For hunters seeking to outwit the cunning coyote under cover of darkness, having the right night vision scope is essential. Coyotes are most active at night, making their hunting patterns unpredictable and challenging to track without specialized optics. A high-quality night vision scope allows you to clearly detect your prey’s movements, even in low-light conditions, giving you the advantage you need for a successful hunt. With various technologies, magnification levels, and budgets to consider, selecting the perfect night vision scope for coyote hunting requires research to find the ideal balance of performance, durability, and value. In this guide, we’ll explore the top options on the market, breaking down their key features to help you make an informed decision and increase your chances of scoring that prized coyote trophy.
1. ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Smart Night Scope
Powered by an Obsidian IV Dual Core Processor and a Ultra HD 4K sensor, this optic provides exceptional image quality in any light condition – rich color palette during the day and sharp black-and-white imaging at night. With 5-20x magnification and a wide field of view, it excels in target acquisition and precision shooting.
One of its standout features is the Dual Stream Video Recording capability, allowing Wi-Fi streaming and video recording to run simultaneously without compromising performance. The integrated Ballistic Calculator ensures pinpoint accuracy by automatically adjusting the point of impact based on ammunition type, range to target, and environmental data. The Recoil Activated Video function captures every shot in stunning full HD, storing footage directly onto a micro SD card.
2. Sightmark Wraith 4K Mini Digital Night Vision Riflescope
Featuring a state-of-the-art 3840×2160 CMOS sensor, this riflescope delivers unprecedented night vision capabilities, allowing you to detect objects up to 300 yards away, even in complete darkness. With a flawless 1280×720 FLCOS display, the Wraith 4K Mini ensures your targets are rendered with exceptional clarity, whether you’re using it in daylight or under the cover of night vision mode. Its built-in recorder lets you capture your hunting adventures in stunning 1080p and 4K resolution video with audio, preserving your most memorable shots for posterity.
Highly versatile, this riflescope offers 14 reticle options, including 9 colors, 10 second focal plane reticles, and 4 first focal plane reticles, allowing you to customize your experience to suit various conditions and preferences. Additionally, you can save up to 5 different profiles, making it easy to switch between optimized settings for different scenarios and setups.
3. Vulcan Gen 3 Pinnacle 4.5X Night Vision Riflescope
This dedicated night vision riflescope boasts cutting-edge Gen 3 image intensifier technology, with your choice of Pinnacle tubes offering a minimum of 2000 FOM (Figure of Merit) or premium 2376 FOM options for unparalleled low-light performance.
Designed for seamless operation, the Vulcan 4.5X includes a wireless firearm-mounted remote control, allowing you to wake the unit from standby mode with a single push of a button – extending battery life, maintaining light discipline, and minimizing shooter movement. The versatile power options accept either a single AA or CR123A battery, enabling compatibility with other gear.
4. ATN Thor 4 Thermal Rifle Scope
Featuring an ultra-sensitive next-generation sensor with a blistering 60Hz refresh rate, this optic delivers unparalleled long-range performance, effortlessly detecting heat signatures of animals from incredible distances. With multiple color viewing modes including Black Hot, White Hot, and various color palettes, the Thor 4 ensures optimal target acquisition in any environment. Its full suite of smart features elevates your hunting experience, including 60FPS video recording, dual-stream WiFi connectivity, a built-in ballistic calculator, smart rangefinder, and smart milliradian reticle.
The integrated ballistic calculator allows you to set up to 6 unique profiles, accounting for range, angle to target, temperature, humidity, and more – ensuring a perfect shot every time. The classic ergonomic design, user-friendly interface, and wide field of view make this thermal scope a joy to use, while its standard 30mm mounting system enables seamless integration with virtually any platform.
5. AGM Rattler TS19-256 Thermal Imaging RifleScope
Featuring a high-sensitivity 12μm 256×192 thermal detector and advanced image processing algorithms like Adaptive AGC, DDE, and 3D DNR, this riflescope delivers crisp, detailed thermal imaging even in total darkness or harsh weather conditions.
With a large 1024×768 high-resolution 0.39-inch OLED display, the Rattler TS19-256 ensures optimal target acquisition and situational awareness. The 8x digital zoom capability further enhances target recognition and identification at longer ranges. This versatile optic is also equipped with video recording and snapshot functions, utilizing a built-in 16GB EMMC storage.
6. Bushnell Night Vision_Equinox Z2 Monocular
Equipped with a powerful built-in infrared illuminator and an infrared-sensitive CMOS sensor, this monocular delivers outstanding edge-to-edge resolution and image quality, even in low-light conditions or total darkness. With its 6x magnification and 50mm objective lens, the Equinox Z2 allows you to effectively view objects up to 900 feet away in night mode when the infrared illumination is set to high. The fully multi-coated optics increase light transmission and decrease glare, ensuring a clear, illuminated image.
Beyond exceptional night vision capabilities, the Equinox Z2 also offers versatile recording and streaming functions. Simply insert a micro SD card to capture high-quality 1080p video and still images, which can then be easily uploaded to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Additionally, you can stream live video footage via Wi-Fi using the dedicated Bushnell Equinox app, enabling robust remote operation and control.
7. Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Night Vision Riflescope
This advanced riflescope seamlessly transitions between full-color daytime viewing and dedicated night modes with classic emerald or black and white displays. At the heart of the Wraith HD lies a cutting-edge 1920×1080 high-definition sensor that delivers exceptional image quality and clarity. This powerful sensor also enables users to record video in stunning 1080p HD, allowing them to capture their nighttime adventures with remarkable detail.
Enhancing its versatility, the Wraith HD boasts an impressive 8x digital zoom capability, effectively providing up to 16x magnification when combined with its 2x optical system. This zoom range ensures optimal target acquisition and observation at various distances.
How to Choose the Best Night Vision Scope for Coyote Hunting?
As the sun dips below the horizon, the coyote’s haunting calls echo across the landscape. For the seasoned hunter, this is the signal to gear up and embark on an exhilarating nocturnal pursuit. However, success in this challenging endeavor hinges on having the right night vision scope – a crucial piece of equipment that can make or break your hunt.
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of night vision technology. These advanced optics harness the power of image intensification, amplifying ambient light to render clear visuals in low-light conditions. The heart of a night vision scope lies in its image intensifier tube, which converts invisible infrared radiation into a visible image on the eyepiece.
Generation and Image Quality
One of the primary considerations when selecting a night vision scope is its generation. Ranging from Gen 1 to Gen 3, these classifications indicate the level of image quality and performance. While Gen 1 scopes offer basic functionality, Gen 2 and Gen 3 units provide superior resolution, clarity, and sensitivity – crucial for identifying your prey in the darkness.
Magnification and Field of View
Coyotes are cunning creatures, often keeping their distance from potential threats. A scope with higher magnification can bring these elusive animals into focus, allowing for precise shot placement. However, higher magnification also narrows the field of view, making it more challenging to acquire and track fast-moving targets. Strike a balance between magnification and field of view based on your hunting terrain and shooting distances.
Objective Lens Size
The objective lens is the front lens of the scope, responsible for gathering ambient light. A larger objective lens typically results in a brighter image, improving visibility in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses can also increase the weight and bulk of the scope, affecting portability and handling.
Battery Life and Ruggedness
Extended hunting sessions demand a scope with robust battery life to ensure uninterrupted performance. Additionally, consider the scope’s durability and weatherproofing, as coyote hunting often occurs in harsh, unforgiving environments.
What Makes a Great Night Vision Scope for Coyote Hunting?
When it comes to coyote hunting at night, having the right night vision scope can make all the difference. A great night vision scope for this purpose needs to have several key features and capabilities.
First and foremost, image clarity and resolution are paramount. Coyotes are quick, stealthy animals that can be difficult to spot even in daylight. At night, being able to clearly identify their shape, movement, and exact location from a distance is crucial for a successful hunt. A quality night vision scope with high resolution and excellent image processing will provide a crisp, clear view even in total darkness.
Secondly, the generation and type of night vision technology is important. Higher generations like Gen 2+ and Gen 3 generally offer superior image quality, longer range, and better low-light performance compared to entry-level Gen 1 units. Many dedicated night hunting scopes also use thermal imaging which can detect heat signatures rather than ambient light.
Another vital factor is the scope’s magnification power and field of view. Coyotes can be spotted from hundreds of yards away, so a night vision scope with at least 3-5x magnification is recommended. However, too much magnification can make it difficult to locate and track a moving target. An appropriate field of view around 40-60 feet at 100 yards is ideal.
Durability and weatherproofing are other attributes to consider. A night vision scope for coyote hunting needs to be able to withstand rugged outdoor conditions, moisture, dust and minor impacts. A tough, water-resistant housing paired with premium glass lenses and coatings will ensure reliability in the field.
Which Generation of Night Vision is Best Suited for Coyote Hunting?
The generation of night vision technology used in a scope is a crucial factor for coyote hunting. There are currently four main generations available – Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3, and Gen 4. Each offers different levels of performance and capability.
For serious coyote hunters, Gen 1 night vision is generally not recommended. While affordable, Gen 1 suffers from poor resolution, short viewing ranges, lack of reliability, and a “green halo” effect around objects. These entry-level units are best suited for short-range observation rather than hunting.
Gen 2 and Gen 2+ night vision represents a significant step up in image quality and low-light sensitivity. Gen 2 uses a microchannel plate to amplify ambient light rather than the simple lucite “light-pipe” design of Gen 1. This provides a much crisper, higher resolution image with better contrast. Gen 2+ improves on standard Gen 2 with an ionized glass ion barrier for increased light amplification. Many dedicated night hunting scopes utilize Gen 2+ technology.
For the ultimate in night vision performance, Gen 3 and Gen 4 systems are the premium options. Gen 3 uses photocathode image intensifiers along with gallium arsenide photocathodes to greatly increase light amplification over Gen 2 while providing automatic brightness control. The images are multi-color rather than green, with higher resolution and clearer edges.
Gen 4 represents the latest advancements, utilizing a film moins ion barrier instead of the Gen 3 glass optic ion barrier. This further enhances resolution, signal-to-noise ratio and automatic brightness control. However, Gen 4 units are extremely expensive and generally overkill for coyote hunting unless money is no object.
For most coyote hunters, a quality Gen 2+ or Gen 3 night vision scope will provide the right balance of affordable pricing and excellent low-light performance to effectively locate and hunt coyotes at night.
What Features Should You Look for in a Night Vision Scope for Coyote Hunting?
When selecting a night vision scope specifically for coyote hunting, there are several must-have features to prioritize for optimal performance in the field.
Image Clarity and Resolution
As mentioned previously, being able to clearly identify shapes, movement, and precise location at a distance is critical for this type of hunting. Look for scopes with high resolution sensors (640×480 or higher) and high-quality glass lenses and coatings to provide a crisp, sharp image even in total darkness.
Infrared Illumination
Many night vision scopes come equipped with built-in infrared (IR) illuminators that can greatly boost performance in extremely low ambient light conditions. IR illumination projects an invisible beam that the scope can then amplify, increasing range and visibility. This feature is very useful when hunting in cluttered environments like heavy brush.
Eye Relief and Field of View
For a comfortable viewing experience while still being able to quickly acquire and track targets, choose a scope with generous eye relief (3-4 inches or more) and an appropriate field of view in the 40-60 foot range at 100 yards. Too narrow of a field can make it hard to locate moving coyotes.
Durable, Weatherproof Construction
Night hunts often involve harsh environments and challenging conditions over extended periods. A scope’s housing should be ruggedly built and weatherproofed against moisture, dust and minor shock to withstand punishment in the field. Look for aluminum, titanium or polymer housings with O-ring seals.
Mounting Versatility
Be sure the scope can be easily mounted to your particular rifle, crossbow or other hunting weapon using a standard Picatinny, Weaver or other rail system. Quick-detach levers allow for simple removal and re-mounting.
Long Battery Life
Night vision optics are notoriously “power hungry”. Make sure the scope can run for multiple hours on a single battery or battery pack, especially if the IR illuminator will be used extensively. Having spare batteries on hand is also advisable.
By prioritizing these key features, hunters can select a night vision scope best suited for effectively tracking and taking coyotes in low-light conditions while withstanding the rigors of the hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions when Picking the Best Night Vision Scope for Coyote Hunting
Q1. What are the different generations of night vision scopes, and which one is best for coyote hunting?
A1. Night vision scopes are classified into different generations based on their image intensifier tube technology. Gen 1 scopes offer basic night vision capabilities but have lower resolution and performance. Gen 2 scopes provide better image quality, resolution, and sensitivity, making them a popular choice for coyote hunting. Gen 3 scopes are the most advanced and expensive, offering superior resolution, clarity, and low-light performance. For most coyote hunting situations, a high-quality Gen 2 scope strikes a good balance between performance and affordability.
Q2. What is the importance of magnification and field of view in a night vision scope for coyote hunting?
A2. Magnification and field of view are crucial factors to consider when choosing a night vision scope for coyote hunting. Higher magnification allows you to identify and aim at targets from longer distances, which is essential when hunting coyotes known for their wariness and keen senses. However, higher magnification also narrows the field of view, making it harder to acquire and track fast-moving targets. A good compromise is to choose a scope with moderate magnification (e.g., 3-6x) and a wide field of view, allowing you to spot and track coyotes effectively.
Q3. How does the objective lens size affect night vision scope performance for coyote hunting?
A3. The objective lens size plays a significant role in a night vision scope’s performance. A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter and clearer image, which is particularly important in low-light conditions typical of coyote hunting. However, larger lenses also increase the weight and bulk of the scope, making it more cumbersome to carry and maneuver in the field. A good balance is to choose a scope with a moderate objective lens size (e.g., 50-60mm) that provides sufficient light-gathering capabilities without compromising portability.
Q4. What features should I look for in a durable and reliable night vision scope for coyote hunting?
A4. Coyote hunting often takes place in rugged and demanding environments, so durability and reliability are essential features to consider. Look for a night vision scope with a weatherproof and shockproof construction, ensuring it can withstand harsh conditions, bumps, and accidental drops. Additionally, choose a scope with long battery life or the ability to use external power sources, as extended hunting sessions can quickly drain batteries. Robust mounting systems and high-quality optics are also crucial for maintaining zero and providing a clear, distortion-free image.
Q5. Are there any legal considerations when using night vision scopes for coyote hunting?
A5. Yes, there are legal considerations to keep in mind when using night vision scopes for coyote hunting. Regulations regarding the use of night vision devices for hunting can vary by state or even county, so it’s essential to check and understand the local laws and regulations before embarking on a night hunting expedition. Some areas may prohibit the use of night vision equipment altogether, while others may have specific restrictions on the types of devices allowed or the hunting seasons and methods permitted. Always ensure you are compliant with the relevant laws and regulations to avoid potential legal consequences.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a coyote hunt under the cloak of darkness is an exhilarating experience, but success hinges on having the right night vision scope. By carefully considering factors such as generation, magnification, objective lens size, and durability, you can select a scope that perfectly aligns with your hunting needs and terrain. Whether you opt for the cutting-edge ATN X-Sight 4K Pro, the versatile Sightmark Photon XT, or the compact Pulsar Trail XQ38, investing in a high-quality night vision optic will elevate your hunting prowess, granting you a significant advantage over your cunning prey. Embrace the thrill of the nocturnal pursuit, and let your night vision scope become an indispensable ally in your quest to outwit the elusive coyote.
Enjoyed this guide of the best night vision scope for coyote hunting? Then be sure to check out our other outdoor gears guides.