You’ll appreciate hunting in the nighttime better if you have the right devices with you. There are many notable advanced technologies out there, but none can claim to beat IR Illuminators. IR illuminators can serve you well during the moonless and overcast night, something most of the other instruments lack.
They look very similar to flashlights; however, they emit invisible light (in the Infrared spectrum). That way, IR Illuminators lighten up images so that you can see every single detail. As a hunter, you can see your targets clearly while the target does not notice your light.
Contents
- Read It Before You Buy An IR Illuminator
- Best IR Illuminator That Work on Night Vision
- 1. LUMENSHOOTER A8S Scope Mounted Beam Adjustable IR Illuminator
- 2. WAYLLSHINE (E6) 850nm IR Illuminator Night Vision Flashlight
- 3. ATN IR850 Pro Long Range Infrared Illuminator
- 4. Streamlight 88704 Super TAC IR Long Range Infrared Active Illuminator
- 5. Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope with IR Illuminator
- 6. Nitecore CI6 850nm Long Range High Power LED Infrared IR Illuminator
- 7. Souyos IR Illuminator Flashlight
- 8. VASTFIRE Focusable Infrared Illuminator
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Read It Before You Buy An IR Illuminator
Infrared Wavelength
The wavelength at which the LED lights in IR illuminators emit light determines how visible the light will be. The standard wavelength for quality IR illuminators is 850nm, which produces completely invisible light. Although there are others with wavelengths between 720 and 950nm, IR illuminators with 850nm wavelength are what you should be looking to buy.
Illumination Range
This simply means the length at which the device can illuminate. Several versions are designed to work perfectly for short distance illumination. At the same time, others can illuminate for longer distances. The IR illuminator you must choose should depend on the activity you plan to use it for. The best choices are usually those that can offer the best for long and short distances.
Durability
Durability is an important factor to consider for every firearm accessory. You don’t want to buy AN IR illuminator that will spoil within a few months of use. You must buy top quality devices that are made from Aircraft-grade aluminum. Such products are usually built to last for a very long time. Also, shock-proof and weatherproof designs contribute to durability.
Power Source
Some IR illuminators use AAA batteries, while others use CR123A lithium batteries. Some have rechargeable batteries. These sets of batteries can provide consistent power for an average of 3.5 hours, and they are replaceable. It is often advisable to buy an IR illuminator with quality rechargeable batteries that can last for up to 6 hours of continuous use.
Best IR Illuminator That Work on Night Vision
1. LUMENSHOOTER A8S Scope Mounted Beam Adjustable IR Illuminator
This night vision light will be a great addition to your already incredible collection, making your hunting more fruitful. LUMENSHOOTER A8S Scope Mounted Beam Adjustable IR Illuminator is an affordable option that improves your night vision device. It comes with an Osram Oslon Infrared LED light that emits an 850nm beam.
It performs perfectly even in the darkest of nights and can offer you beams that can extend to 180 yards. This IR illuminator is durable equipment that ensures you can use it for a long period, thanks to its aviation-grade aluminum construction. Its well-built body is resistant to impact and scratches.
It has an IPX-6 waterproof rating that further ensures the durability of this illuminator.
You can use it in the rain without fear of it getting spoilt. The LUMENSHOOTER IR illuminator pack comes in a small lanyard case to allow you to carry it about easily. A rechargeable 2600mAh 18650 battery, a single bay charger, a remote switch, and a universal scope mount is also included in the pack. Surely, this IR illuminator is one that you should get.
2. WAYLLSHINE (E6) 850nm IR Illuminator Night Vision Flashlight
This IR illuminator is another incredible option that emits invisible high power 850nm of infrared light. It is compatible with a wide range of night vision devices that allows you to see infrared light. You’ll get better night vision for your hunting and other activities when you combine this flashlight with night vision devices. These devices include night vision scopes, NV monoculars and goggles, infrared cameras, and others.
It comes with a single switch mode, a tail button, which you can press to switch the IR illuminator on and off. Although the light beam is not visible to the naked eyes, there is a led bulb showing red when the IR illuminator is turned on. You can also easily adjust the WAYLLSHINE 850nm IR illuminator’s light focus by just sliding its head back and forth to zoom the light in and out. The focus of this adjustable LED light can range from a wide flood to a spot beam.
This 850nm IR Illuminator uses one 18650 rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries. The 18650 battery will offer you a long period of continuous use. The AAA batteries are also convenient to use with the flashlight.
3. ATN IR850 Pro Long Range Infrared Illuminator
This ATN Infrared illuminator is also a reliable choice when you need long-range infrared light, especially in very dark situations. It comes with an adjustable LED light that is fit for a wide range of use. This IR illuminator can offer you an incredible field of vision that extends up to 300 meters.
The ATN IR850 Infrared Illuminator’s design is a user-friendly one, thanks to its quality materials and high-end engineering. Its long-range capabilities ensure that you can view your target from long distances without letting them notice. It also features an adjustable mount designed to work with any standard weaver rail or ATN Smart Scope.
This IR illuminator’s body is made with quality aircraft-grade aluminum, the lens is completely glass, and comes with a powerful IR diode. Suppose you want a top IR illuminator with heavy-duty features. In that case, you should try out the ATN IR850 Pro Long Range Infrared Illuminator.
4. Streamlight 88704 Super TAC IR Long Range Infrared Active Illuminator
Only a few other products come close to the Streamlight 88704 Super TAC when it comes to the features offered when combined with night vision devices. It is a very high-performing battery-powered IR illuminator featuring the latest Infrared LED technology for maximum range illumination.
Its usage is also very easy, thanks to its momentary push button and the constant “on” tail switch. These features allow for stress-free one-handed use. With its body designed with machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish, durability is ensured with this model.
The light source of this incredible IR is a high power 850nm infrared LED light, which is shock-proof and can serve you for up to 3.5 hours of continuous use. The advanced technologies regulate light intensity to ensure long-term battery use.
It comes with a deep-dish parabolic reflector, which helps you produce long-range beams with optimum illumination that aids targeting. The Streamlight Super TAC IR illuminator fits most Streamlight rail mounts, including the 69100 and 75910.
5. Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope with IR Illuminator
The shooting world has constant yearnings for affordable and high-quality night vision devices. Night Owl Optics seeks to end these yearnings with this incredible Nightshot night vision rifle scope.
The most impressive thing about this device is that it comes with a high performing IR illuminator.
The Nighshot Riflescope with IR illuminator is the ideal night vision device for hunters and shooting enthusiasts who need to view their targets in the dark. The performance of this night vision device beats those of other devices within its range. It is lightweight and easy-to-use, making it a perfect choice for you.
It comes with a flat spot on one of its cross-bolts that can be reversed to allow for compatibility with different mount options. This product can work perfectly with rifles, shotguns, airsoft, crossbows, pellet guns, and more! The NightShot uses 4 AA or lithium batteries, so you can expect a battery life of 4.5 to 17.5 hours per set of batteries, depending on how you use the scope.
6. Nitecore CI6 850nm Long Range High Power LED Infrared IR Illuminator
Nitecore C16 IR illuminator is another multi-use device that offers you a 440-lumen white light together with secondary red, green, and blue LED lights. These different LED lights make it a versatile flashlight. The white light is perfect for a range of traditional flashlight tasks.
The green light is good for hunting, the red light is great for photography, map reading, and hunting, while the blue light works well for inspecting oil and grease stains. It provides an 850nm beam of light that extends to hundreds of yards in the darkest of nights. You are sure to get a significant night vision enhancement when you combine it with any night vision devices.
It also features an integrated Precision Digital Optics Technology which optimizes its reflector performance. This performance further improves with Crystal Coating Technology. The Nitecore C16 IR illuminator’s versatility allows it to be used with a rifle, a crossbow, or a shotgun.
It also comes with a lot of helpful accessories that make its usage a lot easier. Some of them include a holster, tactical ring, clip, lanyard, and O-ring.
7. Souyos IR Illuminator Flashlight
Soyous IR Illuminator Flashlight is not the regular flashlight you employ for daily lighting purposes. This flashlight emits infrared light that you cannot see with your naked eyes. Neither can your target see it (if you’re hunting). It comes with an adjustable focus, which you can zoom in or out for larger area illumination. The zoom-out will also stretch the light body to offer you long-distance illumination.
This IR illuminator emits an 850nm wavelength of light, which you can combine with a night vision scope, camera phones, goggles, or monocular. Being compatible with several night vision devices, you can apply it for various activities such as hunting, map reading, and adventures.
Its use is very easy. All you need to do is press the tail-button to switch the flashlight on or off. Since it emits an infrared light which you can’t see with your bare eyes, a faint red glow will show on the LED to inform you that the flashlight is on. It works on 3 x AAA batteries or 1 x 18650 batteries.
8. VASTFIRE Focusable Infrared Illuminator
Finally, on my review of top IR illuminators to maximize your night vision capabilities, you have the VASTFIRE Focusable Infrared Illuminator. This 850nm wavelength infrared light illuminator is perfect for night hunting. It is compatible with 1-inch scope rails that attach to rifles, crossbows, and shotguns.
Thus, IR illuminator also comes with pressure switches that help with its optimization with rifles. As a hardcore night hunter or night adventure enthusiast, this product will come in handy for you.
With pressure switches to optimize use with rifles.
That IR illuminator is perfect for the hardcore hunter and night adventure enthusiast. You can use it with most night vision devices, including 1st generation night vision scopes and NV monoculars.
It comes with an aircraft-grade aluminum construction that ensures durability and long-term use. The lens is also made completely with glass to enhance its clarity. VASTFIRE Focusable Infrared Illuminator is a reliable product that you should not ignore!
FAQs
Having given you the buying guide for top IR illuminators, I have included the FAQ section. This section answers frequently asked questions about IR illuminators. This section will assist you while making your decision!Do I need an IR Illuminator?
Suppose there are chances that you find yourself in a dark room or a dense wooded environment. In that case, you will need an IR illuminator to enhance your vision.Is IR light visible?
Infrared light is invisible to human eyes. You need to combine them with night vision devices for optimum use. Warm-blooded animals like mammals and birds also cannot see IR light.
Conclusion
If you’ve followed my review of the best IR illuminators carefully, then you must have gotten all the information you need to buy the best one for you. You don’t know when you might get into a dark situation and need an IR illuminator, so getting one now might make all the difference. Ensure that you use the information in this review to make the best decision.
My top pick for the best IR illuminators to maximize your night vision capabilities is the ATN IR850 Pro Long Range Infrared Illuminator. It has all the features of a great IR illuminator and offers you the best value for money.
It features a powerful 850nm light wavelength, which offers you an incredible field of vision that extends up to 300 meters. Its quality materials and high-end engineering ensure durability and long-term use. It comes with an adjustable mount designed to work with any standard weaver rail or ATN Smart Scope.
With more than 50 years experience in the field and the testing lab, author L.P. Brezny is one of today’s most recognized shotgun experts and authors. He is a contributor to dozens of firearms publications, such as Wildfowl, Shotgun Sports, and Varmint Hunters, and he is a regular columnist in the Gun Digest annual as well as AmmoLand News.