Defence & Space

Patent for New Ukrainian Howitzer Bohdana 6.0 Registered

The Kramatorsk Heavy Machinery Building Plant has received a patent for the development of a new 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer designated…

2025-07-07 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

LYOFOOD Pierogi Become First Polish Dish Eaten in Space

Yesterday, during a live broadcast from the International Space Station, our astronaut Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, together with Axiom-4 mission commander Peggy…

2025-07-07 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

SIPRI: Nuclear risks grow as new arms race looms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published a report entitled SIPRI Yearbook 2025, which, among other things, discusses the issue of…

2025-06-16 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Polish 35 mm SA-35 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun with PIT-Radwar

During the recent MSPO trade fair in Kielce, the company PIT-Radwar presented its proposal for a 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun…

2025-06-13 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 13 minutes

Patent for New Ukrainian Howitzer Bohdana 6.0 Registered

The Kramatorsk Heavy Machinery Building Plant has received a patent for the development of a new 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer designated…

2025-07-07 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Rheinmetall wins major order for artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition wins major 155mm ammunition contract. Order worth several hundred million euros, deliveries from 2025 until 2027. It…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

SKW Cryptographic Security Certificate for Polish Comp@n Radio Set from the WB Group

The WB Group announced that the Comp@n system radio set, developed by its subsidiary Radmor, along with the Cryptographic Document Management…

2025-06-14 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Advancing multi-domain EW operations: Rohde & Schwarz unveils latest innovations at AOC Europe

Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the next generation of SIGINT/EW systems, sensor fusion and signal analysis solutions, designed to meet the evolving…

2025-05-12 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Autonomous and Unmanned Systems by Łukasiewicz – PIAP at the OPEX 2025 Training Ground in Italy

During the HEDI OPEX 2025 experimental campaign at the CEPOLISPE training ground in Italy, the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Industrial…

2025-06-28 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Debut of Foudre – the French HIMARS

As previously announced by Turgis & Gaillard, the 55th International Paris Air and Space Show served as the venue for the…

2025-06-23 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Patent for New Ukrainian Howitzer Bohdana 6.0 Registered

The Kramatorsk Heavy Machinery Building Plant has received a patent for the development of a new 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer designated…

2025-07-07 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

The Polish Armaments Agency has concluded the tender for coastal surveillance radars

The Polish Armaments Agency has concluded the tender for the delivery of up to 18 sets of coastal 3D radars for…

2025-07-05 | Rafał Muczyński | 2 minutes

Bayraktar TB2 and FlyEye Drones to Support Polish Police Manhunt for Killer Near Limanowa

The Bayraktar TB2 drone and FlyEye systems will support the Polish police in the search for 57-year-old Tadeusz Duda, suspected…

2025-06-30 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is formally opened by the Ambassador of Canada tothe Republic of Poland

Canadian company Galvion announced that the Canadian Ambassador to Poland, Catherine Godin, officially opened the European Production Hub in Gdańsk.

2025-06-26 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

The Polish Armaments Agency has concluded the tender for coastal surveillance radars

The Polish Armaments Agency has concluded the tender for the delivery of up to 18 sets of coastal 3D radars for…

2025-07-05 | Rafał Muczyński | 2 minutes

Rheinmetall wins major order for artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition wins major 155mm ammunition contract. Order worth several hundred million euros, deliveries from 2025 until 2027. It…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

East Shield and the Baltic Defense Line: Cooperation and Investment in Defense Are the Cornerstone of Europe’s Security

East Shield, the Baltic Defense Line, the integration of available deterrence and defense capabilities, and EU defense funding were the…

2025-07-02 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Russia Loses World’s Largest Helicopter, Mi-26, in Ukrainian Attack on Crimea

The Security Service of Ukraine reported that during a special operation at the Kirovske military airfield in occupied Crimea, a Pantsir-S1 air…

2025-06-29 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

LYOFOOD Pierogi Become First Polish Dish Eaten in Space

Yesterday, during a live broadcast from the International Space Station, our astronaut Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, together with Axiom-4 mission commander Peggy…

2025-07-07 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Finland Ministry of Defense selects ICEYE for space-based intelligence and surveillance capabilities

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE and the Finnish Ministry of Defense have signed a Letter of Intent that enables the Finnish Defense…

2025-06-27 | Redakcja | 3 minutes
Shooting

CZ Shooting Team athletes take home 13 medals from the CZ Extreme Euro Open

Sport shooters representing Ceska zbrojovka brought back six gold, four silver, and three bronze medals from Hodonice, along with four…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Upgraded Z8i Scope from SWAROVSKI OPTIK

Swarovski Optik, the Austrian optics manufacturer with nearly 80 years of tradition, has unveiled an upgraded version of its Z8i…

2025-07-03 | Mariusz Piwowar | 3 minutes

Upgraded Z8i Scope from SWAROVSKI OPTIK

Swarovski Optik, the Austrian optics manufacturer with nearly 80 years of tradition, has unveiled an upgraded version of its Z8i…

2025-07-03 | Mariusz Piwowar | 3 minutes

Streamlight introduces the SL-SideSaddle

Streamlight, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting tools, announces the SL-SideSaddle series, a new hands-free lighting solution built for outdoor adventure…

2025-07-01 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

IFRE 2025: Maskpol Showcases Protective Suits and Gas Masks

Maskpol, a company within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), presented part of its product range—protective suits and gas masks—at the 5th…

2025-06-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

UF PRO Introduces Waist/Flex Belts to Its Product Line

UF PRO, a Slovenian manufacturer of professional apparel and part of the Mehler Systems group, is adding a new accessory to its lineup…

2025-06-06 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

CZ Shooting Team athletes take home 13 medals from the CZ Extreme Euro Open

Sport shooters representing Ceska zbrojovka brought back six gold, four silver, and three bronze medals from Hodonice, along with four…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

CZ Introduces the New CZ P-10 C PORTED Model

CZ P-10 C PORTED – a compact pistol with tamed recoil thanks to an integrated compensator.

2025-07-02 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Meprolight MMX3 and MMX4 – Lightweight Magnifiers with Quality Optics

The Mepro MMX3 and MMX4, a new line of compact magnifiers from the Israeli manufacturer. How do they perform in practice and…

2025-06-27 | Krzysztof Ptak | 8 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Bayraktar TB3 Debuts

The 55th edition of the International Paris Air and Space Show, held in the French capital, provided an opportunity for…

2025-06-19 | Radosław Niesobski | 3 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 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…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of…

2024-02-17 | 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 | 8 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

Meprolight MMX3 and MMX4 – Lightweight Magnifiers with Quality Optics

The Mepro MMX3 and MMX4, a new line of compact magnifiers from the Israeli manufacturer. How do they perform in practice and…

2025-06-27 | Krzysztof Ptak | 8 minutes

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 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

 

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