Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Riflescope
- Value: 2.5/5
- Build Quality: 4.5/5
- Optics: 4.5/5
Not only perfect for night use but also for daytime shooting and hunting!
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Night Owl Optics NightShot Rifle Scope
- Value: 3/5
- Build Quality: 4.5/5
- Optics: 4.6/5
Enjoy night hunting without breaking the bank.
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Pulsar Digex C50 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
- Value: 1/5
- Build Quality: 4.8/5
- Optics: 4.7/5
It features a solid all-metal housing so expect durability and resistance to heavy recoil.
Check Price on AmazonSo the deer season just ended and you can’t have your hunting skills getting all rusty while waiting for deer season. Do you know what you can do? Hunt coyotes! And it’s more challenging than hunting deer since coyotes are more active at night, you’ll need the best night vision scope for coyote hunting. Where can you get one? Read on and find out!
A Quick Comparison of the Best Night Vision Scopes for Coyote Hunting
How to Choose the Best Night Vision Scopes for Coyote Hunting
| Category | Sightmark Wraith | Night Owl Optics NightShot | Pulsar Digex C50 | ATN X-Sight 4K | ATN X-Sight LTV | Category Average |
| Overall Score | 2.82 | 2.28 | 2.9 | 2.74 | 2.88 | 2.72 |
| Ergonomics | 1 | 1.7 | 1 | 1 | 1.3 | 1.2 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.6 |
| Optics | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.64 |
| Battery | 1.6 | 1.6 | 3 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 1.96 |
| Value | 2.5 | 3 | 1 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 2.02 |
Ergonomics
Ergonomics refers to how well the scope fits you and your shooting style. Can you make all the adjustments easily? Does the scope feel like an extension of your eye when you’re lining up a shot? If the answer is “Heck, yeah,” then you’re on the right track.
How do we rate it?
Is the scope’s weight balanced, or does it make your rifle feel like you’re lugging around a medieval weapon? A top-rated scope in ergonomics should feel intuitive like it’s an extension of yourself rather than an awkward appendage.
Light Source
Night vision requires a source of ambient light like a full moon or nearby streetlights. That’s why most night vision (NV) scopes come with an infrared (IR) illuminator. An IR illuminator provides the light needed (when there’s no other ambient light source available) so we can see clear images through a night vision scope.
Some NV scopes have a built-in illuminator. These scopes make the overall scope lighter but the image quality needs improvement. On the other hand, there are some brands that come with a separate IR illuminator. These scopes offer better-looking images but will make your entire setup bulkier and heavier.
Resolution
Night vision (NV) scopes with higher resolution produce clearer and sharper images with better details. For analog NV scopes, resolution is measured by line pairs per mm (lp/mm). For digital NV scopes, the unit for resolution is pixels per inch.
Build Quality
Build quality is all about how rugged and ready your scope is for action. Can it handle a drop? What about water, dust, or a sudden cold snap? A reliable scope could double as a club in a pinch and still hold zero.
Mounting Type
Like typical riflescopes, night vision scopes can be mounted on either Weaver, Picatinny, or dovetail rails. You’ll be unstoppable if your night vision scope is compatible with multiple platforms like some of our picks below.
How do we rate it?
Is it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof? A high rating in this category means your scope is the tank of the optics world—reliable, tough, and ready for anything Mother Nature throws at it.
Optics
Optics are the heart of any scope. This is where the magic happens—or doesn’t. You want crystal-clear images, vibrant colors, and enough light coming through that you could practically shoot by moonlight (though I wouldn’t recommend it). Look for high-quality glass, multi-coated lenses, and a generous objective lens size.
How do we rate it?
High marks go to scopes that offer excellent low-light performance and the ability to maintain a sharp, bright image under various conditions.
Detection Range
A night vision scope with a detection range of at least 200 yards will give you the sufficient distance to keep tabs on your prey without being seen.
Battery
Most NV scopes use an illuminator as their light source, causing their batteries to get drained quickly. There’s nothing worse than getting ready for the perfect shot only to find your reticle as dark as your chances of hitting the target without it. Long battery life is a must. You should also have easy access to replace batteries and shouldn’t have to think about it much until you need it. If you can get a scope that can last at least 10 hours at the highest setting (we see you Pulsar Digex C50), that’s already good enough.
How do we rate it?
We give lower scores to scopes that require battery changes more often than you change your socks. High ratings go to models with efficient power usage and long-lasting battery life, ensuring you’re always ready for the shot, day or night.
Value
Scopes that are night vision-capable are naturally pricey. So you’d have to spend a bit more for a high-quality NV scope. We managed to find the most reliable brands that will guarantee your money’s worth below, so check them out.
How do we rate it?
A high rating in value means the scope offers the best blend of quality and features for its price point, striking that sweet balance between cost and functionality. Think of it as the difference between a deal and a steal.
5 Best Night Vision Scopes for Coyote Hunting
Best Overall: Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Riflescope
| Category | Sightmark Wraith | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1 | 1.2 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Optics | 4.5 | 4.64 |
| Battery | 1.6 | 1.96 |
| Value | 2.5 | 2.02 |
Score: 2.82/5
The Sightmark Wraith comes in two varieties – 4-32×50 and 2-16×28. Both models feature all of the jaw-dropping features we’ll be talking about in a bit, their only difference is the objective lens size and magnification range.
First off, our top pick offers high-resolution images with its 1280×720 FLCOS screen.
The Wraith also features a day/night mode that allows you to hunt any time of day. You can choose between a black/white and a green vision with its night mode. It’s also equipped with a 1920×1080 CMOS sensor that has a detection range of up to 200 yards. This reliable sensor is paired with an 850nm infrared illuminator, giving you more advantage in the dark.
Finally, the feature loved by most users, the Wraith allows you to save up to 5 weapon profiles that will store zeroes from different firearms and/or calibers for you!
Pros
- Compatible with rechargeable and CR123A batteries
- 10 reticle options in 9 colors
- Illuminated reticle
- Built-in 1080p HD video recording
- IP55 water-resistant
- 5 weapon profiles
Cons
- Short battery life (4.5 hours)
- Heavy (36.3 oz)
What Customers Say
The scope was easy to mount and easy to zero, and the menu interface is simple and comprehensive.
Forest K. Duncan
Very good beginners scope with lots of bells and whistles. Uses batteries quickly so find inexpensive battery pack to use.
Lisa Myers
Best Value: Night Owl Optics NightShot Rifle Scope
| Category | Night Owl Optics NightShot | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1.7 | 1.2 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Optics | 4.6 | 4.64 |
| Battery | 1.6 | 1.96 |
| Value | 3 | 2.02 |
Score: 2.28/5
Aside from being the best value pick, the Night Owl NightShot is an excellent entry-level night vision scope. It’s compatible with rifles, crossbows, and airsoft weapons. It can also be mounted to Weaver and Picatinny rails. You can also choose between three reticle types, whichever’s the most ideal for your shooting style and environment. The Nightshot comes with a built-in infrared illuminator for better illumination at night and in low-light scenarios. At an extra cost, you can also opt for the IR850-NS High-Power Illuminator for a premium experience.
Pros
- Lighter than most brands (20.8 oz)
- Illuminated reticle
- Weather-proof
- Weaver or Picatinny rail-compatible
- Works with rechargeable AA batteries
- Affordable
Cons
- Short battery life (4 hours)
What Customers Say
Mounted on a Stryker Offspring and it hasn’t flinched a mm from (the) initial bullseye setting.
Chinook
The Night Owl Nightshot is a very good scope that provides good close-range shooting. I hunt primarily hogs in timber and I have added a IR flashlight to my setup to provide additional light and to save the batteries on the scope by turning off the internal IR.
Texas Bill
Best Premium: Pulsar Digex C50 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
| Category | Pulsar Digex C50 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1 | 1.2 |
| Build Quality | 4.8 | 4.6 |
| Optics | 4.7 | 4.64 |
| Battery | 3 | 1.96 |
| Value | 1 | 2.02 |
Score: 2.9/5
The Pulsar Digex C50 features a solid all-metal housing so expect durability and resistance to heavy recoil. It can perform after submersion to 1-meter deep water for 30 minutes and exposure to high humidity.
Impressive, right?
As per the manufacturer, this night vision riflescope can last up to 10 hours after a single charging because of its quick start-up feature. The C50 also comes with an 850nm infrared illuminator that features 3 power levels for a versatile long-range performance.
Pros
- Up to 500 meters detection range
- IPX7 waterproof
- Instant start-up
- Comes with a 3-year limited warranty
- 10 hours battery life
Cons
- Very expensive
- Heaviest pick (40.6 oz)
What Customers Say
I’ve just got mine and it is the best pulsar have done and that with the ir that comes with it. I’ve got an atn 4k and this is far far better than that, it’s so clear.
GaryTurner6194
This Pulsar is decent and battery life is great.
Karelsvoboda2123
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Hunting Scope
| Category | ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1 | 1.2 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Optics | 4.6 | 4.64 |
| Battery | 2.1 | 1.96 |
| Value | 1.5 | 2.02 |
Score: 2.74/5
The ATN X-Sight 4K hunting scope produces clear and crisp images even with just the moonlight as its light source, more so with the infrared illuminator that comes with it. Its Ultra HD 4k sensor is responsible for the higher resolution and fast optics. The X-Sight 4K is equipped with a ballistic calculator that does a great deal in improving accuracy. And finally, the extraordinary recoil-activated video recording feature offers absolute convenience.
Pros
- Detection range – 3,300 meters
- 18 hours battery life
- Weather-resistant
- Easy to mount/dismount
- Comes with dual-stream video recording
- Comes with a ballistic calculator
Cons
- Heavier than most scope brands
What Customers Say
The scope works well. The video capture works very well, and battery life is more than enough for a night’s hunt.
Nick Daniels
Has worked great. Clarity/brightness in low light is excellent, it is a digital zoom some pixelation at full zoom was expected.
Archie Fitzgerald
ATN X-Sight LTV Ultra Light Day & Night Vision Rifle Scope
| Category | ATN X-Sight LTV | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1.3 | 1.2 |
| Build Quality | 4.7 | 4.6 |
| Optics | 4.8 | 4.64 |
| Battery | 1.5 | 1.96 |
| Value | 2.1 | 2.02 |
Score: 2.88/5
To complete our list is the ATN X-Sight LTV, our previous pick’s lighter brother. It gets its power from ATN’s proprietary Obsidian LT Core which promotes low power consumption, resulting in a battery life of 10 hours. It comes in an ergonomic aluminum alloy construction, and impact-resistant electronics, and offers a wide selection of reticles that you can use. Not to mention its One-Shot Zero feat that delivers faster sighting in.
The X-Sight LTV mounts on any platform with standard 30mm scope rings through its quick-detach mount.
Pros
- 3 inches of eye relief
- Lightweight
- User-friendly
- 10 hours battery life
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Expensive
- No ballistic calculator
What Customers Say
I hunt in South Texas and I was impress with zeroing my scope and using it. Vision is amazing , functions are easy and this thing won’t make you go bling when you take your eye off the scope eye relief is amazing… price is well worth it.
Eli Palomo
I so enjoyed sighting in this scope on my rifles! It’s was extremely easy and took only two shots to have it right where I wanted it! Thanks again to ATN for making a great product that extends my ability to enjoy the outdoors even after dark.
Christopher
Our Key Takeaways
Night vision scopes, especially our reliable picks above, will give you the upper hand when engaging targets at night. So the coyotes in your area better run and hide!
Last update on 2025-05-15 / Images from Amazon Product API