Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
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Hunters are always looking for the next best tool to help them get an edge in their hunts. Hunting at night doesn’t have many perks-unless you’re using a night vision scope. The dark woods and thick fog can make it difficult to spot your prey without one, but there’s no need to worry about any of that anymore. A night vision scope allows hunters to see what they usually can’t with the naked eye. Various factors go into getting the proper scope, so we compiled this list of the best night vision scope under 500.
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32x50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope
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- Day/Night Mode – Full Color Viewing For Day Use; Black And White Or Classic Green For Night Vision Mode
- High-Definition Sensor – High Resolution Imaging With Video Recording In 1080P Hd
- 8X Digital Zoom – A 2X Optical System For Up To 16X Magnification
- Hd Photo Or Video Recording (Memory Card Not Included)
The problem with many of these scopes is that they are too expensive for an average person. There are some cheaper models out there, but they aren’t as good as more expensive ones. So what’s a man supposed to do? He has no choice but to go with the cheap one because he doesn’t want to spend thousands on something he only uses once in a while, right?
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best night vision scope under 500, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Best Night Vision Scope Under 500
This blog will go over our favorite picks for the best night vision scope under 500 dollars with their pros and cons so that you can decide which one suits your needs best. Make sure to read on if this sounds like something up your alley.
6 Best Night Vision Scope Under 500 (Ranked And Reviewed)
Specifications
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Dimensions:
17 x 3 x 2.5 Inches
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Magnification:
4x-16x
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Material:
Aluminum
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Objective Lens:
50 Millimeters
Sightmark’s Wraith 4-32×50 Riflescope is the ultimate solution for any shooter looking for a riflescope that can handle all types of environments. The Wraith 4-32×50 Riflescope is equipped with both day and night vision modes, allowing it to be used in virtually any situation. The Sightmark® 4-32x 50 Riflescope is a high-definition imaging riflescope with video recording capabilities. This riflescope features a built-in digital video recorder that records 1080p HD and multi-coated optics for maximum brightness and light transmission.
It features a 50 mm objective lens, which provides a wider field of view and more light transmission than the typical riflescope. The Wraith Riflescope is the perfect riflescope for your tactical and hunting needs. The Wraith features a 2x optical system that provides up to 16x magnification with an 8x digital zoom, which allows you to see clear images at long distances. This riflescope also has a wide field of view so you can easily find your target, even if it’s far away from you. The reticle is etched on the first focal plane, so it will remain sharp regardless of how you adjust your magnification.
Positive
- Multiple reticle choices
- Simple and easy to use
- Holds zero in any power
- Adjustable brightness levels
Negatives
- Fewer battery hours
- Only for short-range beginners
2. Night Owl Optics Nightshot Riflescope
Specifications
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Dimensions:
14.75 x 5.25 x 3 Inches
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Magnification:
3x
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Material:
Plastic
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Objective Lens:
40 Millimeters
Night Owl Optics Nightshot Riflescope is the most powerful riflescope in its class. It’s also one of the easiest to use. Just mount it on your rifle, sight it in and start shooting. The Nightshot Riflescope features a fully multicoated lens system for maximum light transmission and resolution. Use the included external rheostat light controller to adjust brightness. It is a range-finding scope designed to be used in low light conditions. It features a 640×480 display, which allows it to project images on its screen visible even in the darkest of nights.
The Night Owl Optics Nightshot can project up to 200 yards away and has an accuracy rate of + or – 2 yards. Its high resolution, 640X480 display allows users to see clear images at night with ease. Night Owl Riflescope delivers the best of both worlds: daytime precision and nighttime operation. The Nightshot’s reticle illuminates in red during daylight hours when you’re using the scope for hunting or target shooting. Still, it switches to green at night to provide enhanced visibility even under low-light conditions.
Positive
- Incredible visibility up to 200 yards
- Simple and lightweight
- It fits perfectly to weaver or Picatinny mount
Negatives
- It’s tough to replace the batteries
- Fewer battery hours
3. Hiram 4-16×50 Ao Riflescope
Specifications
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Dimensions:
15 x 5.2 x 5.2 Inches
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Magnification:
16x
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Material:
Aluminum Alloy
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Objective Lens:
50 Millimeters
The Hiram rifle scope is the ultimate 4-in-1 combo. The ] rangefinder has a built-in ballistic calculator, making it easy to calculate your distance and get on target fast. The included holographic reflex sight gives you an extra set of eyes for increased accuracy when shooting at close ranges. The green laser pointer illuminates your targets, so you know exactly where to aim. And last but not least, the 200 lumen LED tactical flashlight gives you the power to light up any dark situation. Hiram Rifle Scope is the best rifle scope for any shooter. It is made with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. It has a 4X – 16X magnification that will increase your shooting accuracy up to 100 yards when combined with proper shooting technique.
This high-quality rifle scope comes with adjustable zoom, parallax from 15 yards, adjustable windage & elevation so you can shoot like a professional. The Hiram Rifle Scope is a compact, lightweight, and versatile scope. The high quality of the crosshairs in this sight makes it easy to shoot accurately, even at a distance. The red & green dot sight features five different light settings to use it for extreme conditions. This rifle scope has four reticle patterns to choose from, making it the perfect accessory for all your hunting needs.
Positive
- Combination of rangefinder lights
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Quick target acquisition
- Well built and accurate
Negatives
- Short running hours for batteries
- Lose front cover
4. Pinty 3-9×32 Riflescope
Specifications
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Dimensions:
14.2 x 5.7 x 3 Inches
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Magnification:
9x
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Material:
Aluminum Alloy
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Objective Lens:
32 Millimeters
The Pinty 3-9×32 Rifle Scope is an excellent choice for hunters, competitive shooters and law enforcement. This 4 in 1 riflescope comes with a rangefinder scope, green laser sight and red/green dot sight. You can adjust the riflescope’s magnification from 3 to 9 times its original size, and it provides clear images of the target from long distances. Pinty 3-9×32 Rifle Scope with Red/Green Dot Sight and 4 Reticle patterns. It is the best scope for any gun that you have. It will make your shooting experience much more accessible than ever before; You can easily adjust the brightness of both the red dot sight and riflescope using the knob located on top of the scope.
This rifle scope has multi-coated lenses that provide high light transmission, making it suitable for low light conditions and bright light conditions. It offers unlimited eye relief and a wide field of view, making it an excellent scope for beginners or professionals. The Pinty 3-9×32 Rifle Scope comes with a mount that easily attaches to any 22mm rail rifle and is built with high-quality material to provide you with the best performance in your shooting experience.
Positive
- Solid and well-built scope
- Sharp & bright lasers
- Value for the money
- Quick and easy to install
Negatives
- It will make your rifle a little bulky
- No lens cap included
5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
14 x 3 x 3 Inches
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Magnification:
4x-12x
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Material:
Aluminum
-
Objective Lens:
40 Millimeters
The Crossfire II is the ultimate riflescope for shooters who want one scope to do it all. It has boasting features usually reserved for high-end optics; the Crossfire II line delivers premium quality and performance at an affordable price. The fully multi-coated lenses provide bright, sharp images with a proper color rendition, making it easy to pick your targets and track your shots. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle offers shooters of all skill levels a simple way to take advantage of holdover without converting milling into minutes of angle or MOA into inches.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes feature a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing. The long eye relief makes these scopes ideal for use on shotguns and rimfire rifles, as well as any situation where the shooter needs to get closer to the action. These scopes are built with fully multi-coated lenses that deliver high light transmission for crystal clear images, even in low-light conditions. They also feature the ultra-forgiving eye box allowing you to maintain your sight picture.
Positive
- Robust, durable, and shockproof.
- Dead hold BDC reticle
- The optics are crystal clear.
- Precision adjustments
Negatives
- Blurry reticle
- Parallax error
6. Sightmark Photon Digital Riflescope
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
17 x 3 x 3.25 Inches
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Magnification:
4.6x-6.5x
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Material:
Aluminum
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Objective Lens:
50 Millimeters
The Sightmark Photon Digital Riflescope is an excellent scope for any sport. The scope has many features that make it unique and gives the user an edge over other scopes. The digital reticle allows you to see your target in the dark without losing sight of it during daylight hours. The six different reticle styles are perfect for all situations, from hunting to competitive shooting. It is an excellent choice for hunters who want to improve their accuracy and range. It has 6.5x magnification with a digital display that shows the precise distance of your target.
The advanced optics provide clear viewing in any lighting conditions, so you can easily spot your prey. This scope comes with a built-in laser sight that helps you aim quickly and accurately. Sightmark’s Photon Digital Riflescope is a lightweight, compact and easy-to-use riflescope with an integrated 810nm LED infrared illuminator. The Photon Digital Riflescope has a 50mm objective lens that provides high-quality image clarity. It is equipped with digital zoom for precision accuracy and can be used in daytime and nighttime environments.
Positive
- Mounting point on the side of the scope
- Easy to zero and simple to use
- Perfect visibility up to 200 yards
- Superior image quality
Negatives
- No night vision without an illuminator
- Not for the frigid climate
What To Consider When Buying The Best Night Vision Scope Under 500?
If you are looking for the best night vision rifle scope under $500, there are some things that you should check before purchasing a scope. You should be able to fit:
Focal Plane
The best night vision rifle scopes are the first focal plane scopes. They provide an image of a reticle with the right size depending on your target and at which range it is located. Remember, these images come from thermal sensors placed near the objective lens.
Magnification
The highest quality night vision riflescopes have a range of magnification between 1.5x – 4x. These scopes provide an image that is clear even when you aim at long distances; they are also highly accurate and offer high-quality light intensification.
Objective Lens Diameter
Depending on what kind of image you want to have, the size of your objective lens will be necessary. If you are going to shoot at short-range targets, a 50mm lens can help gather more light and give you a high-quality image; however, if you are shooting at long ranges, an 80mm lens is more practical.
Tube Diameter
Many reticles do not sit perfectly in the middle of their tubes. This means that they look blurry and distorted depending on where they are located inside the tube. To avoid this problem, ensure that your telescopic sight has a tube with enough internal diameter so that no part of its reticle is visible from the side or bottom. You can also consider other factors such as price, type of objective lens, reticle shape, brightness level and image quality. However, make sure that they are at least par with what we have listed above for you to get the best night vision rifle scope under $500.
FAQs
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Sure, you can use the night vision scope during the day. Most of the time, it’s just a matter of taking off the infrared filter and flipping the switch. A daytime setting will be less sensitive than one designed for nighttime. Daytime settings are optimized for light levels between 100 and 10,000 lux, whereas night vision scopes excel in low-light conditions with light levels as little as .06 lux or less.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Night Vision Scopes only amplify existing light sources which means that they will not produce enough light to be used at any time of the day or night. Different night vision scopes can be used in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, but they’re not designed for complete darkness environments. If there are no lights around, the person won’t see anything due to their lack of visibility limitations.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Night vision is a technology that has been around for decades, but thermal imaging is newer.
(1) Night vision: Night vision relies on ambient light sources (moonlight, starlight) or artificial light sources like infrared lights or flashlights to illuminate objects in the scene that would otherwise not be visible without those lights.
(2) Thermal Imaging: This technology works by detecting differences in heat emitted by objects within its field of view; these images create a “thermal profile” that shows temperatures variations.
Conclusion
We have reviewed the top six best night vision scopes under 500. These are great options for those who want to get started in hunting or simply enhance their home security system with a scope that can see up to 100 yards at night. The features and specifications o these six night scopes allow you to choose one based on what you need it for, from long-distance shooting (up to 1200 yards) or close-range surveillance/targeting (100m). We hope this article has been informative, but don’t stop here. You may want to take some time now to read our other articles on hunting at night or finding the perfect scope. If you need any assistance in making your decision, please feel free to contact us with any questions that we might answer about these products.
Our Research Process
Our curated list of products has been provided to you by our experienced team of researchers and writers at Ballachy who have tested and scrutinized product recommendations on the market. Our experience in the field, in-depth research and hands-on approach has allowed us to objectively analyse products for years and continuously providing value for buyers who are looking to get accurate and unbiased reviews. If you would like to know more about our research methods, we welcome you to visit our page here detailing how our recommendations are done. Furthermore, as we are always looking keep our guides updated and welcome any feedback from readers regarding different experiences or recommendations to adjust our list. If you consider that we have missed on some important recommendations, please let us know here, so we can add-on any valuable feedback.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
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