You might agree: 

Hunting is one of the most loved outdoor activities in the world today, with thousands of people taking an interest in it. Several different types of hunting require specific equipment, depending on the game. In this guide, I will be reviewing the best night vision scopes for coyote hunting that have worked extraordinarily well in various scenarios; hopefully, you’ll find something within your budget. 

Let’s take a look at the best night scopes available.

Top 10 Best Night Vision Scopes for Coyote Hunting of 2023

Vortex Optics Crossfire II

One of the top choices of brands to check out is Vortex Optics; the Crossfire II one-inch Riflescope is top quality for hunting coyotes. It has a Dead-Hold BDC Reticle that makes it perfect for hunting and shooting from various ranges without missing a target. This feature works hand-in-hand with its fast-focus eyepiece to make reticle focusing easier and better. 

Also, the long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box of this 2-7×32 riflescope are two incredible features that help get a clearer picture of a target to aid with easy aiming. Further, it has anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses to ensure top-notch clarity and visibility. With finger-adjustable capped reset turrets and a 60 MOA maximum elevated adjustment, sighting-in is made easy; this night vision scope is indeed user-friendly. 

Vortex Optics Crossfire II one-inch Riflescope comes with a single-piece tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and shockproof durability. Lastly, the O-ring seal and nitrogen purge make sure it is waterproof and fog proof for practical use. 

Pros

  • Shockproof and fog proof
  • Forgiving focus
  • Excellent clarity and visibility
  • Easy to reset back to zero after sighting-in
  • Durable with a good glass

Cons

  • None

Takeway

This second focal plane riflescope has the right qualities and features to make any hunting experience more effortless. Besides, the Dead-Hold BDC makes it perfect where estimating holdover is a significant issue.

ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart

With technology changing every aspect of our lives, ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Riflescope is not left out in this development. This night vision scope made from a cutting-edge technology comes with an ultra HD 4K sensor—the obsidian 4 dual-core processor that gives more resolution and faster optics. It is also a great choice of device for better color and image qualities. 

The 5-20x riflescope comes with several features that ensure its ultimate performance in coyote hunting. First, it has a ballistic calculator with factors like range, wind, angle, temperature, multiple-weapon profile, etc. Also, it has an enhanced night vision mode for visibility in low-light conditions. 

Furthermore, its ultra-low power profile keeps it running efficiently for as long as 18 hours. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Riflescope has a dual-stream video recording that is supported by both iOS and Android mobile devices for excellent use. More importantly, it has a Recoil Activated Video (RAV) for better target focus. 

Pros

  • Offers millions of vivid colors
  • Perfect in low-light situations
  • Precise and accurate
  • Supported by most mobile devices
  • Improved with advanced technology

Cons

  • The memory card slot is not so great
  • The scope does not return to default (zero)

Takeway

If you are looking for a more sophisticated and technologically advanced night vision scope to use for hunting, I would strongly recommend this device.

Night Owl Optics NightShot

A more improved riflescope with an IR Illuminator is quite the catch for hog and varmint hunting. Night Owl Optics NightShot Riflescope is, therefore, an excellent choice, as it offers high power and good visibility in the dark. With 3x magnification, this scope guarantees a focusing distance from 10ft to infinity. 

The ability to see greater distances with this device is dependent on the ambient light situation. It comes with three reticle types, which have been configured into black and white for maximum performance; thus, the hunter is at liberty to choose what suits the condition at the time. Furthermore, on high IR, the riflescope can last for four hours; on low IR, it can last for seven hours. 

Night Owl Optics NightShot Riflescope is durable and useful; even daytime use doesn’t affect its quality at all. Since it is made of plastic material, it can withstand any weather conditions with a mounting option. 

Pros

  • Lightweight and inexpensive
  • Durable with excellent visibility
  • Easy to mount
  • Weatherproof
  • Offers 100- to 200-yard range limit
  • Comes with a high IR illuminator

Cons

  • Not suitable for rifles above 30 calibers

Takeway

For a low-cost riflescope with excellent qualities, NightOwl Optics NightShot Riflescope is one of the best choices I would recommend.

Vortex Optics Viper HS-T

Also, on Vortex Optics, the Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescope is one of the best modified due to its perfection for shooting and hunting. It has a unique VMR-1 reticle (MOA) that ensures accuracy when holding at different extended ranges. It is quite premium in performance and keeps the target locked with its 4x zoom magnification and incredible features. 

The night vision scope for hunting has fully multi-coated extra-low dispersion lenses that improve resolution and color quality. Additionally, the XR Coating and Armortek Coating gather enhanced light and protect lenses, respectively. It further comes with an O-ring seal and argon-purged one-piece tube that delivers a waterproof and fog-proof performance. 

Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Riflescope uses exposed target-style turrets for precise, perfect, and repeatable finger-adjustable clicks. The CRS zero stop feature also helps return to zero after sighting-in, and corrections to dialing temporary elevations are made. Overall, it uses an adjustable fast-focus eyepiece to enhance clarity and easy focusing. 

Pros

  • Good zoom magnification
  • Accurate and adjustable
  • Versatile and protective
  • Good image and color qualities
  • Fogproof and waterproof

Cons

  • Parallax and cheek adjustment issues are common

Takeway

I suggest Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescope for coyote hunting not only because it has reliable optics, but it also has a good track record.

Sightmark Wraith HD Digital

Another revolutionary brand in the business of making digital riflescopes for hunting and shooting is Sightmark. Its Wraith HD Digital Riflescope is one of those making waves due to its high resolution and full-color clarity. It is also known for its unique 1920×1080 HD sensor that makes it useful both at night and during the daytime. 

It has an 8x digital zoom–4x optical system and 32x magnification to clarify every detail of a target. Also, the 4-32x50mm riflescope comes with 10 reticle options that are quite useful in different scenarios and nine colors for accuracy in aiming for a target. Furthermore, several firearms and calibers depend on this scope’s five weapon profiles to return to default (i.e., zero) for controlled performance.  

Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Riflescope is improved with HD photo and video recording features for better use. With a menu button manipulation, it is easy to keep the scope dialed correctly in and ready. Other incredible features in the package include an IR flashlight, a lens cover, a fixed Picatinny mount, and a user manual. 

Pros

  • Suitable to use any time of the day or night
  • Packed with valuable accessories
  • Works with all firearms and calibers
  • Keeps record of hunting experience
  • Easy-to-export recordings with the micro USB slot
  • A good detection range of 200 yards with IR Illuminator

Cons

  • No micro memory card included

Takeway

Not many riflescopes can provide both day and night modes. However, Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Riflescope ensures that full-color works during the day and black and white or green work at night.

Nikon Prostaff 3 Predator

For many years, Nikon has been on the front end of making devices that capture images or record videos with top-notch quality. Therefore, the Nikon Prostaff 3 Predator Riflescope is one of the great night vision scope choices for hog hunting. It is mostly recognized for its black color and aluminum body material. 

As expected, it has fully multi-coated optics that ensure the production of good image quality. It also features a BDC reticle for easy focusing and aiming. The riflescope is indeed an excellent choice for night hunting and shooting. 

Additionally, Nikon Prostaff 3 Predator Riflescope has hand-turn ¼ MOA adjustments and spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets for better performance. Ultimately, the scope’s rugged aluminum tube and quick focus eyepiece ensure top-notch durability and consistent eye relief, respectively. 

Pros

  • Durable and effective
  • Comfy to use and easy to focus
  • Enhances clarity

Cons

  • The eye relief is not so great

Takeway

Nikon has always been one of the best brands for the money—it wouldn’t be a bad idea if you tried this night vision scope out for hunting.

Tasco Varmint Mil-Dot Reticle

Intermediate and long ranges are not always easy to come by when using riflescopes; however, Tasco Varmint Mil-Dot Reticle Riflescope achieves that objective. With a 2.5-10x magnification, it offers a 35-9ft at 100 yards. Additionally, the exit pupil is at 16.8mm at 2.5X for min. and 2mm at 10X for max. 

As a varmint night scope, it uses a proper mil-dot reticle that provides much illumination and clarity when aiming. This feature works in conjunction with the super con/multi-layered coated optics for better visibility and image quality. Lastly, Tasco Varmint Mil-Dot Reticle Riflescope is made of polymer material with a black matte finish for durability. 

Pros

  • Gives explicit imagery for locating targets
  • Offers varying ranges with excellent performance
  • Glove-grip turret tube for comfort
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Contains harmful chemicals; thus, it needs to be handled with care

Takeway

Are you looking to find something simple and worth the money? I guarantee that Tasco Varmint Mil-Dot Reticle Riflescope makes it; plus, it offers intermediate to extended ranges.

BIZOOM KL25 Hunting Light

Sometimes, what you need on a night vision scope for hunting is a flashlight. BIZOOM KL25 Hunting Light Flashlight is a good long-range device for coyote hunting due to its green light and interchangeable red LED light modules. It is high quality because it can cover up to 300 yards for effective performance. 

This flashlight made of aluminum alloy material is sturdy and durable; thus, it is tough and water-resistant. Also, it is shock resistant and can withstand impacts. The anti-slip coating even makes it possible to stay stable under severe weather or outdoor conditions. 

BIZOOM KL25 Hunting Light Flashlight is equipped with a couple of features, such as a universal mount and a remote-click on/off switch to aid a shotgun. Lastly, the tactical device uses a 18650 rechargeable battery to provide power for as long as possible. 

Pros

  • Durable and perfect for extreme conditions
  • Covers a long distance
  • Easy to turn the button on and off
  • Shock-resistant and water-resistant
  • Perfect for predator, coyote, hog hunting
  • Comes with valuable accessories

Cons

  • None

Takeway

If what your budget can afford is a flashlight rather than a proper riflescope, BIZOOM KL25 Hunting Light Flashlight is a great choice.

SECOZOOM Optics 4-50x75mm

One of the most impressive scopes for night hunting is the SECOZOOM Optics 4-50x75mm Riflescope because of its long-range. It is a perfect counter-sniper rifle due to its heavy-duty construction, i.e., 35mm tube. Based on performance, the scope is used for extended ranges, similar to the 0.308, 50 BMG, and 0.338 Lapua magnum cartridge proportions.

The device has a multi-coated green lens that enhances visibility and clarity, even in the dark. Moreover, the ED glass has several coatings for a more crystal-clear view under low-light conditions. These coatings include an anti-scratch, water displacement, anti-haze, and dust prevention. 

More importantly, the SECOZOOM Optics 4-50x75mm Riflescope uses an illuminated mil-dot reticle to better focus on the scope.

Pros

  • Perfect for long ranges
  • Enhanced visibility in low-light conditions
  • Protected from different constraints, such as scratch, dust, and water
  • Durable and heavy-duty

Cons

  • None

Takeway

I would only advise buyers to go for this riflescope if they want to deal with a coyote rifle scope that is sniper-friendly.

Optical Dynamics OD40 Illuminator

When it comes to tactical flashlights, Optical Dynamics OD40 Illuminator Flashlight is another excellent choice. It has a long-distance predator LED light, making it useful for coyote night hunting. It can act as an illuminator, rifle, and even a gun, depending on the situation. 

This flashlight projects a collimated, focused beam of high-definition light that enhances visibility in the dark over a distance. This light doesn’t fade nor reflect back into the eyes to affect vision negatively. In essence, it is a tool that maximizes the potential of the natural eyes for game identification. 

The Optical Dynamics OD40 Illuminator Flashlight uses a patented photonics technology that produces unaltered light waves that won’t spook animals. Its performance can only be at its peak with its black CREE LED light with 700 lumens and aircraft-grade aluminum body. Overall, the lightweight design makes it perfect not only for hunting but also for other outdoor purposes. 

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Easy to handle
  • Projects clean, white light
  • Can act as a defense weapon
  • No negative effects on the eyes

Cons

  • A short battery life

Takeway

For a tactical flashlight that would do the eyes a lot of good and be suitable for hunting coyotes, I would advise you to pick Optical Dynamics OD40 Illuminator Flashlight.

Buying Guide to Best Night Vision Scope for Coyote Hunting: Factors to Keep in Mind Before Buying a Night Vision Scope

Just as I have carefully described the top scopes for night hunting above, let’s take a look at the factors that make them top quality and worth the investment. 

We will emphasize the following features: 

Magnification 

First, magnification is the ability of a riflescope to enlarge or minimize an image from a distance. It depends solely on both the minimum and maximum zoom factor. Also, magnification depends on factors like environment, terrain type, shooting condition, hunting style, and the distance from the target. 

Furthermore, the field of view depends on the magnification—the higher it is, the lesser the FoV. You need low power for close- to mid-range shots and high power for longer-range shots. Indeed, getting the right magnification for coyote hunting is highly important for accuracy.

Reticle Type 

Reticles are fine lines built into scopes for precise targeting. There are different types of reticles, and individually, they play huge roles in aiming at a target. For instance, the BDC reticle, which is the most popular, has fine, specific aiming points with a good bullet drop compensation. Other types include the dot reticle, duplex reticle, etc., known for their enhanced illumination. Overall, the choice of reticle has to be based on brightness and visibility in low-light conditions. 

Image/Glass Quality 

In a bid to choose a night vision scope with a reticle having good potential under low-light conditions, you should also consider glass quality. Typically, coyotes are known to camouflage themselves in darkness, making them hard to spot; therefore, there is a need for features that would provide light for this condition. Excellent glass quality allows for good illumination to improve imaging when aiming. 

Durability

Often, people take durability as an essential criterion to choose any product on the market. The reason for doing this is to avoid spending extra on maintenance, and eventually on a new product. Durability is a function of longevity—the higher the durability, the more effective and useful it is. 

Surprisingly, some top brands guarantee this attribute and have lived up to their word. If you go for brands like Nikon, Vortex Optics, and so on, be assured that you would use the coyote rifle scope for a long time without losing its qualities. 

Budget

Finally, the type of budget you have is important to consider before buying a varmint night scope to use. Several brands have designed their products with extraordinary features yet have still made them relatively affordable to consumers. There are those with prices <$500, <$1,000, and even <$2,000. All you have to do is list the features you are looking for and set a budget. You may find something within or around your budget from the list above. 

FAQs

I have compiled a list of general questions that most people ask when it comes to night vision scopes for hunting. Hopefully, the answers provided below clear all doubts and confusion about using these devices for their designed purpose. 

What is a Night Vision Device?

A night vision device, also called a night optical device, is an optoelectronic device that has features and qualities sufficient to provide illuminated light in the dark for clarity and visibility. They sometimes have an IR Illuminator that makes it possible to activate different light levels that would be visible at night. 

Most of the scopes that you see for night hunting are night vision devices. Coupled with features like reticles, magnification, etc., that make them suitable to use, they also offer night modes (green light) to help focus and aim. 

How Far Would I see with a Night Vision Scope?

For each night vision scope, there is an accredited distance to it. At the maximum, you should see up to 200 yards at night, which is good enough, especially for hunting. However, with varying magnification, you should have different fields of view. 

What is an IR Illuminator? Do I Need to Get One? 

An Infrared (IR) Illuminator is responsible for the emission of light from the infrared spectrum. They are not eye-visible but are incorporated into night vision scopes or devices for visibility in the dark. They are like a flashlight. 

If your night vision scope does not have a built-in IR illuminator, getting one wouldn’t be a bad idea. What you need to be most concerned with is being able to see, focus, and aim seamlessly. 

How Long Do Night Vision Scopes Last?

A night vision scope is often improved with features for an excellent performance. One of those features is a thermal camera that gives good imaging and reading. This camera is what the device needs for functionality—without it, the scope is an ordinary piece of equipment. With proper care and maintenance, this camera should last a lifetime; however, 5,000 hours is enough to prove the efficiency and working duration of a top-rated night vision scope. 

Conclusion

This guide to the top 10 best night vision scopes for coyote hunting of 2020 that I have provided is not only going to make life easy for you but will also help improve your decision-making skills. Go through each of these reviewed products and pick the one that fits right into your budget to get started on a classic hunting experience.