5 Best IR Illuminators for X Sight

Finding the best IR illuminators for X sight digital night vision scopes is absolutely critical if you want to maximize your nighttime hunting effectiveness and push your visibility beyond what the scope can achieve alone. The ATN X-Sight series revolutionized night hunting by bringing affordable digital night vision to the masses, but even the most advanced digital sensor needs infrared light to illuminate targets in complete darkness. Without a quality IR illuminator, your X-Sight’s performance drops dramatically once ambient light fades, leaving you essentially blind during prime predator hunting hours.

The ATN X-Sight platform, whether you are running the X-Sight 4K Pro, X-Sight 5, or earlier models, represents a quantum leap over traditional analog night vision technology. These digital scopes convert incoming light into electronic signals, process them through sophisticated algorithms, and display a clear image on an HD screen. The beauty of this system is its ability to record video, provide ballistic calculations, and offer features impossible with traditional night vision tubes. However, digital sensors are only as good as the light available to them, which is where IR illuminators become essential equipment rather than optional accessories.

Understanding infrared illumination is key to selecting the right illuminator for your setup. IR light operates at wavelengths invisible to the human eye, typically around 850nm or 940nm. Your X-Sight’s sensor sees this infrared light brilliantly, while game animals remain largely unaware of the illumination. This gives you a massive advantage during night hunts, allowing you to spot, identify, and take ethical shots on predators and hogs without spooking them with visible light. The 850nm wavelength provides better range and brightness but produces a faint red glow from the LED, while 940nm is completely invisible but offers slightly less effective range.

Choosing the right IR illuminator for your X-Sight involves balancing several factors: beam distance, battery life, mounting compatibility, and beam pattern. Long range illuminators with tight beams excel for open terrain and distant shots, while flood style illuminators work better in heavy cover where you need to illuminate a wider area. The illuminator must also match your X-Sight’s mounting system and not interfere with your shooting position or rifle balance. Power consumption matters too, because running out of battery mid-hunt wastes the entire evening.

Best IR Illuminators Comparison

Image	Name	Key Features	Check Price
	ATN IR850 Pro Long Range	850nm wavelength, 500m range, Adjustable beam, Weaver mount	Check Price
	Wicked Lights ScanPro iC	850nm LED, 300 yard range, Scan or weapon mount, Rechargeable	Check Price
	Evolva T20 IR Illuminator	850nm 3W LED, Zoomable beam, Picatinny mount, Budget friendly	Check Price
	Nitesite Eagle RTEK	940nm invisible IR, 200m range, Remote control, Lightweight	Check Price
	Pulsar AL 915	915nm wavelength, Adjustable power, Quick detach mount, Premium build	Check Price

Equipping your ATN X-Sight with the proper infrared illuminator transforms your digital night vision scope from a marginal performer in low light into a legitimate predator hunting machine capable of clean ethical kills well past midnight. The five IR illuminators we have selected represent the best options across different hunting scenarios, budgets, and performance requirements. Each has been chosen based on real world compatibility with X-Sight scopes, proven reliability during long night hunts, and the ability to deliver adequate illumination at practical hunting distances. Whether you are ambushing hogs over bait, calling coyotes across open fields, or managing raccoons around farm buildings, these illuminators will give your X-Sight the light it needs to perform at its full potential.

1) ATN IR850 Pro Long Range (Best IR Illuminator for X Sight for Distance)

The ATN IR850 Pro represents the gold standard for long range infrared illumination with X-Sight digital scopes, and it makes perfect sense given that ATN designed this illuminator specifically to complement their digital night vision ecosystem. When you pair ATN optics with ATN illuminators, you get integration and performance that third party accessories struggle to match. This illuminator delivers serious throw distance, pushing effective illumination out to 500 meters in optimal conditions, which gives you the reach to spot and identify game at distances that would be impossible with lesser illuminators.

What separates the IR850 Pro from budget illuminators is the quality and intensity of its infrared output. The 850nm wavelength strikes an excellent balance between sensor sensitivity and practical invisibility. Yes, there is a very faint red glow visible from the LED if you look directly at it, but game animals at hunting distances show no reaction to this minimal signature. The benefit of 850nm over completely invisible 940nm is significantly better effective range and sensor response. Your X-Sight’s digital sensor is more sensitive to 850nm light, which translates to brighter images, better target identification, and increased confidence when making shot decisions at extended ranges.

The adjustable beam focus is where this illuminator truly shines for practical hunting applications. You can tighten the beam into a concentrated spotlight perfect for scanning distant fields and pinpointing specific targets, or open it up into a flood pattern that illuminates a wider area for close range work in heavy cover. This versatility means you are not locked into one illumination pattern that only works in specific scenarios. Calling coyotes in open country? Tighten that beam and reach out. Working thick brush for hogs? Open it up and flood the area. One illuminator handles both situations effectively.

ATN built this illuminator tough with aircraft grade aluminum construction and a hard anodized finish that shrugs off the abuse of actual hunting. The Weaver style mount attaches securely to any Picatinny or Weaver rail, and the pressure switch allows you to control the illuminator without breaking your shooting position. Battery life is respectable at several hours of continuous use, though carrying spare batteries is always wise for all night hunts. The illuminator’s weight is noticeable but not excessive, and proper positioning on your rail system keeps your rifle balanced.

Key Features

Feature	Specification
Wavelength	850nm infrared
Effective Range	Up to 500 meters
Beam Pattern	Adjustable focus
Mount Type	Weaver compatible
Construction	Aircraft grade aluminum
Power Source	CR123A batteries
Switch Type	Pressure pad included

Pros

• Exceptional throw distance reaches game at extreme ranges effectively
• Adjustable beam focus adapts to different hunting scenarios perfectly
• Purpose built for ATN X-Sight integration and optimal performance
• Robust construction withstands serious field use and recoil
• Includes pressure switch for convenient activation without position changes
• 850nm wavelength provides excellent sensor response and image brightness
• Professional grade illumination that serious night hunters depend on

Cons

• Premium pricing reflects the professional level performance and build quality

When you are serious about maximizing your X-Sight’s capabilities and regularly hunt at extended distances where every bit of illumination matters, the ATN IR850 Pro delivers uncompromising performance. This illuminator gives you the reach, adjustability, and reliability to confidently engage targets at ranges that would be impossible with inferior lighting, making it the top choice for dedicated night hunters who demand the best.

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2) Wicked Lights ScanPro iC (Best IR Illuminator for X Sight for Versatility)

Wicked Lights has built an impressive reputation among night hunters by focusing specifically on illumination solutions rather than trying to be everything to everyone, and their ScanPro iC represents the culmination of years of feedback from serious predator hunters. This illuminator takes a different approach than traditional weapon mounted lights by offering both scanning and weapon mounting capabilities in one package, giving you tactical flexibility that proves invaluable during actual hunts. The ability to scan independently from your rifle’s point of aim dramatically improves your situational awareness and target acquisition speed.

The ScanPro iC’s design philosophy centers on practical hunting effectiveness rather than spec sheet bragging rights. At 300 yards of effective range, it does not match the extreme distance capabilities of some competitors, but this range covers the vast majority of realistic night hunting scenarios. Very few ethical shots on predators or hogs happen beyond 300 yards even in daylight, and at night that distance represents the practical limit for most shooters anyway. What the ScanPro iC delivers within this range is outstanding illumination quality with excellent uniformity and brightness that makes target identification straightforward.

The dual mounting system is brilliantly executed and genuinely useful in the field. Mount the illuminator to your rifle when you are set up and ready to shoot, or use it as a handheld scanner when you are moving between locations or searching for eye shine. This flexibility eliminates the need to carry separate scanning and shooting lights, reducing the gear you need to haul into the field. The ScanPro iC’s ergonomics work well in both configurations, with intuitive controls that you can operate with gloved hands in freezing conditions.

Wicked Lights uses a rechargeable battery system that experienced night hunters will appreciate after burning through countless disposable batteries with other illuminators. The lithium battery provides hours of runtime and recharges via standard USB, making it easy to top off between hunts using a vehicle charger or power bank. The battery life indicator prevents unpleasant surprises, letting you know when it is time to swap batteries or call it a night. The 850nm LED delivers strong infrared output with that barely perceptible red glow that game animals ignore while providing excellent sensor response with your X-Sight.

Key Features

Feature	Specification
Wavelength	850nm infrared
Effective Range	300 yards
Mounting Options	Weapon or handheld scan
Battery Type	Rechargeable lithium
Runtime	6+ hours continuous
Weight	8.4 oz with battery
Switch Options	Multiple power levels

Pros

• Dual mount capability for scanning and weapon mounting versatility
• Rechargeable battery eliminates ongoing battery costs and disposal hassles
• Purpose designed by hunters for actual field use scenarios
• Excellent illumination uniformity within effective range provides clear images
• Multiple power levels conserve battery and match intensity to conditions
• USB charging works with common power sources for field convenience
• Ergonomic design functions well in both handheld and mounted configurations

Cons

• Effective range shorter than dedicated long range illuminators for extreme distance shots

For hunters who value flexibility and want one illuminator that handles multiple roles effectively, the Wicked Lights ScanPro iC delivers exceptional real world performance. This illuminator proves that thoughtful design focused on actual hunting needs often trumps raw specifications, giving you a tool that simply works night after night without complications or frustrations.

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3) Evolva T20 IR Illuminator (Best IR Illuminator for X Sight for Budget Conscious Hunters)

The Evolva T20 proves that effective infrared illumination does not require premium pricing, delivering solid performance at a price point that makes night hunting accessible to shooters building their first digital night vision setup. While budget illuminators often involve significant compromises, Evolva has executed the T20 thoughtfully, focusing resources on the aspects that actually matter for hunting effectiveness rather than frivolous features. This illuminator represents the minimum viable product done right, giving you legitimate capability without breaking the bank.

At the heart of the T20 is a 3 watt 850nm LED that produces surprisingly strong infrared output for such an affordable unit. You will not match the extreme ranges of illuminators costing three or four times as much, but the T20 delivers usable illumination out to approximately 200 yards in good conditions, which covers the majority of night hunting scenarios for most shooters. Within this range, the illumination is bright enough for your X-Sight to produce clear images suitable for confident target identification and ethical shot placement. The LED’s quality is respectable with decent uniformity and minimal artifacts.

The zoomable beam functionality gives you some adjustability to match different hunting situations, though the mechanism is not as refined as premium illuminators. You can focus the beam down for better throw distance or open it up for a wider flood pattern, providing reasonable versatility from a single affordable unit. The zoom mechanism is manually adjusted by rotating the head, which works fine though it requires you to break your shooting position to make changes. For stationary ambush hunting where you set up and wait, this limitation is minimal since you can adjust the beam pattern before game arrives.

Evolva mounts the T20 using a standard Picatinny compatible rail mount that clamps securely to your rifle’s accessory rail. The mount is functional if not particularly elegant, holding the illuminator steady under recoil and allowing reasonable adjustment for positioning. Build quality is adequate for the price, with an aluminum body that feels solid enough for hunting use though it lacks the refinement of premium units. The illuminator is waterproof to a reasonable standard and should handle typical hunting conditions without issues, though I would not deliberately submerge it or trust it in genuinely harsh environments.

Key Features

Feature	Specification
Wavelength	850nm infrared
LED Power	3 watts
Beam Pattern	Manually zoomable
Effective Range	150 to 200 yards
Mount Type	Picatinny compatible
Battery Type	Rechargeable 18650
Weight	5.6 oz

Pros

• Outstanding value delivers legitimate hunting capability at accessible price
• Zoomable beam provides some versatility for different scenarios
• Rechargeable battery reduces ongoing operating costs significantly
• Lightweight design minimizes impact on rifle handling and balance
• Adequate range for typical night hunting distances and situations
• Standard Picatinny mount fits most rifle rail systems easily
• Low investment risk perfect for trying night hunting without major commitment

Cons

• Build quality and refinement trail premium illuminators in fit and finish details

For shooters entering the night hunting world or building their first X-Sight setup on a budget, the Evolva T20 delivers surprising value and legitimate capability. This illuminator proves you can start night hunting effectively without spending premium money on accessories, though you should understand its limitations compared to more expensive options and plan your hunts accordingly.

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4) Nitesite Eagle RTEK (Best IR Illuminator for X Sight for Stealth)

The Nitesite Eagle RTEK takes a completely different approach to infrared illumination by using 940nm completely invisible IR rather than the more common 850nm wavelength that produces a faint red glow. This makes the Eagle RTEK the ultimate stealth option for hunters who prioritize remaining absolutely undetectable to game animals, even at the cost of some effective range and sensor brightness. For situations where you are dealing with extremely wary predators that have been educated by hunting pressure, or when you are working close ranges where even minimal LED glow might spook game, completely invisible IR offers distinct tactical advantages.

Understanding the 940nm wavelength’s characteristics helps you deploy the Eagle RTEK effectively. Because this infrared frequency sits further from the visible spectrum, it produces absolutely zero visible signature even when viewed directly. You can point this illuminator straight at an animal’s face and they will detect nothing, which is remarkable for close range encounters or heavily pressured game. However, digital sensors including your X-Sight are inherently less sensitive to 940nm than 850nm light, which means reduced effective range and dimmer images at equivalent distances. The Eagle RTEK compensates somewhat with strong LED output, but physics ultimately limits performance compared to 850nm illuminators.

Nitesite engineered the Eagle RTEK specifically for practical hunting with features that make sense in the field. The remote control allows you to activate the illuminator without touching your rifle or breaking your shooting position, which is invaluable when game appears unexpectedly. You can turn the illuminator on only when needed, conserving battery life and minimizing the chance of spooking game with even the activation motion. The remote works reliably at reasonable distances and the controls are intuitive enough to use without looking.

The Eagle RTEK’s lightweight construction, at just over 6 ounces, makes it one of the lighter illuminators available and reduces its impact on your rifle’s handling characteristics. The housing is compact and mounts securely to standard Picatinny rails without requiring excessive rail space. Build quality is solid with effective weatherproofing that handles damp conditions and typical hunting abuse. The illuminator runs on common CR123A batteries and provides respectable runtime, though you should always carry spares for extended hunts. At approximately 200 meters maximum effective range, the Eagle RTEK works best for moderate distance hunting rather than extreme long range applications.

Key Features

Feature	Specification
Wavelength	940nm invisible IR
Effective Range	Up to 200 meters
LED Type	High power invisible
Remote Control	Wireless activation
Weight	6.3 oz
Mount Type	Picatinny rail
Battery Type	CR123A lithium

Pros

• Completely invisible 940nm IR eliminates any LED glow detection
• Perfect for educated predators and extremely wary game animals
• Remote control activation maintains shooting position and reduces movement
• Lightweight design minimizes rifle balance impact significantly
• Excellent stealth capability for close range hunting scenarios
• Reliable performance in typical hunting weather conditions
• Compact size requires minimal rail space for mounting flexibility

Cons

• Reduced effective range compared to 850nm illuminators due to wavelength physics

When absolute invisibility matters more than extreme range, and you are hunting game that has learned to associate even faint red glows with danger, the Nitesite Eagle RTEK delivers unmatched stealth capability. This illuminator gives you a legitimate advantage in situations where conventional 850nm units might compromise your position, making it the smart choice for hunters who regularly deal with highly educated predators.

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5) Pulsar AL 915 (Best IR Illuminator for X Sight for Premium Performance)

The Pulsar AL 915 represents the premium end of infrared illumination technology, delivering the kind of refinement and performance that serious night hunters expect when they invest in top tier equipment. Pulsar has earned its reputation manufacturing some of the finest thermal and night vision equipment available, and their expertise shows in every aspect of the AL 915’s design and execution. This illuminator splits the difference between common 850nm and invisible 940nm wavelengths by using 915nm IR, providing an excellent compromise that offers near invisibility with better sensor response than pure 940nm.

The 915nm wavelength choice is brilliant for hunters seeking maximum stealth without sacrificing too much effective range or image brightness. At 915nm, the LED produces virtually no visible glow, making it nearly as invisible as 940nm illuminators while maintaining significantly better sensor sensitivity. Your X-Sight responds more strongly to 915nm than 940nm, resulting in brighter images and better effective range while still remaining essentially undetectable to game animals. This sweet spot wavelength makes the AL 915 ideal for hunters who refuse to compromise on either stealth or performance.

Pulsar’s build quality is immediately apparent when you handle the AL 915. The machining is precise, the anodizing is flawless, and every component feels deliberately engineered rather than merely adequate. The adjustable power output allows you to dial the illumination intensity to match conditions and distances, conserving battery when maximum output is unnecessary and preventing over illumination that can wash out close targets. The quick detach mount is truly quick and secure, allowing you to remove or reposition the illuminator in seconds without tools while maintaining perfect return to zero.

The AL 915’s optical design produces remarkably uniform illumination with a well controlled beam pattern that avoids the hotspots and artifacts plaguing lesser illuminators. The beam provides excellent coverage with smooth intensity distribution that translates to more natural looking images through your X-Sight. Effective range extends to approximately 300 meters with appropriate power settings, covering virtually all realistic hunting scenarios. The illuminator runs on standard CR123A batteries with excellent efficiency, and the robust weatherproof construction handles genuinely harsh conditions that would compromise less capable units.

Key Features

Feature	Specification
Wavelength	915nm near invisible
Effective Range	Up to 300 meters
Power Control	Adjustable output
Mount Type	Quick detach Picatinny
Construction	Premium machined aluminum
Battery Type	CR123A lithium
Weight	7.2 oz

Pros

• 915nm wavelength provides optimal balance of stealth and sensor response
• Adjustable power output matches intensity to specific hunting scenarios
• Premium build quality ensures reliability in harsh conditions
• Quick detach mount simplifies removal and repositioning significantly
• Excellent beam uniformity produces natural looking images without artifacts
• Substantial effective range covers all realistic hunting distances
• Pulsar reputation and support backed by decades of night vision expertise

Cons

• Premium pricing reflects the professional grade performance and construction quality

For hunters who demand the absolute best and want an illuminator that will serve them faithfully for years across countless hunts in all conditions, the Pulsar AL 915 delivers premium performance that justifies its investment. This illuminator represents the pinnacle of current IR technology with refinement and capability that makes night hunting more effective and more enjoyable.

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Conclusion

Selecting the best IR illuminators for X sight scopes ultimately transforms your digital night vision setup from a marginal low light performer into a legitimate night hunting machine capable of ethical harvests in complete darkness. Each illuminator we have covered brings distinct advantages suited to different hunting styles and priorities. The ATN IR850 Pro remains the benchmark for long range performance, delivering exceptional throw distance and beam adjustability that lets you reach game at distances impossible with lesser illuminators, making it the clear choice for open terrain hunting where distance matters.

The Wicked Lights ScanPro iC stands out for its versatility and practical design focused on real hunting needs rather than spec sheet bragging rights. Its dual mount capability and rechargeable battery system make it exceptionally user friendly for hunters who value flexibility and want one tool handling multiple roles effectively. The Evolva T20 proves that budget constraints need not prevent you from entering night hunting, delivering legitimate performance at a price that makes digital night vision accessible to more shooters, though you should understand its limitations compared to premium options.

Stealth focused hunters dealing with educated predators will appreciate the Nitesite Eagle RTEK’s completely invisible 940nm output, which eliminates even the faint red glow of conventional illuminators. While you sacrifice some range and brightness, the tactical advantage of absolute invisibility proves invaluable in specific scenarios where game has learned to associate any LED signature with danger. The Pulsar AL 915 represents the pinnacle of current technology, using 915nm near invisible IR to provide an optimal balance of stealth and performance with build quality and refinement that serious night hunters expect from premium equipment.

Your ATN X-Sight deserves an illuminator that complements its capabilities and matches your hunting style. Whether you are calling coyotes across prairie expanses, ambushing hogs over agricultural fields, or managing raccoons around farm infrastructure, the right IR illuminator extends your effective hunting hours and dramatically improves your success rate.

Digital night vision has revolutionized night hunting by making it affordable and accessible, but that technology only reaches its full potential when paired with adequate infrared illumination. The investment in a quality illuminator returns dividends every time you confidently identify and ethically harvest game in conditions that would have been impossible just a few years ago.

See Also: 5 Best Scopes for 17 HMR Savage