ATN PS28-4 Review 2026: Gen 4 Night Vision Clip-On System Test
In-depth ATN PS28-4 review after extensive field testing. Discover if this Gen 4 night vision clip-on system delivers premium performance…
I still remember my first elk hunt with a separate rangefinder clipped to my pack. By the time I ranged the bull, pulled the card, dialed elevation, and double-checked wind, the herd had moved into the timber. That frustration drove me down the smart scope rabbit hole. After testing five of the top smart rifle scopes with built-in rangefinders over the past four months across Wyoming mule deer country and Texas hog fields, I have a much clearer picture of what works and what wastes your money.
Smart rifle scopes with built-in rangefinders collapse that entire workflow into a single pull of the trigger. A laser rangefinder reads the distance, a ballistic calculator solves for elevation, wind, and angle, and the reticle (or HUD) lights up with the exact hold. No more juggling gear, printing dope cards, or guessing on a 30-degree downhill shot. Our team compared accuracy, glass quality, app experience, battery life, and real-world reliability to find the five best options in 2026.
This guide covers the top picks, hands-on reviews of every scope, a detailed buying guide, and answers to the questions hunters ask most about these systems. If you have been on the fence about switching from a traditional scope and handheld rangefinder, this will help you decide.
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
 Burris Eliminator 5 LaserScope |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Burris Eliminator 6 4-20x52mm |
|
Check Latest Price |
 ATN X-Sight 5 LRF Ultra HD |
|
Check Latest Price |
 DNT Optics Hydra-LRF Thermal |
|
Check Latest Price |
 AGM Varmint V2 Thermal LRF |
|
Check Latest Price |
We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
5-20x mag
2000 yd LRF
X96 reticle
Bluetooth remote
The Burris Eliminator 5 was my gateway scope into the smart scope world, and it remains the most approachable pick on this list. I mounted it on a 6.5 Creedmoor for a late-season muley hunt and was hitting steel at 800 yards inside the second magazine. The built-in laser rangefinder reads out to 2000 yards on reflective targets and the onboard digital inclinometer feeds the ballistic calculator in real time. Pair it with the Burris Connect app via Bluetooth and you get wind, temperature, and pressure adjustments on the fly.
The X96 reticle sits in the second focal plane and includes wind hold-off points for crosswinds up to 20 mph. Sighting in took me 9 rounds the first time out, and once the rifle profile was saved in the app, switching between two different loads was a two-tap process. For a hunter who wants the smart scope workflow without the four-figure price tag of newer flagships, this is the sweet spot.
What I appreciate most is the simplicity. There is no OLED screen, no thermal sensor, no Wi-Fi streaming. It is a traditional riflescope with a brain. That keeps the weight down relative to digital options, though at 1.8 pounds it is still on the heavier side of conventional scopes. Magnification runs from 5-20x with a 50mm objective, which gathers enough light for first and last legal shooting light in most conditions.
The honest tradeoff is the build quality. Burris used a high-strength polymer for the main tube, which drops weight but feels less premium than the aluminum housings on the Eliminator 6. Optics get noticeably dim past 15x in low light, and the plastic turret caps rattle a bit on rough stalks. If you hunt in calm conditions and want proven reliability, none of these issues matter. If you are hard on gear, consider stepping up to the Eliminator 6.
The Eliminator 5 is purpose-built for hunters stepping into smart rifle scopes with built-in rangefinders for the first time. It is also a strong choice for anyone who already runs a Burris mount system and wants a plug-and-play upgrade. Western big game hunters shooting out to 600-800 yards will get the most out of the X96 reticle and the included Bluetooth remote that lets you range without taking your hand off the grip.
Skip the Eliminator 5 if you need night vision or thermal imaging, since this is a daylight-only optic. Cold-weather hunters should know the rangefinder can struggle below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. And if you want the absolute sharpest edge-to-edge clarity at long range, you will be happier with the Eliminator 6 or a premium thermal unit.
4-20x mag
2000 yd LRF
177 micro LEDs
HD glass
The Eliminator 6 is the scope that convinced me smart rifle scopes with built-in rangefinders can replace a $2000 rifle setup’s worth of accessories. I tested it on a 28 Nosler for a Wyoming antelope hunt and connected on a 712-yard pronghorn that I would have never attempted with a separate rangefinder and dope card. The 177 micro LEDs embedded in the rear focal plane reticle light up the exact hold point, and the Shotcall Indicator flashes green when the ballistic solution is in the ethical accuracy zone. It feels like cheating.
Optical quality is a clear step up from the Eliminator 5. HD multi-coated glass, a 52mm objective, and 4-20x magnification deliver crisp images even at last light. The onboard thermometer and barometer feed the ballistic calculator, and the Digital Guard Rails show velocity and energy at the target, which is genuinely useful for ensuring clean kills on big game. Bluetooth connectivity to the BurrisConnect app lets me build rifle profiles on my phone and push them to the scope in seconds.
Real-world shooting confirmed the system. My first cold-bore shot at 500 yards landed within two inches of point of aim. By 700 yards the system was reading out distance, incline, and wind correction before I finished exhaling. The 1/6 MOA adjustments on the X177 reticle make precise holds possible, and the Burris Forever Warranty means I never worry about long-term reliability.
The downsides are real but specific. The rangefinder unit does not function reliably below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a serious limitation for late-season hunters in northern states. The app has a learning curve the first time you set up multiple rifle profiles. And getting a clean initial zero takes patience because the HUD display overlays the reticle until you finish the process. None of these issues are dealbreakers for the right buyer.
The Eliminator 6 shines for long-range hunters who shoot in moderate climates and want a single optic that handles ranging, ballistics, and hold points. If you shoot multiple rifles and want to switch profiles on the fly, the BurrisConnect app integration is unmatched. Hunters pushing ethical shots past 600 yards on big game will benefit most from the Digital Guard Rails energy readout and the precision of the X177 reticle.
Avoid the Eliminator 6 if you hunt in climates where late-season temperatures drop well below freezing. It is also not the right pick if you want night vision or thermal capability. Daylight-only shooters in mild-to-cool weather will get the most out of this scope.
5-25x mag
4K+ Ultra HD sensor
Day/Night
RAV video
The ATN X-Sight 5 LRF is the only scope in this roundup that gives you a true day-and-night hunting experience without swapping optics. The 4K+ Ultra HD sensor delivers sharp color imaging during daylight and switches to night vision mode with the press of a button. I ran it on a 6.5 Grendel for a mixed predator control and hog hunting rotation across Texas ranches, and being able to extend hunts past dark made a measurable difference in how many animals we put on the ground.
The built-in laser rangefinder integrates with ATN’s ballistic calculator, and the system claims to run 45% faster than the previous X-Sight 4 generation. Dual stream video recording and recoil activated video mean I never miss a shot, and the power bundle that ships with the Signature Series Kit includes extra batteries, a charger, and mounting hardware that gets you running right out of the box.
Magnification runs from 5-25x with a quad-core processor handling the image processing, and the digital zoom stays surprisingly sharp at extended ranges. Customizable reticles, multiple zero profiles, and Wi-Fi streaming to the ATN app round out the feature set. For hunters who want one optic that handles everything from morning coyotes to midnight hogs, the X-Sight 5 LRF is genuinely in a class of its own.
The reason this scope lands in the middle of my list is quality control. Out of the units our team tested, one arrived with a defective sensor that required a return. Customer reviews echo the same pattern. Buttons also feel sluggish compared to the Burris offerings, and the user manual is poorly organized. If you get a good unit, the experience is excellent, but the lottery on initial quality is a real concern.
Predator hunters and hog hunters who regularly shoot after dark will get the most out of the X-Sight 5 LRF. Anyone who wants one scope to handle range finding, ballistics, recording, and night vision without buying separate equipment should put this near the top of the list. The included power bundle adds real value for buyers who do not already own compatible batteries and chargers.
Skip the X-Sight 5 LRF if you hunt in harsh recoil environments and need a fully ruggedized unit, or if you are unwilling to deal with the possibility of a defective unit on arrival. Traditionalists who prefer optical glass over digital sensors will also find the image quality trade-offs frustrating compared to a high-end conventional scope.
640x512 thermal
1300 yd LRF
3-in-1 design
IP67 rated
The DNT Hydra-LRF is the highest rated smart rifle scope with built-in rangefinder in our testing pool, and it earns that rating through genuine versatility. This is a 3-in-1 unit that works as a standalone riflescope, a clip-on thermal in front of your day optic, or a handheld monocular for scanning. I tested all three modes on coyote hunts across Wyoming and New Mexico, and the thermal image quality rivals units costing significantly more.
The 640×512 12-micron thermal sensor with under 18mK NETD sensitivity pulls coyotes and hogs out of thick cover at distances that would be invisible to a conventional scope. Image Super Resolution sharpening makes heat signatures pop, and the OLED display is crisp and responsive. The built-in laser rangefinder reads from 5 to 1300 yards with reliable accuracy, and the ballistic calculator feeds hold solutions directly into the digital reticle.
Build quality is excellent. The aluminum housing carries an IP67 waterproof rating and is rated for recoil up to .50 BMG, which is overkill for most hunters but reassuring for anyone running a magnum. The QDM150 Quick Detach mount makes swapping between rifles fast, and 64GB of internal storage captures hours of video. Wi-Fi connectivity to the DNT app streams live footage to my phone for spotter confirmation.
The two downsides are minor. The battery cap cable is prone to breaking if you are not careful with cable routing. And the scope requires a specific 18650 flat-top battery rather than the protected button-top variety, so you cannot grab any battery off the shelf. Order a couple of the right cells with the scope and you will not have any issues.
Predator hunters, hog hunters, and anyone who runs a thermal for scouting or spotter duties will love the 3-in-1 design. Hunters who already own a quality day optic and want to add thermal capability without buying a dedicated thermal scope get tremendous value here. The IP67 rating and .50 BMG recoil spec also make this a strong pick for guides and outfitters who run hard on gear.
Skip the Hydra-LRF if you primarily hunt in daylight conditions where thermal is overkill. The 1.5-6x magnification range is also limited compared to traditional riflescopes, which makes it less suitable for long-range shooting past 500 yards. And buyers who dislike managing app connections or specific battery types should look at simpler dedicated scopes.
384x288 thermal
600m LRF
OLED display
Picture-in-Picture
The AGM Varmint V2 is the most accessible thermal smart scope with built-in rangefinder on this list. While it does not have the resolution of the DNT Hydra-LRF, the 384×288 12-micron VOx sensor with 20mK NETD sensitivity identifies coyotes and hogs cleanly out to 400 yards in our testing. I used it on a .223 Wylde AR for predator control on Kansas cattle ranches, and the Picture-in-Picture mode made precise shot placement easy even on small targets.
The 50Hz refresh rate keeps the image smooth when panning, and the OLED display renders heat signatures in multiple color palettes. The built-in 600-meter laser rangefinder feeds the ballistic calculator for hold solutions, and the Hot Track feature identifies the hottest point on an animal for clean shot placement. Wi-Fi streaming lets a spotter watch the action in real time through the AGM app.
For the price, the Varmint V2 punches well above its weight. Shutterless NUC technology means no manual calibration pauses mid-hunt, and the waterproof construction holds up to rain and snow. Internal storage holds 64GB of video and images, which is plenty for recording multiple hunts. The 35mm Germanium objective gathers enough thermal energy to keep image quality usable in colder weather.
There are a few honest drawbacks. AGM does not include a mount with the scope despite the manual suggesting one is included, so budget for a quality Picatinny mount. Battery life runs shorter than competitors, so carrying spare 18650 cells is essential. And image clarity falls a bit short of the marketing videos in heavy fog or rain. None of these issues changed my mind about the value here.
The Varmint V2 is purpose-built for varmint hunters, predator controllers, and ranchers who need a reliable thermal scope with rangefinding at a reasonable price. Anyone stepping into thermal hunting for the first time will find the menu structure and controls approachable. The Hot Track feature is genuinely useful for new thermal users who need help identifying the best shot placement on live animals.
Skip the Varmint V2 if you need long-range thermal performance past 500 yards, where the resolution starts to limit target identification. Big game hunters who need precision shot placement at extreme distances should step up to the higher-resolution DNT Hydra-LRF. And anyone buying a thermal scope for the first time should budget for a quality mount and extra batteries before heading into the field.
Choosing the right smart rifle scope comes down to matching the system to your hunting style, climate, and the distances you typically shoot. Here are the six criteria that matter most when comparing smart rifle scopes with built-in rangefinders in 2026.
Rangefinder range is the single most important spec for any smart scope. A 2000-yard rangefinder on the Burris Eliminator units covers every realistic North American big game shot, while a 600-meter unit like the AGM Varmint V2 is plenty for predator hunting but limiting for western big game. Look for rangefinders rated for at least 1.5x the maximum distance you plan to shoot. Reflective targets always read farther than game animals, so a 2000-yard rating might only deliver 800-1000 yards on a real mule deer.
A ballistic calculator turns range and environmental data into a firing solution. The best systems integrate temperature, pressure, humidity, angle, and wind inputs. Burris Eliminator scopes include onboard thermometers and barometers, while ATN and DNT units pull environmental data from the connected smartphone app. Look for systems that store multiple rifle profiles if you switch between calibers or use suppressed and unsuppressed loads on the same rifle.
Decide between daylight optical scopes like the Burris Eliminator series and digital or thermal units like the ATN X-Sight 5 LRF, DNT Hydra-LRF, or AGM Varmint V2. Optical scopes deliver sharper daylight images but cannot see in the dark. Thermal scopes detect heat signatures through darkness, fog, and light brush, but cost more and have lower native resolution. Hybrid digital scopes like the X-Sight 5 LRF offer both modes but compromise on peak performance in either direction.
Battery life separates scopes you trust on a week-long hunt from scopes that leave you stranded. Burris scopes run on a single CR123A or internal rechargeable cell that lasts thousands of activations. Thermal and digital scopes draw significantly more power and typically run 4-8 hours per battery swap. Always carry spares, and verify the battery type before buying. The DNT and AGM units both use 18650 cells but require specific flat-top varieties.
Smartphone app integration has become the standard for managing rifle profiles, streaming video, and updating firmware. BurrisConnect, ATN, and DNT apps all work well once learned, but expect a setup curve. Forums consistently mention app learning difficulty as a top frustration, so plan on spending an hour building your first profile. Wi-Fi streaming is useful for spotters but drains battery faster.
Smart scopes run heavier than traditional glass. The Eliminator 5 weighs 1.8 pounds, the DNT Hydra-LRF weighs 1.6 pounds, and the ATN X-Sight 5 LRF weighs 2.2 pounds. Verify your rifle and mount can handle the added weight without affecting point of impact. The Eliminator 6 requires 34mm rings, and thermal scopes typically use quick-detach Picatinny mounts. Match the mounting system to your existing setup before buying.
The Burris Eliminator 6 4-20x52mm is our top pick overall for daylight hunting thanks to its 2000-yard rangefinder, 177-micro-LED reticle, and onboard environmental sensors. For thermal hunting, the DNT Optics Hydra-LRF stands out with its 640×512 sensor and 3-in-1 standalone, clip-on, and monocular functionality.
Several manufacturers make rifle scopes with built-in laser rangefinders, including the Burris Eliminator 5 and 6, the ATN X-Sight 5 LRF, the DNT Optics Hydra-LRF, and the AGM Global Vision Varmint V2. These scopes pair the rangefinder with an onboard or app-driven ballistic calculator that displays hold solutions directly in the reticle or HUD.
The best smart rifle scope depends on your hunting style. For long-range daylight shooting, the Burris Eliminator 6 offers unmatched optical quality and a precise LED reticle. For thermal and predator hunting, the DNT Hydra-LRF delivers top-rated thermal imaging with versatile 3-in-1 functionality. For day-and-night versatility in one unit, the ATN X-Sight 5 LRF combines a 4K+ sensor with built-in night vision.
Smart rifle scopes with built-in rangefinders are worth the investment for hunters who shoot at varying distances, in challenging terrain, or want to simplify their kit. They eliminate the need for a separate rangefinder, dope cards, and manual hold calculations, which speeds up ethical decision-making in the field. However, they cost more than traditional scopes and require a learning curve to set up profiles and apps.
After four months of testing five smart rifle scopes with built-in rangefinders across mule deer, antelope, coyote, and hog hunts, our team landed on clear recommendations for each type of hunter. The Burris Eliminator 6 is the best overall pick for daylight big game hunters who want optical clarity, a precise LED reticle, and reliable long-range performance in moderate climates. For hunters who need night vision and day versatility in one unit, the ATN X-Sight 5 LRF is the only scope on this list that does both jobs.
Thermal hunters should look closely at the DNT Optics Hydra-LRF for its top-rated image quality and 3-in-1 versatility, or the AGM Varmint V2 if budget is the priority. First-time buyers who want to test the smart scope workflow without spending four figures will find the Burris Eliminator 5 delivers genuine capability at the lowest price in this roundup. No matter which smart rifle scope with built-in rangefinder you choose, the combination of laser ranging and onboard ballistics will change how you hunt in 2026.
