Hunting coyotes after dark is one of the most thrilling—and challenging—ways to stack pelts or protect your land. But you don’t have to spend thousands on thermal. Today’s digital night vision scopes deliver clear, crisp views, built-in IR illuminators, video recording, and field-ready reliability—all for under $500. Here are the best night vision scopes under $500 for coyote hunting in 2025, with proven performance and easy mounting for ARs, bolt actions, and more.
Quick Picks: Top Night Vision Scopes Under $500
-
Best Overall:
AGM Rattler TS19-256
– Great detection, easy to use, and highly rated for predator hunting. -
Best Digital NV:
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50
– Day/night use, video recording, and clear image at a value price. -
Best Compact Option:
Night Owl Optics NightShot
– Simple, light, affordable, and easy to mount on most rifles. -
Best for AR-15:
ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x
– Fast zeroing, recoil-rated, with HD video and one-shot zero. -
Best for Recording:
Pard NV008S Digital Night Vision Scope
– Built-in video, Wi-Fi, and fast menu for easy captures.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Night Vision Scope Under $500
Not all night vision is created equal. Here’s what to look for when hunting coyotes after dark:
- Built-in IR Illuminator: You need infrared to light up coyotes at 100+ yards. Built-in is best, but you can add external IR for more range.
- Digital vs. Analog: All scopes here use digital night vision—better battery life, video recording, and reliable performance in most weather.
- Zoom Range: 3-9x or 4-16x is ideal. Too much zoom gets fuzzy at night—clarity matters more than “max power.”
- Battery Life: Look for 4+ hours run time per set. Bring spares for all-night hunts.
- Day/Night Use: Digital NV lets you hunt during the day or night with one scope—no swapping or risking burn-out.
- Mounting: Picatinny or Weaver rail is standard. Check fit for bolt or AR rifles.
- Recoil Rating: All picks below are rated for .223, .243, .308, and common predator rifles.
Full Reviews: Best Night Vision Scopes Under $500 for Coyotes
AGM Rattler TS19-256
Who it’s for: Night hunters wanting digital clarity, good detection range, and easy controls for fast shooting.
- Key Benefits:
- 256×192 resolution with clear detection out to 100–150 yards
- Built-in IR illuminator for dark fields or thick cover
- Multiple reticle styles and color palettes for fast target ID
- Lightweight, compact, and easy to mount on most rifles
- Waterproof, fogproof, and rugged for tough use
- Pros:
- Excellent value—rare to find real AGM quality under $500
- Easy menu, simple zeroing, and long battery life
- Reliable for all-night coyote sets
- Cons:
- Not true “thermal” (but real digital NV, legal everywhere)
- Best under 200 yards—beyond that, you’ll need a higher-end model
Final Verdict: The best overall NV scope for serious predator hunters on a budget. Check today’s price
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50
Who it’s for: Coyote, hog, and predator hunters who want HD video, easy switching between day/night, and reliable IR.
- Key Benefits:
- Full-color day mode and crisp NV at night
- Built-in 850nm IR for clear shots at 100–200 yards
- Video recording to microSD—share your hunt with friends
- Multiple reticles, 10 brightness settings, and long battery life
- Pros:
- Popular, proven, and reliable—thousands of predator hunters use the Wraith
- Easy menus and fast switching from day to night
- Mounts on almost any AR or bolt gun
- Cons:
- Bulkier than a “day” scope
- Image clarity drops at max zoom (best at 4–12x)
Final Verdict: Best digital NV for day/night, video, and all-around value. See price
Night Owl Optics NightShot
Who it’s for: Hunters wanting an affordable, lightweight NV scope for moderate ranges and basic setups.
- Key Benefits:
- 3x fixed power with crisp NV image out to 100–120 yards
- Built-in IR with adjustable brightness for field or woods
- Fits most rifles, including .223, .243, .30-06, and shotguns
- Easy controls and quick zeroing
- Pros:
- Lightweight—under 21 oz
- Great for scanning fields or shooting over decoys
- Affordable and simple to use
- Cons:
- No video recording (pure NV hunting performance)
- Battery life shorter than others (bring spares)
Final Verdict: Best “grab and go” NV scope for the money. See today’s deal
ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x
Who it’s for: AR or bolt-action hunters needing quick zero, HD video, and day/night versatility.
- Key Benefits:
- Day and night modes—no scope swaps, no worries about sun
- One-shot zero, video recording, and multiple reticles
- Recoil-rated for .308, .223, .243, .30-06, and more
- Battery lasts up to 10 hours—plenty for all-night hunts
- Pros:
- Fast, simple setup and use
- Lightweight for a digital scope (under 23 oz)
- Easy menu, excellent for new or veteran coyote hunters
- Cons:
- Stock IR is good, but an upgrade extends range
- Image softens above 7x at night
Final Verdict: Best night vision for AR coyote rifles under $500. Check price
Pard NV008S Digital Night Vision Scope
Who it’s for: Hunters who want video recording, Wi-Fi streaming, and easy menu controls on a budget.
- Key Benefits:
- HD digital NV out to 150 yards (IR built-in)
- Wi-Fi, video, and instant replay for recording your hunt
- Multiple reticles, color palettes, and zero profiles
- Fits most picatinny rails, rated for real rifle recoil
- Pros:
- Best for YouTube/recording or hunting with friends
- Reliable, simple menus and updates
- Compact and light for a digital NV
- Cons:
- Max range less than premium models
- Not “thermal”—only digital night vision
Final Verdict: Best NV scope under $500 for hunters who love to record their action. Check price
Comparison Table: Best Night Vision Scopes Under $500
| Name | Zoom | IR Illuminator | Video | Recoil Rated | Best For | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGM Rattler TS19-256 | 1.6-6.4x | Built-in | No | .308, .243 | All-around coyote | View |
| Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 | 4-32x (best at 4-12x) | Built-in | Yes | .308, AR | All-day/night, recording | View |
| Night Owl NightShot | 3x (fixed) | Built-in | No | .30-06, .223 | Lightweight, quick hunts | View |
| ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x | 3-9x | Built-in | Yes | .308, .243 | AR-15s, video | View |
| Pard NV008S | 6.5-13x | Built-in | Yes (Wi-Fi) | .223, .308 | Recording, streaming | View |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far can you see coyotes with these scopes?
All picks are good to 100–200 yards at night. With external IR, you can sometimes push a bit farther, but clarity drops at distance.
Are these scopes legal for coyote hunting?
Yes, digital night vision is legal for predator hunting in most states. Always check your local regulations before hunting at night.
Can I use these on a .308, .223, or .243?
Absolutely—every scope above is rated for popular predator calibers and ARs.
Do I need an external IR for better range?
Built-in IR works for most setups, but adding a high-power IR illuminator can double your range and image clarity.
Will these scopes work for hog or raccoon hunting?
Yes! They’re proven on hogs, varmints, and general predator control as well as coyotes.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Every night vision scope here is ready for real-world coyote hunting—clear, rugged, and proven by thousands of predator hunters. No more guesswork, no more missed opportunities!
Ready for your best night hunt ever? Check today’s prices, pick your scope, and hit the field with true night vision confidence!