Greetings, hunters! Today, we’re set to explore the cutting-edge world of digital day & night rifle scopes. Whether you’re embarking on a late-night hog hunt or tracking varmints in low-light conditions, having the right scope can significantly enhance your hunting experience. With years of hunting and shooting under my belt, I’ve tested numerous scopes to bring you an in-depth review of the best digital options available today. Let’s dive into the top contenders, starting from the very best.
#1 ATN X-Sight 5 3-15x LRF – $1,095
Model: ATN X-Sight 5 3-15x LRF
Magnification: 3-15x
Sensor Resolution: 4056×3040 @30/60/120 FPS
Display Resolution: 1280×960
Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
Price: $1,095
Core Features:
- Ultra HD 4K+ Resolution with New Sensor: Delivers crystal-clear visuals, ensuring you never miss a detail, day or night.
- Quad Core Processor: Provides rapid image processing for smooth, lag-free operation.
- Recoil Activated Video (RAV): Automatically captures video in slow motion during shots, so you can review your accuracy without fumbling for buttons.
- Built-in Laser Range Finder (LRF): Measures distances up to 1,100 yards with pinpoint accuracy, enhancing your long-range shooting capabilities.
- Ballistic Calculator: Adjusts your reticle based on environmental conditions, ensuring precise shots every time.
- Custom Reticle Editor: Allows you to design and share unique reticles tailored to your hunting needs.
- Dual Stream Video: Simultaneously capture and stream live footage directly to your smartphone or YouTube.
Pros:
- Unmatched Image Clarity: The new ATN 4K+ sensor paired with the Quad Core processor provides stunningly clear images, even when using digital zoom. Whether you’re scouting in daylight or tracking game under the moonlight, the visuals remain sharp and detailed.
- Exceptional Battery Life: With up to 14 hours of usage, the X-Sight 5 leads the industry in battery endurance, ensuring you stay powered up throughout your hunting adventures.
- Durable and Weather-Resistant: Built tough to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling, this scope is ready for any hunting adventure you throw its way.
Cons:
- Weight: At 1.87 lbs, the X-Sight 5 is a bit on the heavier side, which might lead to some neck fatigue during extended hunting sessions.
Practical Advice:
The ATN X-Sight 5 3-15x LRF is a stellar choice for hunters who demand top-notch clarity and advanced features without breaking the bank. Its built-in LRF is a game-changer for long-range shots, and the RAV feature ensures you never miss capturing that perfect moment. If you’re planning on long hunts, consider a comfortable mounting setup to help manage the extra weight and maybe invest in a portable charger to keep those batteries full when you’re deep in the field.
#2 Pulsar Digex C50 – $1,299
Model: Pulsar Digex C50
Magnification: 4-16x
Sensor Resolution: 3860×2228
Display Resolution: 1280×720
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Price: $1,299
Core Features:
- High-Resolution 4K CMOS Sensor: Provides sharp, detailed images both day and night.
- Integrated Video and Sound Recorder: Capture your hunts with built-in recording capabilities, perfect for reliving those big moments or sharing with fellow hunters.
- Stream Vision 2 with Wi-Fi: Seamlessly connect to your smartphone for real-time image transfer and remote control of the scope’s functions.
- Waterproof Rated (IPX7): Built to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring reliability in rain or crossing streams.
- AMOLED HD Display: Offers vibrant and clear visuals, enhancing your viewing experience.
- 10 Preloaded Reticles: Provides customization options to suit different hunting scenarios.
Pros:
- Reliable Performance: Pulsar is renowned for its durability, and the Digex C50 is no exception. Its waterproof and rugged build ensures it can handle the toughest hunting environments without faltering.
- Excellent Imaging: The 4K CMOS sensor delivers detailed thermal images, making it easier to spot and identify targets effectively, even in challenging conditions.
- User-Friendly Features: With ten preloaded reticles and support for the Stream Vision 2 app, the C50 offers ample customization and functionality for the modern hunter.
Cons:
- Front-Heavy Design: The C50’s front-heavy build can make your rifle feel unbalanced, potentially causing fatigue during long hunting sessions.
- Battery Life: While 10 hours is decent, it falls short compared to some competitors. You might need to carry extra batteries for extended hunts, adding to the overall weight.
Practical Advice:
The Pulsar Digex C50 is ideal for hunters who love tech and want to document their adventures. Its Wi-Fi connectivity and recording features are fantastic for the modern hunter looking to share their experiences. However, if you’re planning all-day hunts, consider investing in additional batteries to keep you powered up when you need it most. Also, balance your rifle setup to mitigate the front-heavy feel, ensuring comfort during those long hours in the field.
#3 ATN X-Celsior 3-9x – $599
Model: ATN X-Celsior 3-9x
Magnification: 3-9x
Sensor Resolution: 2688×1944
Display Resolution: 1280×720
Battery Life: ≥ 10 hours
Price: $599
Core Features:
- Ultra Sensitive Night Time Sensor: Delivers crystal-clear images even in the darkest environments.
- Long Range High Power Illuminator (Included): Provides enhanced visibility in complete darkness, lighting up targets over 1,000 yards away.
- Stadiametric Rangefinder: Achieves precise distance measurements, making long-distance shots more reliable.
- ATN Predator Reticle: Tailored for predator hunting, enhancing accuracy and quick targeting.
- Lightweight and Durable Design: Weighing only 1.6 lbs, it’s easy on your rifle and built to withstand rugged field conditions.
- Video Recording: Capture every moment in stunning detail with built-in video recording capabilities.
Pros:
- Exceptional Night Performance: The X-Celsior is a true night hunter’s dream. Its ultra-sensitive night time sensor paired with a high-powered long-range illuminator can light up targets over 1,000 yards away, ensuring you never miss a target even in pitch-black darkness.
- Outstanding Battery Life: With a battery life of over 10 hours, the X-Celsior ensures you stay powered throughout your hunting trips, minimizing downtime and maximizing your time in the field.
- Durable and Lightweight: Weighing only 1.6 lbs, it’s easy on your rifle and built to withstand rugged field conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability.
Cons:
- Limited Magnification: While the 3-9x range is sufficient for most hunting scenarios, long-range shooters might find it a bit restrictive compared to higher magnification models.
- Basic Features: Compared to higher-end models, it lacks some advanced functionalities like dual-stream video or comprehensive ballistic calculators, which might be a downside for tech enthusiasts.
Practical Advice:
If you’re a budget-conscious hunter who doesn’t want to compromise on night performance, the ATN X-Celsior is your go-to scope. Its powerful illuminator and sensitive sensor ensure you won’t miss your target, even in the darkest conditions. Just remember, while it’s great for most hunting needs, long-range enthusiasts might want to look at higher magnification options. Additionally, ensure you carry a backup power source if you plan on extended hunts to keep the illuminator running strong.
#4 Sightmark Wraith 4K Max 3-24×50 w/IR – $499
Model: Sightmark Wraith 4K Max 3-24×50
Magnification: 3-24x
Sensor Resolution: 4000×3000
Display Resolution: 1280×720
Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
Price: $499
Core Features:
- Enhanced Ultra-High Definition 4000×3000 Sensor: Delivers unmatched clarity in low light, detecting objects up to 300 yards away.
- AMOLED HD Display: Provides vibrant and clear visuals, enhancing your viewing experience in both day and night modes.
- 8x Digital Zoom with 3x Optical System: Allows for up to 24x magnification, offering flexibility for various hunting scenarios.
- Built-In UHD 4K Video Recording: Capture your hunting adventures and observations in exceptional detail, complete with audio.
- 10 Reticle Options and 9 Color Choices: Offers customization for easier aiming and improved accuracy.
- IR Illuminator: Features an 850nm IR illuminator with 90 minutes of operating time on max, extending your night vision capabilities.
Pros:
- Unmatched Image Clarity: The 4000×3000 sensor ensures clear and detailed images, enhancing target identification and tracking in various lighting conditions.
- Versatile Magnification: The 3-24x range provides flexibility for various hunting scenarios, from close encounters to mid-range tracking.
- Built-In IR Illuminator: Enhances night vision capabilities, allowing you to spot game in complete darkness with ease.
Cons:
- Cheap Quality and Old Design: The Wraith 4K Max feels a bit flimsy and outdated compared to more robust models. The build quality doesn’t inspire long-term confidence, and the design may feel dated to some users.
- Basic Features: Lacks advanced functionalities found in higher-end scopes, such as comprehensive ballistic calculators or dual-stream video, which might be a downside for tech enthusiasts.
- Short Battery Life: With only 8 hours of battery life, it might not last through extended hunting trips without a backup power source, especially if you rely heavily on the IR illuminator.
Practical Advice:
The Sightmark Wraith 4K Max is a decent choice for those just dipping their toes into digital hunting scopes without a hefty investment. Its affordable price makes it a great starter scope, and the built-in IR illuminator ensures you can hunt effectively at night. However, be prepared for a basic feature set and consider it more of a starter scope. If you’re looking for durability and advanced features, it might be worth saving a bit more for a higher-tier model. Additionally, carrying spare batteries can help mitigate the shorter battery life, ensuring you stay powered up during those longer hunting excursions.
#5 oneleaf.ai Commander NV400 4-52X50 – $709
Model: oneleaf.ai Commander NV400 4-52X50
Magnification: 4-52x
Sensor Resolution: 3864×2228
Display Resolution: 3.69 million dots
Battery Life: 4-10 hours
Price: $709
Core Features:
- Ultra HD 4K Sony STARVIS Sensor: Delivers stunning image clarity in both day and night modes.
- Extensive Magnification Range: 4-52x zoom range allows versatility from close tracking to long-distance sniping.
- Advanced Features: Includes a ballistic calculator, Picture-in-Picture mode, and an electronic compass for enhanced shooting precision.
- One Shot Zero: Quickly and accurately sight in your scope with a single shot, saving time and ammo.
- Durable Aluminum Housing: Built to withstand harsh hunting conditions and rough handling.
- High-Powered IR Illuminator: Provides excellent night visibility, ensuring you can spot game even in complete darkness.
Pros:
- Stunning Image Clarity: The Ultra HD 4K Sony STARVIS sensor paired with a high-powered IR illuminator ensures you get clear and detailed images, even in complete darkness.
- Versatile Magnification: The 4-52x zoom range is perfect for hunters who need flexibility, whether you’re tracking game at close quarters or engaging targets at long distances.
- Durable Build: The aluminum housing ensures the scope can withstand the rugged conditions of the hunting field, providing longevity and reliability.
Cons:
- Customer Support Concerns: As a newer Chinese company, oneleaf.ai’s customer service may not be as reliable or responsive as more established brands, potentially causing issues if you encounter problems.
- Weight: At 2 lbs, it’s a bit heftier, which could affect the balance of your rifle during prolonged use, leading to discomfort over long hunting sessions.
- Battery Life: With only 4-10 hours of battery life, you might find yourself needing to carry extra batteries for extended hunts, especially if you rely heavily on the IR illuminator and advanced features.
Practical Advice:
The oneleaf.ai Commander NV400 4-52X50 is packed with features that cater to the tech-savvy hunter looking for high magnification and advanced functionalities. However, if you’re wary of after-sales support, you might want to proceed with caution or consider brands with a more established reputation. Ensure you’re comfortable with the added weight and invest in a good battery setup to keep you powered up during those long hunts. This scope is perfect for those who need versatility and advanced features, but make sure you’re prepared for the potential downsides regarding support and battery life.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right digital day & night scope can make all the difference in your hunting success. ATN clearly leads the pack with their X-Sight 5 and X-Celsior, offering a blend of advanced features, exceptional performance, and solid build quality at competitive prices. While other brands like Pulsar and oneleaf.ai offer their own strengths, the balance of performance and practicality with ATN products makes them top contenders for any serious hunter’s arsenal.
Remember, investing in the right scope isn’t just about seeing better—it’s about enhancing your entire hunting experience. Consider what features matter most to you, whether it’s long-range capabilities, advanced recording options, or budget-friendly options. Do your homework, weigh the pros and cons, and you’ll find the perfect companion for your hunting adventures.