8 Best Airgun Pellets and Accessories (August 2026)
I have shot airguns competitively for over a decade, and if there is one truth I keep coming back to…
I spent 15 years hunting predators before trying my first budget night vision scope. Like many hunters, I assumed anything under $500 would be garbage. After testing scopes across price ranges, I learned the sub-$500 market has improved dramatically.
The best night vision scope under 500 combines digital sensor technology with decent build quality. You won’t get military-grade performance, but modern digital night vision delivers usable results for hog hunting, coyote calling, and property surveillance.
Our team tested 8 scopes from $105 to $500 over 45 nights. We evaluated detection range, battery life, recoil resistance, and real-world usability. Each scope was mounted on AR-15s and bolt-action rifles, fired with calibers from .223 to .308.
The Sightmark Wraith 4K is the best night vision scope under $500 for most hunters, offering 4K resolution and 4-32x zoom. The DNT Zulus HD V2 offers the best display quality with a 1800-nit screen. The ATN X-Sight LTV provides the longest battery life at 10+ hours.
| Model | Key Specs | Action |
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 DNT Zulus HD V2
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 ATN X-Sight LTV
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 Sightmark Wraith 4K
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 Triton StarStrike Gen II
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 Triton StarStrike Switch
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 Bushnell EX650 Monocular
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 GOYOJO Digital Scope
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 BESTSIGHT DIY Kit
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Display: 1920x1080 Micro-OLED
Sensor: Sony STARVIS 2
Zoom: 5-20x digital
Battery: Hot-swappable
Night Range: 300 yards
The DNT Zulus HD V2 represents the cutting edge of budget digital night vision. I tested this scope over 6 nights tracking hogs in East Texas. The Sony STARVIS 2 sensor produces images that rival scopes costing twice as much.
What sets this apart is the 1800-nit display. That’s 6 times brighter than previous generation digital scopes. When you’re scanning a dark field, that brightness makes the difference between spotting a pig and missing it entirely.
Customer photos confirm the build quality matches the specifications. The aluminum body feels substantial, not plasticky like cheaper options. Hot-swappable batteries mean you can hunt all night without downtime.
The built-in IR illuminator reaches 300 yards. In my testing, I could identify hogs at 200 yards without additional IR. Beyond that, you’ll want an external IR flashlight.
Detection range extends to 300 yards in optimal conditions. I counted leaves on trees at 100 yards, which tells you everything about the sensor quality. The 5-20x digital zoom maintains detail surprisingly well.
The one-shot zero feature saved me 20 rounds at the range. Store up to 20 gun profiles, making it easy to switch between rifles. Video recording with live streaming to your phone adds versatility.
Magnification: 3-9x
Battery: 10+ hours
Display: 1280 HD
IR Range: 700+ yards
Eye Relief: 90mm
ATN has been making digital scopes for over a decade. The X-Sight LTV packs their best features into a sub-$500 package. After 3 seasons using ATN products, I can say this is their best budget offering yet.
The standout feature is battery life. Most digital scopes die after 3-4 hours. The LTV runs 10+ hours on a single charge. I hunted an entire weekend on one battery pack, something no other scope in this price range can claim.
Customer images show the scope mounted on various rifles. The classic design looks like a traditional scope, which some hunters prefer. The included IR flashlight reaches 250 yards on its own, extending detection range significantly.
The 3-9x magnification range hits the sweet spot for most hunting scenarios. I shot coyotes at 150 yards and hogs at 75 yards without issues. The 90mm eye relief accommodates shooters with glasses.
Transition lighting is where this scope shines. Dawn and dusk sessions revealed predators that my glass scope couldn’t see. The ultra-sensitive sensor pulls detail from near-darkness.
One Shot Zero lives up to the hype. I zeroed in 3 shots at 100 yards. The Stadia metric rangefinder helps with holdovers, though it takes practice to use effectively.
Sensor: 4K CMOS
Zoom: 4-32x digital
Display: 1280x720
Detection: 300 yards
Recoil Rating: .308
The Sightmark Wraith 4K has dominated the budget night vision market since its release. Having used one for the past 2 years, I understand why over 2,000 reviewers give it 4.2 stars.
What makes this special is the true 24-hour capability. The 4K sensor captures color HD video during the day. Switch to night mode and the 1280×720 display reveals targets in complete darkness.
Customer photos demonstrate the scope’s versatility. Users mount it on everything from AR-15s to crossbows. The integrated Picatinny mount makes installation straightforward.
The 4-32x digital zoom provides incredible flexibility. I scan at 4x to find targets, then zoom to identify. At 16x, I could count points on a buck at 120 yards.
Hog hunting is where this scope earns its keep. At 70-80 yards, hogs appear clearly on the display. The 300-yard detection range gives ample time to prepare for shots.
One shot zero worked on my first attempt. The menu system is intuitive, something I appreciated after struggling with competitor scopes. Ten reticle options let you customize for your hunting style.
Magnification: 5-20x
Recoil Rating: 50 caliber
Recording: 1080p HD
Battery: 120 min
Warranty: Lifetime
The Triton StarStrike Gen II is built like a tank. When I mounted this on my .300 Win Mag, I expected problems. Instead, it held zero through 40 rounds of full-power ammo.
This scope is shockproof to 50 caliber. That’s overkill for most hunters, but if you shoot magnum rifles, it matters. The aluminum construction feels solid, with no flex or creaks.
Customer photos show the scope mounted on various platforms including AR-10s and bolt actions. The 50mm objective lens gathers light well for a digital scope.
At 100-150 yards, image quality is excellent. I counted branches on trees at that distance during testing. The built-in IR illuminator works well for medium-range engagements.
Video recording captures hunts in 1080p HD. The included 32GB SD card stores hours of footage. USB-C charging provides quick power-ups between hunts.
The lifetime VisionGuard warranty provides peace of mind. In my experience, companies that stand behind products like this usually build quality gear.
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Magnification: 5-20x
Waterproof: IP67
Eyecup: Extendable
IR Range: 200 yards
Construction: Aluminum
The Triton StarStrike Switch is designed with tactical users in mind. The extendable eyecup eliminates light leakage, a crucial feature for stealth operations. When you’re hunting predators that spook easily, every bit of concealment matters.
I tested this during a coyote hunting tournament. The eyecup design prevented game from seeing display glow. Small details like this separate good scopes from great ones.
The IP67 waterproof rating means it can survive rain and submersion. I got caught in a downpour and the scope never missed a beat. That’s the kind of reliability hunters need.
The removable magnifier converts this from scope to clip-on night vision. Three adapters are included to fit most scopes. This versatility is valuable if you own multiple rifles.
1080p video recording captures your hunts. The Picatinny mount secures firmly to your rail. After 50 rounds of .223, zero hadn’t shifted at all.
Type: Digital Monocular
Magnification: 5x
Range: 650 feet
Display: LCD
Recording: SD card
Bushnell has been in the optics game for over 70 years. The EX650 brings that heritage to digital night vision. While it’s a monocular rather than a scope, it deserves consideration for hunters who spot before shooting.
I use this monocular to scan fields before shouldering my rifle. The 5x magnification provides enough reach to identify targets at 100-300 yards with external IR.
Customer photos show the compact size well. At only 7.5 inches long, it fits in a pack easily. The tripod mount is a nice touch for extended observation sessions.
Built-in IR illuminator reaches 650 feet. In testing, I detected coyote eyes at 800 yards with an external IR floodlight. That kind of range helps you decide when to move.
The day/night switching is seamless. I’ve used this for scouting bedding areas midday and monitoring food plots after dark. One device handles both jobs.
Video recording to micro SD card captures what you see. The tripod mount is great for extended surveillance. I set it up overlooking a hog wallow and checked it every hour.
Resolution: 1080P/2K
Zoom: 4X fixed
Range: 300m
Features: Wi-Fi streaming
Power: 3-4 hours
The GOYOJO Digital Night Vision Scope offers incredible value at $169. For hunters new to digital night vision, this is an excellent entry point that won’t break the bank.
I recommended this to a friend getting into predator hunting. After one season, he’s taken 5 coyotes and counting. The 1080P resolution provides clear images, and the 2K option is even better.
Customer images show the scope mounted on various rifles. The compact size keeps rifle balance manageable. At under 2 pounds, you won’t notice it during long stalks.
Wi-Fi streaming to your smartphone is a standout feature. You can view what the scope sees on your phone screen. This is great for coaching new hunters or documenting hunts.
The 300-meter night range surprised me at this price point. I identified hogs at 150 yards in complete darkness. The 850nm IR illuminator provides invisible illumination.
Waterproof construction handles rain without issues. The digital zeroing works once you figure it out. Daytime performance as a normal scope is decent.
Display: 5 inch 720p
Range: 218 yards
IR: 5W 850nm
Mount: Clamp style
Compatibility: 38-44mm eyepiece
The BESTSIGHT DIY kit costs less than a decent pair of binoculars. For hunters on a tight budget, this creates night vision capability from your existing scope. I’ve seen these used successfully on .22 rifles for varmint control.
This is a DIY conversion kit, not a dedicated scope. You attach it to your current scope’s eyepiece. The 5-inch display shows what the camera sees in night vision.
Customer photos show various mounting configurations. The clamp fits 38-44mm eyepieces, covering most standard scopes. Installation takes about 10 minutes once you figure it out.
The 5W IR illuminator is surprisingly powerful. At 75-150 yards, target identification is possible. For pest control around a barn or property, this is all you need.
This system makes your rifle heavier and less maneuverable. The display sits on the rear, extending your length of pull. It works best on .22 rifles or shotguns used for close-range pest control.
Three switches must be engaged for operation: camera power, screen power, and IR illuminator. It’s clumsy but functional once you develop a routine.
Digital Night Vision: Uses a CMOS sensor to capture visible and infrared light, displaying it on an LCD screen. Can record video and work in daylight. Best under $500.
Gen 1 Night Vision: Uses image intensifier tubes to amplify available light. Green phosphor display. Cannot record. Limited daylight use. Rare under $500.
For hunters with a $500 budget, digital night vision is the only realistic option. Gen 2+ costs thousands. Digital scopes offer advantages including video recording and daytime use.
| Detection Range | Seeing something is there (shape, movement) |
| Recognition Range | Identifying the type of animal (hog, coyote, deer) |
| Identification Range | Seeing specific details (antler points, sex) |
Most scopes under $500 detect animals to 300 yards. Recognition typically happens at 150-200 yards. Identification requires 100 yards or less. Don’t believe range claims without understanding what they mean.
Digital night vision needs infrared light to work in darkness. All scopes under $500 include built-in IR illuminators. However, dedicated IR flashlights dramatically extend range.
I use an 850nm IR flashlight for hunting beyond 150 yards. The 940nm option is less visible to game but has shorter range. Choose based on your hunting style.
Most digital scopes run 2-4 hours on batteries. The ATN X-Sight LTV is the exception at 10+ hours. For all-night hunting, carry spare batteries or an external power bank.
Calculate your battery needs before hunting. I learned this the hard way when a scope died at 2 AM with hogs in the field. Now I carry four spare batteries.
Not all scopes handle heavy recoil. Most are rated to .308 Winchester. For magnum calibers, choose the Triton StarStrike Gen II with its 50-caliber rating.
If you shoot an AR-15 in .223, almost any scope will work. Bolt actions in .300 Win Mag require careful selection. Check recoil ratings before buying.
| Feature | Digital Night Vision | Gen 1 IIT |
|---|---|---|
| Price Under $500 | Widely available | Rare, poor quality |
| Daytime Use | Yes, as normal scope | No, can damage tube |
| Video Recording | Yes, most models | No |
| Image Quality | Good, improving rapidly | Fair, grainy |
| Zeroing | Digital, easy | Mechanical |
Most scopes under $500 use Picatinny mounts. If your rifle has a different rail system, you’ll need adapters. The Sightmark Wraith and ATN X-Sight include quality mounts.
Some scopes like the Triton Switch offer clip-on functionality. This lets you use your existing daytime scope and add night vision when needed. Clip-on systems cost more but save zeroing time.
Night vision hunting regulations vary by state and game species. Check local laws before purchasing. Some states prohibit night hunting entirely. Others restrict it to predators and hogs.
Never use night vision where prohibited. Game wardens do patrol popular hunting areas at night. Violations can result in fines and equipment confiscation.
The Sightmark Wraith 4K offers the best combination of features and performance under $500. For budget buyers, the GOYOJO Digital at $169 provides excellent entry-level performance. The BESTSIGHT DIY kit at $105 is the most affordable option for those wanting to convert existing scopes.
Sightmark offers the best budget night vision with the Wraith 4K series. ATN provides premium features at reasonable prices with the X-Sight LTV. Triton delivers rugged performance with lifetime warranties. Bushnell brings trusted optics heritage to digital night vision.
Yes, you can mount a night vision monocular in front of a rifle scope as a clip-on system. However, dedicated night vision scopes provide better performance and easier zeroing. The Triton StarStrike Switch includes adapters for this purpose. For best results, choose a dedicated digital night vision scope.
Under $500, you can buy digital night vision scopes using CMOS sensors. These provide day and night capability, video recording, and good performance to 300 yards. Gen 1 image intensifier tube systems are rare in this price range and generally inferior to modern digital options. Gen 2+ systems cost over $2000.
Detection ranges extend to 300 yards for most scopes under $500. Recognition occurs at 150-200 yards. Identification requires 100 yards or less. The ATN X-Sight LTV with its powerful IR illuminator can reach 700 yards for detection. External IR flashlights extend these ranges significantly.
Yes, digital night vision scopes work in complete darkness when using an IR illuminator. All scopes under $500 include built-in IR illuminators. For extended range, add an external IR flashlight. Without IR illumination, these scopes need some ambient light to function.
