Defence & Space

U.S. Army seeks to keep UH-60M Black Hawk in service for over 50 years

On December 20, the U.S. federal government’s procurement portal published an invitation to participate in a technical dialogue covering a structural inspection and modernization program…

2025-12-30 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Japanese submarine JS Uzushio decommissioned from service

On December 24, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force announced the decommissioning (on December 19) of the submarine JS Uzushio (SS-592). The event…

2025-12-30 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Kormoran II: A Polish Hit We Should Be Selling!

The last of the planned Kormoran II–class mine-hunting vessels for the Polish Navy has been launched. Over the past decade,…

2025-12-21 | Sławek Zagórski | 5 minutes

Will Poland need a replacement for MiGs-29

Boeing is offering 32 F-15EX Eagles to satisfy an Air Dominance requirement for the Polish Air Force. Does its still need…

2025-12-11 | Jakub Link-Lenczowski | 4 minutes

U.S. Army seeks to keep UH-60M Black Hawk in service for over 50 years

On December 20, the U.S. federal government’s procurement portal published an invitation to participate in a technical dialogue covering a structural inspection and modernization program…

2025-12-30 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Japanese submarine JS Uzushio decommissioned from service

On December 24, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force announced the decommissioning (on December 19) of the submarine JS Uzushio (SS-592). The event…

2025-12-30 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Airbus to Integrate Artificial Intelligence into the French Armed Forces’ Information Systems

The European company Airbus Defence and Space has received a 50 million EUR contract to integrate artificial intelligence components into the weapons,…

2025-12-11 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Polish Company Tantalit Joins the WB Group

The WB Group is strengthening its capabilities in the field of advanced IT and telecommunications systems. The Warsaw-based company Tantalit has…

2025-12-11 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

GEVORKYAN’s Contract with Czechoslovak Group and positive investor feedback at the WOOD & Co Conference

GEVORKYAN participated in the prestigious WOOD’S Winter Wonderland EMEA Conference organized by WOOD & Company and concluded a new, significant contract with the…

2025-12-09 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Enforce Tac 2026: The leading trade fair fosters dialogue on European security

From February 23 to 25, 2026, Enforce Tac, under the patronage of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will bring together leading representatives…

2025-12-03 | Michał Ihnatów | 6 minutes

U.S. Army seeks to keep UH-60M Black Hawk in service for over 50 years

On December 20, the U.S. federal government’s procurement portal published an invitation to participate in a technical dialogue covering a structural inspection and modernization program…

2025-12-30 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Poland’s Armed Forces Development Program for 2025–2039 signed

On December 22, the Ministry of National Defense signed the long-awaited, multi-year Armed Forces Development Program of the Republic of Poland…

2025-12-30 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

The Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic unveil new camouflage and Grand Power weapons

On 12 December 2025, the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Ozbrojené sily Slovenskej republiky) presented new items of armament and…

2025-12-21 | Krzysztof Kluza | 3 minutes

Poland: New information from the Internal Security Agency on the activities of a spy network

The Polish Internal Security Agency (Agencja Bezpieczeństwa Wewnętrznego, ABW) has reported new charges in the case of the activities of a spy…

2025-12-05 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

Japanese submarine JS Uzushio decommissioned from service

On December 24, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force announced the decommissioning (on December 19) of the submarine JS Uzushio (SS-592). The event…

2025-12-30 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Poland: New command vehicles delivered to the 5th Command Regiment

On December 25, the 5th Command Regiment announced on its social media channels the receipt of a batch of Zawilec Command Vehicles built…

2025-12-30 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

The Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic unveil new camouflage and Grand Power weapons

On 12 December 2025, the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Ozbrojené sily Slovenskej republiky) presented new items of armament and…

2025-12-21 | Krzysztof Kluza | 3 minutes

Polish Deputy Minister of State Assets Konrad Gołota visits the USA

Since Friday, 5 December 2025, Deputy Minister of State Assets Konrad Gołota has been on a visit to the United States.

2025-12-06 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

ICEYE and General Catalyst Join Forces to Redefine Satellite Reconnaissance in Europe

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE is securing new funding, with the General Catalyst fund playing the leading role and broad participation…

2025-12-05 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Memorandum on the Wideband Global SATCOM Military Satellite Communications System For Polish Armed Forces

The Polish Geospatial Intelligence and Satellite Services Agency (ARGUS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States regarding the…

2025-12-04 | Redakcja | 2 minutes
Shooting

UNI&FORMA (UF PRO) wins FDI Award Slovenia 2025

UNI&FORMA, the company behind the high-performance tactical clothing brand UF PRO, has been recognised with this year’s FDI Award Slovenia in the…

2025-12-16 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

MSBS GROT Pistol for the U.S. Market

According to Fabryka Broni “Łucznik” Radom, the MSBS GROT Pistol with three barrel variants has received certification from the Bureau of…

2025-12-11 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

Sightmark Strikon VMP 1–4×22 – a bridge between a red dot sight and an LPVO

Sightmark is introducing the compact Strikon VMP 1–4×22 prism scope. Its compact design, compatible with the Aimpoint Micro mounting standard,…

2025-12-02 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

New Gun & Shooting Expo to be held on March 3–6, 2026

A new trade show on the Polish event map – from March 3 to 6, 2026, the Gun & Shooting Expo will take place…

2025-12-01 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

UNI&FORMA (UF PRO) wins FDI Award Slovenia 2025

UNI&FORMA, the company behind the high-performance tactical clothing brand UF PRO, has been recognised with this year’s FDI Award Slovenia in the…

2025-12-16 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

New Gun & Shooting Expo to be held on March 3–6, 2026

A new trade show on the Polish event map – from March 3 to 6, 2026, the Gun & Shooting Expo will take place…

2025-12-01 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

EURO TARGET SHOW 2026 – Become Part of the Largest Industry Event in Poland!

On 27–29 March 2026, the next edition of the Euro Target Show will take place at the Poznań International Fair – one…

2025-12-08 | Michał Ihnatów | 6 minutes

Enforce Tac 2026: The leading trade fair fosters dialogue on European security

From February 23 to 25, 2026, Enforce Tac, under the patronage of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will bring together leading representatives…

2025-12-03 | Michał Ihnatów | 6 minutes

MSBS GROT Pistol for the U.S. Market

According to Fabryka Broni “Łucznik” Radom, the MSBS GROT Pistol with three barrel variants has received certification from the Bureau of…

2025-12-11 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

Will the Swedish Police Replace the MP5 with the Sako AK24?

According to the portal Polis Tidningen, the Swedish Police have expressed interest in replacing their 9 mm Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine guns…

2025-12-11 | Michał Ihnatów | 10 minutes

SightMark Mini Shot M-Spec M1 V2 – a Complicated Name for Simple, Reliable Gear

The name of this unassuming little SightMark device sounds like the name of a vampire from The Witcher saga: Emiel Regis…

2025-11-26 | Anna Mielczarek | 9 minutes

Mantis TitanX – dry fire training taken to a new level?

Mantis, the American manufacturer of dry fire training solutions, introduces the TitanX – a laser-based training device that replicates a Glock-style pistol…

2025-11-13 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

Poland: Temporary Ban on Carrying Firearms in Warsaw on November 11, 2025

Minister Marcin Kierwiński has instructed the security services to take measures ensuring safety during the Independence March in Warsaw and other events…

2025-10-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

The Polish Police have released statistical data on firearm permits issued in 2024. An increasing number of Poles now hold a permit, with…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 9 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

SightMark Mini Shot M-Spec M1 V2 – a Complicated Name for Simple, Reliable Gear

The name of this unassuming little SightMark device sounds like the name of a vampire from The Witcher saga: Emiel Regis…

2025-11-26 | Anna Mielczarek | 9 minutes

Upgrading the Classic Glock with a DK ARMS Mounting Plate for a Red Dot Sight

Technology is advancing at a staggering pace. What was a novelty just two, three, or four years ago is now the standard. The same…

2025-09-22 | Karol Szczęśniak | 9 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs of its rifle scopes, binoculars, and monoculars have made them a household name in hunting circles. Yet, despite supplying serious optics for professional hunters, the high-end features and advanced technologies from their premium products flow through to their more affordable equipment designed for the rest of us.

 

In this article, our experts review five of ATNs high-quality, inexpensive rifle scopes that offer outstanding value for budget-conscious hunters, coming in at prices under €1,500.

Night Vision or Thermal Rifle Scope

ATN offers two rifle scope categories, their smart ultra high-definition day/night range and their thermal scopes. Your selection between these categories depends on the conditions prevailing when you hunt.

Day/Night Vision Rifle Scopes

ATNs ultra high-definition day/night scopes provide a dual-purpose capability, allowing you to switch between day and night operations effortlessly. If you’re hunting in dim light or your day spills over into the evening, a day/night rifle scope is perfect for open ground or light foliage. The light intensification technology enhances the image, giving outstanding target recognition packaged in a lightweight and compact rifle scope.

The X-SIGHT range of smart digital day/night vision riflescopes comprises the 4K Pro series and the LTV range. The 4K PRO range is technology heavy and provides an impressive features list, while the LTV is a capable, more budget-friendly rifle scope that offers only essential features.

Thermal Imaging Rifle Scopes

ATNs thermal rifle scopes also offer a day/night capability without relying on available light. The thermal imaging sensor measures the relative heat signature of each object in the field of view. A thermal rifle scope is your preferred choice when hunting takes you to areas of dense foliage and tall grass, or your hunting conditions are affected by heavy overcast, complete darkness, smoke, or dust. Thermal technology helps to locate game that is still or hidden in conditions a day/night scope would struggle to perform.

The MARS range of thermal scopes consists of the MARS 4 series and the LT range. The MARS 4 series boasts an extensive range of technology, while the LT range offers access to thermal technology in a lightweight and wallet-friendly rifle scope designed for short-range hunting.

 

5 Best Affordable ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

The following five models are our experts’ picks of the best affordable rifle scopes from the ATN range under €1,500.

ATN X-SIGHT LTV 5-15X

The X-SIGHT LTV 5-15X is an ultra-lightweight day/night scope with a list price of €769, yet the build quality and features are what you’d expect for a much higher price. The 5-15X provides a 240′ or 5-degree field of view at 1,000 yards. Powered by ATNs Obsidian LT Core processor, you get a high-definition display at 1280 x 720 pixels with the ability to record your through-lens sight picture at the same high definition at 30 frames per second. Built from hardened aluminium alloy and boasting impact-resistant electronics, the 5-15X can be used on high calibre weapons that would damage rifle scopes of lesser quality.

The 5-15X weighs only 780 grams and uses standard 30mm rings for mounting, with a 90mm eye relief. With ultra-low power consumption, you get over 10 hours of continuous use before needing to recharge the internal lithium-ion battery via a USB Type-C charging port. Other features include:

  • An enhanced night vision mode.
  • A one-shot zero capability.
  • Multiple reticle patterns.

Pros

  • Incredible value
  • Low weight
  • Night vision capability
  • Takes up to 64 GB Micro SD card
  • Infra-red illuminator included
  • Weather resistant

Cons

  • No Bluetooth capability
  • No ballistic calculator
  • No rangefinder

ATN X-SIGHT 4K PRO 3-14X

The 4K PRO 3-14X is one of ATNs high-end day/night rifle scopes, yet it still boasts a price of only €899, despite the huge range of technology packaged into some clever features. The 3-14X has a 460′ field of view or 9 degrees at 1,000 yards and uses a 4K ultra-high-definition sensor of 3864 x 2218 pixels. The 4K PRO series of scopes offer a 1080p resolution for video recording with a choice of 30, 60, or 120 feet per second, with a microphone included. In addition to an enhanced day/night mode, you also get Bluetooth capability and WiFi for streaming, viewing, or controlling the scope on an iOS or Android device.

Additional features of the 3-14X include a ballistics calculator, built in range finder, recoil-activated video, and an electronic compass. The battery life is a staggering 18-plus hours. A smart mil-dot reticle is dynamic throughout the magnification range while allowing you to program the variance between the hash marks. There is a wide range of reticle patterns and colors available. Offering the same mount and 90mm eye relief of the LT range, the 3-14X weighs just 1.01 kg despite the impressive package of features and technology.

Pros

  • A ballistic calculator computes environmental conditions, weapon profile, and angle-to-target.
  • Dual stream video to SD card and live streaming simultaneously
  • Recoil activated video
  • Smart Mil Dot reticle
  • Over 18 hours of continuous use

Cons

  • Heavier than the LTV rifle scopes
  • Slightly more expensive than the LTV range

ATN X-SIGHT 4K PRO 5-20X

The 4K PRO 5-20X is another high-end day/night rifle scope from ATN containing all of the features of the 3-14X we’ve just looked at but at the higher variable magnification range for longer ranges or smaller game. Despite being packed with technology, ATN has managed to keep the price down on this rifle scope, with a sticker price of €999. The 5-20X has a 240′ field of view or 5 degrees at 1,000 yards and uses the same Mk 4 sensor at 3864 x 2218 pixels you’ll find in all the 4K PRO rifle scopes.

Maximum continuous use exceeds 18 hours on the internal lithium-ion battery, and like all ATN hunting scopes, the body is hardened aluminium alloy and uses impact-resistant electronics to cope with heavy calibre weapons. All 4K PRO rifle scopes share the same extensive features: Bluetooth capability, ballistic calculator, dual video streaming, smooth zoom, recoil-activated video, and a built in rangefinder. Reticle selection encompasses multiple patterns and colors, and the smart mil-dot feature allows you to easily adjust the hash mark variance. Despite the greater magnification of the 5-20X, the weight of this rifle scope remains at only 1.01 kg.

Pros

  • Powerful Obsidian IV Dual Core processor
  • IR Illuminator included
  • Accepts a snap-on auxiliary ballistic laser for long-range hunting
  • Compatible with the ATN radar feature for situational awareness

Cons

  • 120 feet per second video is only available in day mode
  • Heavier and more expensive than ATNs LTV range of rifle scopes

ATN MARS LT 160 3-6X

The MARS LT 160 3-6X is from ATNs stable of production series lightweight and low-cost thermal scopes designed for close-range hunting. The LT 3-6X price tag is an amazingly low €1,199, considering that thermal technology is still expensive and beyond the reach of most amateur hunters. The sensor has a resolution of 160 x 120 pixels and 17 µm, giving you great detection capability out to 475 meters. Recognition occurs at 240 meters and identification at 160.

You can select between showing either white or black as hot, with a high-definition screen resolution of 1280×720 pixels. ATN designed the 3-6X as the most lightweight of their more affordable thermal rifle scopes, weighing in at 650 grams, making it suitable for platforms where weight is crucial, like cross-bows and air rifles. Yet lightweight doesn’t mean fragile, with the LT 160 3-6X made of hardened aluminium alloy designed to take the impact from heavy calibre weapons. Like all ATN rifle scopes, the 3-6X boasts a one-shot zero feature with a low power consumption to give over 10 hours of continuous use on one battery charge.

Pros

  • Extremely low price for thermal imaging technology
  • Lightweight
  • Perfect for close-range hunting

Cons

  • Lower detection range than the MARS LT 160 4-8X thermal scope

ATN MARS LT 160 4-8X

Think of the MARS LT 160 4-8X as the older sibling of the 3-6X we’ve just reviewed. Offering a greater range of magnification, the 4-8X is one of the best thermal hunting scopes for the money, with a price of just €1,399. The magnification improves detection, recognition, and identification ranges at 625, 315, and 210 meters, respectively. Yet the increased range and magnification haven’t increased the weight, with the 4-8X still only weighing 650 grams.

Like the 3-6X, the LT 160 4-8X offers multiple reticle patterns, over 10 hours of continuous use, and recharging via a USB Type-C connector. Both the LT thermal scopes mount using 30mm standard rings, provide 90mm eye relief, and are weather resistant.

Pros

  • Sub-€1,500 price tag
  • Lightweight for weight-critical platforms
  • Low power consumption

Cons

  • Can’t compete with the ATN MARS LT 320 series rifle scopes for detection ranges

Conclusion

While technological advancements have added previously unthought-of capabilities to modern rifle scopes, such features come at a cost. However, when manufacturers like ATN produce high-end hunting optics, some of the expensive features from those premium products will inevitably flow through to cheaper production rifle scopes. While not as feature-rich as their expensive cousins, the X-SIGHT LTV range of day/night scopes and the MARS LT series of thermal scopes provide best-in-class performance at a price point that puts such technology within reach of us all.

 

The five rifle scopes we’ve reviewed today are, in our opinion, the best rifle scopes for hunting that you can buy for under €1500, including two thermal scopes when thermal imaging technology is usually notoriously expensive. If you’re seeking an affordable rifle scope for close-range with night vision capability, you can’t ignore ATNs X-SIGHT range. However, if your hunting takes you into adverse environmental conditions or where long grass and foliage are common, the MARS LT series of affordable thermal imaging scopes place capable entry-level thermal imaging within your reach.

 

Story sponsored by ATN