Best High-End Thermal Scopes

1) Pulsar Trail 2 LRF Thermal Riflescope

The Pulsar Trail 2 LRF Thermal Riflescope is made with a highly sensitive thermal imaging NETD <40 mK sensor that has a 1970-yd detection range and 8x digital zoom. The 640x480px resolution works together with the variable 2-16x magnification to produce a richly contrasted wide field of view and quick target acquisition.

It features an integrated laser rangefinder that is able to capture and display target distances accurately, within ±1 m, up to 1000 meters. This laser rangefinder takes measurements in two modes: single-time measurement as well as scanning mode, which allows the user to adjust quickly to changing distances for better shot placement

Key features

• It uses an 8-hr rechargeable battery supply
• It features a stream vision app that you can use to connect the scope to a smart device for remote viewing and streaming
• It features an integrated laser rangefinder
• It uses a high-resolution 640×480 thermal imaging sensor
• It has a high recoil resistance rating: 12 Gauge, 9.3×64, .375H&H shock resistance
• It has built-in video & sound recording
• The scope features 3 types of zeroing parameters memorization

Pros

• It detects up to 1800 Meters Away
• It is IPX7 fully waterproof and can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes

Cons

• Pricey

2) ATN ThOR 4 2.5-25x50mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope

ATN ThOR 4 2.5-25x50mm Thermal Vision Smart HD Rifle Scope is a revolutionary device that offers you 4th Generation dual core thermal sensor technology at an affordable price. The scope is made with high-quality features, such as the ultra-sensitive HD thermal sensor that allows you to view and record video simultaneously.

This Thermal scope has an ergonomic design that is ideal for a number of applications. For example, it features a ballistics calculator that makes using the scope easy. This helps with range, multiple-weapon profile, angle to target, temperature, and humidity calculation for accurate long-range shots.

The scope has an ultra-sensitive Next Gen sensor that captures crisp clear images at the furthest ranges with improved resolution, higher sensitivity, and smooth gradations even in total darkness.

Key features

• It has a ballistic calculator for accurate shots each and every time
• It features dual-stream video recording that streams to your mobile device at HD resolution and while at the same time recording to the SD card inside
• It has an ultra-low power profile for prolonged battery life
• It has a waterproof rating / IP rating
• It features an ultra-sensitive Gen 4 640×480 Thermal Sensor
• It is Wifi and Bluetooth 4.1 compatible with iOS and Android
• It features a smart range finder and ballistic calculator

Pros

• It is backed by a 3-year warranty
• It is easy to use

Cons

• It is a bit heavy

3) AGM Global Vision Python TS75-640 3x75mm Long Range Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope

The AGM Global Vision Python Riflescope is designed to provide you with clean, crisp thermal imaging that will help you see through smoke, fog, or light fog. The scope is made with weatherproofing features that allow using 24 hours a day in any weather conditions without issue.

This AGM Python 3x75mm Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is built with precision top wheel focus and an ergonomic body, making it easy to operate and resistant to heavy recoil. It comes with 5 zeroing profiles, hence you can calibrate it automatically on your own after a single shot.

The scope has an auto-calibration feature that allows you to save different settings for different scenarios.

Key features

• It is made of high-quality materials
• It is designed with a FLIR Tau 2 17?m pitch thermal sensor
• It has a lightweight and robust design
• The scope has a manually adjustable eyepiece and objective lens
• It offers a real-time display with multiple color palettes
• It has a digital zoom of 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x
• It offers multiple reticle patterns
• It allows wireless remote control with your device
• It comes with an external Wi-Fi module
• It features integral MIL-STD-1913 rails for optional accessories

Pros

• It is waterproof
• It is easy to operate
• It is supported by a limited 3-Year warranty

Cons

• It has a fixed power magnification

4) ATN ThOR 4 4-40x75mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope

ATN ThOR 4 4-40x75mm Thermal Vision Smart HD Rifle Scope features an ergonomic design that offers you a Gen 4 dual-core thermal sensor technology at an affordable price. It is quite reliable, with the advantage of an ultra-sensitive HD thermal sensor that lets you view and record video simultaneously.

The ATN ThOR 4 2.5-25x Gen 4 Scope features a suite of new, intuitive applications such as a ballistics calculator that helps with easy target acquisition.

Key features

• It has an ultra-sensitive Gen 4 640×480 Thermal Sensor
• It allows the recording of video onto a MicroSD card
• It offers Wifi and Bluetooth 4.1 compatibility with iOS and Android
• It features a smart range finder for range estimation
• It features a ballistic calculator
• It has a 3D GS7 Gyroscope, 3D Accelerometer, and 3D Magnetometer
• It has a GPS for geotagging and tracking elevation

Pros

• It has a smooth zoom
• It is backed by a 3-year limited warranty

Cons

• It is pricey

5) Trijicon Electro Optics REAP-IR Type 3 60mm Thermal Rifle Scope

This Trijicon Thermal Riflescope is made with a combination of features, such as reliable optical imaging technology, in a small, rugged design. The scope is engineered and manufactured to exacting specs that ensure long-lasting, world-class performance in harsh conditions.

The REAP-IR mini thermal riflescope is a powerful thermal riflescope that gives you the power to easily engage targets regardless of the lighting conditions. It features a state-of-the-art 640×480, 12-micron thermal image sensor that provides superior image quality in any lighting condition.

Also included in the scope is a redesigned electronic hardware and a new digital thumbstick that helps improve system response and enables the use of external USB power sources and digital video recorders.

Key features

• The scope is designed, constructed, and tested to MIL-STD-810G
• It offers 640×480 resolution which is 4 times as many pixels as competing for 320 systems
• It has a 12-micron pixel pitch that has a smaller footprint than competing 17-micron systems
• It has a 60 Hz Frame rate for improved clarity of moving images
• It uses a manual focus adjustment
• It has an improved digital thumb stick for faster system response
• It has a USB-C port that allows the use of external power sources
• It features a top-loading battery compartment
• It has a 1.75x-8x digital zoom

Pros

• It is durable
• Long battery life

Cons

• It is pricey

6) Pulsar Thermion XG50 Thermal Rifle Scope

Pulsar Thermion XG50 3-24×42 thermal Rifle Scope is the perfect scope for any modern shooter. The scope combines 640×480 micro-bolometer strength with 12-micron pixel detail to offer a 2,400-yard thermal detection range in stunning clarity. This is displayed on the 1024×768 AMOLED display.

The XG50 scope offers an 8x digital zoom and picture-in-picture, ideal for varmint, hog, or big-game hunting in virtually any environment. It also comes with the highly-sought BAE sensor with color palettes and built-in recording with audio, for capturing and keeping memories.

Other features include Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with the Stream Vision App, recoil activation, 13 variable electronic reticles, 5 rifle profiles, and a one-shot zeroing freeze function.

Key features

• It offers a 2,400 yd. detection range with 640×480 microbolometer strength
• It has an 8x digital zoom for continuous zoom and stepped zoom
• It features a BAE sensor and a rechargeable battery pack
• It has a stadiametric rangefinder plus rock, forest, and identification viewing modes
• It has a stream vision app that connects scope to a smart device
• It allows one-shot zeroing with a freeze function
• It has color viewing modes
• It has a high-resolution AMOLED display

Pros

• It is external-power-supply-adaptable
• Durable

Cons

• It requires some expertise to use

Choosing the Best High-End Thermal Scopes

Durability

Buying one of the best high-end scopes should not be done in a rush. You need to check that the scope is made of durable materials that will last you a long time regardless of the conditions of use.

It is also advisable that the scope be fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.

Magnification

If you intend to use your thermal scope for long-distance hunting/shooting, you should choose one that has a high magnification. Most high-end thermal scopes have variable magnification that allows you to engage targets at varying ranges.

Battery Life

All thermal scopes are powered by batteries, but the battery life differs from one model to the other. The best high-end scopes are expensive enough to ensure that you have a long battery life; of at least 10 hours.

Detection Range

Being the most expensive thermal scopes, high-end scopes should be able to give you a long detection of more than 1000 yards, although the detection range differs from one model to the other.

Reticle Patterns

One of the best features of high-end thermal scopes is the multiple reticle options they offer. This allows you to choose the reticle most suitable for your current shooting need.  The reticles also have varying color options to increase your shooting accuracy even on dark nights.

Refresh Rate

Refresh rate refers to how frequently a scope refreshes the image. This is also an important feature to consider when choosing a thermal scope. A thermal scope with a constant refresh rate makes it easy for you to notice any target movement. The ideal refresh rate is 60 Hertz or more.

Final Thoughts

It is one thing to buy a thermal scope and it is a totally different thing to own one of these high-end thermal scopes. These are made by professionals with top-notch features to ensure that your hunt does not stop as soon as the sun goes down.

The best high-end scopes are made with the hunter in mind, ensuring that you get value for the amount you spend.