When ATN did away with the PS22 series, they opened the door for the PS28.
It’s the new and improved series with every convenience of a night vision clip-on device.
The model up for review is the PS28-2 as it’s the most affordable PS28 clip-on model currently offered by ATN.
Having been considered as one of the most popular night vision scopes of its kind, it deserves a thorough look at its specs and features and why it should be yours.
Update: The ATN PS28-2 has been discontinued. Check out ATN's current range of clip-on PS28 night vision devices here. Alternatively, you can find more our our night vision scope reviews here.
Quick Overview...
What We Like: Gen 2+ IIT
What We Don’t Like: Bulky & heavy
Best Uses: Night Shooting, Day Shooting, Tactical Use, Hunting, Scouting, Varmint Control, Mid-Range Detection, Clip-On
- IIT: Gen 2+
- Magnification: 1x
- FOV: 13-degrees
- Resolution: 45-54 lp/mm
- Eye Relief: N/A
- Color Modes: Green Phosphor
- Battery: 50 hours
- Dimensions: 7.7 x 3.5 x 3”/1.85 lbs
Our Verdict: The ATN PS28-2 has a high-end Gen 2 IIT and is offered at a low price point. With simplicity and quality NV imaging at its foundation, this NVD is the no-nonsense option for the no-nonsense hunter. If you’re strapped to a budget, consider the PS28 and turn your day scope into a night-hunting night vision scope.
Who is the ATN PS28-2 Clip-On Best Suited to?
As a clip-on device, this is best suited to those who don’t want to remove their daytime optic from their weapon system. Since night vision and thermal scopes are not everyday kind of buys, a clip-on is a great option to acquire night shooting benefits with multiple weapon systems.
At a price point under $2000, the PS28 offers great value with no-fuss features and straightforward operation. With a long-lasting battery, versatile mounting setups, and incredible build quality and weather resistance, this ATN night vision clip-on is a value buy.
Hunters after mid-range detection and simple operation and mounting need hunt no more for an affordable clip-on.
If you are looking for something that is Gen 3 then you might be interested in the ATN PS28-3 or ATN PS28-3P night vision clip on scopes.
How Does the ATN PS28-2 Clip-On Perform?
The PS28 series of night vision devices are clip-on weapon systems. They’re designed for use in front of daytime optics to provide instant night vision with their familiar daytime setup.
As such, the PS28-2 clip-on works exceptionally well. It has the typical green display but having a bright image is always guaranteed with the Auto Brightness Control System. It also has a Bright Light Cut-Off feature, so the optic will protect itself if excessive light floods the optic.
With no need to rezero your daytime scope, the clip-on is the easy and convenient solution to having NV when you need it. The quick detach mount provides fast mounting and dismounting, but it may need replacing after a while as it will see continuous use, and nothing lasts forever.
Features & Benefits
Gen 2+ IIT
As the cheapest model in the PS28 series, the PS28-2 has the 2+ generation IIT (Image Intensifier Tube). With its 45-54 lp/mm resolution, it’s certainly closer to Gen 3 night vision scopes than it is to Gen 1. It will more than do for short-range surveillance, coyote hunting with night vision, hog hunting, and more.
The PS28 has the green phosphor image display and provides excellent image quality for mid-range detection with a large 80mm objective lens. Although dependent on ambient light conditions, a detection range of around 300-400 yards can be achieved and a wide FOV of 15-degrees is certainly beneficial.
With no manual gain, you have the Automatic Brightness Control System that consistently regulates the brightness of the display even when you’re in environments with consistently changing light conditions.
Night Vision Clip-On
The PS28 is best used with day scopes that offer low magnification from 1x to 8x, although ATN mentions that its optimum range is between 2.5x to 8x.
One of the best things about a clip-on is its ability to be mounted to a weapon system and not affect boresight alignment. In fact, calibration of this scope provides ½ MOA accuracy or better. This provides the instant ability to have night vision when you want it while retaining all the functions and tracking accuracies of your daytime scope.
Quick Release Mounting
The whole idea of clip-ons is to provide convenient night vision benefits with use of a daytime scope. Since it will be mounted and dismounted often, it should be easy to mount and remount hence the inclusion of the QRM (Quick Release Mount).
The ATN QRM is a single-lever quick detach mount that is easily unlocked, slid onto the rail, and then locked in place. You can adjust the mount tightness with a 3/8” wrench if it’s needed. The light suppressor goes in between the clip-on and the objective bell of the daytime scope.
Like most other clip-ons, to ensure there is no shift in POI and issues with excessive light between the two scopes, there must not be more than a 3mm difference in the optical axes of both scopes. If there is, you may need to consider switching out the mount rings of your daytime scope.
Furthermore, you can also equip the clip-on directly to the objective bell of the daytime scope. However, to achieve this setup, the inserts (adapters) needed for this are special-order parts from ATN. Besides, if your daytime scope has an AO (Adjustable Objective), it is not compatible for use with this mounting setup.
Rugged Build
Having been made in the USA, the PS28 automatically earns some brownie points. Furthermore, the PS28 is made like a tank and feels like a mini version of one but at least it weighs less than 2 lbs.
It has been outfitted to be completely waterproof and fogproof. The optical chamber is nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging, and it’s also submersible to 10 meters for 30 minutes. While you won’t be observing from the depths of a lake, it’s nice to know that it will be unaffected when you’re caught in a downpour.
Other Features
The clip-on has a mini, integrated Picatinny rail and the entire system also allows for use with a long rail that mounts above the weapon system.
The remote control is wired and allows for instant operation from standby mode.
If you have a short rail on your weapon, you’re not out of luck. You can use the optional B.A.M. System (Boresight Attachment Mount) that gives you additional advantages that includes long range shooting, resistance to vigorous recoil, and a low-profile mounting height of 36mm above the rail.
Limitations
Bulky & Heavy
Coming in at 7.7” long and weighing 1.85 lbs, the PS28-2 isn’t what you would necessarily consider a compact and lightweight clip-on – especially with what is currently being released into the market.
However, the ATN clip-on feels robust and heavy-duty in the hand because it’s made like a tank. It’s water-resistant and fogproof, rugged, and is only barely larger than comparable alternatives.
Popular Questions
The ATN PS28-2 night vision clip-on takes a single CR123 battery and provides up to 50 hours of operation. It’s a low consumption NVD and should be powered down during breaks in operation and non-use.
The PS28-2 is not compatible for helmet mounting. Although it offers 1x magnification, it has a 10 m minimum close focus distance. While it may be fine for stationary observation as a monocular, it is not effective for mobile use as a helmet-mounted NVD.
The PS28-2 clip-on comes with a remote control, QRM mount, and hard case. It also comes with the IR850-B1 IR Illuminator, objective lens cap, and light suppressor. You will also get your first battery and the owner’s manual.
There is no stated recoil resistance of the PS28 night vision clip-on, but it’s assumed that it will not handle .308 Win and higher caliber rifles with stronger recoil.
The PS28-2 clip-on comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty. It is your standard electro-optics warranty that is not owner transferable and will be repaired or replaced under warranty at ATN’s discretion.
Conclusion
Clip-on thermal and night vision devices tend to be more expensive but offer excellent versatility. For the price, the PS28-2 is certainly an affordable option as a cheap night vision scope without it being “cheap.”
When you need reliability, durability, and the simplicity of a clip-on, the PS28 is a convenient, inexpensive, tough, and easy to use NVD.
Update: The ATN PS28-2 has been discontinued. Check out ATN's current range of clip-on PS28 night vision devices here. Alternatively, you can find more our our night vision scope reviews here.
Further Reading
