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Getting into hunting and shooting with a night vision scope is something many people want to do, but it comes with some unique challenges. Firstly, traditional night vision scopes are expensive, so it can be quite a barrier to entry. Additionally, you either have to dedicate an entire firearm to using just the night vision scope or constantly swap between a regular rifle scope and a night vision model on the same firearm. Thankfully, there’s a way to get the best of both worlds with clip-on night vision scopes. 
These unique optics are designed to work in conjunction with rifle scopes, essentially operating as a magnifier. This lets you quickly swap between night vision and regular vision, as you can remove the clip-on optic easily. If you’re interested in learning more about clip-on night vision scopes, this guide covers everything from what they are and how they work to the unique benefits of using this type of optic.
What Is a Clip-On Night Vision Scope?
A clip-on night vision scope is exactly what it sounds like. It is an optic that is much smaller than traditional rifle scopes and night vision scopes, allowing you to clip them on to the end of another optic. This means they add night vision functionality to any rifle scope you already own, significantly increasing your hunting and shooting versatility. They work by packing all of the night vision technology into a small unit, cutting out anything that doesn’t directly impact the night vision. This means that on its own, a clip-on night vision scope does not have any magnification, a reticle, or any other things most optics have. Their entire purpose is to let you turn an existing optic into a night vision scope quickly and easily.
To do this, the process is extremely simple. All you need is a rifle and a rifle scope that you want to use. After mounting the rifle scope securely, you just attach the clip-on night vision scope to the far end of the rifle scope. This can take up some extra room, so when mounting the rifle scope, you may have to mount it closer to the buttstock than normal and practice with the adjusted eye relief. Once you get used to it though, it becomes easy to quickly attach and detach the night vision part for whatever you are hunting.
How Do Clip-On Night Vision Scopes Work?
One of the best advantages of modern night vision devices is that many of them are digital. Unlike many night vision goggles, which use a variety of lenses in a light intensifier tube to collect and amplify both visible and infrared light, digital night vision uses a different process. Similarly to a digital camera, clip-on night vision scopes use a digital sensor to collect and amplify light rather than glass lenses. This process allows digital night vision to be much more compact, as you don’t need as much space to pack lenses into a tube. Additionally, it helps alleviate problems with limited field of view and depth perception, as single-tube night vision devices have a very narrow view. Instead, the digital sensor captures a wider range and focuses it down to give you a solid view of what you’re aiming at. Another big benefit is that while clip-on night vision scopes still tend to be bulky, they often weigh less than they would due to the digital sensors.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Clip-On Night Vision Scope?
There are plenty of reasons to use clip-on night vision scopes, whether you’re a civilian hunter who wants to take down primarily nocturnal predators or a military or law enforcement agent who needs night vision capability for their job. Here are some of the most impactful reasons for getting a clip-on night vision scope.
Ease of Use: As mentioned above, a clip-on night vision scope is extremely easy to attach and detach whenever you need it. This means you don’t have to worry about fully mounting a new scope every time your lighting conditions change while out in the field or on a mission. Instead, you simply take off the clip-on device when the environment is brighter, allowing you to use just your regular optic.- Safety: Hunting predators is tough to begin with, and part of this is because many of them are only out at night. Whether you’re a farmer protecting your livestock or just a hunter looking to take down bigger and badder animals, you might have to be outside both day and night. With a clip-on night vision scope, you can significantly reduce the weight of your pack and make sure you’re ready to take the shot when it’s most convenient and safe.
- Price: Clip-on night vision scopes are often much cheaper than rifle scopes that are designed with night vision in mind. Even digital night vision rifle scopes, like those made by ATN who prioritize affordability, are often still more expensive than clip-on versions because they have to contain a lot more technology in one package.
- Versatility: Probably the largest benefit of using a clip-on night vision scope is that you have endless options for your primary optic. This means you can use a rifle scope that you already have or get one that has the exact features you’re looking for, whether it’s a specific type of reticle, adjustment style, or magnification. This gives you nearly endless potential combinations for when you’re using night vision.
Clip On a New Scope Today!
Here at OpticsPlanet, our goal is to help you get all the best gear for an excellent price. That’s why we have assembled a collection of products from top-tier manufacturers across industries. If you’re interested in browsing more night vision products, check out Armasight, AGM Global Vision, and OPMOD. Or, if you just want to learn more about how to use night vision or how it all works, we have plenty of Night Vision Guides to help!
