Best ATN Night Vision, Thermal Rifle Scopes In 2022 (Full Reviews and Guide)

This is a comprehensive review of the best night vision and thermal scopes from ATN. 

The ATN X-Sight 4k Pro Day/Night rifle scope caught our eye as the best out of the ATN brands. It embodies what expert hunters look for, like a detailed ballistics calculator and recoil-activated video. The X-Sight 4k Pro rifle scope makes sure you have all the data needed to make the perfect shot and captures every second of taking down your target. 

Hunting at night is an exciting business. At the same time, you need the right equipment that will help you to hit the target. This is where a high-quality night vision or thermal scope can play an important role.

Let’s get down to the full ATN reviews:

The Top ATN Rifle Scopes Reviewed

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Find the right ATN Thermal or Night Vision Scope for You

1- ATN X-Sight 4k Pro 5-20x

Features

• ATN Obsidian IV dual core sensor
• Field of view of 460 ft (9°) at 1000 yards
• 3-14x magnification
• 1280×720 HD display
• 600 lp/mm system resolution
• Weighs 0.94 kg
• 90mm eye relief

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The ATN X-Sight 4k Pro Day/Night use rifle scope, in our opinion, tops the other rifles scopes offered by ATN. This day and night use riflescope holds every feature a hunter could imagine and then some. It’s capable of Recoil Activated Video(RAV) where your scope automatically starts recording during and after the shot to ensure you capture the pivotal shot that dropped your target. Dual-stream video recordings to your smartphone and SD card as well with the X-Sight 4k Pro.

A noteworthy feature of this riflescope is the Ballistics Calculator, measuring the range, wind, humidity, temperature, and angle to target to guarantee you have all the data you need to make the perfect shot. Even if you miss the first time, ATN expertly crafted the X-Sight 4k Pro with their One Shot Zero feature. With this feature, sighting your scope has never been easier as the rifle scope adjusts itself after the first shot to correct it for the second.

The X-Sight 4k Pro’s profile manager is great if you’re looking to use one more than one firearm and saves the presets for each profile so you never have to reenter information. This rifle scope also comes with a night vision mode so the hunt doesn’t have to end once the sun goes down.

2- ATN X-Sight 4k Buckhunter 5-20x

Features

• ATN 4K M265 Sensor, 3864 (H) x 2218 (V)
• 460 ft (9°); 240 ft (5°)
• 3-14x; 5-20x
• 1280×720 HD display
• 600 lp/mm system resolution
• Weighs 0.94 kg
• 90mm eye relief

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If you’re looking for a more traditional looking rifle scope then the ATN X-Sight 4k Buckhunter may be the riflescope for you! It contains most of all the features the X-Sight 4k Pro has, though the main difference is the Buckhunter doesn’t come with night vision. While still containing the important features the average hunter would appreciate like the Ballistics Calculator and One Shot Zero to give you the biggest advantage against your game of choice.

The Buckhunter’s 3D gyroscope secures and steadies your position before you take the shot, making it perfect for situations where you’re taking a free-hand shot. Don’t let the wind be a factor against your shot with its built-in E-barometer giving the data you need to know to turn the turret to make whatever desired adjustment you wish. The Buckhunter also comes with RAV and profile manager like the ATN X-Sight 4k Pro too.

3- ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14x

Features

• Sensor: HD 1080p
• Field of View at 1000 yards
• Magnification: 3-14x
• 1280×720 HD display
• 600 lp/mm system resolution
• Weighs 4.5 pounds

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The ATN X-Sight II provides a moderately larger field of view than the X-Sight Pro or Buckhunter, to keep in mind if you want a riflescope with a wider viewing capacity. The X-Sight II model still includes the attractive Ballistics Calculator feature as well as Record Activated Video recording, It carries other features of ATN rifles scopes already mentioned as well except for One Shot Zero.

Catch videos in crystal clear HD 1080p quality, that can simultaneously record those videos to the scope’s SD card and your smartphone. The main perk of the Z-Sight II is that it reintroduces the night vision mode of the X-Sight 4k Pro, making this model a day and night use rifle scope too.

4- ATN ThOR 4 384 4.5-18x

Features

• Core: ATN Obsidian IV Dual Core T
• Sensor: Gen 4 384×288, 60Hz
• Field of View: 384 1.25-5x
• Magnification: 3-14x
• 1280×720 HD display
• Resolution: 1280×960 @ 60 fps
• Weighs 1.9 pounds

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If you’re looking for a quality, powerful thermal imaging rifle scope then the ATN ThOR 4 may be right up your alley. It gives an even slightly larger field of view than the ATN X-Sight II for an optimal viewing range of your surroundings. Although this scope embodies all the other features of the X-sight II, it reinstates the noted One Shot Zero feature.

The detection range of the Thor 4 4.5-18x is a whopping 1800 meters, giving you a complete overview of what’s in front of you(with even more powerful options by ATN available). With its identification range, you should be able to see specific details of your objective at 460 meters. Long before that trophy buck finds his way over to your ideal shooting distance.

This thermal rifle scope has the ability to output its images onto 3 different color modes of your choice; black-hot, white-hot, color mode.

5- ATN ThOR LT 160 4-8x

Features

• Core: ATN Obsidian Core LT
• Sensor: 160 x 120 px/17 µm 60 Hz
• Field of View: 11×8.3
• Magnification: 3-6x
• 1280×720 HD display
• Resolution: 1280×960 @ 60 fps
• Weighs 1.4 pounds

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The ATN ThOR LT 160 is perfect if you’re wanting a more low-profile thermal imaging riflescope. It’s more simplified in the sense that it doesn’t have all the little added technology features the other ATN rifle scopes have. But like the ThOR 4 384, the ThOR LT 160 series contains the One Shot Zero feature where all you have to do is adjust your reticle and reload and you’re ready to go.

This thermal riflescope has a detection range of 625 meters and can capture specific details of your objectives at 210 meters. The ThOR LT 160 has two different thermal color modes to choose from, with a black-hot and white-hot mode.

This thermal riflescope has a detection range of 625 meters and can capture specific details of your objectives at 210 meters. The ThOR LT 160 has two different thermal color modes to choose from, with a black-hot and white-hot mode.

6- ATN X-SIGHT LTV

Features

• ATN QHD+ M584 sensor
• Field of view of 460 ft (9°) at 1000 yards
• 3-9x magnification
• 1280×720 HD display
• Weighs 0.745 kg
• 90mm eye relief

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This is another ultra-lightweight scope that comes at an affordable price point. The enhanced design of this NV rifle scope ensures full use during daylight.

The unit comes with a QHD+ day/night sensor that offers a 2688 x 1944 resolution. Apart from being small, the sensor also reduces the overall power consumption of the scope. 

The battery life on this ATN day night vision scope is close to 10 hours. That’s not the best but still good enough. 

You can use an external battery pack for longer trips.

Even in low light conditions, the scope delivered crisp and clear images.

With the standard 30 mm rings, mounting this scope is super easy.  And you know what?

Being lightweight, it can easily be mounted on crossbows and air rifles.

The built quality is good enough to withstand heavier recoils. Also, the overall ergonomics are spot on.

We liked the smooth one-touch shift from night to day vision and vice versa.

The One Shot Zero feature is a nice addition for fast target acquisition. We also noted that the device could effectively hold on to zero once set.

The device can record 1280×720 videos and take images. With an in-built micro-sd card, storage is easy.

Note, the scope doesn’t support audio recording.

The scope also packs an in-built IR illuminator. The range is good enough for about 150 yards.

If you‘re looking for a basic scope without any frills, this is a good pick.

Point to be noted- this ATN x sight night vision rifle scope is also available with a 5-15x zoom.

ATN Thermal and Night Vision Scope Buying Guide

Like everything else, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind before picking a night vision scope. Here’s a quick look at a few of them.

The Field of View and Magnification

The field of view is the width of the area within your vision at a certain distance while using a scope. For example, it can be marked as 22 feet at 100 yards. A wider field of view makes it easy for a hunter to observe the prey more easily. It also makes the tracking of movement easy.

Magnification is about enlarging any object at a distance. It can be both digital and optical. Optical magnification offers better clarity than digital magnification. While higher magnification is useful for long-distance shooting accuracy, it can also affect image clarity. Basically, the amount of magnification you need will be as per your shooting needs.

The thing is, the field of view is related to magnification. When the field of view is increased, magnification will come down and vice versa. It’s best to scan an area for detecting the prey with a wide field of view. Then you can magnify the image for better clarity.

Detection, Recognition, Identification Range

Detection, Recognition, and Identification (DRI) are guidelines that have been set in place by The Night Vision Thermal Imaging Systems Performance Model, also referred to as the Johnson criteria. Initially established by the US Army to provide a means of measuring the set of distances whereby a thermal sensor can detect and perceive specific details of an image.

Detection simply means that you will be able to see the target. However, it won’t look more than a little speck in your view. On the other hand, Recognition range does not mean you can recognize an individual. Rather that you are able to recognize an object for what it is specifically. The Identification of an object means that you are able to differentiate between objects. For example, being able to see recognizing facial features of someone you know.

Night Vision/ Thermal Imaging Range

There are many different variables that contribute to your night vision or thermal imaging device’s viewing range that it’s hard to pinpoint the exact distance your device can see. A big factor is the size of the objective you’ll be looking at. Is it a person or a house? Big-game animals or the neighborhood raccoon? Recognizing specific details at certain distances may prove difficult depending on how big the objective is.

For night vision devices, the amount of light available in your surrounding environment. Having some sort of ambient light source can have a major impact on how clear and bright your viewing image will be. A clear night with visible starlight or moonlight is the most ideal weather condition for your device’s optimal viewing capacity.

Battery Power

The average lithium battery runtime can be between 8-12 hours, depending on settings you operate your riflescope on. While if you got your eyes on the ATN X-Sight 4K, this particular ATN product requires a 2-amp charging block and the supplied USB C cable. 

ATN offers a  Power Weapon Kit that is available as an external battery kit that can yield up to 22 hours of runtime. Although, if using the ATN Power Weapon kit it is still recommended to have aa batteries to act as a safeguard.

Image Clarity

Lines Per Millimeter or LP/mm is another important factor affecting the overall clarity of a night vision scope. This measures the resolution of the image intensifier tube in the scope. In general, the higher the value, the better is the clarity of the optics. Generally, a resolution of 60 to 70 LP/mm is considered suitable for a scope.

But that’s not all. The quality of the lens determines the amount of distortion that is created. Distortion becomes even more pronounced at longer ranges. With higher levels of distortion, clarity is adversely affected. But high-end glass lenses can reduce distortion by a lot.

So LP/mm isn’t the final call on clarity. A buyer should factor in any potential levels of distortion. Distortion is caused by the materials used to create the lens you are looking through. Note that distortion will affect clarity and cause issues with making out specific features of a target.

Weight and Size

The weight of a night vision scope increases as the magnification levels go up. Knowing the weight along with that of the battery pack is essential. A heavy scope will add to the overall weight you need to carry. This can result in fatigue and affect the accuracy of the shooter. Also, observing for long periods or making standing shots are trickier with a heavier scope. So make sure you pick the right weight depending on your hunting style.

Weather Resistance

Waterproof: Riflescopes rated as water-resistant are built to keep out water due to rainy weather conditions with O-ring sealed optical tubes. Manufacturers have even made some optic devices to be rated to resist being fully submerged underwater  Keep in mind that waterproof doesn’t mean fog proof, as waterproof devices can still fog over. 

Fog Proof: If moisture condenses on the inside of the lens, causing the fog to form, this can result in moisture damage to your device. Fog proof optic devices are filled with an inert gas like Nitrogen to prevent this from occurring. The dry gas is inserted into the optical tubes under pressure to keep gaskets and O-rings tightly in place

Night Vision Technology Generations

If you don’t know this already, night vision technology advances by generations. So picking a device from the older generation may not meet your exact requirements. While generation 1 devices are cheaper, they were developed in the 1960s. So they don’t offer the best range or resolution. But if you’re looking for something affordable within a small range, they can be very effective.

Generation 2 night vision scopes are more advanced with a better range. They also have better battery life and are more durable. But in case you are looking for the latest features, you can stretch your budget all the way to pick a generation 3 scope. These are military-grade products with the latest technology. They offer the best image clarity in darkness and the most extended ranges.

The thing is, some night vision scopes are marketed as generation 4 devices, even though there isn’t such a strict classification. This category was introduced in the US army but failed to meet their exact requirements. So the terminology was withdrawn.

Pros and Cons of Night Vision Scopes

All night vision scopes are electro-optical devices that amplify the ambient light. The amplification is done through photomultiplier tubes and a screen coated with a special phosphor compound. However, some of the latest night vision devices also use digital technology.

Here are some of the pros and cons of night vision devices.

Pros and Cons of Thermal Scopes

The technology used for thermal imaging makes these scopes a more versatile choice. Still, there are some disadvantages associated with them.

FAQs

Conclusion

The ATN X-Sight 4k Pro brings the best of both worlds, being able to operate even when day turns to night. Not to mention ATN’s One Shot Zero and Ballistics calculator that gives all the data you need to secure your shot every time.

ATN all around is a quality brand and has an array of options to consider when looking for the perfect riflescope to pair with your firearm. Whether you’re in need of a quality rifle scope or one to suit your night hunting trips or maybe you’re looking into thermal imaging scopes, ATN has a scope for you.