Thermal scope for crossbow
The crossbow is preferred as a ‘silent shooting’ alternative with numerous applications such as target shooting, self-defense, hunting, and recreation
The best thermal scope is critical if you want to get the most out of your crossbow. A good thermal scope should provide you with the best visibility in the dark. By clearly defining your target for that perfect aim.
The market is however flooded with various options of thermal scopes making it hard for one to discern the perfect choice. But have no worries, because this is the right place where you will understand the thermal scope and the best options you can get on the market.
lets get started…
How a Thermal Scope Works
A thermal scope utilizes heat differential between a target and its surroundings to identify and display an object. This is unlike other forms of night vision, which amplify the amount of ambient light surrounding a target.
Most animals just like humans are endotherms and maintain a constant body temperature. Despite the temperature of the surrounding. This makes them release signatures of heat to the surrounding. And this is what is picked up by the thermal scope.
How the thermal scope works are its main advantage. The fact that it does not require ambient lighting means that it will function just as well in complete darkness. The scope is also attractive to many crossbow hunters because it can be used both day and night. Without the lens getting damaged.
Related: Can you use a night vision scope during the day
Best Thermal scope for Crossbow-Top Picks
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ATN ThOR 4 2-8x25mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope |
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Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro 3-12x Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope |
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Armasight Contractor 320 3-12X Thermal Rifle Scope |
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AGM Global Vision Rattler TS19-256 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope |
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Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50 Thermal Rifle Scope |
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The detailed reviews….
1. ATN ThOR 4 2-8x25mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope
This is one of the best thermal night vision scopes that you can use with your crossbow. It features a core 4 thermal dual sensor that makes it ultra-sensitive to heat signatures.
you can record your favorite hunt videos at a resolution of 1280×960 while streaming at the same time. The user’s needs have also been taken care of with Its ergonomic design and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use.
Other features include an inbuilt ballistics calculator that allows the setting up of profiles for that perfect shot. A decent eye relief in case you are wearing glasses, and a good resolution to display all your images crisply without any distortion.
Specifications
- Magnification 2x- 9x
- Gen 4 384×288 Thermal Sensor
- objective lens diameter 25mm
- 1280 x 720 display
- 90mm eye relief
- Video recording resolution: 1280×960 @ 60 fps
- 12-degree field of view
- range of detection 960m
- weight 2.03 lbs.
- Battery type: Li-ion.
- 60hz refresh rate.
- battery life 18 hours
Pros
- Carries an array of features for good value
- Ergonomic design
- easy to use interface
- Good battery life
- crispy display
Cons
- Heavier than the competition.
2. Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro 3-12x Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope
This scope boasts one of the best ranges, at 1,975 yards, to help the user stealthy attack their targets without any risk of being noticed. It can detect heat signatures despite adverse weather conditions of fog, snow, smog and rain. Then display them on the crisply 1024×768 AMOLED display.
The scope comes with a decent battery that lasts up to 10 hours yet you can always recharge it via an inbuilt type C port. This allows you to take your time in the nocturnal environment waiting for your target. Without any worry that the battery will drain.
Other features are; the multiple weapon profiles that gets rid of the need to re-zero every time you want to target in new conditions. Video and still photo recording capabilities, wi-fi functionality to connect your favorite device, a 16Gb built-in memory, and a sensitive thermal imaging sensor with multiple palettes.
Specifications
- Lens diameter 50mm
- 3x-12x magnification
- 1024×768 display resolution
- 50hz display refresh rate
- 5-degree field of view
- Range of detection 1,968 yards
- weighs 31.7 oz.
- Recoil Rated up to .375
Pros
- excellent targeting range
- Good battery life
- Robust in harsh conditions
- Multiple weapon profiles
- HD Clear display
Cons
- a bit pricey
3. Armasight Contractor 320 3-12X Thermal Rifle Scope
This thermal scope combines good detection capabilities with a good display of the captured image to give you excellent service in dark outdoors. The manufacturers intended for this product to be compact and lightweight. And because of that, they have used premium materials to make sure it’s not only lightweight for your crossbow but it’s also durable. To serve you for a lengthened amount of time.
Another unique feature of this thermal scope is that it uses a turret system that enables easy intuitive navigation of features such as digital zoom, color palettes, and reticles. Other features it comes with are; a compass and inclinometer. That helps you accurately zero in on your target with your crossbow.
Specification
- 320×240 12um Thermal Core Detector
- 3X-12X magnification
- 25mm lens diameter
- 932m range
- Display resolution: 1024×768 pixels
- Sensor resolution: 320×240 pixels
- 8-degrees field of view
- 45mm eye relief
- battery type: CR123A
- Battery life: up to 4 hrs. at 20C
- Weighs 1.71 lbs.
- 60Hz refresh rate.
- Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities
Pros
- Lightweight
- Clear display
- A good target distances
- Weather resistant
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Smaller lens diameter
- A more durable battery could be better
4. AGM Global Vision Rattler TS19-256 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope
This is the most affordable thermal night vision scope you can get. Its bound to meet all your expectations and give you proper value. It’s durable and can operate for extended periods under harsh weather conditions like; fog, rain, dust, and snow. You also get the option of two objective lenses each suited for either long or medium-range targeting.
Power of the device comes from a CR123 battery capable of lasting for around 5 hours of continuous operation time. This is excellent considering it comes with an external 5v power bank that is easily connected via a USB connector.
Image display is excellent because the scope employs a built-in Adaptive AGC, DDE, and 3D DNR image processing technology. That adequately processes the image before displaying it on the 1024×768 resolution OLED display.
Specifications
- Magnification 2.5X-20X
- 19mm objective lens diameter
- Display resolution: 1024×768.
- 24 – 6.94 degrees field of view
- Mount Type: Picatinny
- 45mm eye relief
- 950M focus range
- CR123A battery
- Weighs 1.15 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- sharp display
- Good focus range
- excellent battery life
- low price
Cons
- Small field of view
- Doesn’t pick up defined images like competitors
5. Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50 Thermal Rifle Scope
The pulsar trail LRF XP50 mixes good thermal sensor technology and an integrated laser finder that is able to accurately measure the range of targets up to 1000 meters. Target measurements can be taken in two modes of time measurement and scanning. The latter continuously adjusts the target distance. To enable the user take a better shot for a changing target.
The scope delivers a good range of 1,970 yards and correctly detects the heat signature using its 384 x288 thermal sensors. Thirteen variable electronic reticles then ensure there is repeatable accurate performance when taking a shot.
The other appealing features are; a picture-in-picture mode that allows the option to display an additional magnified image of the target on the screen. Built-in video and sound recording, and 1Px7 rating. Meaning it deals with wet conditions excellently.
Specifications
- Range: 1970 yards
- 2X-16X magnification
- 50Hz refresh rate
- 50mm eye relief
- 4-degree field of view
- Mount Type: Picatinny
- Weight: 25 oz
- Display resolution: 1024×768
- Sensor resolution: 640×480
- Battery type: B-Pack Mini 18650 Li-Ion
- IPx7 waterproof rating
Pros
- Weatherproof rating
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Excellent range
- Target scanning
Cons
- Narrow field of view
Thermal Scope for Crossbow- Buying Guide
These are some of the considerations one should look at when choosing the right thermal scope for a crossbow.
Size of the lens
The size of the lens is defined by the diameter of the lens measured in millimeters. A bigger diameter means a larger field of view and one is able to track a moving target over a larger area. The bigger lens will also let in more heat resulting in a clearer image. A good size lens should be at least 35mm, and this can go up to 50mm.
Magnification
We have optical magnification and digital magnification present in some of the thermal scopes. Digital magnification isn’t really useful because it only magnifies the image after it has been captured from the target. conversely, optical magnification zooms the actual lens so that it’s able to capture a bigger view of the target.
Magnification usually ranges from 2X up to 9X, and a bigger magnification will help you to properly adjust your aim.
Quality of the lens
The quality of the lens will determine the quality of the image being displayed. A quality image will be sharper and there will be a small amount of distortion. One factor that determines the level of quality of a lens is the amount of coating. A well-coated lens will be durable and it will resist fogging. You will also be able to track fast-moving targets without them getting blurry.
Range
Different scopes have different effective ranges. Where they’ll give you the best vision of the target. If you use your crossbow for hunting, you’ll have to stand at a distance to avoid detection. It’s therefore good to consider a scope with at least 150 yards of range in a dark environment.
Weight
This is sometimes out of your control if you want something more durable and with more features. The weight of a thermal scope however shouldn’t put too much burden on your crossbow to affect your targeting.
Price
Nobody has an unlimited budget therefore everyone wants a good scope that fits within a budget. More expensive scopes usually have a lot of effort put into them by the manufacturer. They also use quality materials in the construction. This however doesn’t mean that you cannot get a cheaper scope that is equally effective.
On this list, we’ve considered only the scopes offering the fairest price. And also, that which will give you the best value.
Thermal Night Vision Scope FAQs
How long does a thermal scope last?
The longevity of a thermal scope depends on the size of the battery included. some durable thermal scopes can last up to 9 hours after a single charge.
Can I use a thermal scope during the day?
Yes. Because the thermal scope uses heat to form an image it will not be affected by the amount of light present during the day.
How far can you target with a thermal scope?
The range of a thermal scope depends on the quality of lens used. Wider Lens of higher quality can target as far as 3,500 yards out. While basic models can only manage up to 1,000 yards.
Can you use a rifle scope on a crossbow?
Yes, a rifle sight can be used on a crossbow, but only certain rifle scopes. One factor to consider when selecting a rifle scope for a crossbow is the size of the objective lens, as the larger the lens, the less probable it will fit on a crossbow with a narrow body. The design of the reticle should also take into account the drops encountered by crossbows over short distances.
See Also: Can a rifle scope be used on a crossbow
CONCLUSION
We’ve gone through everything that you need to know concerning thermal scope for a crossbow. Hopefully, with our guidance, you’ll be able to make the right decision. And get a scope that will give you the value that you deserve.
If you pick any from our list, we guarantee satisfaction and only the best quality for your crossbow hunting.