Thermal Rifle Scope Buying Guide for Hunting and Vermin Control

When selecting a thermal rifle scope for hunting or vermin control, key features will significantly influence its performance and usability. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you choose the best thermal scope for your needs.

Thermal Sensor Resolutions

1. 160x192:
   • Overview: Entry-level resolution for close-range detection (50-100m). It reveals basic heat signatures, useful for spotting larger targets but lacks finer detail.
   • Best For: Short-range hunting or simple detection on a budget.
2. 256x192:
   • Overview: Provides enhanced clarity over 160x192, making it suitable for detecting heat sources at moderate ranges (up to 250m) while keeping costs reasonable.
   • Best For: Short to mid-range hunting, vermin control, and general scouting.
3. 384x288:
   • Overview: Popular for general hunting needs, offering a balance of price and image clarity. Can help identify animals at medium ranges.
   • Best For: Medium-range hunting, tracking, and outdoor use.
4. 640x480:
   • Overview: Higher resolution with better detail, allowing identification at greater distances. Produces smoother, clearer images for more accurate target identification.
   • Best For: Long-range detection and precision observation for hunters.
5. 640x512:
   • Overview: Similar to 640x480 but with an extended vertical view for a more complete thermal picture.
   • Best For: Professional hunting and applications that require detailed, wide-field imaging.
6. 1024x768 and 1280x1080:
   • Overview: Ultra-high resolutions for professional-grade use, offering exceptional detail and clarity at long ranges.
   • Best For: Specialized, high-end hunting applications where precision is critical.

   

Importance of Pixel Pitch in Thermal Rifle Scopes

• 17µm Pixel Pitch: Provides clear imaging suitable for general hunting and observation, balancing detail with cost.
• 12µm Pixel Pitch: Higher density of pixels in the same sensor size improves clarity and target identification at longer ranges. Ideal for demanding conditions, making it valuable for professional hunting.

For example, a 640x512 resolution scope with a 12µm pitch will show more detail than one with a 17µm pitch, offering a tactical advantage in identifying and engaging distant targets.

NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference)

Lower NETD values enhance a scope’s sensitivity to temperature changes, resulting in sharper images, even in fog or rain. Here's how different NETD values impact scope performance:

• <15mK: Exceptional sensitivity, suitable for adverse weather and low-contrast situations.
• <18mK: Superior sensitivity, ideal for clear images in demanding conditions.
• <20mK: Excellent for long-range hunting in challenging weather.
• <25mK: High sensitivity, reliable in most conditions but less effective in dense fog.
• <35mK: Great sensitivity for typical hunting and scouting.
• <40mK: Good sensitivity for typical hunting and scouting.

Devices like the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SQ50L are equipped with an exceptionally low NETD value of 15mK, providing high resolution, crystal-clear images in all weather conditions including rain and fog.

Other Specifications and Features to Consider

Objective Aperture (F-Number)

A lower F-number, such as F1.0, enhances thermal detection capability, resulting in clearer imaging across various conditions. For instance, an F1.0 aperture outperforms an F1.2 by allowing more heat to reach the sensor, thereby producing a sharper thermal image.

Focal Length

The focal length, measured as the distance from the lens to the sensor (e.g., 35mm, 50mm), plays a crucial role in determining both the field of view (FOV) and the detection range of a thermal scope. Generally, a longer focal length, such as 50mm, results in a narrower FOV while extending the detection distance. Conversely, shorter focal lengths, like 25mm, provide a wider FOV that is better suited for detecting targets over a larger area at closer ranges.

It's important to note that the focal length also influences magnification, depending on the paired thermal sensor. For instance, a 50mm thermal scope with a 384x288 resolution will typically exhibit a higher base magnification compared to a 35mm scope with the same resolution. However, when comparing a 50mm scope with a 640x512 resolution to a 35mm scope with a 384x288 resolution, the 50mm may have a lower base magnification. This highlights that, in general, a higher resolution sensor will yield a lower base magnification than its lower resolution counterpart.

Laser Rangefinder (LRF)

• With LRF: Offers accurate distance measurement, aiding in precise target tracking.
• Without LRF: Focuses purely on thermal imaging, often at a lower cost.

Price Range

Higher resolutions, better NETD values, and additional features like LRF generally increase price.

Manufacturer’s Image Processing Algorithms

Processing algorithms and firmware significantly impact the sharpness and clarity of thermal images. Advanced algorithms enhance low-contrast details, temperature differentiation, and reduce noise. Look for manufacturers known for quality processing, such as HIKMICRO, Pulsar or NOCPIX.

Display and User Interface in Thermal Rifle Scopes

Display Type (AMOLED/OLED): High-contrast displays such as AMOLED and OLED provide deep blacks and bright colours, improving thermal detection quality.

Display Shape and Size: Some rifle scopes use circular displays that mimic a traditional scope’s field of view, which many hunters find intuitive.

HUD and Menu Systems: Established manufacturers offer refined HUDs that show vital information without cluttering the image, while intuitive menu layouts improve user experience during high-stakes hunting situations. Look for systems with easy navigation and quick-access settings for adjustments in the field.

By understanding these features, you’ll be equipped to choose a thermal rifle scope that aligns with your hunting and vermin control requirements, providing effective, reliable performance tailored to your conditions.

Thermal Rifle Scope Options Per Resolution

256x192 Resolution: Entry-Level Resolution

Description: Basic resolution for close-range and entry-level thermal imaging applications.

Best For: Standard hunting and budget-friendly thermal scope applications.

Products:

• DNT Optics TNC225R ThermNight Thermal & Night Vision Multispectral Scope with LRF & Ballistic Calculator
  Price: £999.95 | Focal Length: 25mm | Sensor: 256x192 | Pixel Pitch: 12µm | NETD: 25mK | SKU: TNC225R | LRF: Yes
• IRAY TUBE TP25 SE 256x192 12µm <25mK Thermal Rifle Scope
  Price: £899.00 | Focal Length: 25mm | Sensor: 256x192 | Pixel Pitch: 12µm | NETD: 25mK | SKU: IR-TH-RIF-030 | LRF: Non-LRF
• HIKMICRO Thunder 2.0 19mm Riflescope
  Price: £999.99 | Focal Length: 19mm | Sensor: 256x192 | Pixel Pitch: 12µm | NETD: <35mK | SKU: HM-TE192.0 | LRF: Non-LRF

If you are still confused about which Thermal Rifle Scope will be the best choice for you, please email us at support@opticswarehouse.co.uk or call us on 01803 611895.

PLEASE NOTE: Thermal Rifle Scope prices can change very quickly, so always call us for the best and most up-to-date pricing.

Prices accurate at date of publishing, 06/11/24