Thermal scope with laser rangefinder
Thermal imaging rifle scopes are often preferred for use in the dark because they can operate in complete darkness and can reveal targets hidden behind obstacles.
Certain thermal scopes incorporate a laser rangefinder, and the primary benefit of having a built-in rangefinder is that it provides the shooter with critical range information such as distance to a target, elevation, and various angles to a target. This allows shooters to modify their aim in real time, resulting in more accurate and efficient shots.
The purpose of this article is to help a new buyer make an informed decision by reviewing the best thermal scope with a laser rangefinder.
Let’s get started right away…
Best Thermal Scope with Laser Rangefinder
- Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF Thermal Riflescope XL50
- AGM Global Vision Adder Thermal Scope
- ATN ThOR 4 4-40x75mm Thermal Smart HD Scope
- Pulsar 2-16x Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro Thermal Scope
- ATN ThOR 4 2-8x25mm Thermal Smart HD Scope
- Armasight Contractor 320 3-12X Thermal Sight
1. Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF Thermal Riflescope XL50
This is the best thermal scope available with a laser rangefinder since it has been fine-tuned in every aspect to ensure flawless performance.
To be honest, it’s tough to mention all of the features that this thermal sight possesses but there are more than a few, including several user modes with varied reticles, 64GB of internal memory, and an automatic ballistic calculator for various shooting modes.
The model has the widest field of view in the entire thermion lineup which will guarantee the user proper awareness of the surrounding. it also has a unique function that allows the user to personalize the image in a variety of ways, resulting in precise detail and optimal brightness, in addition to the many color palettes.
For convenience, two rechargeable batteries are included, one of which is built-in and the other of which can be replaced, allowing for more than 10 hours of continuous use on a single charge. A sturdy construction ensures ruggedness, with the housing, power unit, optics, and electronics capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from -25°C to +50°C. Furthermore, it is waterproof with an IPX7 rating and may be submerged in water for up to 1 meter.
Specifications
- Magnification 1.75 – 14 x
- Objective Lens Diameter 50 mm
- Sensor Resolution 1024×768 pixels
- Display Resolution 1024×768 pixels
- Refresh Rate 50 Hz
- 10 different Reticles
- Field of View, 7.5 – 13.1 degrees
- Range of Detection: 2500 yds.
- Weights 1.03 kg
Pros
- Zeroing Profiles Management
- Highly sensitive thermal imaging sensor with multiple color palettes
- Picture-in-Picture plus Video and Still-Photo Recording
- Customizable Reticle Options
- 10 Hours of Battery Life
- One of the largest field of view
- Rugged construction
Cons
- Pricey
2. AGM Global Vision Adder Thermal Scope
This is an excellent thermal scope that comes in two sensor configurations. One is 384 x 288 and the other is 640 x 512; the objective lenses are 25mm and 50mm in that order.
Both of these scopes are designed to perform continuously even in bad weather and harsh environmental conditions like smoke, fog dust, rain, and snow. In addition, the battery comes with a long life of 15 hours which makes the scope even more dependable.
The built-in range finder accurately determines the distance to the target, which in turn helps the shooter plan his shots up to a maximum range of 2600 meters for the 384 x 288-pixel option
Finally, this thermal scope will record videos as you use it, and a shot-activated recording feature can be used to avoid manually restarting the recording each time.
Overall, if you need a high-quality rifle scope with a rangefinder, this is an excellent choice. It is long-lasting and comes with a wide range of features and options that ensure its value to the user.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Sensor Resolution: 384×288 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
- Resolution: 384×288 pixels
- Field of View: 3.9 – 5.2 degrees
- Battery Life: Up to 15 Hours
- Water Resistance Level: IP67
- Weight: 2.14 lbs.
Pros
- Two sensor options
- Long battery life
- Supports wi-fi
3. ATN ThOR 4 4-40x75mm Thermal Smart HD Scope
The ATN ThOR carries an ATN reputation for excellent optics and features, and it does not disappoint.
The first highlight of this rifle scope is the potent sensor measuring 640 x 480 pixels with a detection range of 3300 meters. This paired with the 40x magnification makes this thermal scope one of the best to use for activities like hunting, and security surveillance.
The thermal sensor is extremely sensitive, and it is powered by a processor with ultra-low power consumption, ensuring that the shooter has at least 18 hours of battery life.
Additionally, it adds other features apart from the rangefinder such as an electronic compass, ballistic calculator, barometer, gyroscope, and a smart Mil-dot reticle that adjusts the distance between hash marks on the reticle for further accuracy.
Overall, this is the best thermal scope hands down if you consider the number of features it comes with. The drawback may come in the pricing but then it is offset by excellent performance and a three-year warranty.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4 – 40 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 75 mm
- Sensor Resolution: 640×480 pixels
- Display Resolution: 1280×720 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Eye Relief: 90 mm
- Field of View: 6 degrees
- Range of Detection: 3300 m
- Battery Life: 18 hours, 16 hours
- Weight: 2.35 lbs.
Pros
- Great number of features
- 3300 m detection range
- Long battery life
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive
4. Pulsar 2-16x Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro Thermal Scope
The pulsar 2-16x rifle scope comes with a classic design but offers one of the best performances for a thermal scope with a rangefinder.
The first thing you’ll notice is the simple yet rugged and quality finish on the surface. Later you’ll experience the ergonomics and versatility considering it’s also available with two sensor options one with a resolution of 384 x 288 and the other with 640 x 480 pixels.
The most potent sensor has a detection range of 2000 yards while the smaller one will manage 875 yards. Both have a decent battery life of at least 10 hours in continuous use.
Lastly, the scope adds value to the user with features such as picture-in-picture, video and still image recording, different color palettes, and a decent 16 GB of internal storage.
Overall, this is the choice for a shooter who needs something more conventional but will have all the premium features that characterize the most advanced thermal scopes on the market.
Specifications
- Magnification: 2 – 16 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
- Resolution: 640×480 pixels
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View: 12.4 degrees
- Battery Life: 10 hours
- Water Resistance Level: IPX-7
- Weight: 2 lbs.
Pros
- Wide field of view
- High-quality images
- different sensor options
- Rugged
Cons
- Pricey
5. ATN ThOR 4 2-8x25mm Thermal Smart HD Scope
Another ATN option, but with slightly lower magnification numbers and a shorter detection range of 960 meters. It’s lightweight and more compact in addition to being available at a cheaper price.
The lower detection range results from the slightly smaller sensor measuring 384 x 288 pixels, however, it still manages to deliver an excellent thermogram, on the display, to match other more potent options available on the market.
The thermal scope supports video recording and comes with features such as Bluetooth, a gyroscope, a ballistics calculator, a compass, and an accelerometer. All these features add more value to the already well-priced scope.
This is an excellent choice for a shooter looking for a thermal scope with an ATN reputation that is inexpensive and includes a rangefinder to help them accurately target their shots.
Specifications
- Magnification: 2 – 8 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
- Sensor Resolution: 384×288 pixels
- Display Resolution: 1280×720 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Reticle: Smart Mil Dot
- Eye Relief: 90 mm
- Field of View: 12 degrees
- Range of Detection: 960 m
- Battery Type: Internal Li-Ion battery
- Battery Life: 18 hours
- Weight:2.03 lbs.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- High-quality image
- Long battery life
Cons
- Requires some experience to operate
6. Armasight Contractor 320 3-12X Thermal Sight
The Armasight Contractor is a great option for a shooter who wants a compact and lightweight thermal scope that will give good performance.
The sensor measures 640 x480 pixels and delivers a high-quality thermogram courtesy of the high-definition display (1280 x 720 pixels) with a 60Hz refresh rate.
When it comes to battery life, the thermal scope falls short because it only manages 4 hours of continuous use, which is less than most options on the market.
It however makes up for this with a plethora of features such as an inclinometer, level meter, graphic compass, angle cosine indicator, and a shot-activated video recording. A feature that makes the recording begin automatically when a shot is fired.
This thermal scope was designed with the user in mind, and in addition to its lightweight, it features simple controls and an ergonomic design.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 12 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
- Sensor Resolution: 320×240 pixels
- Display Resolution: 1024×768 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Eye Relief: 45 mm
- Field of View: 8.8 degrees
- Range of Detection: 932 m
- Battery Life: Up to 4 hours
- Water Resistance Level: IP67
- Weight: 1.71 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Simple to use
- Great image quality
How Thermal Scopes Work
Imagine having a device that can display different temperatures using different colors. In a nutshell, this is how thermal imaging works.
All objects including ice emit some level of infrared radiation or thermal energy The radiation emitted by a block of ice, for example, will be significantly lower than that emitted by a human.
This means that if the human was seated next to a block of ice there would be a temperature differential which would be displayed as different objects on a thermal scope.
The image displayed to the user is referred to as a thermogram and it shows different levels of radiation using different colors.
Thermal scope with laser rangefinder-Buying guide
It is clear from the list that there are numerous options available on the market for thermal scopes that come with a rangefinder. However, in order to choose from the many options available, a buyer must consider other factors when purchasing a thermal scope, which includes;
Sensor resolution
Thermal scopes use a sensor to detect heat and convert it into an electronic signal. The size of the sensor is measured in pixels, and the larger the sensor, the more sensitive it is to thermal energy. A larger sensor also provides the shooter with a better thermogram. Thermal scopes with larger sensors are, however, more expensive.
Magnification
When aiming at a long-range target, magnification is useful to bring the target closer for proper identification. If the scope is used for short-range targets a smaller magnification will be sufficient.
Battery life
The sensor on a thermal scope is powered by a battery, and the more life the battery has the longer the shooter will be able to use the rifle scope. Always look for the scope with the best battery life depending on your budget. A battery should also be easy to replace or recharge.
Refresh rate
The refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz) and indicates how many times the image on the display is regenerated per second. A higher refresh rate results in a sharp image. It also helps to steady the image when you are moving the scope.
Price
A thermal scope is generally an expensive piece of equipment. however, we have some options on the market that are relatively cheaper giving you superb value at their price.
Thermal scopes -FAQs
Can thermal scopes be used in daylight?
Yes. A thermal scope works just as well during the day. Because they use thermal energy to form an image, they are not affected by light, unlike night vision scopes, which are damaged when exposed to too much light.
Are there any safety concerns associated with thermal imaging?
No. Thermal imaging used by the thermal scopes is considered safe because it only detects the thermal energy emitted by objects
What are the limitations of a thermal scope?
A thermal scope’s main limitation is that it does not provide a distinct image like night vision. It instead produces a thermogram, which shows the thermal differential between different objects. This can make target identification much more difficult at times.
Are thermal scopes legal for hunting?
The legality of a thermal scope is not universal but rather depends on the jurisdiction. It is therefore critical to check the regulations of a specific area before going hunting.
CONCLUSION
We are confident that after reading this article, which is an in-depth review of the best thermal scope with a laser rangefinder, you will be able to acquire the best thermal scope, particularly from the list we have provided. A rangefinder is one of the best additions to a rifle scope to enhance the accuracy and overall shooting experience, so pick one of the scopes from the list and enjoy!
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