Last Updated on March 15, 2021
The best thermal scopes are some vital weapon sights for tactical purposes. This device is also useful for hunters to aid in the detection of the game, especially for rodents, coyotes, or hog hunting. The device is a combination of a compact thermographic camera and an aiming reticle. It can be mounted on heavy weapons as well as small arms.
A thermal imaging scope absorbs heat energy and translates it into human visible colors. The sights will let you locate targets in any kind of temperature, day or night. Most thermal scopes are expensive, so you need to choose smartly according to your needs and budget that worth the money.
This article will help you pick high-performing thermal scopes from varieties of products. So, let’s get into the list and choose the best thermal scope for the money.
Top Choices
Table could not be displayed.7 Best Thermal Scopes Reviews for Thermo-hunters
01. Leupold LTO Tracker 2 HD Thermal Viewer
Leupold LTO Tracker 2 is a handheld thermal imaging system that works up to 750 yards detection range. It has a 12-inch round AMOLED display and its resolution is 390×390 pixels. This handy device allows you to see through the darkness like animal tracking, search, and rescue, or any other tasks.
The aluminum housing gives you sturdy construction with the least weight. The thermal scope can be used both day and night. For daytime use, you must activate the beacon mode first. This perfectly recalibrates your screen and makes it usable for the daytime. The built-in thermal sensor’s resolution is 320×240 pixels.
This scope has a 7x digital zoom that will help you detecting longer-distance objects. You can choose any thermal color option from six different color pallets. Its frame rate is more than 25Hz. This thermal viewer is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant.
This LTO Tracker 2 HD offers you an 18-degree field of view. You can operate this on very cold to hot temperatures from -40 to 572-degrees Fahrenheit. The device is run by a CR123A non-rechargeable battery of 3 hours runtime.
Pros:
- 7x digital zoom
- 750 yards range
- 6 color options
- 390×390 pixels screen resolution
- 320×240 pixels thermal sensor
- 25Hz frame rate
- Lightweight
- Beacon mode
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- 18-degrees FOV
- Best value thermal scopes
- Best rated thermal scope under $1000
Cons:
- Comes without batteries
- Only 3 hours of battery life
02. ATN ThOR HD 384 Smart Thermal Riflescope
ATN ThOR HD 384 is a smart thermal riflescope that uses an excellent image-performing screen 384×288. The built-in sensor catches the heat energy instead of light from objects. After that, it converts and provides a clear image of the target. You will find different versions of this ATN ThOR HD series. Here, we’re reviewing the model of 4.5-18x magnification.
This thermographic scope can be used in the day as well as in complete darkness. The built-in ballistic calculator lets you calculate the trajectory of your bullet. So, no need to remember charts and complex reticles for different environments. It helps you hit the target and improves your shot placement changing your point of impact.
The device has an integrated smart rangefinder 1500 within +/-1 yard accurately that develops your shooting skills by ranging your target distance. There you will enjoy a smooth zoom option that will allow you to magnify targets without losing FOV like step magnification’s optics.
This thermal device also features 1080p video recording with image capturing, recoil activated video (RAV), and Wi-Fi Streaming. It will help you record all your hunting trips using a phone or tablet. One more thing is that the firmware is upgradeable. The ATN optics has a 20000mah rechargeable battery pack for 22 hours of continuous use.
Pros:
- Screen resolution 384×288 pixels
- 4.5-18x magnification
- Ballistic calculator
- Smart rangefinder
- HD video and image
- GPS, RAV, and Wi-Fi streaming
- Extended battery life
- Night and day vision
- Best thermal riflescope
- Best rated thermal scope under $3000
Cons:
- Heavy optics
03. FLIR Scout TK Handheld Thermal Imager
FLIR Scout TK is a pocket-sized and handheld thermal vision monocular. This thermal imager can be used for exploring night and in lowlight conditions. This short-range monocular will help to watch your surroundings over 100 yards far. It is a great optics for personal and home security at night. This scope is very easy to use and allows you image and video recording.
The Scout TK has 8 brightness levels and the image sharpness can be adjusted through diopter. There is a built-in VOx Microbolometer detector and the display style is 640×480 LCD. The sensor’s resolution is 160×120 pixels. Its field of view is 20×16 degrees.
This FLIR thermal imager comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery, neck lanyard, USB cable, and lens cap. The battery runtime is 5 hours. This product offers 2 years warranty for FLIR’s parts and 10 years for the detector.
Pros:
- Portable pocket-sized
- 8 brightness level
- 640×480 pixels LCD
- 100 yards range
- Lightweight
- FOV 20×16-degrees
- The best mini monocular thermal scope
- The best budget thermal scope
Cons:
- Short battery runtime
- Small range
- Low refresh rate
04. ATN Thor LT Thermal Rifle Scope w/10+hrs Battery & Ultra-Low Power Consumption
ATN Thor LT Thermal Rifle Scope is ultra-low power consumption and affordable thermal riflescope. This is a one-shot zero rifle scope that comes in handy in hunting situations. The advanced heat detection sensors allow you to watch in total darkness even if there is smoke or fog. It can detect humans up to 475 yards.
This ATN scope has 3 to 6x magnification. The tube is a traditionally designed 30mm aluminum alloy. It has highly recoiled resistance to higher caliber weapons. You can operate this from -20 to 120-degrees Fahrenheit. The scope’s sensor capacity is 160 x 120 pixels, a wavelength of 17 µm, and a frame rate of 60Hz.
It is an easily mountable and lightweight device compared to average scopes. With 3 CR123A batteries, you can run the optics and the runtime is over 10 hours. Through the micros display, you can get HD viewing. The thermal scope will give you a white-hot and black-hot mode.
Pros:
- 3-6x magnification
- 30mm aluminum tube
- 475 yards human detection
- 10 hours battery runtime
- White-hot and black hot mode
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Multiple pattern reticles
- Best rated thermal scopes for coyote hunting
Cons:
- Micro screen
05. ATN ThOR-HD 640, 640×480, 19 mm, Thermal Rifle Scope
ATN ThOR-HD 640 thermal riflescope comes with all your shooting solutions. The scope uses a high-performing sensor of 640×480. Its magnification is a 5-50x and objective lens of 19mm. Like other thermal scopes, this device detects your target with its thermal detector. So, no need to worry about day or night vision.
There is a built-in ballistic calculator of 0.371 coefficient that allows you to calculate the bullet trajectory and helps you to hit the prey. The integral smart ranger will help you measuring distance that improves your shooting skills even on a benchrest.
Although the scope uses a smooth zoom, its FOV seems like a step zoom system. You will get high-resolution video recording with photos, RAV, and Wi-Fi streaming that will enhance your hunting trip enjoyment. You need 4 AA batteries to operate this device. The ATN battery pack allows you to use the device for nonstop 22 hours.
Pros:
- 5-50x smooth zoom
- 640×480 sensor resolution
- 22 hours battery runtime
- Ballistic calculator
- +/- 1 yard or less accuracy smart rangefinder
- HD video and image capture
- Best thermal riflescope under $4000
Cons:
- Pricey
06. Pulsar Core RXQ30V 1.6-6.4×22 Thermal Riflescope
The Pulsar Core RXQ30V thermal riflescope is a wonderful thermographic scope. It can detect targets up to 985 yards. The device riflescope has a microbolometer detector and its resolution is 384×288 and features 17µm pixel pitch core. It has 1.6 to 6.4 variable magnification for the customized field of view. The riflescope’s objective lens is 22mm.
The frost-resistant 640×480 AMOLED display delivers green sapphire and white-hot or black-hot viewing. This thermal scope ensures IPX7 level waterproofness. It is a one-shot zeroing with a freeze function device. The high refresh rate of 50Hz will provide you comfortable viewing.
There are 3 rifle profiles with 3 zero saves options. The quick detach mount will enable an easy on/off function. This thermal imaging scope delivers flawless performance at a higher temperature range from -13 to 122- degrees Fahrenheit.
This riflescope is run by 2- CR123A batteries. The scope box includes a carrying case, hex wrench, QD weaver or Picatinny rail, batteries, wireless remote control, hand strap, user manual, and cleaning cloth.
Pros:
- 985 yards detection range
- 384×288 sensor resolution
- 640×480 AMOLED display
- High refresh rate
- One-shot zeroing
- Works for extreme temperature
- Comes with all needed kits
- Best Rated Thermal Scope under $2000
Cons:
- No video record
07. FLIR Systems, Inc. 431-0008-31-00 Scout III-240 Thermal Imager
FLIR Scout III Thermal Imager is a field-proven, single-hand operated compact thermal scope. It uses a detector of 240×180 and its refresh rates 30Hz or 60 Hz. This scope provides heat emitted clear images in all lighting conditions. It has a 640 x 480 display that enables image capturing with video recording.
With the thermal imager, you can identify predators and track games up to 1200 yards away. This is a weather-resistant device. It will support you for extreme temperatures variation from -4 to 122-degrees Fahrenheit. Just inserting a Li-ion battery you can use this scope for more than 5 hours.
The product box includes a USB power adapter, wrist strap, USB and video out cable, and quick start guide.
Pros:
- 1200 yards detection range
- 30Hz or 60 Hz refresh rate
- One-hand operation
- 640 x 480 display
- Includes most add-ons on the package
Cons:
- Low battery runtime
Buying Guide of Best Thermal Scopes
Top-rated thermal imaging rifle scopes come with quality parts and features. But, before going to buy a top thermal scope you need to check some features such as magnification, resolution, detection range, reticle style, etc. These will help you get the best budget thermal scopes for different fields of use.
Thermal Scopes Uses
Nowadays, you will find monocular and binocular style thermal scopes. They are used for various purposes. Thermal scopes can be used for hunting, shooting, or outdoor viewing. This will help you tracking of wild deer, spot hogs, and coyotes from far. Thermal scopes are widely used by law enforcement agencies. Some scopes will ease surveillance.
Detection, Recognition, and Identification Ranges of Thermal Scopes
Every hunter or shooter has some specific field of use for which he/she needs thermal scopes. Detection, Recognition, and Identification (DRI) range is important for scopes and this varies from model to model. So, what does the term exactly mean?
Detection is the ability to distinguish an object from its background. Recognition is the capacity to classify the object class like an animal, human, vehicle, etc. And the ability to describe the object in detail such as a man with a gun, a moving deer, etc is the identification. Usually, we can detect an object from a higher range but recognize or identify the object situated at lower ranges.
Scopes DRI range increases with price. Like standard night vision scopes, thermogram scopes provide you very long target observation. As there are digital zoom options, the image resolutions will remain almost constant for any distance. If you are a professional marksman, then you must take a higher-ranging device.
Size and Weight
Hunters and shooters always prefer lightweight products. But, sometimes you need bulky units for successful operations. Before going to purchase your thermal scope you need to select your purpose first.
According to your tasks, you should choose one that meets your demand. If you are a short-range hunter, then a lightweight scope of around 1.5 pounds is enough for you. When you need scopes for long-range target shooting, hunting squirrel, or tactical operations then you must carry heavier ones.
Magnification of the Best Thermo Scopes
Magnifications are important when you want to see enlarged visions of a distant target. How much magnification you need depends on your uses. Usually, high magnification thermal scope is helpful for the long-distance viewer relatively to the short-distance user.
Usually, further magnification makes it easier to aim precisely at longer distances. However, this accounts for higher weight, size, and price. Sometimes images may pixelate or distort if the device opts for higher zoom power. The higher the zoom the smaller the field of view will be. Also, there is a chance to reduce the resolution and the refresh rate may be slower.
Thermal scopes come with either an optical or digital zoom. But valued optics come with both of their combination that aid you in balancing between image quality and magnification. For lower distance viewing optical zoom is good whereas digital zoom delivers long-distance vision maintaining its resolution.
Sensor Resolution for Thermal Scopes
On a thermal scope, sensor resolution is an important factor that affects overall image quality, and its sharpness largely. Modern scopes like the Bushmaster 450, give importance to sensor resolution more than magnifications. For example, digital cameras adopt a high-resolution sensor. If you are a skilled hunter or army then it is recommended that you should take high-resolution thermal scope.
Most standard thermal imaging scopes come with 640×480 screen resolution and more. Below 320×240 resolution, you can’t able to see your target precisely.
Color Options for Thermo Scopes
The color mode differs from one model to another. A thermal scope may come in color options or monochrome. Usually, monochrome thermal scopes display heat emitted grey shades of the object. You will find brighter images for the warmer objects. On the other hand, thermal scopes with color mode display show heat maps through a variety of colors.
There are some quality thermogram scopes that come with almost 8 to 10 color options. Thermal scopes with different color modes will help you detect a target even in dark or haze situations over monochromic thermal scopes. When needed, you can change colors in the color optics. Monochrome mode products are cost-efficient and work great in the day or low-light.
Reticle Patterns
There are different reticle or crosshair options you will find with thermal scopes variations. Some of them come with a four-line standard reticle or single-dot reticle for improving accuracy while aiming at targets. Four-line reticles may be thicker lines or fine-lines. Some good thermal scopes have varieties of reticle options so that you can choose anyone when necessary.
There are also some manufacturers who don’t provide any reticle. In this case, you need to research and buy the most perfect reticle separately.
Power Options for Thermal Scopes
You need a standard power source to install thermal scopes. Usually, non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries are used in this regard. Rechargeable batteries last longer than non-rechargeable units. Top-rated thermal scopes come with rechargeable batteries and a power bank. You might carry additional batteries for urgent situations.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of thermal scopes is also a key factor that represents lucid and clear pictures when capturing moving targets image. A thermogram scope that refreshes time-to-time provides real-life images. This stands for the image changing frequency per second (Hz). The majority of thermal scopes come with 30Hz, 50Hz, or 60Hz refresh rates. The higher refresh rates represent better-performing optics.
Objective Lens Size
Like other optics, you need a big diameter objective lens for getting a wide field of view and crisp images. Otherwise, you will get a narrower FOV. There are some quality scopes also that come with the adjustable objective lens that helps to gain brighter images by controlling the focus knob. This type of objective lens will support you for long-distance vision.
Durability
Toughness is a great factor that affects the overall quality of an outdoor tool. When it’s time to choose scopes, you need to pick that one that is capable of competing with water, dust, rain, fog, and many other environmental factors. The body structure should come with quality materials such as aluminum.
As thermal scopes are expensive and sophisticated devices so you need to check the product’s warranty while buying it.
The cost
You will find different price levels of thermal scopes from the most expensive to the cheap ones. Usually, thermogram scopes’ quality increases with its price. You don’t get top-quality thermal scopes investing under $1000. If you are a pro hunter or shooter, then you need a high-capability scope for high-quality rifles. For that, you must spend adequate money to get the best ones.
Be careful about taking too cheap thermal scopes like the budget sights of reflex type, it could be short of features. These scopes are expensive as well as more features than any NVD. For example, it is costly than top-class night vision goggles.
Features and Attachments of Thermal Scopes
The renowned thermal scope manufacturers provide you all the necessary features and kits with the package. The main features include a ballistic calculator, rangefinder, GPS, gyroscope, etc. A good thermal scope package comes with the battery pack, neck lanyard, Picatinny and Weaver rail, carrying bag, lens cap, USB cable, user manual, and much more.
More featured scopes come with a high price figure. For multi-purpose uses, you should take good features products. Ultimately you will win in the long-run.
Best Thermal Scope Brands
When going to buy a thermal scope, you will get a different well-known manufacturer’s products. Some of them are engineering quality scopes for decades. Each brand has its own specialty over another. Some renowned thermal scope manufacturers are ATN, Trijicon, Leupold, Pulsar, FLIR, Sig Sauer, etc. From them, ATN is the top choice for most users. Trijicon is a popular brand for military-grade scope production.
How Does a Thermal Scope Work?
As a thermal device user, you need to know how thermal imaging works. In thermal imaging technology, each object, either natural or manmade, emits infrared (IR) energy as heat where naked eyes or other devices can’t do that. The main steps are discussed below.
- The built-in lens of thermal scopes captures the IR light from the objects.
- The IR light then scanned by a phased array infrared detector. Then, the detector creates details according to the temperature called a thermogram.
- Only one-thirtieth of a second is needed for the thermogram formation. This thermogram occurs for hundreds and thousands of points of the detector array.
- Then thermogram is transferred into electric impulses.
- After that, electric impulses are sent into a dedicated circuit-board that converts the signal into data to the display.
- Finally, you see the overall pictures of the objects on the display.
Types of Thermal Imaging Systems
Cooled vs Uncooled Thermal Imaging
Thermal scopes work greatly for the day as well as night. It works for extremely low to high-temperature variations. The two common types of thermal devices are cooled and un-cooled thermals.
The uncooled types are the most common types. In this system, the heat-absorbing detector works at room temperature. The cooled types or cryogenically devices are more expensive and works at a great temperature variation. It is expensive than the first type.
Stand-Alone VS Clip-on Thermal Scopes
Some companies offer stand-alone and clip-on thermal scopes. The stand-alone scopes are often mounted with guns or rifles. These scopes are affordable but come with more weights. When you go for hog hunting or coyote hunting these valued coyote scopes are highly recommended.
The thermal clip-on optic is pinned onto your rifle and sits directly in front of your regular scope. The clip-on types are low or no magnification thermal scopes. You don’t worry about zeroing it in this device. This optic can be used either in a day or at night. So it is a perfect optic for self-defense or tactical situations, but costly compared to stand-alone scopes like the turkey hunting red dot sights.
Night Vision VS Thermal Scopes
Many thermal scopes users consider night vision and thermal scope as the same technology’s output. But thermal imaging tech is different from night vision. As a hunter or a shooter, you have to know the main difference between thermal imaging and night vision technology.
Actually, thermal scopes use heat energy, allowing day or night vision. Whereas night vision technology absorbs IR lights and delivers images. Night vision optics are cheaper than thermal scopes. At dust or smoke, you can’t see clearly with NV devices whereas thermal scopes will support all environmental conditions.
How to Sight in a Thermal Scope
- Choose the thermal riflescope that has powerful magnification and resolution
- Read the instructions thoroughly and try to understand their function
- Attach the scope with your rifle at the rail on the top
- Switch on the thermal scope
- Take a good position and get a perfect target
- Zero your scope to the normal day or night adjustment
- Check whether the eyepiece lens gives you a clear image with heat variation and resolution or not
- If necessary, then make necessary manipulations and get the perfect sighting
Tips to Maintain a Thermal Scope
As thermal scopes consist of electrical circuits, lenses, and opt modern technology, you need to take care of them. Otherwise, you will lose it soon. After every use, you should cover the lens cap and pack it in the bag. A good air bulb dust off loose particles from the lens. Before using clean the lens with the organic solvent soaking in a cotton fabric.
Conclusion
Thermal imaging scopes are sophisticated sights and nothing can beat them. When shopping, check all features and specifications especially magnification and resolution. In the above review, we gathered the most popular, budget-friendly, and well-functioning thermal scopes that have well customer feedback also. You can choose anyone from them without any hesitation.
If you are confused about choosing the perfect ones, then read the buying guide again. Hopefully, you will find your required thermal sight. For your next hunting adventure grab the best thermal scopes!
Kalman is a hunting expert who has a vast experience with wild game hunting. Though night time hunting is his favorite, he masters the art of daytime hunting and shooting. Being a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, he wants to pass the knowledge acquired over time to the next generation.
