Depends on what the coyotes prefer.....ask them......
I would go with a 3x9 or 4x12 with a fire dot for eariy morning or late evening shots maybe run a laser as you can see them through a scope also. I use a Leupold 4 x12 fire dot and love it.I am hunting a farm for coyotes and I am restricted because of woods to 100 yards.Would red dots be good OR what power scope would be best ? I will be using a .223.
I night hunt with my Vortex Crossfire V-Brite. It works great with a red light but those Bering Optics Super Hogster videos look awesome...but you're right... big $A coworker does all his after dark, so he runs a thermal. Talk about spendy. Yikes!
My buddy has a a Remy 700 22-250 and he uses a Coyote Special scope with great results. Not sure who makes it but hes been using it for at least 5-6 years and says that rifle wont ever wear a different scope. I used it once and dropped a dog at 300yds first shot.
Edit: I just looked it up and Nikon makes it. I personally am not a Nikon fan but it works as it should and my buddy has dropped many of dogs with his and has had zero issues. ( Yes I'm a scope snob and been hearing that for years )
Oops, my bad, just trying to help. Might find one on fleabay..Nikon hasnt made scopes in a year or so.