Defence & Space

Polish Armaments Group Strengthens Partnership with Rolls-Royce for the Polish Armed Forces

Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH have signed a cooperation agreement concerning the implementation of joint projects involving MTU…

2026-03-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Poland: President Karol Nawrocki Announces Proposal for an Alternative to the SAFE Instrument

A press conference was held at the Presidential Palace featuring the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, and the President of the National…

2026-03-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 6 minutes

Update on the Situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran

The events that unfolded in the Middle East between February 10 and 28, 2026, constitute one of the most dramatic chapters…

2026-03-01 | Adam Frelich | 38 minutes

The SAFE Program (Security Action for Europe) as the Foundation of a New European Defense Architecture and Industrial Sovereignty

The Security Action for Europe (SAFE) Instrument, adopted by the Council of the European Union on 27 May 2025, constitutes the most…

2026-02-17 | Adam Frelich | 18 minutes

Poland: President Karol Nawrocki Announces Proposal for an Alternative to the SAFE Instrument

A press conference was held at the Presidential Palace featuring the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, and the President of the National…

2026-03-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 6 minutes

NATO Shoots Down Iranian Ballistic Missile Headed Toward Turkey

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced that NATO air and missile defense forces had shot down an Iranian ballistic…

2026-03-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 2 minutes

Cybersecurity and AI: Polish Armed Forces Join Forces with Dell Technologies Polska and the SpeakLeash Foundation

The Cyberspace Defence Component Command has signed a cooperation agreement with Dell Technologies Polska and the Fundacja SpeakLeash in the field of…

2026-02-18 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

Samsung Knox on Galaxy S23 and S24 Receives Cryptographic Security Certification in Poland

The Polish Cyberspace Defence Forces Component Command announced that, as part of the certification process, selected security mechanisms of the Samsung…

2026-01-22 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

GEVORKYAN in Nuremberg: new projects in the tens of millions of EUR

The Slovak company GEVORKYAN a.s., presented itself over the past week as an exhibitor at two events in Nuremberg, Germany: Enforce Tac and…

2026-03-02 | Rafał Muczyński | 2 minutes

WB Group at Enforce Tac 2026

WB Group once again presents its solutions at Enforce Tac 2026. In Nuremberg, visitors can see a full range of unmanned platforms –…

2026-02-23 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Polish Armaments Group Strengthens Partnership with Rolls-Royce for the Polish Armed Forces

Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH have signed a cooperation agreement concerning the implementation of joint projects involving MTU…

2026-03-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Poland: President Karol Nawrocki Announces Proposal for an Alternative to the SAFE Instrument

A press conference was held at the Presidential Palace featuring the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, and the President of the National…

2026-03-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 6 minutes

Tender for Five HEMS Helicopters for the Polish Air Ambulance Service

The Polish Air Ambulance Service has announced the launch of a tender procedure for the delivery of five helicopters to support the…

2026-03-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Airbus Helicopters to Upgrade the Capa-X UAV for the European M2UAS Program

The company Survey Copter, a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, has been selected by the European Defence Agency (EDA) to carry out the M2UAS…

2026-03-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Polish Armaments Group Strengthens Partnership with Rolls-Royce for the Polish Armed Forces

Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH have signed a cooperation agreement concerning the implementation of joint projects involving MTU…

2026-03-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Poland: President Karol Nawrocki Announces Proposal for an Alternative to the SAFE Instrument

A press conference was held at the Presidential Palace featuring the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, and the President of the National…

2026-03-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 6 minutes

Polish–Slovak Defense Industry Dialogue in Bratislava: Borsuk and Rosomak IFV in the Background

During the Polish–Slovak Defense Industry Dialogue 2026 in Bratislava, it was announced that the Polish and Slovak defense industries are in talks…

2026-03-03 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

Poland Interested in France’s Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Program

French President Emmanuel Macron said that France is holding talks with eight countries, including Poland, regarding an advanced nuclear deterrence…

2026-03-02 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

ICEYE launches deforestation monitoring solution to accelerate enforcement against illegal tropical forest loss

Polish-Finnish company ICEYE, a leader in disaster intelligence from space, today announced the launch of its deforestation monitoring solution.

2026-03-03 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Poland’s ARES Shield AI Develops Europe’s First Satellite Protection System and Counter-Drone System

Polish start-up ARES Shield AI has begun work on the Sentinel Space Layer – Europe’s first integrated defense platform designed to protect…

2026-03-03 | Redakcja | 4 minutes
Shooting

„Crisis Preparedness”: IWA addresses current issues

IWA OutdoorClassics, the world’s leading exhibition for hunting, shooting sports, outdoor equipment and civilian security, is once again placing a highly…

2026-02-19 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes
Strzelba bullpup Smith & Wesson M&P 12

SHOT Show 2026: Smith & Wesson – New FPC Variants and a Kel-Tec Challenger

This year’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas belonged to Smith & Wesson. The American giant not only expanded its best-selling line of…

2026-02-18 | Jakub Buczma | 4 minutes

KJI Mag Series – Alternative Rifle Tripod Mounting System That Make Shooting Easier

We recently wrote about KJI and its new products in connection with SHOT Show 2026. This time, we’re taking a closer look at a line…

2026-02-17 | Mariusz Piwowar | 5 minutes
Grafika premierowa Streamlight ProTac RM VIR PRO

Streamlight ProTac RM VIR PRO with white and IR light

Streamlight, a renowned manufacturer of flashlights and other lighting solutions, is introducing the ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO. The new weapon-mounted…

2026-02-13 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Direct Action invites you to Enforce Tac 2026

Direct Action, a brand known for its high‑quality apparel and gear for professionals, invites you to visit its booth at Enforce Tac 2026…

2026-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Reforger at Enforce Tac 2026

Reforger – Enforce Tac 2026, February 23–25, 2026, Booth 8/500, Nuremberg. Now you know!

2026-02-13 | Michał Ihnatów | 1 minutes

„Crisis Preparedness”: IWA addresses current issues

IWA OutdoorClassics, the world’s leading exhibition for hunting, shooting sports, outdoor equipment and civilian security, is once again placing a highly…

2026-02-19 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Direct Action invites you to Enforce Tac 2026

Direct Action, a brand known for its high‑quality apparel and gear for professionals, invites you to visit its booth at Enforce Tac 2026…

2026-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes
Strzelba bullpup Smith & Wesson M&P 12

SHOT Show 2026: Smith & Wesson – New FPC Variants and a Kel-Tec Challenger

This year’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas belonged to Smith & Wesson. The American giant not only expanded its best-selling line of…

2026-02-18 | Jakub Buczma | 4 minutes
Karabinki Ruger 10/22 oraz PCC w wariantach SBR

SHOT Show 2026: Ruger Goes All In on SBRs!

Ruger is moving quickly to respond to the new realities of the American market. The manufacturer is expanding its best-selling lines –…

2026-02-18 | Jakub Buczma | 2 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

Growth in Firearm Permits in Poland Continues in 2025

The National Police Headquarters has released a report on firearm permits in Poland in 2025. The number of shooters continues to increase, with nearly 45,000…

2026-02-06 | Michał Ihnatów | 6 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

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

KJI Mag Series – Alternative Rifle Tripod Mounting System That Make Shooting Easier

We recently wrote about KJI and its new products in connection with SHOT Show 2026. This time, we’re taking a closer look at a line…

2026-02-17 | Mariusz Piwowar | 5 minutes

STEYR ATC & ATD – The Austrian Approach to Dynamic Shooting

The ATC and ATD mark the first time Steyr openly states: we are entering the dynamic shooting market, but we are doing…

2026-02-05 | Grzegorz Kochan | 19 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