Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes
Technology has come a long way for scopes and especially night vision scopes. Not so long ago, night vision scopes were considered as a reserve for the military and were too expensive for a civilian to enjoy. However, with the evolution of technology, night vision scopes became available to all and sundry, and manufacturers embarked on a journey to produce the best gen 3 night vision scopes.
Night vision scopes are no longer reserved for the military, hunters who want to hunt at night or wildlife researchers who want to capture nocturnal animals in their true elements now have the night vision tools available to them.
Here is a quick list of the best gen 3 night vision scopes if you don’t have time for the comprehensive review
| Product | Image | Price |
| AGM 11P14123453031 Model PVS-14 3NL3 Mil Spec Gen 3″Level 3″ Night Vision Monocular with Manual Gain |  |
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| ATN NVM-14 Gen.3 Night Vision Monocular Generation III Scope |  |
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| Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope |  |
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| Bering Optics PVS-14BE Night Vision Monocular |  |
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| Bering Optics D-950U Gen 3 |  |
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| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope |  |
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| Nivisys MUM-14 Gen 3 Night Vision |  |
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| Bushnell Night Vision_Equinox Z Monocular |  |
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Before we get into the nitty-gritty of our top 6 best gen 3 night vision scopes, we want to explain a little bit of the difference between the different night vision generations.
Explaining Night Vision Generations
Generation 1
These night vision scopes are from the 1960s and they come with limited applicability and deliver low-quality night vision. They come with features like a maximum range of up to 75 yards and that is entirely dependent on the night’s conditions, their field of view is smaller, due to lower resolutions their images are not so clear, short battery life, and come with a shorter life expectancy.
Generation 2
As technology advanced, so did night vision scopes. Generation 2 scopes are better than gen 1-night vision scopes in more than one aspect. Some of its features are, a wider range of up to 200 yards, durability, a full field of view, delivers better images, good battery life.
Generation 3
In recent times, the gen 3 night visions have been produced. Gen 3 night visions are better than both gen 1 and gen 2 night vision scopes and are more technologically advanced. They offer a lot more and are greatly used by special forces and wildlife researchers.
Their features include:
- Delivers great performance regardless of low light conditions
- Comes with great resolution thus delivering clear and bright images
- Exceptional technology
- Excellent battery life
- Next level durability, versatility, and adaptability
Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes Review
#1) Nivisys MUM-14 Gen 3 Night Vision
This is one of the best gen 3 night vision scopes on the market today. It takes a special kind of optic to give you high-quality images in the dead of the night and this Nivisys MUM-14 Gen 3 Night Vision does just that. It’s a gen 3 night vision scope that comes equipped with the most advanced technology. It is fitted with an integrated IR illuminator with an increased viewing range. It s one of the easiest to use scopes with its hands-free feature and high performance. It comes in a lightweight and compact body so you can easily carry it anywhere. With this night vision scope, you can easily mount it on your weapon, or your helmet, or even your head. Features
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#2) Bushnell Night Vision_Equinox Z Monocular
The Bushnell Night Vision Equinox is a functional and practical night vision optic that comes with features that help you capture quality images at night. With a 40 mm objective lens, maximum light is gathered translating to bright images in low lighting conditions. The glass is multicoated which delivers exceptional optical clarity. Additionally, you can record a video using this optic. It comes with a rugged housing that is also water-resistant. Its powerful infrared illumination delivers an excellent performance so you clearly see your target dead at night. What’s more, you can use this device as a stand-alone handheld device or you can mount it on your weapon. Features
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#3) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
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As one of the best gen 3 night vision scopes, this ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is one that takes your night hunting escapades to another level. This scope delivers a whole different ball game in the night vision market. It comes with an ultra HD Sensor-ultra HD 4K Sensor with an exceptional processor that is responsible for higher resolution which means bright and clear images through and through. It is also fitted with a ballistic calculator which ensures your shots are on target every other time. With this scope, you get to take HD video recordings so you can view them at a later time. It is a water-resistant scope with an enhanced HD night vision mode and can last up to 18 hours while in use. Features
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#4) Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope
This is a low-cost nigh vision rifle scope the is equipped with advanced technology and features for the hunter who wants to effectively hunt at night. It comes with a 100-yard range in ideal nighttime conditions with 3X magnification. It is a weather-resistant riflescope ideal for all hunting situations. The scope can be used on crossbows, pellet guns, rifles, shotguns, and even airsoft. It is compatible with 30 caliber non-magnum bullet rifles and below 30 caliber bullet rifles. However, it is worth noting that it is optimized for guns with approximately 2.0 to 2.5 inches of distance from the barrel’s centerline to the scope’s centerline.
Features
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#5) Bestguarder 6x50mm HD Digital Night Vision Monocular
The best gen 3 night vision scopes offer more than just night vision qualities. They are also durable and deliver quality images. The Bestguarder 6x50mm HD Digital Night Vision Monocular comes with infrared illumination that lets you actually see images in the dark night. It is an ideal feature for hunters who cherish hunting at night and shooters who love shooting dead in the night. It illuminates images even in low light conditions and uses batteries to operate. Rechargeable batteries are ideal for this particular function. For clear and bright images, it is important to get a nigh vision scope that is equipped with high-quality lenses. This scope comes with excellent optical instruments that deliver bright and clear images. Features
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#6) ATN NVM-14 Gen.3 Night Vision Monocular Generation III Scope
As one of the best gen 3 night vision scopes, the ATN NVM-14 is a multipurpose night vision optic that can be used for short-range surveillance all the way to weapon firing. It allows you to focus the objective lens and eyepiece straight to the target. This scope comes with an objective lens and an image intensifier to provide exceptional image quality. Additionally, it is fully submersible to a whopping 66 feet in depth. This scope is waterproof and compact but still has a rugged design. Features
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Factors to consider when choosing the best gen 3 night vision scopes
Image Clarity
The sensitivity of components inside the scope and image clarity are major contributing factors to the scope’s effective range. A great scope has excellent light-gathering abilities and image quality that contribute to its range.
There are scopes that are effective up to 100 yards while others are effective up to several hundred yards. The best gen 3 night vision scopes offer the user a much larger range for comfortable viewing.
Day and night use
Buying a scope that can only be used at night might not be a good idea especially if you are trying to save on costs. You should consider getting a scope that works well even in dark light conditions. A great scope works well during the day and just as well at night.
Durability
The best gen 3 night vision scopes are built to last. You should choose a scope that is reliable and can withstand your hunting or tactical needs. To this end, a durable scope is constructed using high-quality material that is weather-resistant and wear-resistant. Scopes with bodies built from titanium or aluminum materials have proven to be more durable in comparison to other materials.
Night vision optic that is purged with a gas, mostly nitrogen is ideal as it is effective in preventing internal fogging. Lenses should also be coated for high-quality images and built with quality glass.
Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes FAQs
How long does a night vision scope last?
These scopes have a tendency of burning out as time passes by. However, with the introduction of digital night vision scopes they can last for a long time provided they are accorded the proper care. You might need to upgrade it once in a while as technology advances every day.
Can I use a night vision scope during the day?
Yes, you can but it is dependent on the scopes technology. Some scopes are fitted with advanced technology that gives you exceptional images during the day and at night.
Final verdict
Night vision technology has paved the way for better and better night vision scopes at half the price in comparison to the early years. There are even light and compact night vision scopes with the most advanced technology but do not weigh too much.
Night vision scopes have come a long way from the first generation to what some would prefer to call generation 4 night vision scopes. The best gen 3 scopes prove their worth by having the best features and delivering unparalleled images in low-light conditions. We hope this review has helped you settle on the best gen 3 scope your budget can buy.