10 Best Night Scopes 2026 in the United States

The Armasight BNVD-51 Gen 3 Pinnacle Night Vision Goggle is a high-end device designed for serious users like military and law enforcement professionals. One of its standout features is the Ghost White Phosphor Image Intensifier Tubes, which are favored by elite special operators for their clarity. It also comes with a built-in infrared illuminator, allowing you to navigate and read in complete darkness. This makes the BNVD-51 very effective for low-light conditions and total darkness scenarios.

The goggle offers a wide 51-degree field of view, which is beneficial for maintaining situational awareness. Additionally, its tough, compact, and weather-resistant housing ensures durability in various environments. The manual gain control feature lets you adjust the brightness to your liking, while the automatic protective system prevents damage to the intensifier tubes in changing light conditions.

One of its unique perks is the ability to mount it on a helmet, and it can be adjusted for use as a monocular, preserving night vision in one eye if needed. Weighing 1.4 pounds, it is relatively lightweight but may still feel heavy during prolonged use. The goggles come with a battery pack, but only one CR123A battery is included, which could be a downside if you need extended usage. The BNVD-51 is a robust and versatile night vision goggle, but its premium features and design are likely best suited for professional rather than casual use.

The ATN Thor 5 Smart HD Thermal Scope is a solid choice for hunters needing clear vision in low light or nighttime conditions. It features a next-generation Gen 5 thermal sensor with a 320x240 resolution, offering good image detail and color contrast on its high-resolution OLED display. This makes it easier to identify targets at various distances. The scope provides a flexible 3-12x magnification range, useful for both close and medium-range spotting.

One standout feature is the built-in ballistic calculator, which helps improve shooting accuracy by factoring in environmental conditions — a handy tool for hunters who want to make precise shots. Other useful additions include HD video recording and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to capture and share their experiences. The ability to customize and share reticles adds a personal touch, appealing to users who prefer specific aiming styles. The scope runs on a long-lasting battery and includes recoil-activated video, so recordings start automatically when firing, ensuring no moments are missed.

The scope weighs just under 2 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy during long hunts, and it lacks a laser rangefinder, a feature some competitors offer to help judge distance more easily. Also, while the resolution is decent, it is modest for thermal scopes, meaning that for very distant or fine-detail spotting, it may not perform as well as higher-resolution models. The ATN Thor 5 suits hunters looking for a versatile, smart thermal scope with modern features like video recording and ballistic calculations, but those needing ultra-high resolution or integrated rangefinding might want to explore other options.

The ATN Thor 5 LRF is a high-quality thermal night scope designed for hunters and shooters who want sharp, clear images in both day and night conditions. Its standout feature is the Ultra Sensitive Gen 5 thermal sensor paired with a high-resolution 320x240 OLED display, which delivers vivid colors and detailed visuals, making it easier to spot targets in the dark. The scope offers a magnification range of 3-12x, suitable for a variety of shooting distances. An integrated laser rangefinder (LRF) helps measure the distance to the target accurately, which is very helpful for precision shooting.

Another useful tool is the built-in ballistic calculator, which assists in adjusting shots based on distance and environmental factors, increasing the chances of hitting the target precisely. The device also lets users customize reticles and record hunts in high-definition video, adding both fun and practical features for outdoor enthusiasts.

The resolution of 320x240, while effective for thermal imaging, is not the highest available, so extremely fine details might be less clear compared to some higher-end models. The scope weighs over 2 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy during extended use. Additionally, it is an ITAR-restricted product, meaning export is limited. The scope comes with a solid 3-year warranty and features a durable aluminum body, making it a reliable choice for thermal imaging combined with smart technology.