Best Thermal Scopes & Top 10 Best Thermal Scopes Review

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Thermal scopes are a complicated and advanced piece of equipment, there is no doubt about that. There is no product that can do what they do. They aren’t night vision but something else entirely and, in many ways, better.

When you’re looking for a great thermal scope you want to focus on getting a solid scope at a good price that does exactly what you want it to do, and no more. There is no need to pay for other features you may not need.

For this reason, I’ve focused on looking at the best thermal scopes at varying price points with a range of different features to give you some options for your particular use.

I’ve been using and testing some of the best scopes for years and hope my experience can help you find a good thermal scope for your needs.

Before I get into the actual reviews and comparing the scopes, let me first answer some common questions about thermal optics I find many people have.

Short on time? These are my top picks for the Best Thermal Scopes!

1. Trijicon Reap-IR 35-3 Thermal Riflescope
2. ATN Thor LT Thermal Rifle Scope
3. Pulsar Thermion Thermal Riflescope
4. AGM Global Vision Rattler TS25-384
5. ATN THOR 4 Thermal Scope
6. Pulsar Trail 2 LRF Thermal Riflescope
7. Burris BTS 35 Thermal Riflescope
8. AGM Python TS50-640 Thermal Scope
9. JSHW Thermal Night Vision Scope
10. ATN OPMOD Thor LT 160 3-6X Thermal Riflescope

What does a thermal scope do?

Where night vision amplifies existing light, a thermal scope needs no light to see. Without some kind of booster on the sight, a night vision scope would be as blind as any other rifle scope. Thermal would still see perfectly well in that complete darkness.

This is because thermal relies on the heat that is radiated from a target. Most thermal scopes can pick this heat up at very long distances. No matter light levels, time of day, terrain, and even soft cover, thermal will still see its target.

They have far more range than night vision in general. Even the best night vision scopes will be out-ranged by a budget thermal scope. This is not to say that night vision is pointless, just different. Both have their uses.

Can you use a thermal scope during the day?

One of the primary advantages of a thermal scope over night vision is that it works the same during the day as it does in complete darkness. Even if temperatures are hotter than the target you are shooting, they can still be effective. You are looking for differences in heat rather than the hottest thing out there.

How much is a thermal scope?

Thermal scopes aren’t cheap with such advanced technology behind them. You would be hard-pressed to ever find a decent thermal scope that cost less than a thousand dollars. Some go much higher and can reach prices in the $8,000 range.

Most of your most popular weapon based thermal scopes are in the $2000-$5000 dollar range. This is still very costly but just 15 years ago, these were selling at new car prices. If you are willing and able to make this investment, you will have one of the coolest and advanced pieces of shooting gear imaginable.

Is Thermal better than night vision?

As I briefly discussed above, there is no clear winner to this question. Both have some advantages but generally for hunting, thermal is more popular when you can afford it. Here are some advanatges of each:

Night Vision

• More Affordable
• More Available
• Shows Terrain Better

Thermal

• Shows Living Targets Better
• More Range
• Can be Used in Daylight and Darkness

I like both technologies personally and have used both. But if I had to choose just one for hunting it would be thermal. I am more familiar with it and find it easier to hunt with. This is a personal opinion but one that I will stand by.

As an aside, both night vision scopes and thermal scopes require special targets to sight them in. A thermal target needs to have some method of generating thermal radiation to work with the scope.

I included a great video below on how to make your own thermal target and tips for quickly zeroing a thermal scope.

What brands are considered the top tier optics for thermal?

There are several great brands of thermal optics on the market. Very few companies have made the full investment into being able to manufacture something so costly and in such a niche market. Hopefully, this will change soon and drive prices down even further.

FLIR is one of the most prominent companies making thermal optics. Most of their products are used for industrial, government and law enforcement purposes but they have turned out several great optics for hunters. They focus more on thermal monoculars for hunters rather than thermal rifle scopes but I would consider this to be a premier brand of thermal optics.

ATN is another great company with a long reputation for producing night vision scopes. They have turned their hands to making thermal optics as well and made several scopes that are very nice. I would consider them to be the midrange and with some of the most popular models.

Trijicon has been making exceptional optics since 1981 and are based in Wixom, Michigan. Many people know them for the ACOG prismatic telescopic sights they first developed for U.S. Special Operations for use on the M16 and M4 carbine rifles. They have a variety of sights and scopes available and more recently have developed a solid line of thermal optics.

Both Pulsar and Armasight make good products. They are not as widely used or as popular but they are likely to become so. Pulsar in particular has some really nice models I’m impressed with, especially for the price. They are on par with the other two brands in most respects but have not been as proven. They need a few more years of fieldwork before they can be considered the equal of FLIR and ATN but still offer very strong performance.

JSHW , Burris and AGM are also very good manufacturers and should be considered for a well-made thermal scope at a decent price point. These are solid brands that I think will continue to release more options for thermal optics in the future.

Should you buy a cheap thermal scope?

If you find someone selling a thermal new for less than a grand, you should be very cautious. Sometimes older models can be marked down from the above manufacturers and you’ll catch a sale.

You’ll find several good options I listed below that fall into this lower price point by quality manufacturers like ATN and Pulsar, but in general, most high quality thermal scopes will be in the $2000 or above range.

The money you spend on even a budget thermal would be a huge investment. I would want to wait until I knew I was getting a quality product worthy of that kind of investment before I shelled out the money.

Hopefully, in the next 10 years, prices will drop far more. They have dropped thousands in the last decade. Maybe by the end of the next, an inexpensive thermal will be available that is really worth spending the money on.

Best Thermal Scopes – Updated for 2022

Here are what I consider to be the 10 best choices for thermal scopes for all budgets.

When reviewing and comparing these rifle scopes I considered build quality, ease of use, day and night image quality, sensor resolution, display resolution, refresh rate, detection range, video recording and photo capabilities, reticle options, weight, battery type/life as well as the price and warranty.

Let’s get to it!

  1   Trijicon Reap-IR 35-3 Thermal Riflescope – BEST UNDER $8000

The Trijicon Reap-IR 35- has fantastic image quality with a compact and lightweight design backed by a strong warranty. It comes with what I think are the most important features for most shooters. It’s built by a manufacturer with a rock solid reputation with optics for U.S Special Operations.

The bottom line? It’s one of the best thermal scopes on the market, but it comes at a hefty price.

Both the Reap-IR and IR-Hunter thermal scopes were upgraded by Trijicon to provide an even more reliable optic with improved features.

They have made noticeable improvements on the system response and added a new manual focus adjustment on the 60mm versions which helps to really improve image quality at vaired distances.

The build quality is very solid and has been upgraded to 7075 aluminum with a noticeable slimmer profile from previous versions.

Another change I’m a fan of is the top loading battery compartments for much quicker battery access as well as the inclusion of a USB-C connector so you can add an external battery pack.

The scope has a 640×480 resolution for both the sensor and display with an image refresh rate of 60 frames per second, which just means you will have the image refreshed more frequently for better image quality compared to a 30Hz refresh rate.

Five preloaded reticles including MRAD, MOA, .223 BDC, .308 BDC, and 300BLK BDC give you the versitilty to find what works best for your particular situation or what you’re most comfortable with.

One of my favorite options included with this thermal scope is the edge detect viewing mode. On those night hunts when you need to look through the scope for several hours it’s easy to to lose your night vision. The edge detect is great for saving your night vision by giving you a white outline of your target without viewing the typical bright image for extended periods.

If you’re into shooting video of your hunts, then one downside is there is no built-in video recording capability with this scope. There is however the ability to attach an external video recording device via the RS-170 video output, so if that’s important to you, just be aware.

Two standard CR123 lithium batteries will give you about 4 hours of life which is a bit low but the plus is the option to use an external battery pack, so in my opinion it’s not an issue.

The scope has a standard 1.75 magnification with 8x digital zoom. Digital zoom can sometimes be problematic as it takes an image of the object through the viewfinder and then magnifies it, as opposed to optical zoom which zooms first and then captures the image; however, almost all thermal scopes use digital zoom.

I think this is a solid scope with all the features most of us really need and none of the distractions from features you may rarely, if ever use. The biggest obstacle with this thermal scope compared to others like the ATN Thor 4 is going to be price.

While it’s not inexpensive, it’s a well built scope that is compact and lightweight with exceptional thermal imaging you can count on from a company with a long history providing the U.S. military with outstanding optics.

If price is not a factor for you, this scope is a very dependable option.

Pros:

• Made In USA
• Top Loading Battery
• 640×480 Resolution Thermal Sensor
• 12 Micron Pixel Pitch
• Lightweight & Compact

Cons:

• Price
• No Built-In Video Recording Capability

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  2   ATN Thor LT Thermal Rifle Scope – BEST BUDGET

ATN scopes are often considered some of the best on the market because of their simplistic design and functionality, and the ATN Thor LT is no different. That’s what makes the ATN Thor LT thermal scope hard to beat for the price.

Let’s dive into why.

First, the ATN Thor LT is the most simple and affordable option for thermal scopes that doesn’t sacrifice any functional features. We’ll include some of the more advanced options later in this list, but if you want a thermal scope that doesn’t break the bank and can live without some of the “extras”, you can’t go wrong with the ATN Thor LT.

One of the first things to consider is the sensor resolution. You can choose between the 160×120 pixels or the 320×240 pixels. Why does it matter? The higher the resolution the better the image quality.

While both of these are lower than the sensor resolution of the more expensive ATN Thor 4 for example, this lighter version of the ATN Thor still has respectable image quality.

In comparison, the big brother ATN Thor 4 starts with a sensor resolution of 384×288 so the ATN Thor LT isn’t far off with it’s 320×240 model. Of course you can save more if you choose the lower 160×120 sensor. Just keep in mind this is something that affects image quality as well as cost.

This scope has a one-shot zero reticle feature that makes zeroing in on your target very easy. Just adjust the zero reticle down to the location after you’ve made your point of impact.

White hot and black hot modes are included with this scope. As you look through the viewfinder, objects will be white hot or black hot, depending on your setting. This gives you the option to use the setting that works best for you and the conditions in which you are hunting.

White hot is best for hunting animals because their thermal temperature will appear white in front of a dark background. Black hot is best when you want to scan your surroundings to see where inanimate objects are located. This is the most basic thermal technology and is sometimes really all you need when hunting.

The battery life of the ATN Thor LT is 10 hours with a solid aluminium-alloy construction and it’s weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it becoming damaged while in the elements.

It’s not a negative, but keep in mind, if you’re looking for all the bells and whistles like video, ballistics, WiFi/bluetooth, streaming etc., this is not the scope for you. You would need to look at something more like the ATN Thor 4 (below) for all of those extra features.

This scope is for shooters who don’t care about all of those “extras” and prefer a solid no frills thermal scope at a good price point.

Pros:

• Low Price
• Build Quality
• One Shot Zero
• Multiple Reticles
• Long Battery Life
• Ease Of Use

Cons:

• Not Good For Long Range
• No Frills (Video recording, ballistics, streaming, rangefinder)

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  3   Pulsar Thermion Thermal Riflescope – BEST FOR COYOTE & HOGS

It’s no surprise that we added more than one Pulsar to our list. They make some of the best thermal scopes, and I wanted to include one of their higher-priced options on our list for those who may want to spend the extra money for more features.

At the heart of this scope is an image sensor with 640×480 resolution, 12 pixel pitch core and a frame rate of 50Hz which makes for fantastic image quality. They use the same BAE thermal image sensor that Trijicon uses. You’re getting top of the line image quality with this scope.

It has a 3-24 magnification and the image distortion is minimal all the way out to 24x magnification. Keep in mind with thermal scopes, every time you double your magnification you cut your image resolution in half. The Pulsar does a really good job though at minimizing image distortion when increasing magnification.

While black hot and white hot color spots are completely effective color spots for thermal scopes, additional options make heat signatures more intense and vivid. The Pulsar Thermion has included additional color spots in this scope, including red hot, rainbow, ultramarine, violet, red, monochrome, and sepia so that you can use the exact color spot for intensity and eye protection.

One of the most technologically advanced features of the Pulsar Thermion includes the video and still-photo recording options. This is a great option to have if you want to go back and review the footage of your object before, during, and after you took your shot.

This feature also helps you dial in your scope to see if you were using the best setting or if there’s something you need to change for next time. Not to mention you can share the footage of your kill with friends and family, too. It includes 16GB of internal memory that is equipped to handle the recoil during each shot.

It also comes equipped with Wi-Fi technology so that you can use your smartphone as a second display for the scope. Just download the Stream Vision application to your smartphone and connect your scope.

Like most thermal scopes, the Pulsar Thermion has a variable digital zoom that magnifies up to 8x while maintaining a clear, high-definition image through the reticle.

Pulsar has protected the Thermion thermal scope with a design that allows it to be submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. It is IPX7 waterproof rated, so it will last in wet, rainy, or snowy conditions without failing.

As far as recoil goes, it is recoil rated up to 6,000 Joules for calibers up to .375 H&H and 12-gauge and 9.3x64mm cartridges.

While it’s pricier than many options, it also has more bells and whistles and fantastic image quality due to the larger 640×480 resolution, 12 pixel pitch and the BAE thermal image sensor. I love the rechargeable batteries as well,

What I don’t like?

There’s actually not a lot I don’t like about this scope. I guess the biggest thing would be the price but compared to others in this price range, you get a lot with the Thermion for the big price tag.

My one additional piece of advice I could offer would be to get a good mount. If you’re going to invest this much in a scope don’t buy a cheap mount. I like the AD-RECON mounts by American Defense but any good mount will do.

Pros:

• BAE Sensor
• 640×480 Resolution Thermal Sensor
• 12 Micron Pixel Pitch
• 2400 Yard Detection Range
• Built-In Video, Audio & Photo Recording
• Rechargeable Batteries

Cons:

• Price

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  4   AGM Global Vision Rattler TS25-384 – BEST COMPACT

The AGM Global Vision Rattler TS25-384 Compact Thermal Scope is a great thermal scope for short/medium range thermal imaging. It will zoom up to 8x magnification with a detection range up to 650 yards.

You don’t want to use this thermal scope for long-distance shots or anything measured over 350 yards. Likewise, it’s a great scope for calibers up to .308. However, the recoil of any caliber larger than .308 has the potential to damage the scope.

It has a 384 × 288 resolution thermal sensor and 17 micron processor so you’re going to get good overal image quality. Keep in mind, you can use this mounted on a rifle, or as a handheld monocular which is very nice for tracking.

It contains four different color palettes for you to choose from: white hot, black hot, red hot, and fusion. The white hot and black hot color palettes are similar to others that are comparable. The thermal detection will light the object white when it senses heat, and it will light inanimate objects black.

The red hot color palette will use red to illuminate objects that have heat. The hotter the object, the redder the object will glow. Finally, the fusion color palette uses white to illuminate the hottest part of the object and purple to illuminate the coolest part.

Two CR123 batteries are required for the thermal scope. These two batteries provide 4.5 hours of continuous operation time. You can connect an external 5v battery pack with a USB connector for extended use.

It also includes Wi-Fi for you to live-stream your hunts and take photos or videos and only weighs about 1 pound so it makes for a nice light compact scope for a decent price.

Pros:

• Price
• 384×288 Resolution Thermal Sensor
• Four Different Color Palettes
• Can Use External Battery Pack
• Built-In Video Recording, Photo & Streaming
• Lightweight & Compact

Cons:

• Not Good For Long Range
• Larger Calibers Can Cause Recoil Damage

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  5   ATN THOR 4 –  BEST FOR HUNTING

This is an optic I truly love for one reason. Most thermal optics are bulky and overly large. They look like a camera and not a scope. ATN has remedied that with one of the best lightweight optics available and for a rather reasonable price.

This scope mounts with standard rings and costs under that 2 grand mark. You get a lot for that money but you will lose a little for the more budget model scope you are getting. The notable loss is in resolution. This scope has a 384×288 resolution which is the lowest you could go without moving up to their 640×480 sensor but then the price goes up substantially as well.

Beyond that, everything is quite good. It has a very sensitive sensor that picks up heat well and can display it in multiple pallets just like the other ATN. It has selectable reticles and really excels at shots more in the 200-300 yard range with its 1-5x magnification.

It does do video and can connect on Wi-Fi but that isn’t the shining star. The one thing to truly love about this scope is its ballistic computer. It has modes to account for different loads and can factor in temperature, altitude, range, wind, and angle to get a perfect shot. Not to mention it is quite durable and has an impressive 18 hour run time.

Pros:

• 384×288 Resolution Thermal Sensor
• Ballistic Calculator & Rangefinder
• Built-In Video Recording & Streaming 
• Long 18 Hour Battery Life
• Lightweight & Non-Bulky Design

Cons:

• Smaller 384×288 Sensor (Obviously not as sharp as the 640×480 sensor but good enough for most)

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  6   Pulsar Trail 2 LRF Thermal Riflescope

The Pulsar Trail 2 LRF Thermal Riflescope is similar to the Thermion model. It has many of the same aspects, including the IPX7 waterproof rating, Wi-Fi capability, and picture-in-picture.

One of the main differences between this model and the Thermion model is the built-in rangefinder that you can see attached to the side of the scope. The built-in rangefinder is a convenient feature to have so that you don’t have to carry additional equipment in your bag, or on your person as you’re hunting. The rangefinder gives an accurate reading of +/- 1m within 1,000 meters.

The thermal sight detects heat signatures up to 1,800 meters or nearly 2,000 yards away. Like the Thermion model, it has different color schemes you can choose from when detecting body temperature.

It uses digital variable magnification up to 8x, and you can choose between 2x step-up magnification or smooth magnification to accurately dial in your shot.

If you’re torn between the Pulsar Thermion and the Pulsar Trail 2 LRF, then the built-in rangefinder may tip the scale. Ultimately, these two thermal scopes are very similar, with the built-in rangefinder being the main difference between the two.

Make sure you watch which model you’re purchasing depending on if you want the 640×480 or 384×288 resolution. Keep in mind the higher the resolution the better the image quality but at an increased cost.

Pros:

• 384×288 Resolution Thermal Sensor
• Built-In Video Recording & Streaming
• Laser Rangefinder
• Multiple Reticle Patterns
• Long Battery Life
• Lightweight & Compact

Cons:

• Price

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  7   Burris BTS 35 Thermal Riflescope

This may be the most customizable thermal scope on our list. You have ten reticles and seven different color palettes to choose from. The different color palettes allow you to choose the best color for the condition you’re hunting in.

You can also choose the best reticle option as well. This is a neat feature to have because you can choose the best reticle to dial in your shot, specific to what you’re hunting for. Each reticle has various hash marks that can make it easy to dial in your shot.

You can also adjust the contrast and brightness of the image through the scope, which is just another reason why this thermal scope is highly customizable.

It includes similar features to comparable models, like picture-in-picture, hot tracking, and magnification. It can magnify up to 9.2x, which makes it one of the strongest magnifying thermal scopes available.

I like the Burris BTS 35 thermal scope because of how customizable it is. You can essentially adjust the scope to suit all of your hunting needs. The price is decent for all of the features and image quality you can expect from this scope.

If you’re looking for a compact thermal scope, I like this as well as the AGM Global Vision Rattler above.

Pros:

• 400×300 Resolution Thermal Sensor
• Heat Tracking Technology
• 10 Reticles
• 7 Color Palettes
• 9.2x Magnification

Cons:

• No Built In Video Recording (Video Output Included)

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  8   AGM Python TS50-640 Thermal Scope

The AGM Python TS50-640 is designed with a FLIR Tau 2 17μm pitch thermal sensor. The FLIR Tau 2 creates a crystal clear image when looking through the viewfinder. It will be hard to beat the Python if you want a thermal scope that gives you the clearest image possible.

You can manually adjust the eyepiece and the objective lens on the scope, which is just another of the many reasons that the Python thermal scope is arguably the clearest thermal scope on the market in my opinion.

Like similar models, you can choose different color palettes and different reticles on this scope. As most thermal scopes do, it also has 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x digital zoom. You can’t really get away from digital zoom on thermal scopes.

Fortunately, technology has evolved and makes digital zoom as clear as possible without losing clarity the more you zoom.

The Python is waterproof and powers on quickly which is important when you’re hunting. It’s also pretty easy to add aditional capabilities such as a Wi-Fi module and external video recorder or monitor.

In addition, it has about 4.5 hours of battery life but you can easily connect an external battery pack.

While AGM is a newer player to the consumer thermal market, they have some innovative products and this scope is no exception. It’s full of features and with the 640×512 resolution and the FLIR thermal sensor, it’s a strong performer worth considering.

Pros:

• 640×512 Resolution Thermal Sensor
• FLIR 17 Micron Pixel Pitch Sensor
• Multiple Color Palettes & Reticles
• Can Connect External Battery
• External Video and WiFi Capable

Cons:

• Price
• No Built In Video Recording (Video Output Included)
• No One Shot Zero

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  9   JSHW Thermal Night Vision Scope

While this is not one my my favorite thermal optics, it’s a decent budget friendly option to consider. The JSHW thermal night vision scope has upgradable lenses which can be useful, but before we get to the upgrades, let’s talk about what this thermal scope has out of the box.

It has an ultra-high quality 1024×768 LCD you can see when looking through the comfortable and extendable focal lens. The detector resolution is a high-definition 384×288 uncooled infrared focal plane.

It comes with a crystal clear viewpoint straight out of the box with four color palettes. The four color palettes are rainbow, hot metal, white heat, and black heat. It includes hot spot tracking and can magnify up to 4x, similar to many comparable models.

As far as quality goes, the JSHW has pretty solid contruction and can withstand temperatures as cold as 14°F and as hot as 131°F. It is also waterproof and shockproof as you would expect.

I did like that you can easily upgrade the lenses if they become worn or scratched over time, or if you prefer to change to a larger size. This is a good starter or beginner scope in a budget friendly price range.

Pros:

• Low Price
• 384×288 Resolution Thermal Sensor
• Upgradable Lenses

Cons:

• No Track Record In The Market

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 10 ATN OPMOD Thor LT 160 3-6x – BEST UNDER $1000

The last scope on our list is the ATN OPMOD Thor LT 160 3-6x Thermal Riflescope exclusivesly at Optics Planet. I would normally say that I would be skeptical of any thermal scope under $1000 but this scope is an exception.

ATN has basically taken their popular Thor LT and made some modifications to their 3-6x model with Optics Planet to get the price down even further.

Let’s be clear, this is a quality thermal scope but it doesn’t have a bunch of bells and whistles like video or a ballistic calculator like you would find on the ATN Thor 4. If you’re ok with that and just want a great performing scope at a nice price point, then you’ll want to consider the ATN Thor LT 160 3-6x.

One of the things I like about this scope is that it’s compact and ultra-lightweight but still made with a hardened aluminum alloy construction. One of the downsides of some thermal scopes is the increased size and weight. It may not seem like much but the extra weight adds up when your lugging the scope and your rifle around for awhile.

You’ll still have all the features your used to seeing on the ATN Thor LT with a few slight modifications. This scope is using the 160×120 sensor with a 3-6x magnification and a 1280×720 HD display. It has white hot /black hot modes, multiple reticles patterns and colors, one shot zero, 10+ hours of battery life and is weather and recoil resistant.

So how does Optics Planet modify this scope?

For one, the ATN OPMOD Thor LT includes a brand new reticle, the ultra fast 68 MOA circle dot reticle for faster target aqusistion. This reticle is only on this new modified version from Optics Planet.

They also added ATN’s Quick Detach Mount which normally costs $99 but it’s inlcuded on this OPMOD model.

In additon, the modified version comes with “OPMOD” on the body of the unit as well as some free kit items like a scope cover, lens tissue, eyecup and USB-C cable.

This is a nice lightweight well built thermal scope for hog or coyote hunting that gives you the main things you need at a very good price. The only real cons are, it doesn’t have features like multiple color modes outside of white hot/black hot, video, photos, or a larger sensor, but you’re also not paying for those things.

Pros:

• Low Price
• New 68 MOA Circle Dot Reticle
• Quick Detach Mount Included
• Long Battery Life
• Lightweight & Compact

Cons:

• Smaller 160×120 Sensor
• No Additional Color Modes

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How To Zero A Thermal Scope

The process for zeroing a thermal scope is not that different than zeroing a traditional rifle scope but your targets will need to change.

There are some companies that sell targets specifically for use with thermal scopes and other night vision scopes but you can easily make your own.

When zeroing you still adjust your elevation and windage and chase your impacts just like a traditional rifle scope. However, unlike a traditional scope, I would suggest you start at a closer range and zero in small steps. Consider zeroing every 50 yards until you reach the range you desire.

Check out this useful video on how to quickly make your own target using cardboard and foil tape and some tips on how to zero your thermal scope.

Thermal Scope Buying Guide:

Thermal optics are not cheap and they come with lots of bells and whistles. When you’re shopping for a thermal scope, first think about how you will most likely use it and what type of firearm you’re mounting it on.

What features do you really need and what can you probably do without. Like with any complicated electronic device, the more features you have the more you can expect to pay for it.

Let’s look at what you really need as well as some of the extra features available.

Sensor & Scope Resolution

This is one of the most important things to look at when buying a thermal scope as it will greatly affect the clarity and price.

Resolution just means how clearly you can see the little details in an image. Many people don’t realize that when you’re looking at the resolution on a thermal scope, it’s not just the display resolution of the scope itself but also the resolution of the thermal sensor that’s important.

That’s why when you look at any of the thermal scopes by ATN Corp, you’ll notice the first choice they give you is to choose your thermal sensor resolution. You may have a high display resolution but choose a lower thermal sensor resolution and you’ll end up with an image that isn’t as sharp.

In addition, if you plan on using the video recording feature on some scopes you’ll also want to look at the video recording resolution which will affect the sharpness of your recordings.

As noted, a higher thermal sensor resolution is one of the things that will greatly affect the image sharpness but it will also add significantly to the cost. You should seek a balance between how you intend to use the scope, the resolution needed and your budget, to find what best fits your needs.

How Much Magnification Do You Need?

Magnification on a scope does exactly what it sounds like. It magnifies or enlarges distant objects so they are easier to identify than with the naked eye.

When deciding on the magnification you’ll need, first ask yourself how you plan to use your thermal scope. Will you be using it for predator hunting, scouting, or home defense? In general, a thermal scope is not going to need high levels of magnification compared to a long range rifle scope.

A variable magnification will allow you to vary between a lower and higher magnification such as 1-10x. Keep in mind that higher digital magnification usually results in diminished image quality.

You also will have a much better field of view with a lower magnification which allows you to better gauge the actual size of the target. Given the common uses for a thermal scope, a magnification of less than 10x is going to be good for most and usually 3x-4x magnification will do the job just fine.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate or frame rate for a thermal scope is shown as a unit of frequency in hertz (Hz), such as 30hz, 50hz, or 60hz. A higher refresh rate will allow the image to display more times per second.

Why is this important? The higher the refresh rate the better you will be able to see any movements in the scope because the scene will refresh more often per second.

This is where how you intend to use the scope is important. If you’re going to be hunting predators where there is a lot of movement, you’ll want a higher refresh rate such as 30hz or above.

In contrast, if you’re going to be using your device for surveillance you could perhaps get by with a bit lower frame rate and potential cost savings. Most good thermal hunting scopes are going to be at least 30hz and typically in the 50hz-60hz range.

Detection Range

The detection range of the scope will tell you how far the scope can detect the heat of the target. Obviously, detecting a target is not the same as being able to properly identify a target, so always confirm that the detection range listed will allow you to both detect and identify at the desired range you intend to use it.

Keep in mind that the conditions you’re using the scope in as well as the lens diameter, angle of view and objects size will also determine how far you can detect a target.

Optical Zoom or Digital Zoom?

Should you go with optical zoom or digital zoom?

An optical zoom will cost more but produces a better image. With digital zoom, you are getting magnification via the software which typically results in a reduced price but not as crisp of an image.

As with most things, it’s a trade-off. There is nothing wrong with opting for a digital zoom to save on cost but don’t just look at the big magnification numbers. It doesn’t do you any good to have 50x magnification if the image quality suffers to the point of being useless.

Some manufacturers such as Pulsar use a combination of optical magnification and digital zoom which is something you may want to consider.

Batteries

If you purchase from a reputable manufacturer to begin with, you will most likely not have any issues with batteries. Just make sure what type of batteries your thermal scope comes with.

Are they removable or non-removable? Are they rechargeable? Can you get a backup battery so you can charge one while using the other?

What is the battery life? A quality scope is going to have at least 6+ hours of operation on a single charge.

Reticle Types

The reticle is there to assist you in aiming your weapon and getting your shot on target. Many of today’s better thermal scope reticles come with multiple patterns and color options. Single Dot, Cross Hair and Mil Dot Reticles are all common, as well as different color options.

As always, consider how you plan to use your scope and if it has the type of reticle that best fits your needs. I personally like the fact that on most decent thermal scopes you have a choice of reticles and color combinations to test what you like best.

Size, Weight & Durability

Always consider the size and weight of a thermal scope as some can be rather heavy and bulky. If you’re using it for hunting and lugging it around through the woods for hours on end, that extra weight is going to matter.

Most quality scopes are going to be pretty durable but they are sensitive devices. You’ll want to make sure it’s made to be resistant to the elements and has some shock resistance.

It should also be able to withstand the recoil of the firearm you’re mounting it on. A good scope is not only going to be weather resistant and perform in very cold and hot weather conditions but will be able to withstand the recoil of a high-caliber firearm.

Check The Warranty

The length and terms of the warranty for such a complex device as a thermal scope are extremely important. That’s another reason I would suggest going with well-known and reliable manufacturers. This isn’t a purchase you want to gamble with.

In addition to the warranty, you want to make sure the manufacturer is known for having good customer service. Check reviews and read others’ experiences if this is your first time making a purchase from the company.

You should be able to return or have your scope repaired without a lot of hassle. Nothing is worse than getting the runaround after making a high-priced purchase.

Extra Features

Today’s thermal scopes offer many different features. While you don’t necessarily need all of these, some are really nice to have depending on how you intend to use the scope.

Here are just some of the features available on most quality thermal scopes.

• Wi-Fi Integration
• Bluetooth Enabled
• Video Recording
• Photo Capabilities
• Laser Rangefinder
• Ballistic Calculator
• Picture-in Picture
• Individual Shooting Profiles
• Recoil Activated Video
• Camouflage Color
• Easy Zero Capabilities

Final Thoughts

If you’re like most of us, you’re going to have a budget to work with. Of course, we all want to get everything we can in terms of features while spending the least amount necessary.

I would encourage you to first factor in how you intend to use your scope and then go through this buyer’s guide and select the must have items first. Things like resolution and magnification are critical.

Once you answer those questions for yourself you can decide what you have left for the fun features and if they are really needed, or you can get the job done without them and save the cash.

The scopes I reviewed above are easily on the top of the food chain when it comes to thermal optics. Whether you want a thermal scope for AR15 rifles or something a little larger, one of these is likely to do what you need it to do.

Be cautious of cheaper scopes and those that are unproven. This will give you a good idea of what’s on the market and what you can expect to pay to get a decent thermal scope.

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