As the sun dips below the horizon, the coyote’s world awakens. Hunting these cunning predators after dark demands specialized equipment that can pierce the veil of night, turning their advantage into yours. The right night vision or thermal scope is not just an accessory; it is an essential tool for locating, identifying, and making an ethical shot in low-light conditions. The market is flooded with options, making the selection process critical for a successful hunt.
This guide cuts through the noise to present a curated list of the top-performing scopes for 2025. We have analyzed a range of technologies, from traditional digital night vision to advanced thermal imaging, to help you find the perfect optic for your specific needs and budget. Whether you are a seasoned varmint hunter or new to nocturnal pursuits, the right tool will redefine your after-dark experiences.
Our Top Picks for Coyote Hunting Night Vision
- Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
- BESTSIGHT Night Vision Scope, DIY Night Vision Kit
- ATN X-Sight-4K, 3-14x Pro Edition Smart Day/Night Hunting Scope
- Firefield NVRS 3×42 Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope
- ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Smart Day/Night Scope
- XGeek WiFi Night Vision Digital Goggles Scopes Binoculars
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro Thermal Riflescope
- Sightmark Wraith 4K 4-32×40 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x Smart HD Day/Night Rifle Scope
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Wraith HD is a versatile digital riflescope built for 24-hour operation. It offers full-color clarity for daytime use and easily switches to a night mode with your choice of classic emerald or black and white viewing. This flexibility means you can use a single optic from dawn until well after dusk without missing a beat.
At its core is a high-definition 1920×1080 sensor that provides exceptional image quality, allowing for clear target identification. The 8x digital zoom provides impressive magnification, and the ability to record your hunts in 1080p HD lets you capture and review every moment of your nighttime adventures with clarity.
BESTSIGHT Night Vision Scope, DIY Night Vision Kit
For hunters who want to add night vision capability without replacing their trusted daytime scope, the BESTSIGHT DIY kit presents a clever solution. This system converts your standard rifle scope into a powerful digital night vision unit. It is a cost-effective way to gain confidence and clarity in darkness by enhancing the optics you already own.
The kit includes a high-performance camera and a robust 850nm infrared illuminator with an effective range of 200 meters. Setup is designed for convenience, attaching directly to scopes with eyepieces between 38-44mm. With universal mounting clamps included, this adapter offers broad compatibility for a quick and versatile night vision upgrade.
ATN X-Sight-4K, 3-14x Pro Edition Smart Day/Night Hunting Scope
The ATN X-Sight-4K Pro Edition is a feature-rich smart scope that brings cutting-edge technology to the field. Its ultra HD 4K sensor, powered by the Obsidian 4 dual-core processor, delivers higher resolution and faster performance with millions of vivid colors. This results in a sharp and responsive viewing experience critical for tracking moving targets like coyotes.
One of its most powerful features is the integrated ballistic calculator. By inputting data like range, wind, and angle, the scope helps determine exact ballistics for more accurate long-range shots. Furthermore, the dual-stream video recording allows you to stream footage to a mobile device in HD while simultaneously recording to the scope’s SD card.
Firefield NVRS 3×42 Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope
The Firefield NVRS offers a straightforward and reliable entry into dedicated night vision hunting. As a Gen 1 device, it provides a solid balance of performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those new to night hunting. It delivers a high-quality image and resolution sufficient for identifying targets at typical coyote calling ranges.
Built with a lightweight and durable titanium body, this scope is designed to withstand the rigors of field use. It also features a water-resistant IPX4 rating, offering protection against splashing water from any direction. The included quick-detach weaver mount makes for easy installation and removal from your firearm.
ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Smart Day/Night Scope
This model from ATN’s 4K Pro series emphasizes enhanced image sensitivity and razor-sharp quality regardless of the lighting conditions or distance. The HD sensor ensures a clear view, which is fundamental for making precise shots on coyotes in low-light environments. Its smart features integrate seamlessly to support the hunter.
The dual-stream video recording function is a standout, allowing WiFi streaming and video recording to operate simultaneously without any performance loss. Coupled with the advanced ballistic calculator that automatically adjusts the point of impact based on ammo type and environmental data, this scope is built to increase your effectiveness after dark.
XGeek WiFi Night Vision Digital Goggles Scopes Binoculars
While not a riflescope, the XGeek digital goggles serve as an excellent spotting tool for coyote hunting. Their ability to connect via WiFi to a smartphone allows you to watch the feed directly on your phone’s screen, providing a larger, more distinct picture for monitoring fields and treelines without eye strain.
This device offers clear viewing in total darkness using a no-glow infrared illuminator, preventing you from spooking wary game. It features a built-in 2.4″ LCD screen and can record 960p videos and high-resolution images, saved directly to the included 32GB TF card or your phone, making it great for scouting.
Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro Thermal Riflescope
The Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro represents the pinnacle of thermal hunting technology. It uses heat signatures to detect coyotes, making it effective even in complete darkness, fog, or light brush where traditional night vision may struggle. With a detection range of up to 2,000 yards, it gives you a significant tactical advantage.
Its high-quality germanium optics and 384×288 microbolometer sensor provide a clear and detailed thermal image. The built-in Wi-Fi connects to the Stream Vision 2 app for software updates and remote control. A particularly useful feature is the Picture-in-Picture mode, which magnifies the target and reticle while maintaining a view of the entire field.
Sightmark Wraith 4K 4-32×40 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Wraith 4K is an upgrade in resolution, built for the hunter who demands the sharpest image. Its 4K (3840×2160) CMOS sensor provides high-resolution full-color HD imaging during the day, ensuring your daytime glassing is as clear and precise as your nighttime hunting.
Transitioning to night vision is seamless, with a remarkable detection range of 300 yards. The high-resolution 1280×720 display delivers crystal-clear imaging in both day and night modes, allowing you to spot and identify targets with exceptional clarity and confidence at extended ranges.
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x Smart HD Day/Night Rifle Scope
This variant of the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro offers a higher magnification range of 5-20x, making it well-suited for open terrain where longer shots on coyotes are common. It combines all the smart features of the ATN line with a powerful zoom, giving you the flexibility to engage targets at various distances with precision.
You benefit from the same core technology, including the high-definition sensor, ballistic calculator, and dual-stream video recording. The increased magnification allows for better target identification and shot placement at range, a critical factor when hunting an animal as discerning as the coyote.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Night Vision Scope for Coyote Hunting
Choosing the right night vision scope for coyote hunting can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. I’ve spent a lot of time in the field after dark, and getting the right gear makes all the difference. The goal is to find a scope that extends your hunting hours effectively and ethically. You need to be able to positively identify your target and make a clean shot, all in low-light conditions. It’s not just about seeing in the dark; it’s about seeing clearly enough to hunt responsibly.
First, let’s talk about the core technology. You’ll mainly be looking at two types: traditional image intensifier tube scopes and digital night vision. Traditional scopes, often called Gen 2+ or Gen 3, use a tube to amplify ambient light. They provide an iconic green-hued image and are fantastic in very low light, but they can be pricey and don’t like bright light sources. Digital scopes use a sensor, like a camera, to capture available light and display it on a screen. They often come with features like video recording, multiple color palettes, and they are generally more resistant to damage from bright lights. For most coyote hunters, a good digital scope offers incredible value and functionality.
Next, consider the magnification and objective lens size. For calling in coyotes, you don’t always need extreme magnification. A scope that can go from 3x to 12x, for example, gives you the flexibility for closer, fast-moving shots and longer-range opportunities. The objective lens diameter is crucial because it determines how much light the scope can gather. A larger lens, like 50mm or more, will typically perform better in darker conditions. Also, pay close attention to the resolution, measured in pixels for digital or lp/mm (line pairs per millimeter) for analog. A higher resolution means a sharper, clearer image, which helps you see fine details like fur texture or ear position for proper identification.
Finally, think about the practical stuff. Battery life is a big one. The last thing you want is for your scope to die in the middle of a hunt. Look for models that offer a minimum of 6-8 hours on a single charge or set of batteries. Durability and weatherproofing are non-negotiable. Your scope should be able to handle recoil from your rifle and be fog-proof and waterproof (look for an IPX rating). Ergonomics matter, too. Easy-to-reach controls, a simple menu system, and a comfortable eye relief will make your night hunts much more enjoyable and successful. When you’re looking at the 9 best night vision scopes for coyote hunting in 2025, these are the factors that will separate the good from the great.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective range I need for coyote hunting with a night vision scope?
This is one of the most common questions I get. For most coyote hunting situations, an effective identification range of 150 to 300 yards is a solid target. While some scopes can see further, being able to clearly make out a coyote at 200 yards is more valuable than a blurry image at 500. Your effective range is a combination of the scope’s magnification, sensor or tube quality, and ambient light conditions (starlight vs. overcast). Always test your gear to know your personal limits for a clean, ethical shot.
Is digital night vision good enough, or do I need a Gen 3 scope?
Digital night vision technology has improved dramatically. For the vast majority of coyote hunters, a high-quality digital scope is more than sufficient and often the better choice. Digital scopes offer features like built-in video recording, picture-in-picture, and various color modes that analog scopes don’t have. While Gen 3 analog scopes still have a slight edge in the absolute darkest conditions, the gap has narrowed significantly. For the price and feature set, digital provides outstanding performance.
Can I use a night vision scope during the day?
This depends entirely on the scope. Traditional image intensifier tube scopes should never be used in daylight as it can permanently damage the sensitive internal components. Many digital night vision scopes, however, can be used during the day. They function like a regular digital riflescope. If this is important to you, be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications before you buy. Having one scope that works 24/7 can be a huge advantage.
What about thermal scopes? How do they compare?
Thermal scopes detect heat signatures, not light. They are fantastic for detecting animals, especially in thick brush or fog where night vision might struggle. However, night vision scopes are generally better for target identification because they provide a more recognizable, detailed image of the animal’s shape. Some hunters even use both: a thermal monocular for scanning and a night vision scope on their rifle for the shot. For the list of the 9 best night vision scopes for coyote hunting in 2025, we focus on light-amplifying technology, but thermal is a powerful alternative worth considering for your kit.
How important is the reticle, and what type should I look for?
The reticle is critical for making an accurate shot. In low light, a simple, uncluttered reticle is best. Look for illuminated reticles with multiple brightness settings. A red or green illumination is standard, and having a very low setting is key to prevent the reticle from washing out your target image. Some digital scopes allow you to change the reticle style digitally, which is a nice bonus. The most important thing is that it’s easy to see and place on your target quickly.