Best Thermal Scopes for Day and Night

Best Thermal Scopes for Day and Night

Modern technological advancements in the hunting and shooting field have led to production of thermal scopes suitable for both day and night time use. One such tool is an important addition in your hunting/shooting gear. It will not only improve your shooting accuracy, but it will also offer you great flexibility that’s hard to find in any other optic.

In this day and age, modern hunters and shooters have easy access to thermal scopes than way before. However, choosing the best thermal scope for day and night is not easy, especially for the first-time buyers who are unfamiliar with the technology.

If you are having a hard time trying to find the best thermal scope for day and night, you are at the right place. We have an in-depth buying guide of 7 best thermal scopes for day and night you can choose from. Let’s take a look.

Best Thermal Scopes for Day and Night – Our Favorites

  1. ATN Thor 4, Thermal Rifle Scope 384×288

ATN Thor 4, Thermal Rifle Scope 384x288

 

 

ATN makes some of the best thermal rifle scopes and their Thor 4 384×288 is no exception. This thermal scope offers surprisingly excellent imaging at a cost-effective price. It’s powered by ATN’s Obsidian IV Dual Core and comes with an ultra-sensitive next gen sensor that makes it ideal for both day and night use.

On the ultra-low power profile, this thermal scope provides 18+ hours of battery life. This gives you continuous operation so you don’t cut short your hunting trip from low battery. The 1.25-5x magnification helps you zoom in targets without getting too close.

With the long 3.5-inches eye relief, the thermals scope provides snug viewing with or without eyeglasses. The ballistic calculator helps you hunt responsibly, while the built-in rangefinder gives you a simple and more convenient way to determine how far the targets are.

If you love to record your hunting expeditions, this thermal scope got you covered. It comes with a dual stream video recorder that you can use to stream HD videos directly to your phone or tablet and record them to the SD card simultaneously. Also included is a Recoil Activated Video (RAV) which records a video automatically before and after you make shot.

Overall, this is a high-quality thermal scope available at an incredibly good price.

Features

  • Ultra-sensitive 386×288 thermal sensor
  • Built-in rangefinder
  • Ballistic calculator
  • Long 3.5-inch eye relief
  • 750 yards detection range
  • Versatile 1.25-5x magnification
  • One-shot zero
  • Dual stream video recorder
  • Recoil Activated Video
  • Ultra-low power profile
  1. ATN Thor LT Thermal Riflescope 160 3-6x

ATN Thor LT Thermal Riflescope 160 3-6x

 

 

If you are looking for the best budget thermal scope for day and night use, you can hardly go wrong with the ATN Thor LT 160. It makes an excellent tool for hunters who like to hunt down the targets in various environments. This thermal scope uses advanced heat sensors to detect animal body heat in total darkness conditions as well as through dense fog and thick vegetation.

Sighting this thermal scope is a walk in the park. With the one shot zero, the only thing you need to do is move the zero reticle to your original point of impact and you are good to go. The 3-6x magnification helps you spot small targets easily, and with a detection range of up to 519 yards, you should have a smooth time glassing a target from a fair distance.

Another important attribute about this thermal riflescope is the lightweight design. At only 1.4lbs/650g, it’s easy to carry around in the field and it doesn’t add any unnecessary weight on your rifle. Furthermore, it features a hardened aluminum alloy design which is not only durable, but also recoil resistant. For added convenience, this thermal scope is easy to mount and remove. To top it all, it comes with an ultra-low power consumption that provides more than 10 hours of continuous use.

Features

  • One shot zero
  • Comfortable eye relief
  • Easy to mount and take down
  • 30mm standard rings
  • Ultra-low power consumption
  • Durable and recoil-resistant
  • Lightweight design for easy maneuverability
  • 30mm main tube
  • Advanced heat detection sensors
  • Quality and affordable
  • 519 yards detection range
  1. AGM Secutor TS25-384 Compact Thermal Imaging Riflescopes

 

AGM Secutor TS25-384 Compact Thermal Imaging Riflescopes

 

 

The AGM Secutor TS25 is a compact yet powerful thermal riflescope that delivers 24 hours operation in any weather condition. It is built tough to stand up to the harsh hunting environments. It’s also fully weatherproof to provide reliable performance in extreme weather conditions.

What makes this thermal scope stand out among similar products is the three objective lens modifications. You can use the 25mm lens for short-range shooting, the 50mm lens for mid-range shooting and the 75mm lens for long-range applications.

The thermal scope is powered by two CR123 batteries which provide up to 5 hours of continuous runtime. This is not so high but will suffice for most hunting applications. You can also get an optional 5V battery pack that increases the runtime to up to 44 hours.

Features

  • Sturdy and durable aluminum and composite construction
  • 11 color image palettes
  • 24 hours operation
  • Weatherproof construction
  • Powered by 2 CR123 batteries with 5 hours continuous runtime
  • Optional external 5V battery pack
  • Lightweight and portable
  1. Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope

Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32x50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope

 

 

Next on this list is the Sightmark Wraith HD night vision riflescope. This scope provides unmatched versatility. It provides full color viewing during the day and white or classic green for night vision. You can use it for hunting, shooting as well as home defense.

The high-resolution sensor gives you high resolution imaging and video recording in 1080p HD. With the 4-32x optical power, the scope is ideal for both short and long-range hunting. The 4x magnification provides clear views of up-close images, while the 32x brings targets at long distances closer.

This riflescope is made to help improve your shooting accuracy. It features 10 different reticle options for easier aiming and up to 9 different color palettes for smooth target identification. It also comes with a removable 850nm IR illuminator which provides an additional 200 yards detection range at night.

Another notable feature is the user-friendly interface which makes it easy to use and beginner-friendly. The removable eyecups included come in handy during the day and at night as well. They help stop light dispersion at night and can be removed to provide snug viewing during the day. Lastly, this thermal scope comes with a weaver rail that provides a platform to mount any other accessories of your choice.

Features

  • User-friendly interface and easy menu button manipulation
  • 10 reticle options and 9 different colors
  • Removable eyecup
  • Day and night mode
  • High-definition sensor
  • HD photo and video recording
  • Micro USB and memory card slots
  • Weaver rail for mounting extra accessories
  • Removable 850nm IR flashlight
  1. Pulsar Core RXQ30V 1.6-6.4×22 Thermal Riflescope

Pulsar Core RXQ30V 1.6-6.4x22 Thermal Riflescope

 

 

The Pulsar Core RXQ30V is another excellent thermal imaging rifle scope suitable for both day and night use. It features a high 384×288 resolution for high detailed imaging and a 50Hz refresh rate which provides snug viewing throughout dynamic, rapid motion. It also features a variable 1.6-6.4x magnification suitable for short and mid-range shooting.

Featuring a frost-resistant AMOLED display, this thermal imaging riflescope gives you flawless performance even in extreme temperatures. The green sapphire display is easy on the eyes and lets you scan for long hours without eye fatigue. On top of that, the white-hot/black-hot viewing modes provide a wide field of view that allows for accurate shot placement.

Weighing just 0.75 pounds, this device is amazingly light, compact and easy to carry around. It’s fully waterproof for all-weather reliability and it comes with an external power supply USB and DS for extra power. Lastly, the riflescope mounts easily on any rifle that accepts Weaver or Picatinny mount.

Features

  • Fully waterproof design
  • Compact and lightweight
  • High resolution 384×288 core
  • Iris technology that increased recognition
  • External power supply adaptable
  • Green sapphire display
  • Wide range of observation temperatures
  • Variable 1.6-6.4x magnification
  • 50Hz image frequency
  • Wireless remote control
  • One-shot zero with freeze function
  • Easy to mount and take off
  1. Pulsar Trail 2 LRF Thermal Riflescope XQ50

Pulsar Trail 2 LRF Thermal Riflescope XQ50

 

 

Here is another quality thermal riflescope from Pulsar. The Trail 2 LRF is a high-end thermal riflescope that comes with a built-in laser rangefinder which is capable of capturing and showing targets that are as far as 1000 meters away. The 2-16x variable magnification and 8x digital zoom work together to provide sharp images full of color contrast in all conditions.

With the highly sensitive thermal imaging sensor and the 50Hz refresh rate, this thermal riflescope gives you comfortable viewing and high-quality images. The built-in video and sound recorder make capturing of images and videos a breeze. Plus, you can set the video recorder to recoil-activated capture mode, so it can record every shot that you make. You can stream the photos taken and videos recorded via Wi-Fi or transfer them to your PC or laptop via wired connection or Wi-Fi.

When it comes to construction, this high-end thermal riflescope provides unbeatable durability. It has an IPX7 waterproof rating for all-weather reliability. It can also withstand submersion in 3-feet of water up to half an hour. Overall, it’s one of the best thermal riflescopes for long-range detection.

Features

  • Built-in laser rangefinder
  • IPX7 waterproof rating
  • Built-in video and sound recorder
  • Long-range detection up to 1800m
  • Remote control and live internet streaming
  • High recoil resistance
  • High 640×480 resolution
  • Variable magnification
  • High 50Hz image frequency
  • Picture-in-picture mode
  1. ATN Thor 4, Thermal Riflescope 640×480, 4-40x

ATN Thor 4, Thermal Riflescope 640x480, 4-40x

 

 

The ATN Thor 4 is a smart scope that provides excellent resolution, good detection range and numerous high-tech features. With a 640×480 thermal sensor, the scope is capable of picking up minute temperature differences, so you are able to different between different animals at night and clearly spot animals during the day. The high sensor is also able to detect heat signatures through thick bushes, grass and light fog.

The 4-40x magnification is suitable for both close and long-range hunting. Beyond the basic, this thermal scope does much more to enhance your accuracy. First, it has a built-in rangefinder which helps determine how far the targets are. It also has a ballistic calculator that sets the reticle in the right spot to ensure accurate hit.

The other notable features found in this thermal rifle scope are an ultra-low power profile that provides up to 16+ hours of continuous use, recoil activated video, dual stream video recording and classical ergonomics.

Features

  • Comfortable eye relief
  • Ballistic calculator
  • Built-in rangefinder
  • Quick detach mount
  • Remote access control system
  • Recoil activated video
  • Ultra-low power profile
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility
  1. Pulsar Thermion Thermal Riflescope XG50

Pulsar Thermion Thermal Riflescope XG50

 

 

If you are looking to take your hunting to the next level, the thermion XG50 is your best companion. This thermal riflescope comes with everything you need as modern hunter. It features a 640×480 microbolometer resolution and 12-micron pixel detail which provide a whole 2400 yards detection range.

This thermal riflescope boasts 8x digital zoom which provides stunning image clarity on the 1024×768 AMOLED display. The picture in picture feature accommodates all big and small game hunters in virtually any environment. Not to mention that the riflescope is fully waterproof for protection from rain, snow and other precipitation.

The 8 different color palettes reduce eye fatigue during long glassing sessions, while the built-in video and still image recorder makes is easy to share the thermal action. The scope also comes with a 16GB internal memory to store the images and videos recorded. Lastly, this riflescope built tough to stand harsh hunting environments and heavy recoil rifles.

Features

  • Picture-in-picture
  • Customizable reticle options
  • BAE sensor with 8 color palettes
  • Zeroing profiles management
  • Instant start-up
  • Built-in video and still image recorder
  • IPX-7 Waterproof rating
  • Durable and recoil resistant
  • Variable digital zoom

Factors to Consider when Choosing Best Thermal Scopes for Day and Night

  1. Price

Thermal scopes for day and night are generally costlier than night vision scopes and the standard scopes. How much you’ll spend largely depends on your budget and needs. If money is not an object, you can spend from $2,000 to $10,000 and get the best of the best thermal scope with excellent resolution, long detection range and other convenient features such as a ballistic calculator, an integrated range-finder among other. However, if you are on budget, there are plenty of entry-level scopes with fewer features that cost less than $2,000.

  1. Sensor Resolution

One of the important parts of a thermal riflescope is the sensor resolution. Go for a scope with a high sensor resolution. It will be able to capture more infrared and result to production od higher quality thermal image. The most common resolutions are 384×288 for the entry level thermal scopes and 640×480 for the more expensive models.

  1. Magnification

You’ll also want to take a look at the magnification power that the thermal riflescope has. Your ideal magnification power will largely depend on the kind of hunting you’ll use the scope for. If you hunt long-range, higher magnification will be necessary. But, if you intend to use the scope for close quarters, one with a moderate magnification power will suffice.

  1. Battery Life

The battery life of a thermal imaging riflescope can either make or break your hunting trip. The last thing you would want is to cut your hunting trip short because of low battery. To avoid this, look for a model that provides more than 8 hours of continuous operation. If this isn’t enough, you should get an external battery pack which will offer more hours of use.

  1. Weight

If your hunting involves moving around in search of game, you’ll want a thermal scope that doesn’t add any unnecessary weight on you and the rifle. So, look for a scope that’s made with high-quality and lightweight materials. Typically, a unit that weighs less than 2lbs will be ideal.

Common questions about the Best Thermal Scopes for Day and Night

Can a Thermal Scope See Through Walls?

No. Thermal scopes cannot see through a wall. Thermal scopes can only detect an object that’s radiating infrared heat. Since walls are thick, they tend to block the infrared radiation from the opposite side. So, if you point your scope toward the wall, it will only detect heat coming from the wall and not from an object behind the wall.

What’s the Difference between FLIR and Thermal?

FLIR systems use short wavelength infrared light to illuminate the area of interest. They make pictures from heat only, not visible light. Thermal devices on the other hand can use both heat and light to detect an image. They also use mid/long wavelength IR energy to detect a target.

What is the Effective Range of a Thermal Scope?

It depends on the thermal scope you are using. When you are using a high-quality thermal scope, you can be able to positively identify a target that’s as a far as 4,000 yards in regular conditions. On the other hand, an entry-level scope will limit you to 1,000 yard or less.

Conclusion

We hope that this post has helped you make the right buying decision. Thermal scopes are more expensive compared with standard and night vision scopes. So, you’ll want to invest in the right product so you can get great value for your money. All the thermal scope on this list are high-quality products suitable for both day and night use.