Thermal Imaging Scope Reviews
The technology behind thermal scopes used to be prohibitively expensive. Thermal Imaging Scope Reviews. This made them available only to those with deep pockets and huge budgets, like the police and military agencies. With the rapid advancements of technology, price point on thermal scopes has dropped dramatically, and they have become more readily available than they have ever been.
The increased accessibility in thermal scopes has led to a surge in popularity for night-time hunting activities like coyotes and hogs. In turn, this increased consumer demand has spurred numerous companies to join the market and make thermal scopes available to a greater number of shooters and hunters that they have ever. Whether you’re looking to get your first or upgrade to a more sophisticated model, let us help you discover some of the best thermal scopes so that you too can join in the action.
Best Thermal Scopes In 2022
- Best Value for Money: OPMOD Thor LT 3-6x
- Best Over $5000: Trijicon IR Hunter MK3
- Best Thermal Scope Under $500: AGM Secutor TS25-384
- The best thermal scope under $2000: ATN Thor HD 384 2-8x
- Best Budget Thermal Scope: ATN Thor 4 384 1.25-5x
- Best for Hunting: ATN Thor LT 160 3-x
- Best Hog Hunting Thermal Scope: Sig Sauer Echo 3
- Best Clip On Thermal Scope: Burris BTC 50
- Best for Surveillance: Trijicon IR-Patrol IRMO 300 Rifle Kit
Things to Consider Prior to Purchasing the Thermal Scope
It’s likely that you’ve figured out you know that best thermal scopes aren’t cheap. A majority of people don’t spend an enormous amount of money on the purchase of a thermal scope on a whim. There are some things that you should be thinking about before deciding what thermal scope is right for you. (Or, honestly whether you really need one, or if that money is better spent elsewhere.)
If you go online, you can locate companies offering thermal scope rentals. This is a great way to experiment with different models and get a feel of the features you find best before making a purchase. Thermal Imaging Scope Reviews.
Naturally, the decision lies with you However, if you think that your next gun-related purchase is going to be an thermal scope, then here are some aspects you should consider prior to making the decision to spend your hard-earned money:
Battery Life
There’s plenty of tech packed into a thermal scope, and it’s must have some kind of battery that can power it. There aren’t all batteries to be the same, so you need to ensure the battery in your thermal scope will be in operation for the time you require it. That means you should think about how long you plan to be using the scope for in one period, how long does it take to chargeit, and what do the batteries that you have spare cost.
Extra Features
Certain thermal scopes include WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth and more. They’re all fantastic features to have however, you must take a look at what you’ll be using your thermal scope for and whether these additional features are worth it or not. For example are you really required to be able streaming your scope image onto a mobile device?
Price And Budget
The best thermals will be over $5000. While these are often the top-of-the-line scopes you can buy but you’ll also get useful usage from models in the $2000-$5000 price range. If you’re looking for a cheap thermal scope under $1000, you’ll not find one. There are some thermal scopes that cost less than $2000 but they should be brand-specific to get good guarantee and warranty coverage as quality control issues must be to be expected in this price range.
Size/Weight
Thermal imaging scopes are heavy and big. The average weight of a thermal rifle scope is around 2 pounds. Lightweight thermals weigh between 1-1.5 pounds, which is similar to regular daytime rifle scopes. Although thermals might be the same length of conventional rifle scopes, and even smaller but the internal components required to create thermal imaging makes them wider. Their weight and size will affect the shooting or tactical weapon and sight system.
A compact and lightweight option could be to think about the clip-on system. Not only does it shed the weight and size, but they’re designed to be used on top of your daytime scope and should be easily removable and attachable.
Detection/Recognition Ranges
Thermals can offer more than 1000 yards of detection range on targets in all day or night conditions. However, the distance at which you are able to recognize and pinpoint what you are looking for will be much shorter.
These ranges can differ among manufacturers, models, and quality. The thermal detector’s sensitivity will be the primary factor you be looking into. A higher magnification will help quickly detect and recognize distant targets, however it may also lead to poor pixelation, resulting in a blurred image. Display resolution is also a factor in the quality of the sight image. Thermal Imaging Scope Reviews.
Which Is Better Thermal Or Night Vision?
Instead of focussing on the fact that a night vision scope can be superior than thermal or vice versa, the real problem is:
Which option would work best to meet your needs and budget?
By the end of this article, you’ll know precisely what the solution is.
Let’s get started!
Night Vision
Night vision operates by using light as reflections or light and intensifying them into an image that is crystal clear.
So, it requires some type of ambient light to function.
If you’re shooting at night, the moonlight and stars usually provide enough light. Newer models come with infrared illuminators that work like flashlights to illuminate the scope but aren’t visible to the naked eye.
If you’re looking through marketplaces for night vision optics, you’ll see different ratings for them — Gen II, I, or III. Simply put, the greater the level of the generation, the higher the quality.
You’ll also see a newer classification that includes night vision scopes called Digital Night Vision.
The regular night vision display is traditional black and green and the modern digital night vision is typically displayed in black and white in the LCD display.
Pros
- Night vision delivers a higher quality image.
- It lets you distinguish between finer details. Furthermore, night vision scopes are more affordable and more compact in dimensions. They are not subject to cold weather.
Night vision technology has been around older than thermal optics. Night vision scopes can be found be mounted on rifles and are generally more sturdy, durable, and absorbs recoil like a pro.
Cons
- The need for ambient light creates night vision limited.
So unless you have an infrared illuminator, it’s pretty much useless in completely dark environments. It’s not suitable for use in sunlight as it could be permanently damaged if exposed to intense light.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal scopes detect heat or radiation given off by any living object. Thermal imaging uses a special type of lens that concentrates on infrared light and generates an image known as a thermogram. The thermogram is later converted into electrical impulses , which then form a picture displayed on screen. Thermal Imaging Scope Reviews.
Pros
- The thermal vision is more versatile since it can be utilized in any light situation. In reality, one of the greatest advantages of thermal imaging scopes is that they function correctly in daylight and night and don’t need infrared light. Additionally they allow you to be able to see through smoke, dust and fog without difficulty. That’s why firefighters employ thermal technology.
Cons
- The main disadvantage of thermal imaging can be that it is quite heavy to carry. They can also be expensive, and may require you to undergo training to be able to read the images correctly. The battery life is often limited and the quality of the image can be adversely affected by temperatures that are colder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Thermal Scope Last?
On on average thermal scopes run for about eight hours on one charge. Different models last from 2 to 10 hours. More recently, ATN has managed to produce ultra-low-consumption thermal scopes which provide up to 10+ hours of continuous use.
Why are Thermal Scopes so Expensive?
It is generally true that thermal scopes are expensive because of the advanced technology components. There are also differences in cost in the various features like the wireless connection, pallet modifications or ballistic applications, and more. But, as it happens, thermals start at a reasonable price point of $1000.
How far can Thermal Rifle Scopes View?
How far thermal rifle scopes can see will depend on the resolution of the display and the magnification setting. Generally, even entry-level thermals will detect heat signals at 1,000or more yards. High-end thermals are able to detect heat signatures that extend beyond 4000 yards, however the identification of targets is a different matter.
Can You Use Thermal Scope to use it in Daylight?
In contrast with night vision scopes, you can use a thermal scope throughout the day without causing damage to components. Instead of intensifying light, thermal scopes read heat signatures. Dual-use capabilities are a major benefit of choosing thermal over night vision and getting the most out of your investment. Thermal Imaging Scope Reviews.
