Just because the sun goes down, doesn’t mean the hunting has to stop. In fact, things tend to get a little more exciting and all types of new critters come out. ATN is a driving force when it comes to innovation and quality products within the night vision category, so right here we are going to review and analyze their latest day/night vision scopes and see how they match up to the rigors of all-day hunting.
What is Night Vision?
The simple definition for the term Night Vision is that it allows the user to effectively see and identify objects and the surrounding environment with the use of technology under very dark conditions that otherwise make them impossible to see.
How does Night Vision work?
Now that is the simple definition but understanding how it works is slightly more complicated, yet it will help to define further exactly what Night Vision is.
A primary way to explain how Night Vision works is to state that the technology within scopes picks up minuscule amounts of light (in this case infrared light) that are reflected from the objects and enhances them into the picture the user sees. These minuscule amounts of light can be generated from starlight, moonlight, or any other similar light-producing source.
For devices to effectively use Night Vision, they must all consist of similar parts, an objective lens, eyepiece, power supply, and a photocathode tube.
Photons make up the ambient light generated from light sources such as stars and moonlight, and once they enter the photocathode tube are instantly changed into electrons.
An electrical and chemical process within the device increases the electrons and then reverts them back into visible light against a phosphorous screen. The final product that falls upon the user is a green-hued amplified re-creation of the environment you were scanning and focusing on.
ATN’s Innovative Night Vision Series
ATN developed two series lines of innovative night vision scopes, and each is expertly crafted to match the requirements of any hunter that prefer to stalk in the darkness.
Below is each series with its unique features and then later we will delve into the best and finest models within each range:
1. X-SIGHT 4K PRO RIFLE SCOPE SERIES
· Ultra HD Sensor
· Record Full HD Video with 120fps
· Day and Night Modes
· WiFi Dual Stream Video
· Ballistics Calculator
· Recoil Activated Video
· One Shot Zero
· Profile Manager
· Smart Range Finder
· Dual Core Processor
· Ultra-Low Power Consumption
· Smooth Zoom
· Electronic Compass
· 30mm Tube
2. X-SIGHT LTV
· Day and Night Mode
· Record HD Video
· Multiple Reticles
· 3D Gyroscope
· Long Lasting Internal Battery
The Best of ATN’s Night Vision Scopes
ATN X-SIGHT 4K PRO 3-14X
Technical Specifications
| Magnification | 3-14x | Micro Display | 1280×720 HD Display | |
| Field of View 1,000 yd | 460 ft (9°) | Eye Relief | 90 mm | |
| Sensor | 4K M265 Sensor | Video Record Resolution | 1080p @ 30/60/120 fps | |
| Core | Obsidian IV Dual Core | Ballistic Calculator | Yes | |
| System Resolution | 600 lp/mm | WiFi | iOS & Android | |
| Bluetooth | Yes | 3D Gyroscope | Yes | |
| E-Barometer | Yes | Smart Range Finder | Yes | |
| Recoil Activated Video | Yes | Electronic Compass | Yes | |
| Smooth Zoom | Yes | Night Vision Mode | Yes | |
| Reticles | Multiple Patterns & Color Options | Microphone | Yes | |
| Micro SD card | 4 to 64 Gb | Micro USB, Type C | Yes | |
| Mount | 30 mm Standard Rings (included) | IR Illuminator | Included | |
| Battery Life | 18 + hours | Battery Type | Internal Lithium-Ion Battery | |
| Waterproof rating / IP rating | Weather Resistant | Smart Mil Dot Value Range | 1.0-10.0 | |
| Operating Temperatures | -28°C to 48°C | Dimensions | 350x76x76 mm | |
| Weight | 0.94 kg | Warranty | 2 years |
Five features we love about the X-Sight 4K Pro
If you are a die-hard night hunting varmint whacking son of a gun, then by now you would have experienced just about all there is when it comes to hunting in the dark and can attest to the following advantages listed below:
1. Ultra HD Sensor with Ultra HD Optics
Outstanding performance comes from quality equipment and ATN have ensured the X-Sight 4K Pro is built with the most advanced sensor, the ATN 4K M265 Sensor and Obsidian IV Dual Core, to be precise.
This is the foundation on which ATN built the rifle scope, and it is solid ground.
2. Full HD Video Recording & Sharing
What’s the point of having incredible video and optics quality if you can’t share it with your hunting buddies? The cool thing is that the X-Sight 4K Pro records in sharp 1080P full HD. Plus, with dual-stream capabilities, you can share those videos in live time or record directly to the SD card.
3. Smart Mil-Dot Reticle
It’s about the finer details when it comes down to a good rifle and a phenomenal rifle scope. ATN’s Smart Mil-Dot Reticle feature allows the user to adjust the variance between the hash marks in Mils, specific to the load they are shooting.
4. Ballistic Calculator
Wind, distance, bullet weight, angle to the target, trajectory, it all matters when it comes to precision. The internal ballistics calculator takes it all into consideration, which means you can pull the trigger with confidence.
5. Easy To Mount
Just because the technology is complex doesn’t mean the installation of the scope has to be. The standard 30 mm mounting rings are like the normal mounting rings, the only difference is you are mounting a higher-quality rifle scope.
Areas to improve on
To be honest, one is really spoilt with the X-Sight 4K Pro, so although we have mentioned a few “issues” we would like added, we really had to be like a spoilt kid at Christmas expecting more and more gifts.
· Built-in rangefinder
Adding a rangefinder to the X-Sight 4K Pro is easily done with ATN’s auxiliary ballistic laser attachment, but that may stretch the budget of many hunters, and has a built-in laser range finder would have been the cherry on top of a well-iced cake.
· Weight
We get it, with all these cool features within the X-Sight 4K Pro aren’t magically floating around inside the scope, they need wiring, circuit boards, and batteries so some weight is expected. Yet for the shooters that are fanatical about the overall weight of their setup, it may be hard to justify the almost 1kg additional weight the scope brings.
ATN X-SIGHT 4K PRO 5-20X
Technical Specifications
| Magnification | 5-20x | Micro Display | 1280×720 HD Display | |
| Field of View 1,000 yd | 240 ft (5°) | Eye Relief | 90 mm | |
| Sensor | 4K M265 Sensor | Video Record Resolution | 1080p @ 30/60/120 fps | |
| Core | Obsidian IV Dual Core | Ballistic Calculator | Yes | |
| System Resolution | 600 lp/mm | WiFi | iOS & Android | |
| Bluetooth | Yes | 3D Gyroscope | Yes | |
| E-Barometer | Yes | Smart Range Finder | Yes | |
| Recoil Activated Video | Yes | Electronic Compass | Yes | |
| Smooth Zoom | Yes | Night Vision Mode | Yes | |
| Reticles | Multiple Patterns & Color Options | Microphone | Yes | |
| Micro SD card | 4 to 64 Gb | Micro USB, Type C | Yes | |
| Mount | 30 mm Standard Rings (included) | IR Illuminator | Included | |
| Battery Life | 18 + hours | Battery Type | Internal Lithium-Ion Battery | |
| Waterproof rating / IP rating | Weather Resistant | Smart Mil Dot Value Range | 1.0-10.0 | |
| Operating Temperatures | -28°C to 48°C | Dimensions | 379x76x76 mm | |
| Weight | 1.01 kg | Warranty | 2 years |
Five features we love about the X-Sight 4K Pro
Not afraid of the dark or pulling the trigger and sending a lead pill out to distance? Then the X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x is easily the best choice for you.
1. 20x Magnification
If you can spot it with your binoculars, chances are you can hit it using the scope. The 20x magnification separates the men from the boys and puts the target within range.
2. Enhanced HD Night Vision Mode
The HD night vision mode is a touch of class and makes the transition from day to night almost seamless. Stay focused and ready for any opportunity even during the darkest of times.
3. One Shot Zero
There isn’t a hunter or competitive shooter out there that spent almost an entire box of ammo on the range trying to get the rifle and scope to work in unison. Thankfully the X-Sight 4K Pro takes the hassle out of that with its One Shot Zero feature, saving time and money.
4. Ballistic Calculator
Wind, distance, bullet weight, angle to the target, trajectory, it all matters when it comes to precision. The internal ballistics calculator takes it all into consideration, which means you can pull the trigger with confidence.
5. Recoil Activated Video
When we mentioned ATN has thought of just about the scenario a hunter will face when out in the field, we meant it. When that big old ten-point steps out and you are hit with serious buck fever, the last thing on your mind is hitting the record button. Thankfully the Recoil Activated Video (RAV) function is there as a backup, so as you pull the trigger, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro, automatically records the special moment and saves it directly to your SD card.
Areas to improve on
It is understandable that one cannot have everything in a rifle scope and compromises must be made, regardless of how big or small they may be.
· Field of View
The field of view out to 1,000 yards gets tight, down to 5 degrees to be precise. Ok, one could argue that at that distance all you need to focus on is the target, but in a hunting situation, the tight angle can it difficult to find the animal again for a quick follow-up shot.
· Weight
Yes, we mentioned this with the X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x scope but weight is an important factor and the 5-20x model comes in slightly heavier at 1.01 kg so it can’t be overlooked.
ATN X-SIGHT LTV 3-9x
Technical Specifications
| Magnification | 3-9x | Micro Display | 1280×720 HD Display | |
| Field of View 1,000 yd | 460 ft (9°) | Eye Relief | 90 mm | |
| Sensor | ATN QHD+ M584 Sensor | Video Record Resolution | 1280×720 | |
| Core | Obsidian LT Core | 3D Gyroscope | Yes | |
| 3D Accelerometer | Yes | Night Vision Mode | Yes | |
| Reticles | Multiple Patterns | Micro USB, Type C | Yes | |
| Micro SD card | 4 to 64 Gb | IR Illuminator | Included | |
| Mount | 30 mm Standard Rings (included) | Battery Type | Internal Lithium-Ion Battery | |
| Battery Life | 10 hours | Dimensions | 310x55x55 mm | |
| Waterproof rating / IP rating | Weather Resistant | Warranty | 2 years | |
| Operating Temperatures | -28°C to 48°C | Weight | 745g |
Five features we love about the X-Sight LTV
1. Affordable Pricing
Given all that is included and with the backing and reputation of ATN, the X-Sight LTV scope is an affordable option for a quality scope that will take your hunting adventures to the next level.
2. Enhanced HD Night Vision Mode
Swapping from day to night is effortless with the X-Sight LTV. It’s no secret that year after year ATN produces possibly the best night vision scopes on the market.
3. Ultra-Low Power Consumption
We know those nights sitting, calling, listening, and waiting can be long, but one thing that will not happen is having a smart night vision scope go flat on you. The X-Sight LTV is one of the most efficient night vision scopes out there.
4. Light-Weight
Fit the scope to your rifle setup without having to worry about the overall weight. Even though the X-Sight LTV is crammed full of features, one of its best is the weight.
5. QHD+ Sensor with HDS Optics
Good glass means, better clarity, and when you can see the target in perfect vision, the chances of making a bad shot are reduced greatly. The internal sensor and HD quality optics is the backbone and heart of this scope.
Areas to improve on
· Missing a few cool features
Being the little brother to a superstar is always going to be tough and when your bigger brother happens to be the X-Sight 4K Pro, your features will always be compared to theirs. It’s understandable that to make something affordable, then certain sacrifices need to be made, but just one or two more awesome ATN features is all we ask.
· Limited magnification
When it comes to day hunting, some may feel restricted by the 9x magnification and yes there is another option to increase that magnification to 15x, what we would suggest is to take this scope up to 12x and increase the model to 18 or 20x.
ATN X-SIGHT LTV 5-15x
Technical Specifications
| Magnification | 3-9x | Micro Display | 1280×720 HD Display | |
| Field of View 1,000 yd | 460 ft (9°) | Eye Relief | 90 mm | |
| Sensor | ATN QHD+ M584 Sensor | Video Record Resolution | 1280×720 | |
| Core | Obsidian LT Core | 3D Gyroscope | Yes | |
| 3D Accelerometer | Yes | Night Vision Mode | Yes | |
| Reticles | Multiple Patterns | Micro USB, Type C | Yes | |
| Micro SD card | 4 to 64 Gb | IR Illuminator | Included | |
| Mount | 30 mm Standard Rings (included) | Battery Type | Internal Lithium-Ion Battery | |
| Battery Life | 10 hours | Dimensions | 310x55x55 mm | |
| Waterproof rating / IP rating | Weather Resistant | Warranty | 2 years | |
| Operating Temperatures | -28°C to 48°C | Weight | 745 g |
Five features we love about the X-Sight LTV
1. Video Record – 720 P
Video recording has become an asset when it comes to hunting, from shot placement improvement, predator monitoring and assessing bullet performance.
2. One Shot Zero
Saving on time and ammunition is something every hunter appreciates. ATNs One Shot Zero feature is one of those features we can all enjoy.
3. Easy To Mount
With standard 30 mm scope mounting rings, the X-Sight LTV scope fits a vast majority of rifles on the market today.
4. User-Friendly Functions
No need to be intimidated by the unique features and fancy sensors, the X-Sight has easy-to-navigate modes and ergonomic button placement that makes selecting options in the dark a breeze.
5. Night Vision Mode
So good we had to mention it twice. After all, the article is about night vision scopes and we can’t pass up the opportunity to mention just how good ATN’s scopes are when it comes to hunting at night.
Areas to improve on
· Laser Range Finder
The ability to range a target and get its exact distance is always an advantage to the hunter, and there are not many range finders that work to well in the dark. A built-in laser range finder would have been a great addition to an already impressive scope.
Conclusion
When looking for the best night vision, it is important to understand that the sheer size and dimensions of a scope alone make it difficult to have all the features one could think of squeezed inside a scope.
Decide on the features that will best serve your hunting ambitions and go with those. Between the four mentioned night vision scopes above, ATN has all features covered and scenarios thought out that you will experience in the dark.
ll features covered
and scenarios thought out that you will experience in the dark.
very nice must get one