If you are in the market for the best thermal night vision scope, you have come to the right place. We will discuss the pros and cons of the top recommended thermal night vision scopes.
Thermal scopes can assist you in acquiring and shooting targets in poor light or at night by using various heat signature imaging methods. We can now acquire items on the consumer market formerly reserved for the world’s most elite tactical units.
Although thermal scopes can be purchased at various price points, they are often pricey. As a result, we’re breaking down the cheap thermal scopes into three price ranges—under $2000, under $3000, and over—and providing five of each that we think are outstanding for various factors.
To be clear, at lesser price ranges, you might forgo thermal imaging altogether in favor of more traditional night vision.
Top 5 Best Thermal Night Vision Scopes
Here, we’ll go through what, in our opinion, are the top thermal scopes available right now in 2023. In addition to discussing thermal imaging scopes, we’ll also discuss what we believe to be the most outstanding thermal optic available today for when you’re ready to buy.
Let us look at 5 of the Thermal Night Vision Scopes.
1) Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 – The Best Thermal Night Vision Scope
We recommend the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 for hunting and precise shooting. One look at the spec sheet makes it clear that its high-quality components tick all the right boxes and far outperform most of the competition.
We think it’s strange and funny that Amazon lists the Thermion XP50 as an airsoft and hunting scope. Although it can be used for airsoft, this is a serious hunting optic made to the highest standards.
Because the superb 1024 by 768 AMOLED display’s 640 by 480 thermal core can distinguish temperature changes as small as 25 millikelvins, it offers astounding detail.
You’ll be able to detect targets up to 2,000 yards away with this thermal scope, giving you plenty of time to observe and identify them. The all-metal body has an outstanding IPX7 waterproof rating and is recoil-rated for .375 H&H and 12 gauge.
Digital zoom, five zero profiles, a 10-percent enlarged picture-in-picture view, and numerous reticles that can be shown in various colors to match your selected color scheme are all display features.
It’s reportedly fantastic if you want to flex considerably at your next airsoft match.
Pros
- Suitable for most guns’ recoil
- Target detection range of up to 2,000 yards
- Superior clarity and detail
- Accommodates typical 30-millimeter scope rings
Cons
- Extra batteries are pricey.
- It will take a lot of practice to become proficient.
- Expenses are too high for recreational shooting.
2) ATN Thor 4 – Most Affordable
Although we’re not sure exactly how ATN did it, the Thor 4 is an excellent method to put up high-quality thermal shooting equipment on a budget. This thermal scope is for you if you’re the type of person that builds their weapon to get the most bang for their buck.
The Thor 4’s pricier alternatives can be seen to outperform its components in the spec sheet, but picking the best thermal scope is more complicated than it would be to follow the more-is-better philosophy.
While the thermal core’s 384 by 288-pixel resolution is less than what you’d get from Pulsar or Trijicon, it’s still a good display. The display’s 17-micron pixel pitch may be comparable to the minuscule 12-micron alternatives, but without comparing back-to-back, your eyes probably won’t be able to tell the difference. The fastest refresh rate that your eyes can distinguish is 60 Hz.
ATN products are renowned for their outstanding features and simple user interface. A variety of reticles and color schemes are available. Utilize the one-shot zero feature and save several zeros for various ammo loads.
Manually record HD footage or let the recoil-activated function remember the action for you. One of our favorite aspects of ATN optics is the ability to designate targets and share them with other users on their digital displays.
This is probably not the best option for defense contractors traveling overseas to safeguard American property in a hostile nation. Still, it offers excellent value for money for anyone looking to further their hunting with cutting-edge technology. Please choose your preferred camouflage pattern and seize this offer before it expires.
Pros
- As you zoom in, the reticle automatically changes.
- Upgrade options for the sensor and eyepiece
- Exchange data with other users
- There are three distinct camouflage patterns.
Cons
- Limited selection in comparison to more expensive options
- Waterproofing is not water-resistant.
- There is no easy access to information regarding the display type.
3) Trijicon REAP-IR – Editor’s Pick
Anyone who has used military equipment in service or shopped for it will be familiar with Trijicon. The manufacturer serves military, law enforcement, and civilian audiences, from iron sights and red dots to cutting-edge electro-optics.
The company’s REAP-IR thermal scope is a potent powerhouse that can withstand the rigors of battle. A 640 by 480 thermal core inside the REAP-IR identifies heat signatures in great detail. Everything you see will appear as realistically as possible since the 12-micron OLED display refreshes at a rate of 60 hertz, faster than your eyes can perceive.
Objective lenses with 24-, 35-, or 60-millimeter diameters are available. The 24-millimeter version will likely offer the optimum balance between price and performance for most applications.
The REAP-IR is designed to withstand impacts, exposure to water, and harsh temperatures, as well as other abuse typical of military optics made in the United States. Even though it doesn’t provide as many digital customizing choices as our other picks, it’s the one to have in drab settings. Battery usage is one item to consider.
It would be best to have extra CR123 batteries because two will only last four hours when powering this thermal scope. The advantage of using these cells over the proprietary batteries used to power scopes like the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 is that they are less expensive and easier to get.
Pros
- A high-quality OLED display is highly desired.
- Comparatively small and light
- MIL-STD-810G durability requirements are met.
- Available objective lens diameters in three
Cons
- A four-hour battery life maximum
- A small number of reticles and color options
4) Teledyne FLIR Scion OTM266 – Best Hand-held
Even though thermal rifle scopes are excellent, there are instances when you want to visually recognize a person or animal without drawing attention to yourself or your weapon. Our preferred option for hunting, search and rescue, and animal observation is the Teledyne FLIR Scion OTM.
The Scion OTM’s 640 by 480 thermal core provides an outstanding picture. A 12-micron, 1280 by 960 high-definition display with a 60-hertz refresh rate receives the data from the processor to deliver excellent image quality.
It is possible to get the 18-millimeter objective lens variety with a lot less expensive nine-hertz refresh rate in the OTM260, but the feed will be notably choppy. Therefore, we recommend upgrading to the mid-level OTM266.
Your vision can be tailored to a particular scenario using one of six thermal color palettes, and the straightforward controls make changes easy to make by feel. Instead of constantly fussing with settings, you can automatically focus your attention where it should be because of the monocular focus.
This is a fantastic choice for amateurs or anyone looking to locate distant game animals for a shooter employing night vision. The only advice we have is to watch out for
This is the best action to use thermal technology without a firearm. We’d love to add a Scion OTM series device to our loadout because it has a solid track record in professional settings.
Pros
- High-end visuals in a portable monocular
- Durable and waterproof to an IP67 rating
- Wi-Fi-based live video streaming
- Includes six color schemes.
Cons
- For a monocular thermal device, rather pricey
- The version with the lowest price has a prolonged refresh rate.
- Consumes six batteries at once
5) Pulsar Proton FXQ – Best Clip-On
The clip-on sight is one form of thermal device that is sometimes forgotten, which is unfortunate. Despite its high price, the Pulsar Proton FXQ can make shooting with a thermal optic considerably more affordable and accessible despite significant limitations compared to specialized thermal scopes.
The Proton FXQ thermal scope is small but has all the functionality of many larger thermal scopes. It is more than enough to use a 384 by 288 sensor. The 1024 by 768 AMOLED display, which has a 17-micron resolution, is fantastic and helps with early target recognition.
It also comes in various colors and reticles, as you would expect from Pulsar, and is housed in a rugged, IPX7 waterproof chassis.
Where does the Proton FXQ have a benefit if the features are similar to thermal scopes like the ATN Thor 4 at a more excellent price? Unlike the other thermal scopes on this list, this thermal scope does not convert your rifle into a thermal-only weapon system.
Similar to placing a PVS-14 in front of your ACOG or RCO, the adapter clamps to your standard scope to offer thermal capability. Additionally, it can be set up as a handheld monocular.
The adaptability that this thermal clip-on sight provides is fantastic. It’s a good device that may be applied freehand or to a weapon. Both the protection you require and the features you might want are present. It isn’t the best at anything in particular, but it’s a strong contender that may be useful to almost everybody.
Pros
- Boost the thermal capabilities of your current system.
- Thermal core with extreme sensitivity recognizes minute temperature fluctuations.
- IPX7 waterproof criteria are met.
- The magnesium alloy body is thin and robust.
Cons
- It adds more weight compared to a specific thermal scope.
- Quite large when combined with your current scope.
- Your current objective lens must fit the adapter.
Factors To Look Out For When Looking For The Best Thermal Night Vision Scope
Thermal scopes are pretty sophisticated and can do some impressive technical feats. Because purchasing them can be a little intimidating, we’ve created a brief buying guide to make it easier for you to compare various scopes before deciding which one to buy.
Battery Life
None of this sophisticated equipment, of course, functions very well without electricity. So, to maintain the system functioning as a whole, the battery life of the optic is crucial. The battery should last as long as possible. Some optics can also be connected to an external power source, which we believe is great.
Magnification
When we talk about magnification, we’re talking about how much the scope’s lenses and cameras can enlarge the image before we show it to you. A primary optical magnification method is ideal because digital magnification frequently results in a noticeable loss in quality.
Reticle Options
The refresh rate is the frequency with which the computer inside the scope updates the image shown in the viewfinder. Generally, a higher refresh rate is preferable, especially when tracking a moving target. However, with all other factors in the scope equal, a high refresh rate also reduces battery life.
Detection Range
Any thermal scope can only detect heat at a particular distance related to magnification. The scope’s most fantastic and effective range will depend on this distance. Thus, finding it first and foremost is advised before thinking about magnification.
Refresh Rate
The fact that thermal scopes have quite advanced computers inside them is one of their fantastic features. This indicates that you can select from various reticles designed for different situations on most of them. Choose an optic with a reticle or set of reticles you enjoy using when shopping.
Resolution
The scope’s resolution is significant, just as the resolution of your phone, computer, or television screen. The resolution measures how many pixels are visible to you in the viewfinder; the higher the resolution, the more detail should be rendered.
However, going higher in resolution also raises the scope’s costs, so striking a balance is essential to choosing a scope that fits your needs and budget. Related to this, some individuals want their scopes to be able to connect to Wi-Fi.
It makes sense to be able to connect your thermal riflescope to the internet if, for example, you wish to document your hog hunting experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Thermal Night Vision Scope
1) Can I use a thermal scope to go hunting?
Generally, it is forbidden to use thermal viewers and scopes to pursue game species like deer or turkeys. However, most states permit their use for non-game species like coyotes or raccoons.
You’ll need to check the hunting laws in your state to determine if they expressly forbid it. It’s a good idea to verify with your local game warden because they fall into a gray area.
2) Which thermal sight brand is the best?
Although there are several high-quality brands available, most European brands only offer thermal sights or what is known as clip-on components, which are meant to be used with a conventional riflescope.
Although quality varies, Russian and Southeast European units often have a potent combination of rangefinding riflescopes and handhelds. Then there are American companies like Trijicon and Burris that sell thermals comparable to those used by the military.
3) What do the actual resolution measurements for sensors and displays mean?
What a great question. For thermal devices, a few distinct resolution equations are typically stated. When receiving a thermal image, one evaluates the sensor’s or interface’s sensitivity. The sensor receives more detail if the numbers are higher.
That’s typically a result of high-quality parts and a wide objective lens. Look for a sensor resolution of around 640 by 480 pixels in higher-quality devices. Display sensitivity is another thing you should pay attention to.
That indicates how much detail will be shown on the device’s screen. You’ll notice better contrast and detail as the number increases. A 1064×748 resolution offers excellent visibility.
4) Can thermal rifle scopes be used outside during the day?
The military, law enforcement, and hunters have all used thermal imaging equipment for various daytime operations.
5) How durable are thermal scopes?
If properly maintained, thermal scopes can last a whole lifetime. Whatever you pay for, you get. Expect lifetime warranties and a customer service number where you can contact a live person if a problem arises at the top end of the price range.
Most businesses that produce the highest-end models also serve as military contractors, which is quite beneficial for the quality of the optics.
Conclusion
The best thermal night vision scopes and handheld viewers have become more affordable and available daily.
You might not think you need one of these tools unless you can see through the shadows and detect heat signs several hundred yards away in the field. You’ll want one to see what is happening around you in the dark once they have revealed all the night’s hidden mysteries.
Any thermal optic you purchase requires a significant financial commitment. Considering your specific plans for using the optic while keeping these qualities in mind is a good idea. To purchase one that will help you achieve your shooting objectives while out in the field, you must find a balance between all of them.
However, not all thermals are made equal. In general, you get what you pay for, with the more costly devices having more modes and capabilities than most users typically need. At the same time, the less expensive machines lack some essential features.