanced Night Vision
- Great Battery Life
- Requires A Mini-SD Card For Scope Updates
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