Last Updated on September 11, 2020
Best Night Vision Crossbow Scopes: Quick List
- Sightmark Photon XT 4.6x42S Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
- Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
- ATN X-SIGHT 4K PRO 5-20X Smart Ultra HD Day & Night Rifle Scope with Smart Range Finder
- ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
- Pulsar Trail 2.1-8.4×38 LRF XQ38 Thermal Rifle Scope with Integrated Laser Rangefinder
- Pulsar Trail 1.6-12.8×42 LRF XP50 Thermal Rifle Scope with Integrated Laser Rangefinder
Our list of the best night vision crossbow scopes presents a comprehensive review of what we feel are the best night vision crossbow scopes for sale.
The selections we’ve chosen have features we feel meet the needs of the crossbow hunter such as weight and programming that helps zero your scope specific to crossbows. For hunters who want to record their night hunts, we have some crossbow scopes we recommend for this functionality.
Digital Night Vision Rifle Scopes: Many night vision scopes now use digital technology to produce images on an LCD screen. They are sometimes referred to as Smart Night Vision or Day & Night Vision. Digital Night Vision can be used during the day and night because they do not rely on an intensifier tube that can be ruined by sunlight.
Thermal Imaging Rifle Scopes: Thermal Imaging develops images by reading heat energy instead of using visible light like night vision does. The benefits are numerous but at the top of the list is the effectiveness during the day or night, ability to perform in all weather conditions, see through total darkness, and ignore visual camouflage.
*RECOMMENDED: If you don’t have one, we recommend a sled as a great tool for zeroing. We recommend the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2 Sled for its adjustment ability and precision.
If you choose a Night Vision Crossbow scope rather than a Thermal Vision crossbow scope, it’s important to note that many IR Illuminators included with the scopes have a red light emitter that can be seen within close range. Consider the Sniper Hog Lights 38LRX Bow Light Package with 3 Colors. It specific to crossbows and gives hunters much more control over the emitter.
Sightmark Photon XT 4.6x42S Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
We like this crossbow scope because it is suited perfectly for crossbow use. The scope is 30% lighter than other scopes on the market and features two crossbow reticles designed for 320, 350, 370 and 400 fps crossbows. This Night Vision Crossbow Scope using digital technology that can be used day or night. If you are looking for a Night Vision Crossbow Scope for under $500, which is relatively cheap for a night vision scope, this should be your top pick. It is a great entry level night vision scope with great quality optics.
Engineered for precision placement at medium range, the extremely versatile Sightmark® Photon XT™ 4.6×42 delivers a higher magnification, 33% longer battery life and 30% lighter weight than other digital night vision riflescopes on the market. Featuring six red/green/white digital reticle options for a vast range of applications, the scope includes: two crossbow reticles designed for 320, 350, 370 and 400 fps crossbows; two Duplex reticles for hog and varmint hunting; a Mil-Dot reticle for rangefinding and holdovers; and a German-style reticle. Its 4.6x magnification, large 42mm objective lens and higher than average 640×480 resolution offers crisp detailing at up to 120 yards. Shooters have the ability to capture everything seen, day or night, through the video output feature, and attach additional accessories to the scope’s integrated weaver rail. The device also utilizes a digital windage and elevation adjustment system for guaranteed precision and an overall streamlined design. Read All Customer Reviews on Amazon
Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
Another great value for a digital night vision crossbow scope. NightShot set out to create a low cost, high quality night vision crossbow scope and they succeeded. The NightShot is a 3x magnification night vision crossbow scope intended for use within 100 yards.
We recommend this digital day and night crossbow scope more for night applications. The day functionality is serviceable, but the product really offers great quality for the price at night.
NightShot Night Vision Rifle Scope Features:
• Magnification: 3X
• Range: 100 yds in typical nighttime environment
• Built-in infrared illuminator (Detachable high-power IR illuminator available separately)
• Weatherproof
• High resolution, 640X480 display
• Windage and elevation adjustment: ¼ inch at 50 yds
• For use with: Non-magnums up to 30 caliber
• Mount: Weaver and Picatinny rail systems
• Eye relief: 2.70 inches
• Field of view: 5.6 degrees
• Focusing distance: 10ft to infinity
• Reticles: 3 each in black and white
• Scope height from rail: 1.5 inches
• Weight: 1.3 lbs
• Dimensions: 13.2 X 2.7 X 4 inches
• Power: 4 AA batteries
• Battery Life: Approximately 3 hours
ATN X-SIGHT 4K PRO 5-20X Smart Ultra HD Day & Night Rifle Scope with Smart Range Finder
This is an excellent choice for hunters looking for excellent quality video and zoom. It also includes a built-in range finder. If you are willing to sacrifice on size and weight for top notch picture and video quality this is your choice. This night vision crossbow scope uses digital technology to produce images at night. The X-Sight seamlessly blends in the latest technology with the more traditional scope form to bring you one of the best from both worlds. Powered by a Dual Core processor with a low light 4K sensor the X-Sight 4K PRO offers unprecedented image performance with the latest Smart features that one has come to expect from an ATN scope.
- Ultra HD Sensor – Ultra HD 4K Sensor with our Obsidian 4 Dual Core Processor brings you cutting edge technology with higher resolution, faster optics, and millions of vivid colors
- One Shot Zero – Sighting in your scope has never been easier with One Shot Zero. Take a shot adjust your reticle and you are good to go.
- Smart Range Finder – Fast and Easy way to make a good distance estimate to your target. Take two easy readings of your target and the scope will not only range in on your prey but adjust your reticle’s Point of Impact instantaneously.
- Ballistic Calculator – Hunt responsibly by making sure your shot hits the target Each and Every time. Range, Wind, Multiple-Weapon Profiles, Angle to target, Temperature, Humidity, Plus more. Helps you determine exact ballistics for expert long-range shots
- Dual Stream Video Recording – You asked and we listened X-Sight 4K PRO not only Streams Video to your mobile device at HD resolution and can simultaneously Record to the SD card inside
- Night Vision Mode – The X-Sight 4K PRO offers an Enhanced HD Night Vision Mode. Don’t let the darkness slow you down
- Ultra Low Power Profile – No more worries about your batteries dying in the field. At 18+ hours of Continuous operation the X-Sight 4K will last as long as you do
- RAV (Recoil Activated Video) – Recoil Activated Video (RAV) takes care of all your worries. Just relax and focus on your game and let the Obsidian Core do the heavy lifting. This scope will automatically start to record a video before and after you take a shot
The X-Sight 4K looks and feels just like your more traditional optic. Standard mounting rings. Long eye-relief. High Resolution and fast viewing. No Pixelation when you zoom. Yet underneath the hood its pure power. Try it – you won’t regret the experience.
Included Accessories and Recommended Accessories:
Contents:
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x Smart HD Day/Night Riflescope
- Eyecup
- Sunshade
- Standard rings (2pc.)
- IR850 infrared illuminator
- L-shape ring
- Ring with Picatinny rail
- USB-C cable
- Scope cover
- Lens tissue
ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14x Smart Day & Night Rifle Scope
Another excellent option for a night vision crossbow scope, the ATN X-Sight HD Smart Rifle Scope offers digital day and night digital technology powered by the Obsidian II Core, utilizes HD optics and the first ever HD micro-display to turn this Day/Night rifle scope into a true powerhouse. Make your shots at ranges previously impossible with a digital or a night scope.
The ATN X-Sight II incorporates HD lenses, HD sensors and HD displays to give you a full HD resolution system.
More highlights include a special crossbow reticle programmed into the scope and the ability to enter arrow information and target distance to zero it in with the special one shot program. The programming allows for saving profiles so the scope can be moved from your crossbow to a rifle with easy.
- Use Day and Night in HD resolution – take your shots in color at high resolution, with no blurry images regardless day or night!
- Smart Rangefinder – built in rangefinder allows you to range your target without carrying additional equipment. The rangefinder will calculate the distance of an object from the point you are viewing
- 3D Gyroscope and E-compass – The scope has a gyroscope built into them. The gyroscope keeps images steady and blur-free. Smart e-compass helps you navigate by showing you your heading
- E-Zoom – lets you magnify to target without losing what’s in your FOV like with step zoom systems
- 1080p HD Video Recording & Photos, Wi-Fi Streaming – allow you to record all of your hunting trips, you can use your phone / tablet as a viewfinder. Firmware upgradeable
Thermal Imaging Night Vision Crossbow Scopes
By default, a thermal imaging scope will work as a night vision scope. They are designed to read heat energy rather than using visible light. If you are serious about hunting at night or shooting, a thermal imaging rifle scope is serious technology. It is an investment with price tags in the thousands of dollars. Below we offer our favorite Thermal Imaging Night Vision Scopes we recommend for crossbows. As we’ve mentioned, thermal imaging will not rely on an IR Illuminator which can be seen at close range. Also, if you hunt in thick brush, grass or in fog, thermal imaging is invaluable as it looks for heat signatures.
Our choices below for a Thermal Imaging Crossbow Scope both include integrated laser rangefinders which brings enormous value.
Pulsar Trail 2.1-8.4×38 LRF XQ38 Thermal Rifle Scope
The Trail LRF features an integrated laser rangefinder capable of capturing and displaying target distances accurately, within ±1 m, up to 1000 meters. The laser rangefinder can take measurements in two modes: Single Time Measurement and Scanning. Scanning mode allows the shooter to adjust quickly to changing distances for better shot placement.
The Trail LRF thermal riflescope delivers all-night precision heat detection for demanding hunters and tactical uses up to 1475 yards away. Its 384 x288 sensor, combined with a variable 2.1-8.4x magnification provides a richly contrasted wide field of view and quick target acquisition for precise shot placement. Thirteen useful variable electronic reticles ensure repeatable, accurate performance.
Features:
- Integrated Laser Rangefinder
- High Resolution 640×480 Thermal Imaging Sensor
- Fully Waterproof IPX7
- High Recoil Resistance Rating: 12 Gauge, 9.3×64, .375H&H Shock Resistance
- Mobile-Friendly with Remote Control and Live Internet Streaming
- Built-In Video & Sound Recording
- 3 Types of Zeroing Parameters Memorization
- Detects up to 1800 Meters Away
What’s in the box?
- Battery pack charging unit.
- Carrying case.
- User manual.
- Cleaning cloth.
- Hex wrench.
- Weaver rail.
- Remote control with encode.
- USB cable.
Pulsar Trail 1.6-12.8×42 LRF XP50 Thermal Rifle Scope
A step up from the XQ38, the Trail LRF XP50 features an integrated laser rangefinder capable of capturing and displaying target distances accurately, within ±1 m, up to 1,100 yards away. The laser rangefinder can take measurements in two modes: Single Time Measurement and Scanning. Scanning mode allows the shooter to adjust quickly to changing distances for better shot placement.
The Trail LRF thermal riflescope delivers all-night precision heat detection for demanding hunters and tactical uses up to 2,000 yards away. Its 640×480 sensor, combined with a variable 1.6-12.8x magnification provides a richly contrasted wide field of view and quick target acquisition for precise shot placement. Thirteen useful variable electronic reticles ensure repeatable, accurate performance.
Features:
- Heat signature detection range up to 2,000 yards
- Integrated laser rangefinder accurate up to 1,100 yards
- 640×480 resolution
- 17 m pixel pitch core
- 640×480 AMOLED display
- Built-in video/sound recording
What’s in the box?
- Battery pack charging unit.
- Carrying case.
- User manual.
- Cleaning cloth.
- Hex wrench.
- Weaver rail.
- Remote control with encode.
- USB cable.