Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32x50 Digital Scope Review

Sightmark has been at the forefront of the digital optics revolution, and their all-new Wraith HD 4-32x50 digital scope offers plenty of high-tech features at a surprisingly affordable price. At the heart of this scope is a class-leading CMOS 1920x1080 HD color imaging sensor on a 1280x720 hi-res FCLOS display that provides superb optical clarity and a brilliant full-color display when shooting during daylight hours. When darkness falls the Wraith offers two night vision display modes (black and white or emerald), and the included 850nm IR illuminator with 200 yard effective range mounts to a picatinny rail on the top of the unit and allows you to use this versatile optic day or night.

24-hour functionality is just one of the high-tech features the Wraith offers to shooters. There are 10 separate reticle options and 9 different color options so you can customize the optic to fit the surrounding terrain and shooting preferences. The 4-32x magnification range and 1-8x digital zoom are perfect for a wide range of hunting and target shooting situations, and the durable aluminum body and IP55 enclosure rating ensure that the unit will stand up in the worst weather conditions. Onboard still and video camera capabilities allow the Wraith to record images, and there’s a micro USB port and micro SD card slot that allow you to transfer your images to another device. Since it will accommodate cards up to 256 GB, the Wraith allows you to record tens of thousands of still images or several hours of HD video. Still images are recorded in JPEG while video is recorded in AVI format. The unit is powered by four AA batteries located on the left side of the optic, and the battery cap fits snugly in place and can easily be removed when it’s time to swap-out batteries. The batteries last for 4.5 hours of continuous use in preview mode and 3.5 hours while videoing, and the included IR illuminator runs on two separate CR123A batteries. The IR illuminator also has three different output settings for low, medium, and high intensity viewing. As with the scope itself, the batteries in the IR illuminator can be switched without removing the unit.

Picatinny rail mounts on the base of the Wraith allow you to quickly attach it to your rifle, and this 36.3-ounce optic measures just 10.5 inches long and 3 inches high. With its impressive capabilities and long list of user-friendly features you’d expect the Wraith to be quite expensive, but with an MSRP of just $599.99 it’s also an excellent value.

In the Field

One of the biggest hurdles with high-tech optics is learning to navigate complicated menu screens to adjust settings. Fortunately, the Wraith’s menu is easy to access and intuitive. There’s a power button located on the top of the optic. Pressing the left arrow allows you to toggle through the three day/night mode settings, and the up and down arrows allow you to adjust magnification. Pressing the power button when the unit is turned on provides access to the menu, and from there shooters can customize settings like brightness, reticle settings (color/style/zero), playback, resolution display, settings, and weapon select. The weapon select menu allows you to choose from five different pre-set profiles, and the reticle zero feature allows you to make ¼ MOA point of impact adjustments. Within the settings menu you can control the resolution, record modes, format card, control firmware and set the time and date. The left arrow button exits the menu. It’s a very simple system to operate (even for those who aren’t tech-savvy) and the included user guide explains operation in easy-to-follow language. Despite its long list of features the Wraith is user-friendly and a few minutes after mounting the optic on my gun I was ready to shoot.

The Sightmark Wraith is recoil rated up to .308 Winchester, and I chose to mount it on an AR-15 in 5.56. That weapon/optic combo is perfect for hunting hogs and predators, especially since the Wraith functions in daylight or darkness. Plus, the mounting hardware is durable and locks the unit firmly in place. There’s a diopter adjustment ring on the rear of the unit and a focal adjustment ring at the front so it’s easy to get a crisp, clear picture for any shooter at any distance. At 100 yards I could clearly see the impact of the 62-grain .223 bullets striking paper, and with 12.5 Mils of windage adjustment and 7.125 mils of elevation adjustment it was easy to adjust point of impact using the touchpad. Additionally, the touchpad’s angled design makes it easy to scroll through the menu from a shooting position. When daylight fades to dark activating the IR illuminator allows the shooter to seamlessly transition from the daytime setting to night vision.

The optics market is changing rapidly, and Sightmark is leading the charge. Rarely has so much technology been available in a digital optic, and never at this price. And, perhaps most importantly, the Wraith is simple to operate and well thought-out. No matter the conditions, the range, or the time of day the versatile Wraith is a digital optic for the next generation of shooters.

Specifications: Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32x50 Digital Scope
Sensor Type: CMOS
Sensor Resolution (Pixels): 1920x1080
Display Type: FCLOS
Maximum Memory Card Supported (Gb): 256
Video Format: AVI
Photo Format: JPEG
Magnification: 4-32
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Digital Zoom: 1-8x
Field of View 100 Yards (feet): 21
IR Wavelength (nm): 850
IR Power Supply: 2 CR123A Batteries
Optic Power Supply: 4 AA Batteries
Battery Life (Hours): 3.5 (Video Mode), 4.5 (Preview Mode), 2 (High)
Night Vision Detection Range: 200 Yards
Windage/Elevation Click Value: ¼ MOA
Body Material: Aluminum
Reticles: 10
Length: 10.5 Inches
Weight: 36.3 Ounces
MSRP: $599.99
Contact: Sightmark, www.sightmark.com