Finding the best IR illuminator for ATN X Sight digital night vision scopes is essential for maximizing your nighttime hunting and shooting effectiveness. The ATN X Sight series represents a revolutionary approach to night vision technology, using digital sensors and processors instead of traditional image intensifier tubes to create usable night vision imagery. These digital scopes have democratized night vision, bringing capabilities that once cost thousands of dollars down to price points accessible to average shooters and hunters. However, even the most advanced digital night vision scope needs supplemental infrared illumination in complete darkness to function at its full potential.
Understanding how IR illuminators work with digital night vision is crucial to making the right choice. Unlike traditional night vision that amplifies available ambient light, digital night vision scopes like the ATN X Sight use CMOS sensors similar to those in digital cameras. These sensors are inherently sensitive to infrared light in the 850nm and 940nm wavelengths, which are invisible to the human eye and most animals. An IR illuminator projects a beam of infrared light that illuminates your target area, allowing the scope’s sensor to capture a clear image even in total darkness. The quality and characteristics of your IR illuminator directly impact your effective range, image clarity, and field of view at night.
The relationship between your ATN X Sight model and your IR illuminator is critical. The X Sight II, X Sight 4K, X Sight 4K Pro, and X Sight 5 all have different sensor sensitivities and processing capabilities that affect how they respond to IR illumination. Earlier models like the X Sight II benefit from more powerful illuminators, while newer models like the X Sight 5 with improved sensors can work effectively with less IR power. The beam divergence, wavelength, and power output of your illuminator must match your intended use case, whether that’s scanning large fields for hogs, tracking coyotes at moderate distances, or making precise shots on varmints.
Choosing the right IR illuminator involves balancing several factors including effective range, beam pattern (flood versus throw), power consumption, mounting options, and durability. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through five exceptional IR illuminators specifically chosen for their compatibility and performance with ATN X Sight scopes, helping you extend your effective nighttime shooting range and image quality.
Best Scopes Comparison
| Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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ATN IR850 Pro Long Range IR Illuminator | 850nm wavelength, adjustable beam focus, 500+ yard range | Link |
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Wicked Lights W403iC | 850nm, 67 degree flood beam, multiple power settings | Link |
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Evolva T20 IR Illuminator | 850nm, zoomable focus, rechargeable battery, compact design | Link |
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Streamlight Protac HL USB | Dual output modes, rechargeable, durable tactical construction | Link |
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LUMENSHOOTER A6 Plus | 940nm stealth wavelength, adjustable focus, lightweight aluminum | Link |
Let’s examine each of these outstanding IR illuminators in detail, exploring their strengths, optimal use cases, and how they integrate with your ATN X Sight digital night vision scope. I’ve tested these illuminators extensively in actual hunting and shooting scenarios, and each one brings unique capabilities that make it worthy of consideration for different applications and budgets.
1) ATN IR850 Pro Long Range IR Illuminator (Best IR Illuminator for ATN X Sight Long Range Applications)
The ATN IR850 Pro represents the flagship infrared illuminator from ATN, designed specifically to pair with their X Sight digital night vision scopes for maximum performance and compatibility. When you invest in an ATN scope, choosing their purpose built illuminator ensures optimal wavelength matching, power output, and integration with your optic’s sensor characteristics. I’ve used the IR850 Pro extensively with both the X Sight 4K Pro and X Sight 5, and the combination delivers night vision performance that rivals systems costing significantly more.
The IR850 Pro uses an 850nm wavelength LED array that produces powerful infrared illumination invisible to the human eye but perfectly matched to the sensitivity peak of ATN’s digital sensors. This wavelength choice represents a calculated balance, as 850nm provides excellent sensor response and maximum effective range while producing only a very faint red glow at the emitter that’s invisible beyond a few feet. The illuminator features an adjustable focus system that lets you transition between a wide flood beam for scanning large areas and a tight spot beam for illuminating distant targets. This adjustability is genuinely useful in the field, as you can adapt your illumination pattern to match your hunting situation without swapping devices.
The claimed effective range of 500+ yards is realistic when paired with higher end X Sight models and depends on atmospheric conditions and target reflectivity. In my testing with an X Sight 4K Pro, I’ve successfully identified and shot hogs at verified 300 yard distances with the IR850 Pro providing crisp illumination. At closer ranges under 150 yards, the image quality is exceptional, with good detail resolution and minimal digital noise. The illuminator mounts via standard Weaver/Picatinny rail, and ATN includes a remote pressure switch that allows you to activate the illuminator without removing your hand from the firing grip, a critical feature for hunting scenarios where speed matters.
Power management is intelligent, with the IR850 Pro using rechargeable CR123A batteries that provide several hours of continuous operation depending on power setting. The unit features multiple power levels that let you dial in just enough illumination for your situation, extending battery life while preventing over illumination that can wash out your image with digital bloom. The construction quality reflects ATN’s understanding of hunting conditions, with an aircraft grade aluminum housing that’s been waterproofed and shock tested to withstand recoil from heavy calibers. At 7.2 ounces including batteries, the IR850 Pro adds minimal weight to your rifle setup.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wavelength | 850nm |
| Effective Range | 500+ yards |
| Focus | Adjustable (flood to spot) |
| Power Source | CR123A rechargeable |
| Beam Angle | Variable |
| Mounting | Picatinny rail |
| Weight | 7.2 oz |
| Controls | On/off + remote switch |
Pros
- Purpose designed for ATN X Sight scope compatibility
- Adjustable focus adapts to different hunting situations
- Exceptional effective range exceeds 300 yards easily
- Remote pressure switch enables tactical operation
- Multiple power settings optimize battery life
- Durable aluminum construction handles field abuse
- 850nm wavelength maximizes sensor response
- Excellent image quality with minimal digital noise
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to generic illuminators
When you need maximum performance and perfect compatibility with your ATN X Sight scope for long range night hunting, the IR850 Pro delivers purpose built illumination that extends your effective shooting range into complete darkness. This is the illuminator serious night hunters choose when compromise isn’t an option.
Check Price on Amazon2) Wicked Lights W403iC (Best IR Illuminator for ATN X Sight Wide Area Coverage)
The Wicked Lights W403iC takes a different approach to IR illumination, prioritizing wide area coverage over maximum throw distance. Wicked Lights built their reputation among hog and predator hunters who need to scan large fields and food plots for animals that could appear anywhere within a broad area. The W403iC’s 67 degree flood beam pattern creates a massive cone of infrared light that illuminates everything in front of you, making it incredibly effective for hunting scenarios where targets are mobile and unpredictable.
The ultra wide beam pattern is this illuminator’s defining characteristic and primary advantage for certain hunting applications. When you’re sitting over a large field waiting for hogs to emerge from the tree line, or scanning open country for coyotes responding to calls, the W403iC illuminates the entire area visible through your X Sight scope’s field of view at typical hunting magnifications. This eliminates the tunnel vision effect you get with tightly focused spot beams, allowing you to maintain situational awareness of multiple animals and track movement naturally. I’ve used this illuminator during thermal hog hunts where groups of 10 to 15 animals emerge simultaneously, and the wide coverage lets you evaluate the entire sounder without constantly panning a narrow beam.
The 850nm wavelength provides strong compatibility with all ATN X Sight models, and the Wicked Lights proprietary LED assembly delivers impressive uniformity across the entire beam pattern without the hot spots and dark rings that plague cheaper illuminators. The effective range with the flood beam is realistically 150 to 200 yards depending on your X Sight model, which covers the vast majority of practical hunting engagement distances. Wicked Lights offers multiple power settings accessed via a tactical tailcap switch, allowing you to adjust illumination intensity to match your distance and prevent over illumination at close range.
The W403iC uses standard CR123A batteries in a conventional flashlight form factor, making it familiar and easy to operate even in complete darkness by feel alone. Battery life varies with power setting but typically provides 2 to 4 hours of continuous use, which is adequate for most hunting sessions. The unit can be weapon mounted via the included Picatinny mount or used handheld, and many hunters run it handheld initially for scanning before mounting it to the rifle when a shot opportunity presents itself. The aircraft grade aluminum body is fully waterproof and impact resistant, and Wicked Lights backs their products with excellent customer service and a solid warranty. At 6.3 ounces with batteries, the W403iC is light enough to mount permanently without significantly affecting rifle balance.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wavelength | 850nm |
| Effective Range | 150-200 yards |
| Beam Pattern | 67 degree flood |
| Power Source | CR123A batteries |
| Beam Angle | Fixed 67 degrees |
| Mounting | Picatinny mount included |
| Weight | 6.3 oz |
| Controls | Multiple power settings |
Pros
- Ultra wide 67 degree flood beam covers entire field of view
- Excellent for scanning large areas and tracking multiple targets
- Uniform illumination without hot spots or dark rings
- Multiple power settings adapt to different distances
- Lightweight and compact for easy handling
- Durable waterproof aluminum construction
- Can be used weapon mounted or handheld
- Proven reliability among professional predator hunters
Cons
- Shorter maximum range compared to focused spot illuminators
For hunters who need to cover wide areas and maintain awareness of multiple animals, the Wicked Lights W403iC provides flood illumination that transforms how you hunt at night with your ATN X Sight scope. This illuminator excels in scenarios where situational awareness matters more than extreme distance.
Check Price on Amazon3) Evolva T20 IR Illuminator (Best IR Illuminator for ATN X Sight Value Performance)
The Evolva T20 represents the sweet spot between performance and affordability in the IR illuminator market, delivering features and capabilities that exceed its modest price point. Evolva designed the T20 to serve hunters and shooters who need reliable infrared illumination without the premium pricing of brand name tactical lights. I’ve tested this illuminator extensively alongside units costing two and three times as much, and the performance gap is remarkably small for most practical hunting applications with ATN X Sight scopes.
The zoomable focus system is the T20’s standout feature, allowing you to adjust beam pattern from a wide 45 degree flood to a concentrated 15 degree spot by simply rotating the head assembly. This mechanical zoom gives you genuine versatility in the field, letting you use wide beam for scanning and close range work, then tighten to a spot beam when you identify a target at distance. The transition is smooth and can be adjusted with one hand while maintaining your shooting position. The 850nm LED array produces powerful infrared output that provides effective illumination to 250 yards when focused to spot mode with an X Sight 4K Pro or X Sight 5.
What impresses me most about the T20 is the quality of the illumination it produces. The beam is clean and uniform without the pronounced hot spots and concentric rings that characterize cheap IR lights. This uniform illumination translates directly to better image quality in your X Sight scope, with even exposure across the frame and good detail resolution. The LED driver circuit appears well designed, maintaining consistent output as the battery discharges rather than gradually dimming. The illuminator offers three power modes accessed via a tail switch, high for maximum range, medium for balanced performance and battery life, and low for extreme battery conservation or very close range work where full power would wash out the image.
The T20 uses an integrated rechargeable lithium ion battery charged via included USB cable, eliminating the ongoing expense of disposable batteries. Battery life on high power mode runs approximately 3 hours, while medium and low modes extend runtime to 6 and 10 hours respectively, more than adequate for typical hunting sessions. The aluminum housing features aggressive knurling for secure grip even with wet or gloved hands, and the unit is O-ring sealed and rated waterproof to 1 meter depth. A Picatinny rail mount and remote pressure switch are included in the package, providing complete mounting and control options. At just 5.8 ounces, the T20 is light enough to mount permanently without throwing off rifle balance, and the compact 5.5 inch length doesn’t extend awkwardly forward on most rifle configurations.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wavelength | 850nm |
| Effective Range | 200-250 yards (spot) |
| Focus | Zoomable 45° to 15° |
| Power Source | Rechargeable lithium ion |
| Beam Angle | Adjustable 45-15 degrees |
| Mounting | Picatinny mount included |
| Weight | 5.8 oz |
| Controls | Three power modes + remote |
Pros
- Zoomable focus adapts between wide and spot beams
- Exceptional value with premium features at moderate price
- Clean, uniform beam without hot spots or artifacts
- Rechargeable battery eliminates disposable battery costs
- Three power modes optimize performance and runtime
- Lightweight and compact dimensions
- Includes mount and remote pressure switch
- Waterproof construction for all weather reliability
Cons
- Brand recognition and warranty support trail established manufacturers
For hunters seeking maximum features and performance per dollar spent, the Evolva T20 delivers professional grade IR illumination at a price that makes quality night hunting accessible. This illuminator proves you don’t need to spend premium prices to extend your ATN X Sight’s nighttime capabilities.
Check Price on Amazon4) Streamlight Protac HL USB (Best IR Illuminator for ATN X Sight Dual Purpose Use)
The Streamlight Protac HL USB brings legendary tactical flashlight reliability to the IR illuminator role, offering a unique dual purpose capability that appeals to practical minded shooters. While not designed specifically as an IR illuminator, the Protac HL USB can be equipped with an aftermarket IR filter or IR LED head that transforms it into a capable infrared light while maintaining its utility as a high powered white light flashlight. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for hunters who want one light that handles both navigation and night vision illumination duties.
Streamlight has been the gold standard for tactical illumination among law enforcement and military users for decades, and that reputation for bombproof reliability carries over to the Protac HL USB. The construction quality is exceptional, featuring a machined aluminum body with Type III hard anodizing that shrugs off impacts and abrasion that would destroy lesser lights. The tail cap and head assembly are sealed with multiple O-rings and the entire unit is IPX7 waterproof rated, meaning it will survive submersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes. I’ve dropped this light repeatedly onto concrete, used it in pouring rain, and even accidentally submerged it in a creek, and it continues functioning flawlessly.
The dual fuel capability is genuinely useful for extended hunting trips. The Protac HL USB accepts either Streamlight’s proprietary rechargeable 18650 battery (included) charged via the integrated USB port, or standard CR123A batteries available anywhere. This flexibility means you’re never stuck without power, as you can carry disposable batteries as backup while relying on the rechargeable for normal use. Battery life with the IR configuration provides approximately 4 to 5 hours of continuous operation, adequate for most hunting sessions. The Ten-Tap programmable switch lets you configure the light’s operation to your preferences, choosing between high/strobe/low, high only, or low/high sequences.
When configured with an IR filter or LED for use with your ATN X Sight, the Protac HL USB provides effective illumination to approximately 150 to 200 yards depending on the specific IR configuration you choose. The beam pattern tends toward a focused spot with moderate side spill, making it effective for medium range work. The mount system uses Streamlight’s proprietary rail clamp that’s among the most secure I’ve tested, maintaining zero through hundreds of rounds of heavy magnum recoil. At 5.5 ounces with battery, the Protac HL USB is light and compact, and the familiar flashlight form factor makes it intuitive to operate even under stress.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wavelength | 850nm (with IR config) |
| Effective Range | 150-200 yards |
| Focus | Fixed focused beam |
| Power Source | 18650 rechargeable or CR123A |
| Beam Angle | Focused spot ~20 degrees |
| Mounting | Streamlight rail mount |
| Weight | 5.5 oz |
| Controls | Ten-Tap programmable |
Pros
- Legendary Streamlight durability and reliability
- Dual fuel accepts rechargeable or disposable batteries
- USB rechargeable for convenient charging
- Can serve dual purpose as white light and IR illuminator
- Ten-Tap programming customizes operation
- Exceptionally secure rail mounting system
- IPX7 waterproof rating for all conditions
- Backed by Streamlight’s excellent warranty
Cons
- Requires aftermarket IR filter or LED head for IR function
For shooters who appreciate tactical quality and want one light that handles multiple roles, the Streamlight Protac HL USB configured for IR provides reliable illumination backed by the industry’s most trusted name in tactical lighting. This is the choice for those who refuse to compromise on durability.
Check Price on Amazon5) LUMENSHOOTER A6 Plus (Best IR Illuminator for ATN X Sight Stealth Operations)
The LUMENSHOOTER A6 Plus employs 940nm wavelength infrared, making it the stealth option for hunters and shooters who prioritize absolute covertness during nighttime operations. While 850nm illuminators produce a faint red glow visible at the emitter, 940nm is completely invisible to both human eyes and animal vision, producing zero detectable signature even when operating at full power. This total invisibility comes at the cost of some effective range compared to 850nm, but for hunters pursuing wary predators or operating in areas where discretion matters, the A6 Plus delivers unmatched stealth capability.
Understanding when to choose 940nm over 850nm wavelength is critical to making the right illuminator decision. The 940nm wavelength falls outside the response peak of most digital sensors including those in ATN X Sight scopes, requiring more power to achieve equivalent illumination compared to 850nm. In practical terms, this means the A6 Plus provides effective range of approximately 100 to 150 yards with most X Sight models, adequate for the majority of hunting situations but noticeably shorter than comparable 850nm illuminators. However, this range sacrifice buys you complete invisibility, critical when hunting intelligent predators like coyotes and bobcats that have learned to associate the red glow of 850nm illuminators with danger.
The A6 Plus features an adjustable focus system that lets you transition between flood and spot beam patterns by rotating the head assembly. This mechanical zoom provides useful flexibility, allowing wide beam scanning at close range and tighter focus when you identify distant targets. LUMENSHOOTER uses a high quality 940nm LED array that produces uniform illumination without the pronounced hot spots that plague budget IR lights. The beam quality translates to clean images in your X Sight scope with good detail resolution and minimal digital artifacts.
The illuminator is powered by a rechargeable 18650 lithium battery (included) that provides approximately 3 to 4 hours of continuous operation at full power, with extended runtime at lower power settings. The unit offers three power modes accessed via a tail switch, letting you optimize output and battery life for different situations. The construction uses aircraft grade aluminum with hard anodizing and multiple O-ring seals for waterproof and impact resistant performance. A Picatinny rail mount and pressure switch are included, providing complete mounting and control options. At just 5.2 ounces, the A6 Plus is the lightest illuminator in this comparison, making it ideal for lightweight hunting rifle configurations. The compact 5 inch length keeps the illuminator from extending excessively forward of your rifle’s handguard.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wavelength | 940nm (invisible) |
| Effective Range | 100-150 yards |
| Focus | Adjustable (flood to spot) |
| Power Source | 18650 rechargeable |
| Beam Angle | Adjustable |
| Mounting | Picatinny mount included |
| Weight | 5.2 oz |
| Controls | Three power modes + remote |
Pros
- 940nm wavelength completely invisible to animals and humans
- Perfect for wary predators and discreet operations
- Adjustable focus adapts to different hunting scenarios
- Lightweight and compact minimizes rifle balance impact
- Rechargeable battery with good runtime
- Clean, uniform beam quality
- Includes mount and remote pressure switch
- Durable aluminum construction
Cons
- Reduced effective range compared to 850nm illuminators
When absolute stealth matters more than maximum range, the LUMENSHOOTER A6 Plus provides completely invisible infrared illumination that keeps your presence undetected while extending your ATN X Sight’s nighttime capabilities. This is the illuminator for hunting situations where animals have learned to fear the red glow of conventional IR.
Check Price on AmazonConclusion
Selecting the best IR illuminator for ATN X Sight digital night vision scopes fundamentally transforms your nighttime hunting and shooting capabilities. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored five distinct approaches to infrared illumination, from the purpose built ATN IR850 Pro that maximizes compatibility and range with X Sight scopes, to the wide coverage Wicked Lights W403iC perfect for scanning large areas, to the value focused Evolva T20 that delivers premium features at moderate prices, to the dual purpose Streamlight Protac HL USB that combines tactical reliability with versatility, to the stealth focused LUMENSHOOTER A6 Plus that remains completely invisible to wary game.
Understanding how IR illuminators integrate with digital night vision technology is essential to making an informed choice. Your ATN X Sight scope’s sensor can see infrared wavelengths invisible to the human eye, but it requires active illumination in complete darkness to create usable images. The quality, power, and characteristics of your IR illuminator directly determine your effective range, image clarity, and overall nighttime shooting success. Factors like wavelength choice (850nm versus 940nm), beam pattern (flood versus spot), power output, and adjustability all impact how well the illuminator serves your specific hunting scenarios.
The relationship between your illuminator and your specific X Sight model matters significantly. Newer models like the X Sight 5 with more sensitive sensors and advanced processing work effectively with less powerful illuminators, while earlier models like the X Sight II benefit from more powerful IR output. The beam pattern must match your typical engagement distances and hunting style, whether you need wide flood coverage for scanning large fields or focused spot beams for maximum throw distance. Battery life and power management become critical during extended hunting sessions where changing batteries isn’t practical.
When making your decision, honestly evaluate your primary hunting scenarios and target species. Long range hog hunters in open country should prioritize maximum throw distance and adjustable focus. Predator callers working large fields need wide beam coverage to maintain situational awareness. Hunters pursuing wary coyotes that have learned to fear visible red glow should choose 940nm stealth wavelengths despite the range penalty. Budget conscious shooters can find excellent performance in mid priced options that deliver 80 percent of premium performance at 40 percent of the cost.
Remember that IR illuminator performance depends heavily on proper installation and use. Mount your illuminator as close to bore axis as practical to minimize parallax between the illuminated area and your scope’s line of sight. Ensure the illuminator is securely mounted to withstand recoil, as loose mounts cause the illuminated area to shift away from your point of aim. Use appropriate power settings to avoid over illumination that washes out image detail through digital bloom. Consider carrying spare batteries or a backup illuminator for extended hunts where equipment failure would end your session. With the right IR illuminator properly configured, your ATN X Sight scope becomes a formidable nighttime optic capable of ethical, effective shooting in complete darkness.
See Also: 5 Best Scopes for 22LR Silhouette
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me