I’ve used a variety of scopes over the years: fixed power, variable power, and more recently “smart scopes.” More officially known as electro-optics, there are several types from several different manufacturers. The technology is still being developed and is not 100% mainstream, although it is becoming more popular.
Personally, I have had experience with some electro-optics. SIG SAUER’s BDX system combines ballistic calculators and Bluetooth to display a custom crosshair within a traditional scope reticle based on your distance and ammunition. While I haven’t thoroughly tested this system, I was particularly impressed with it.
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Riflescope
ATN’s X-Sight 4K Pro viewfinder packs even more features. It has a built-in rangefinder, but it’s also equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You can stream photos and videos at 1080p (also saved to SD), ideal for sharing content. You can also change the color and style of the reticle. I found this especially useful as I found that different shooting apps require different reticles. The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro allows it.
The main screen provides a wealth of information ranging from wind conditions to superelevation, zoom and more. Five buttons at the top of the viewer allow navigation through the various menus. They’re easy to reach as long as I keep my eye through the viewfinder, but I found the number of options to be impressive and overwhelming. It took some time to work with everything in scope and sometimes the system would freeze. All ATN scopes come with a warranty, which they honored by sending out a second test model.
This day/night scope comes with scope mounts and an infrared light for night vision. The “night vision” of this scope is not a true night vision. You still need some sort of ambient light to see at any distance. In my opinion, the value of this scope comes with the ability to see more clearly in low light conditions. I was very impressed with this ability. While great for coyotes, it also gives big game hunters a better field of view than a traditional scope for about the last half hour of legal shooting light.
Unlike a traditional viewer, ATN’s viewer is more like a camera projection or a television screen. It has various levels of brightness, but going out of range in low or no light is especially jarring. It takes some time to readjust, so you’ll basically be blind for at least a few moments after looking through the viewfinder. In a hunting scenario, this could make it difficult to obtain extra ammunition or a magazine.
Other features include RAV (Recoil Activated Video) and one-shot zero. Instead of worrying about having to hit record when a shot opportunity presents itself, RAV automatically records a few seconds before, during, and after the shot, so you don’t miss a thing. This can be particularly useful for determining the final shot location when tracking an animal, as well as for preserving memories.
The One Shot Zero is designed to help you get a proper zero after just one shot. The first step is to open the one shot zero function. Take your first shot and digitally align the reticle to the location of your first shot. It will adjust the on-screen reticle so that your next shot, when the reticle is positioned over the center and the shooter takes a good shot, will land in the desired location. Personally, I didn’t have much luck with this feature. It took me more than one shot to get a perfect zero.
ATN X-Sight 4K Review Summary
In general, this is a very interesting product. I didn’t care for the screen instead of traditional glass – it wore out on my eyes and didn’t feel natural. I spent more time trying to navigate the viewfinder than shooting it. There are plenty of cool features here, including low-light enhancement and video recording, but it would take a long time to really understand how it all works.
He ATN X-Sight 4K It is available in black and various camo patterns. Two lenses are available, 3-14x ($699) and 5-20x ($799).
Technical specifications:
Increase: 3-14x
Field of view at 1000 yards: 460 feet (9°)
Sensor: ATN 4K M265 Sensor, 3864(H) x 2218(V)
Center: ATN Obsidian IV Dual Core
System resolution: 600bps/mm
micro screen: 1280 × 720 HD display
Eye Relief: 90mm
Video recording resolution: 1080p@30/60/120**fps
Ballistic calculator: Yeah
WiFi (streaming, gallery and controls): iOS and Android
Bluetooth: Yeah
3D gyroscope: Yeah
3D accelerometer: Yeah
E-Barometer: Yeah
Smart range finder: Yeah
RAV (reverse activated video): Yeah
Electronic compass: Yeah
Smooth Zoom: Yeah
Night vision mode: Yeah
Reticles: Multiple patterns and color options.
Microphone: Yeah
micro SD card: 4 to 64GB
Micro USB, Type-C: Yeah
Mount: 30mm standard rings (included)
Infrared Illuminator: Including
Battery life (lithium ion): 18+ hours
Battery Type: Internal lithium ion battery
Waterproof Rating/IP Rating: weather resistant
Smart Mil Dot Value Range: 1.0-10.0
Operating temperature: -20°F to +120°F / -28°C to 48°C
Dimensions (body only): 13.8″x3″x3″/ 350x76x76mm
Weight: 2.1 lbs / 0.94 kg Warranty: 2 years