Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Review: Is This Popular Night Vision Scope Worth it?

When it comes to night vision scopes, the Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 has been my trusted pick for years. It’s the one I run on my X95, and it’s handled plenty of coyote hunts after dark without issue.

I’ve previously named it the best night vision scope under $1000 – and that rating still holds. Sure, there are better options out there, but you’ll need to spend more for what often amounts to small gains.

In this review, I’ll break down why the Wraith HD delivers solid performance for the price, where it falls short, and whether it still makes sense for your setup.

Specs of the Sightmark Wraith

Before getting into my hands-on experience, it’s worth highlighting what makes the Sightmark Wraith such a standout in the night vision scope world.

For its price, it offers an impressive mix of features – punching above its weight in both performance and versatility. It’s a smart pick for both hunters and range shooters looking for solid results without overspending.

At the core of the Wraith is a 1920×1080 HD sensor, which gives you crisp, full-color imaging during daylight and sharp digital night vision once the light fades. You get 10 different reticle designs and 9 color options to dial in your preferences. With a detection range past 200 yards (plus a detachable 850nm IR illuminator to push it even further), it’s built for real-world use.

It’s also packed with useful extras:

• 4x optical magnification with up to 8x digital zoom
• 1080p HD night vision with onboard recording
• 10 reticle styles and 9 color modes
• Removable 850nm IR illuminator for low-light use
• Full-color display during daytime
• Micro USB port for connecting external power sources
• Memory card slot for video capture

Sightmark Wraith Features

1 Optical/Digital zoom

4x Optical zoom along with 8x digital zoom help you see and identify your targets.

2 Accessible buttons

Button mounted on the top of the optic are easy to access.

3 IR illuminator

IR illuminator mounted to a picatinny mount on the top of the optic improve your capabilities.

4 Picatinny mount

The built in picatinny mount makes mounting your Sightmark Wraith easy

5 External USB port

Allows user to increase battery length by adding external battery pack.

Models and Variations

Sightmark’s Wraith series includes several models across three product lines: HD, 4K Max, and 4K Mini.

In the HD line, you’ll find the 4-32×50 model featured in this review, as well as a more compact 2-16×32 version.

The 4K Max line steps things up with enhanced resolution and includes two models: a 3-24×50 and a 4-32×50.

If size and weight are bigger concerns, the 4K Mini line might be a better fit. It also offers two options: a 4-32×32 and a smaller 2-16×28.

Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32X50 Review

As I mentioned earlier, this scope has been a favorite of mine for a while. It’s priced well and has consistently delivered for me in the field. Sure, it has a few flaws (no scope is perfect), but when you compare it to other digital night vision optics with similar features, you’re usually looking at a much higher price tag.

That’s exactly why it earned my pick as the best night vision scope in the affordable category.

So what makes it stand out? Let’s break it down.

When I first mounted this scope on my rifle, I noticed its weight. Yes, it’s bulky, almost doubling the weight of my rifle, but let’s face it, that’s the nature of a night vision scope. Using 4 common AA batteries, I found it quite efficient. The external micro USB port is a plus for extended usage.

The Sightmark Wraith HD is simply a game-changer when it comes to tracking and accurate target acquisition. With 10 reticle options, you have the flexibility to adapt to different shooting scenarios. Whether I’m spotting a coyote hundreds of yards away or training at a range, the reticle settings never disappoint.

The advanced 1920×1080 HD sensor provides impeccable full-color clarity during the day and switches seamlessly to night mode as dusk falls. However, there’s room for improvement, especially in screen brightness settings for better night vision adaptation. The digital night vision performance is outstanding, easily outclassing other scopes in this price range.

The turrets offer responsive adjustments but lack the tactile feedback found in high-end models. Yet, the scope holds zero exceptionally well, something invaluable for any seasoned shooter.

When it comes to value, the Sightmark Wraith HD is unparalleled. It offers features found in scopes that are two or three times its price. You have digital night vision, video recording, and a wide range of reticle options, all within a budget-friendly price of around $500.

But let’s be real here – while the video recording feature does sound cool, in all my years, I’ve never used it. Perhaps it’s because I’m not a YouTuber or influencer or something, but I’ve never thought to bring an SD card and record my hunt. So, perhaps that is important to you, but for me, I think it is an extra feature that most won’t use and probably adds to the size and weight of the scope. 

Regarding the Wraith’s IR illuminator, it is both a powerhouse and a power drain. I’ve seen details out to 300 yards at the lowest IR setting, which is far beyond the 200-yard claim. The IR wavelength and equivalent IR power are well-balanced, making the use of an additional IR flashlight unnecessary for most nighttime activities. However, I’ve found that the IR illuminator is a bit of a power drain and if you leave it on too long or forget it, your night vision scope can quickly become useless.  

Tips and Hints with the Wraith

After using the Wraith extensively, there are a few things I wish I had known earlier. Here are some quick pointers that might save you time and frustration:

Interface Learning Curve: The controls aren’t exactly intuitive, especially when switching between night vision and video recording. Spend some daylight hours learning the menu system. It’ll make things smoother in the field.

Battery Life: The scope runs on 4 AA batteries, but for longer sessions, I recommend bringing a portable charger and using the micro USB port. It’ll give you much more runtime, especially during overnight hunts.

Mounting Considerations: On AR-style rifles, the Wraith mounts easily and feels natural. If you’re using a bolt-action setup, you may need an extended Picatinny rail to get proper eye relief.

IR Illuminator: Be mindful of the IR light. If you forget to turn it off, it’ll drain your batteries fast. A small indicator would’ve helped, but for now, make it part of your post-hunt routine.

My Final Thoughts

I’ve tested a wide range of night vision scopes over the years, and while some do outperform the Wraith in terms of glass quality, features, or overall performance, they also come with a much steeper price tag.

What you get with the Sightmark Wraith is a dependable, well-rounded scope that holds its own without breaking the bank. Go any cheaper, and you’ll start to feel the trade-offs in a big way.

For me, the Wraith hits that sweet spot. It’s not top-tier, but it’s far from low-end.

Just the right mix of value, performance, and reliability.

How does the Sightmark Wraith Compare to the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro?

One of the most common questions I get is how the Wraith stacks up against the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro.

I’ll be honest… I’ve never been big on ATN. Their scopes usually sound great on paper, but in my experience, they often fall short or develop issues over time. Still, setting that bias aside, I genuinely think the Wraith is the better buy.

Side by side, both scopes offer competitive features. The ATN might win on interface — it’s a little more polished and intuitive. But the Wraith takes the lead when it comes to overall value, performance, and reliability. The Wraith’s IR illuminator is especially strong, often outperforming the listed detection range. And the image clarity? Easily good enough to pick out fine details past 300 yards.

The ATN also costs more. And in this case, I don’t think that extra money gets you a better product.

So if you’re choosing between the two, I’d say skip the markup and go with the Sightmark Wraith HD.

FAQs for the Sightmark Wraith

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a night vision scope that delivers real value without pushing your budget, the Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 is a strong pick. It offers solid performance, a good mix of features, and enough flexibility for most night hunting or range use.

It’s not perfect (no scope in this price range is), but what it gets right far outweighs the minor drawbacks. For the money, it’s tough to beat.

Important Links

• Sightmark Wraith Firmware Download and Installation Guides
• Sightmark Wraith Users Manual