Shopping for the best Gen 2 Night Vision Scope?
You’ve come to the right place.
Gen 2 night vision scopes offer an unbeatable combinations of low price and very useful light enhancement.
They are perfect for budget-minded hunters who like to chase prey in low-light conditions.
That said, if you want to hunt in pitch black or to see into fog and blowing snow, you should opt for a budget thermal scope instead.
What's In This Buying Guide
In this buying guide we recommend, compare and review the best Gen 2 night vision scopes sold today (in our opinion).
We also discuss the essential features you should consider when buying a Gen 2 NV scope.
Lastly, we answer a couple of commonly asked questions so you can make a well-informed decision.
Best Gen 2 Night Vision Scopes
Armasight Nemesis 4x Gen
Best for Close Range Rifles
Bering Optics D-740
Best for Rifles
Size
9.3 x 3.1 x 3.8 inches
Material
Aircraft Aluminum
Armasight Vulcan 4.5x
Best for Stabilized Images
Size
8.6 x 3.9 x 3.2 inches
AGM Global Vision Wolverine Pro-6
Best Durable Scope
Size
11.2 x 4.3 x 3.6 inches
AGM Global Vision Wolverine Pro-4
Best Weapon-Rated Scope
Size
8.5 x 3.7 x 3.2 inches
Bering Optics D-760
Best High-Performance Scope
Size
12.2 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches
Material
Aircraft Aluminum
Armasight Nemesis 6x Gen 2
Best NV Scope for Rifles
Size
15.3 x 4 x 2.8 inches
We recommend the Armasight Nemesis 4x Gen scope partly because of its ease of use.
It has a waterproof construction that make it perfect for high-humidity areas. You can even use it in the rain.
Moreover, the optics in this scope have shock protection that protects the lenses from breakage. This helps in keeping images clear as there is no light distortion due to scratches. It also ensures that the lenses maintain their structure and functionality even in case of collisions or falls.
The Armasight Nemesis is easy to use due to its simple controls and limited feature set. It has automated brightness controls that adjust the brightness levels according to surroundings. Meanwhile, a red cross reticle helps improve the contrast of images.
It comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Optimal contrast with red cross reticle
- Optics have shock protection
- Adjustable brightness levels
- Magnification of 4x
- Warranty of 2 years
Cons
- Mounts away from the eye, causing strain
The Bering Optics D-74 has a simple design but a sturdy frame that does not damage easily. The scope actively resists damage brought by water, dust, or shocks and can serve you for years without needing any major repairs.
Since it has a parallax-free construction, the D-740 is an impressive scope that works well for hunters. It has an incredible detection range, making it easier for you to aim at your target, which further improves shooting accuracy.
In addition, this scope has a better temperature tolerance range than other similar models. It can work well for temperatures between -40 and 50 degrees Celsius, so you can use it anywhere in any weather to enjoy superior night vision performance.
Furthermore, the D-740 has a battery life of 120 hours, which means it does not need frequent charging. Even if you are going away for days, this scope has you covered.
Lastly, the scope comes with many useful accessories that will surely improve your night vision experience.
The carrying case and rubber cap for the front lens protect the scope from physical damage. Meanwhile, the soft cleaning tissue allows you to clean the lens without scratching it.
- Parallax-free scope.
- Dust-proof frame.
- Complements heavy recoil weapons.
Summing up, the Bering Optics D-74 is a remarkable choice if you want to make more accurate shots at night.
Pros
- Multi-coated lens assembly
- Operating temperature of -40 to 50
- Celsius4x magnification power
- Battery life of 120 hours
- Water resistance rating of IP67
- Durable aircraft aluminum construction
The Armasight Vulcan 4.5x might just be the proper night vision scope for you if you want better brightness adjustment. The illuminated reticle supports several brightness levels, which means you can set up your desired brightness easily.
To add to this, a battery life of up to 50 hours is especially useful for long trips. A low-battery indicator gives you a heads up when the battery is about to die. So, you can charge your scope in time to avoid any hassle.
Moreover, the Vulcan’s quick-release mount helps you attach and detach it easily. It fits the standard Weaver rails without any difficulty, which further enhances its ease of use.
The lenses in this scope are also multi-coated to prevent them from most forms of damage like scratches.
In addition, the 45mm eye relief ensures you don’t experience eye fatigue while looking through this scope. This, coupled with wireless remote control, makes this scope a more reliable option.
Lastly, it comes with a 2-year warranty, so you can try it out without worrying about your money going to waste.
Other notable specs of the Vulcan include:
- The battery can last for up to 50 hours.
- Automatic brightness level controls.
- HD images improve display quality.
Overall, the Armasight Vulcan is an impressive night vision scope that provides high-quality images and reliable battery life.
Pros
- Supports multiple IIT configurations
- Actively resists water damage
- Limited warranty of 2 years
- Multi-coated optical assembly
- Smart wireless remote control
Cons
- It seems slightly overpriced when compared to other models
The AGM Global Vision Wolverine Pro-6 stands out with its amazing construction and adjustable reticle.
The high-strength aluminum construction material means the frame will not bend, is strong enough to withstand wear and tear brought about by daily use, and is waterproof so you can use it in the rain.
Moreover, this scope has a wide operating temperature of -40 to 122 Fahrenheit, making it suitable for all-weather hunting.
Another impressive feature is the scratch-resistant coating on its lenses. The lens is also fog-proof, so it does not obstruct your views in winters.
In addition, it has a non-reflective matte finish on its black exterior, making it look cool.
The battery life is also a respectable 40 hours.
Some other notable specs include:
- Obsidian 4 Dual Core Processor.
- 55-72 lp/mm resolution.
- 50m to infinity focus range.
The AGM Global Vision Wolverine Pro-6 is a remarkable scope with infinite focus range and high resolution.
Pros
- 40 hours of constant operation
- An objective lens with a 100mm diameter
- Fog-resistant lenses
- Sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- It has a 30mm eye relief
Cons
- It might cause hand fatigue as it is heavy
AGM's Global Vision Wolverine Pro-4 is one of the best Gen 2 night vision scopes made today.
It has a rugged black frame made of aircraft aluminum designed to make it easier to grip and to mount on rifles.
The Pro-4 also comes with a second focal plane (SFP) that lets you adjust the magnification according to the approaching object.
The included long-range IR illuminator is something that most other scopes don’t provide.
In addition, the lenses are fog-proof so you can use this scope on cold winter nights too.
The waterproof construction makes it a good scope for high-humidity and rain-soaked nights.
The operating temperature is a wide -40 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also store this scope at -58 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other noteworthy features include:
- Simple elevation adjustments.
- An 8.3-degree angle of view.
- Detachable IR Illuminator
Overall, the AGM Global Vision Wolverine Pro-4 is a future-proof Gen 2 NV scope that will not disappoint. The construction and protective features like coated lenses ensure its durable usage.
Pros
- Soft carrying case for protection
- Automatic brightness controls
- Long-range illuminator
- -6 to 2 DPT diopter adjustment
- It uses a 70mm diameter objective lens
The Bering Optics D-760 has a thoughtful design and weatherproof frame that distinguish it from other scopes on the market.
Its nitrogen-purged construction ensures a clear display regardless of humidity. The multiple lens coats make sure there are no scratches on the lens that could disrupt the quality of images.
The D-760 scope has a 6.3-degree field of view and an objective lens with a focal length of 83mm, making it great for hunting at night when you have limited vision.
Because it insulates from recoil on medium-caliber weapons, views don't get shaky while you are using it. You can use it with heavy recoil weapons as well since it has a powerful build.
The D-760 also comes with useful accessories including a protective rubber cap for the front lens, a shoulder strap, a user manual, and a carrying case.
Some other impressive features include:
- LED illumination.
- Battery life of 120 hours.
- Waterproof rating of IP67.
All in all, the Bering Optics D-760 is our top pick for the best high-performance Gen 2 scope.
Pros
- -40 to 50 degree Celsius operating temperature
- Battery life of 120 hours
- Completely weatherproof design
- Quick-release mounting system
- Limited lifetime warranty for the hardware
Cons
- Manual brightness adjustments only
The Armasight Nemesis 6x Gen 2 has an illuminated red cross reticle that improves shooting since there is a better contrast to the target. It also has variable brightness settings that further increase the accuracy of shooting at night.
Moreover, the bright source protection proves to be quite useful as it protects your eyes when you see a bright object or light source through the scope.
But the best thing about this scope is its affordability. It offers high-quality features at a fairly low price. You can also easily configure the scope to adjust its working according to your preferences.
Plus, since it has a detachable IR illuminator, it can work impressively well indoors with poor lighting too. So, this scope has a vast range of uses considering that you can use it both indoors and outdoors.
Some other notable features include:
- Limited 2-year warranty.
- Simple and effective controls.
- Variable reticle brightness.
Pros
- It has an illuminated red cross reticle
- Highly affordable Gen 2 scope
- Long-range detection
- It comes with automatic brightness controls
- Optics are shock protected
Cons
- Quite heavy at 4.2 pounds
Gen 2 Night Vision Scope Buying Guide
Buying a Gen 2 night vision scope can be much easier if you know what to look for.
Here’s a comprehensive buying guide to make the buying process easier for you.
Water Resistance:
Water-resistant Gen 2 night vision scopes can withstand humidity without failing you.
They are also great for adventures as you never know when it will start raining. But, you still have to look out for predator animals while camping in the woods, even if it is raining.
Design:
Another important consideration is the design of a Gen 2 night vision scope.
The build should be durable so that it does not damage easily. The frame should be strong enough to deal with the wear and tear that comes with regular usage.
The material should also be sturdy enough to avoid breaking on falls and minor collisions.
Weight:
You might have to use your scope for hours on end, especially if you are in the security business. This is why the scope has to be lightweight so that it does not cause any hand fatigue.
Lightweight scopes are also easy to carry as you can keep them in your shirt pocket. So, look for night vision scopes that are not a burden to carry.
Clarity of Images:
Another thing you should look out for is image clarity. After all, what is the point of getting a Gen 2 night vision scope if you don’t get good-quality images?
The resolution of the scope should be high along with a high magnification power to provide better images.
The lenses should also resist scratches to prevent light distortion, which further enhances the clarity of an image as there is no light dispersion.
Budget:
Make sure you have a budget in mind and choose a model that you can afford easily.
You should not invest in an overly priced scope if you can get the same features at a lesser price.
So, compare the available options based on their features and price to make the right decision.
Accessories:
The accessories that come with a Gen 2 night vision scope can affect your overall experience.
Things like a storage case, a soft cleaning cloth, and extra SD cards can make a huge difference.
So, you should look for Gen 2 NV monoculars that come with useful accessories at a nominal price.
Ease of Use:
Last but not least, look for how easy it is to use the scope.
The scope should have all the controls within easy access. It should also have a rugged frame so that it does not slip if you have sweaty palms.
How does Gen 2 Night Vision Differ from other Generations?
Generation 2 night vision is different from other generations in many aspects.
Gen 2 night vision comes with a detection range of up to 200 yards, while Gen 1 devices have a detection range of 75 to 100 yards. Meanwhile, Gen 3 night vision offers a greater detection range at 300 yards, but it is pricier.
Moreover, the field of view is different from other generations. It has a higher field of view value than Gen 0 and Gen 1 night vision. But, it is not as good as the Gen 3 night vision, which is military-grade.
The lifespan is also different since Gen 2 has a life expectancy of 2500 to 5000 hours. Whereas Gen 1 night vision devices have a life expectancy of 1000 hours and Gen 3 can go up to 10,000+ hours.
Why Buy a Gen 2 Night Vision Scope vs. other Types?
Gen 2 night vision scopes are high-quality scopes.
Generation 1 night vision scopes come at a lower price, but they have a shorter detection range. The image quality in Gen 1 is also not as great, so Gen 2 is a better option, albeit being pricier.
On the other hand, Gen 3 night vision scopes have a military-grade build and functioning. They are much more advanced, but they are expensive as well.
So, Gen 2 night vision scopes are the best option as they provide the ideal balance between price and features.
What to look for When Buying a Gen 2 Night Vision Scope
You must keep some crucial points in mind when buying a Gen 2 night vision scope. These include:
Range
The range of a Gen 2 night vision scope is critical as it determines how far you can see. The maximum range for Gen 2 scopes is 200 yards, but some models hardly go beyond 100 yards.
So, make sure you check the range before investing.
Magnification
Magnification affects the accuracy of shooting.
Some Gen 2 night vision scopes available on the market provide up to 15x digital zoom. However, this disrupts the quality and clarity of images.
So, a magnification between 5x and 8x is excellent for most Gen 2 night vision scope users.
Resolution
Resolution is another essential feature to bear in mind as it helps distinguish objects from the background. A resolution of 40-51 lp/mm is generally great for Gen 2 night vision scopes. But, if you want a higher precision in viewing, then you can go for a higher resolution power.
IR Illuminator/Laser
You have to be mindful of the infrared illuminator of a Gen 2 night vision scope because night vision scopes rely on infrared light to help you view objects.
Our eyes cannot detect infrared light. But when infrared light falls on objects in the dark, the things become visible.
Ideally, you should look for a scope with an IR illumination range of 700 to 1000nm.
Recording Capability
Recording capability is also crucial, mainly if you are an adventure seeker. You can record the views around you in the form of photos and videos that you can watch later on.
The recording is especially useful for military and surveillance as it helps users refer back to the events that happened at a particular time.
This is why you should check out the storage and recording capability of scope before investing in it.
Battery Life
Gen 2 night vision is superior to previous generations in terms of battery life. But all the models have a different battery life, depending on the technology they use.
If you need a gen 2-night vision scope for bird watching or recreational purposes, then a battery life of 5 to 7 hours is enough. However, you will need a longer battery life if you need it as a surveillance aid.
Durability
While investing in a Gen 2 night vision scope, make sure you look at the quality of construction.
The durability helps determine the time for which you can use a scope without it malfunctioning or breaking.
One way to know the durability of a model is to check the warranty it comes with. The longer the warranty period, the more durable the scope.
Limitations of Gen 2 Night Vision Scopes
Gen 2 night vision scopes are incredibly good when it comes to seeing in near-dark conditions. However, there are some downsides to these scopes that could be a problem for some. These include:
Ambient Light Required:
Gen 2 night vision scopes work amazingly well at night to provide clear images. However, they depend on ambient light to operate.
The light from the moon and stars is not always reliable, as clouds can sometimes block it completely.
So, this dependency on ambient light can be problematic when you are out on particularly dark nights.
Restricted Field of View:
Another matter of concern is that Gen 2 night vision scopes have a limited field of view.
The field of view is better than Gen 1, but it still needs to go a long way for optimal quality.
The price of Gen 2 scopes is quite high. But, the field of vision is not usually as good as is expected at this price point.
Expensive:
Gen 2 night vision scopes are nearly as expensive as Gen 3 ones.
They do offer high-quality images, but not everyone needs them.
Beginners can make do with lower-cost Gen 1 night vision scopes as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are generation 2 night vision scopes so highly priced?
Generation 2 night vision scopes are quite expensive because they have much more advanced features than generation 1.
The range and field of view are much better, and the battery life is much longer, which drives up the cost.
Does generation 2 night vision scope work exceptionally better than gen 1?
Generation 2 night vision scopes definitely work better than generation 1 variants.
The image intensifier tubes (IIT) in Gen 2 night vision scopes offer 2,500 to 5,000 hours of use compared to 1,000 hours of use provided by Gen 1 IIT. The range is also better at 200 yards as compared to 75-100 yards of Gen 1.
Up to what range can a gen 2-night vision scope work?
A Gen 2 night vision scope can work up to a distance of 200 yards. However, the range can vary depending on the brand you choose to buy the scope from.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Generation 2 Night Vision Scope?
After comparing several Gen 2 night vision scopes, we think the Bering Optics D-760 stands out as the best choice for most hunters. It has a reliable battery life of 120 hours and durable construction. The frame is waterproof and can be used in rain and humid locations. Finally, the optics are top-notch.
