Coyote hunting at night is a whole different ballgame. You’re dealing with smart, elusive predators that use the cover of darkness to their advantage. Trying to spot them with a standard scope or a flashlight just doesn’t cut it and can spook them from a mile away. That’s where a dedicated night vision scope becomes an absolute game-changer, allowing you to see clearly and ethically take your shot when the opportunity arises. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get into the game.
Finding the best night vision scopes for coyote hunting on a budget is all about balancing performance with price. We’re not talking about cheap, unreliable gear that will fail you when it counts. Instead, we’ve looked for scopes that offer solid core features like good image clarity, decent detection range, and reliable performance without the premium price tag of military-grade equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned predator hunter or just starting out, having the right tool for the job makes all the difference in your success and safety after sundown.
Our Picks for the Best Night Vision Scopes for Coyote Hunting on a Budget
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
- Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
- Pulsar Digex N455 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
- ATN Thor 4 Thermal Riflescope 1.25-5x
- Sightmark Photon RT Digital Night Vision Riflescope
- Armasight Opal 3x Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope
- Bushnell Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Monocular
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is a favorite for a reason. It’s a digital day/night scope, meaning you can use it in broad daylight and then seamlessly transition to hunting after dark without changing optics. The 4K sensor provides a surprisingly crisp and clear image, which is a huge advantage when trying to identify a coyote against brush at 150 yards. I really appreciate the smart features, like the built-in ballistic calculator, one-shot zero, and the ability to record video and take photos directly from the scope. The rechargeable battery offers a long runtime, which is essential for those long nights in the stand.
Where this scope really shines for budget-conscious coyote hunters is its value proposition. You get a lot of high-end technology without the high-end price. The night vision performance is excellent with its built-in IR illuminator, though for maximum range, pairing it with an external IR light is a good idea. It’s not the lightest scope on the market, and there is a bit of a learning curve to navigate all the features in its menu system. However, once you get it set up, it’s an incredibly capable tool that feels much more expensive than it is.
Pros
- Excellent 4K resolution for clear target identification
- Doubles as a daytime scope, offering great versatility
- Useful smart features like video recording and ballistic calc
Cons
- Can be bulky and heavy on some rifles
- Menu system takes some time to learn
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
If you’re looking for high definition on a budget, the Sightmark Wraith HD is a top contender. The 1920×1080 HD sensor delivers a very clean and detailed image, which helps immensely in low-light conditions. I found the 4-32x magnification range to be particularly useful for coyote hunting, allowing for wide-field scanning at lower power and precise aiming at longer distances. The scope is built tough with a durable aluminum housing that can handle the recoil of common coyote calibers like .223 Remington without any issues.
One of the best things about the Wraith is its user-friendly design. It’s relatively simple to mount, zero, and start using. The included IR illuminator is decent for shorter ranges, but like most digital scopes, its performance is dramatically improved with a quality external IR flashlight. The battery life is good, and it uses a common CR123 battery type, which is easy to find. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of the ATN, the Wraith HD focuses on delivering solid core performance at a price point that is very hard to beat.
Pros
- Excellent HD image quality for the price
- Very versatile 4-32x magnification range
- Rugged construction that feels dependable
Cons
- Built-in IR illuminator is best for medium range
- Some users report the menu buttons can be a bit small
Pulsar Digex N455 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
Pulsar is a respected name in the night vision and thermal world, and the Digex N455 brings that reputation for quality to a more accessible price point. What stands out immediately with this scope is the image quality from its 1/1.8” HD CMOS sensor. The picture is bright, clear, and has excellent contrast, making it easier to pick out a coyote hiding in shadows or tall grass. The built-in Wi-Fi and streaming capabilities are a nice touch, allowing you to stream your hunt to a smartphone or tablet, which is great for teaching or just sharing the experience.
This scope is designed to be simple and effective. The controls are intuitive, and it’s quick to get up and running. It features multiple color palettes for the display, which can help with target recognition in different environments. The housing is nitrogen-filled, making it fog-proof and ready for any weather conditions you might encounter. While it is one of the higher-priced options on this budget list, the Digex N455 represents a significant step up in sensor performance and build quality, making it a fantastic value for the hunter who wants to invest in a reliable, long-term optic.
Pros
- Superior sensor provides outstanding image clarity
- Robust, weatherproof construction from a trusted brand
- Wi-Fi streaming adds a cool and practical feature
Cons
- Priced at the higher end of the “budget” category
- Battery life is good but not class-leading
ATN Thor 4 Thermal Riflescope 1.25-5x
Okay, so thermal is a different technology than night vision, but for coyote hunting, it can be even more effective, and the ATN Thor 4 brings it into the budget conversation. Thermal doesn’t need any light at all; it detects the heat signature of the animal. This means you can spot a coyote perfectly camouflaged in thick brush or even see its body heat behind light obstructions. The Thor 4 offers a clear thermal image and, like the X-Sight, is packed with smart features such as video recording, multiple color modes, and a great ballistic calculator.
The 1.25-5x model is a great all-around choice for most coyote hunting scenarios, providing a wide field of view for scanning and enough magnification for ethical shots. The ability to easily identify a hot spot as a coyote versus a cold rock or a deer is a massive advantage. The main drawback is that thermal scopes are generally more expensive than digital night vision. However, the Thor 4 series represents one of the most affordable entry points into genuine thermal hunting, and for a hunter serious about upping their predator game, it might be worth stretching the budget.
Pros
- Detects heat, making coyotes impossible to hide
- Excellent for scanning large areas quickly
- Same great smart features as the ATN X-Sight
Cons
- Higher initial cost than digital night vision
- Image detail is less than high-resolution night vision
Sightmark Photon RT Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Photon RT is a classic budget option that has been a reliable workhorse for many hunters for years. It’s a no-frills digital night vision scope that gets the job done. The image quality is solid for its price, providing a clear enough picture to identify and aim at coyotes within a reasonable range, typically out to around 100-150 yards with a good IR illuminator. Its simple design means there’s very little learning curve; you turn it on, zero it, and you’re ready to hunt.
I like the Photon RT for its durability and straightforward operation. It’s a great scope for someone who is new to night hunting and doesn’t want to be overwhelmed by complicated settings. It’s also relatively compact and light, so it won’t throw off the balance of your rifle. The downside is that the technology is a generation behind scopes like the Wraith or X-Sight, so the image won’t be as sharp or detailed. But if your primary concern is getting an effective, dependable night vision scope without breaking the bank, the Photon RT remains a solid choice.
Pros
- Extremely affordable entry point into digital night vision
- Simple to use with minimal setup required
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Image resolution is lower than newer models
- Requires an external IR illuminator for best performance
Armasight Opal 3x Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope
For hunters who prefer traditional analog night vision over digital, the Armasight Opal is a great Gen 1 option. Gen 1 technology uses an image intensifier tube to amplify ambient light (starlight, moonlight), providing a characteristic green-hued image. The Opal 3x is a fixed-magnification scope that is incredibly easy to use—just turn it on and look through the eyepiece. The image is bright and clear under good ambient light conditions, and it has a very natural, lag-free view that some hunters prefer over digital.
The major advantage of this scope is its simplicity and reliability. There are no digital menus, no pixels, and no need to worry about a separate IR illuminator for most situations, as it performs well with just starlight. The main limitation is that Gen 1 performance is entirely dependent on ambient light; on pitch-black, overcast nights, the image can be dim, and you will need an IR illuminator. It’s also a fixed power scope, so your field of view is set. But for its price, it offers a genuine night vision experience that is tough and effective.
Pros
- Authentic analog night vision with a clear, natural image
- Extremely simple point-and-shoot operation
- Works well with ambient light; no IR needed on bright nights
Cons
- Performance drops significantly on very dark nights
- Fixed magnification limits versatility
Bushnell Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Monocular
This one is a bit different but can be a perfect budget solution for certain setups. The Bushnell Equinox Z is not a riflescope; it’s a digital night vision monocular. How does that help with coyote hunting? You can use it as a spotter to scan the field and locate coyotes before you even shoulder your rifle. This is a huge advantage, as you can keep your rifle still and quiet until you’re ready to take the shot. The image quality is good for a handheld unit, and it has a built-in video out port that allows you to stream the image to a separate screen.
Some hunters even get creative and mount the Equinox Z on a quick-detach mount above their daytime scope, creating a very flexible day-to-night hunting system. While it’s not designed to handle recoil like a dedicated riflescope, using it as a spotting tool is where it excels. It’s also incredibly versatile for other uses like camping, hiking, or checking your property. If your budget only allows for one night vision device and you already have a trusted daytime scope, the Equinox Z offers a clever and affordable way to add night vision capability to your hunt.
Pros
- Very
7 Best Night Vision Scopes for Coyote Hunting on a Budget
Finding a good night vision scope for coyote hunting without spending a fortune can feel like a challenge. I have spent a lot of time testing and researching options that balance performance and price. The goal is to get a clear picture in low-light conditions so you can make an ethical shot, all while keeping your wallet happy. Here is my guide to the key things to look for.
First, you need to decide between digital night vision and traditional image intensifier tubes. Digital night vision is usually the way to go for a budget. These scopes use a digital sensor, like a camera, to capture ambient light and display it on a screen. They are often more affordable, can handle being used in daylight without damage, and many offer features like video recording. The trade-off can be a slight lag in the image compared to high-end tube models, but for most coyote hunting situations, it is not a deal-breaker.
Next, think about magnification and objective lens size. For coyote hunting, you do not need extreme magnification. A scope that offers 3x to 5x base magnification is a solid starting point. You can often get by with a fixed magnification scope to save money. The objective lens is important because it determines how much light the scope can gather. A larger lens (e.g., 40mm or 50mm) will typically give you a brighter image. Also, pay close attention to the infrared (IR) illuminator. This is the built-in flashlight that projects invisible light, which the scope then picks up. On a dark, moonless night, a powerful IR illuminator is the difference between seeing a coyote and seeing nothing. Some budget scopes have weaker illuminators, but many allow you to attach a more powerful external IR light, which is a great upgrade path.
Finally, consider durability and battery life. You will be out in the field, so the scope needs to be tough enough to handle bumps and weather changes. Look for scopes with a rubber armored body for a good grip and shock resistance. Battery life is critical; the last thing you want is for your scope to die in the middle of a hunt. Check what type of batteries the scope uses (common AA or CR123 batteries are a plus) and look for reviews that mention real-world battery duration. By focusing on these factors—digital vs. tube, magnification, IR illuminator strength, durability, and battery life—you can find a capable night vision scope that fits a coyote hunting budget perfectly.
FAQ
What is a good budget for a beginner night vision scope for coyote hunting?
You can find capable entry-level digital night vision scopes starting in the $300 to $600 range. At this price, you are getting a functional tool that will let you identify and take coyotes at reasonable distances, typically out to 100 yards or so. You do not need to spend thousands to get started. The key is to manage your expectations; a budget scope might not have the crystal-clear image of a $3,000 model, but it will absolutely get the job done if you understand its limits.
Can I use a night vision scope during the day?
This depends entirely on the type of scope. Traditional image intensifier tube scopes can be permanently damaged by bright light and should never be used during the day. However, most digital night vision scopes are perfectly safe to use in daylight. They function like a digital camera. This is a significant advantage for a hunter who might want to use the same scope for daytime target practice or hunting other animals without needing a separate optic.
How far can I see with a budget night vision scope?
With a typical budget-friendly night vision scope, you can expect to clearly identify a coyote-sized target at distances between 75 and 150 yards. The actual range depends heavily on two things: the amount of ambient light (starlight, moonlight) and the power of your infrared illuminator. On a bright, starry night, you might see further. On a pitch-black night, your effective range will be the distance your IR illuminator can light up. An external IR light can often extend this range significantly.
Is digital night vision or thermal better for coyote hunting?
This is a great question. Thermal scopes detect heat signatures, so they can see animals in complete darkness, through light fog, and even in some brush. Digital night vision requires some ambient light or an IR illuminator to work and cannot see through obstacles. For a budget, digital night vision is the clear winner because thermal technology is much more expensive. While thermal is fantastic, a good digital night vision scope is a more than effective choice for finding the 7 best night vision scopes for coyote hunting on a budget.
What does “generation” mean in night vision?
Generations (Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3) refer to the level of technology in image intensifier tube night vision. Gen 1 is the most basic and affordable, while Gen 3 is military-grade and very expensive. For digital night vision scopes, the “generation” label does not really apply in the same way. When shopping on a budget, you will mostly be comparing digital scopes or Gen 1 tube scopes. Digital scopes often outperform Gen 1 tube scopes in terms of clarity and features for a similar price.