Full Moon Optics Thermal Scope

Technology used to create thermal scopes used to be prohibitively expensive. Full Moon Optics Thermal Scope. They were only available to those with deep pockets and big budgets, such as the military and the larger law enforcement agencies. However, with the advances of technology, cost for thermal scopes has dropped significantly and they are now more readily available than they have ever been.

The growing accessibility in thermal scopes has led to an increase in demand for hunter-based activities that are nocturnal, such as coyotes and hogs. In turn, this increased consumer demand has spurred dozens of companies to enter the market and make thermal scopes available to a larger group of shooters and hunters as never before. If you’re looking to purchase your first model or upgrade to a more advanced model, we’ll show you some options for the best thermal scopes so that you too can get in on the action.

The Top Thermal Scopes in 2023

• Best Value for Money: OPMOD Thor LT 3-6x
• Best Over $5000: Trijicon IR Hunter MK3
• Best Thermal Scope under $5000: AGM Secutor TS25-384
• Best Thermal Scope Under $2,000: ATN Thor HD 384 2-8x
• Best Budget Thermal Scope: ATN Thor 4 384 1.25-5x
• Best for Hunting: ATN Thor LT 160 3x
• The Best thermal scope for hunting hogs: 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 a Thermal Scope

It’s likely that you’ve figured out by now it’s true that best thermal scopes aren’t cheap. Full Moon Optics Thermal Scope. A majority of people don’t invest large sums of money on the purchase of a thermal scope on a whim. There are some items you must think about first before making a decision on what thermal scope is best for you. (Or really consider if you actually need one, or if the money would be better spent elsewhere.)

Obviously, the final decision lies with you, but if you decide that your next big gun-related purchase is going to be an thermal scope and you are considering it, here are some of the things you should consider prior to spending your hard-earned cash:

Battery Life

There’s a great deal of technology packed into a thermal scope, and it’s got to have some kind of battery to run it. All batteries are not created equal, and so you need to ensure you have a battery that will ensure your thermal scope will stay running for the time you’ll need it. This means you’ll want to think about how long you plan to be using the scope during a single period, how long does it takes to charge the scope, and how much do spare batteries cost.

Extra Features

Certain thermal scopes come with WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, and more. They’re all fantastic options however you need to consider what you’ll be using your thermal scope for and whether or not those extra features are worth the cost or not. For example, do you really need to be able streaming your scope image to your mobile device? Full Moon Optics Thermal Scope.

Price and Budget

The best thermals are going to exceed $5000. While these are often the most expensive scopes you can buy, you’ll get practical applications from the $2000-$5000 range. If you’re searching for a bargain thermal scope under $1000, you won’t find one. There will be some thermal scopes that cost less than $2000 but they should be brand-specific to ensure a good warranty and money-back guarantee coverage as quality control issues must be expected in this price range.

Size/Weight

Thermal imaging scopes are large and heavy. The average weight of a thermal rifle scope is around 2 pounds. Lightweight thermals weigh around 1-1.5 pounds, which is similar to standard daylight rifle scopes. Although thermals may be around the same length of traditional rifle scopes, and even shorter, the internal components needed to provide thermal imaging makes them wider. Their overall weight and size can affect your hunting or tactical weapon as well as sight system.

A compact and lightweight option could be to think about the clip-on system. In addition to reducing size and weight, they’re specifically designed to be placed as a front-facing scope and should be easily removed and attached.

Detection/Recognition Ranges

Thermals can offer more than 1000 yards of detection range for targets in all the day as well as night conditions. However the distance at which you can recognize and identify the target will be considerably shorter.

These ranges can differ among manufacturers, models, and quality. The thermal detector’s sensitivity will be the primary factor you need to study. Increasing magnification can help to quickly detect and recognize an object that is far away, but it may also lead to poor pixelation, resulting in a pixelated image. The resolution of the display will determine how good the image. Full Moon Optics Thermal Scope.

Which is Better Thermal Or Night Vision?

Instead of focusing on whether the night vision scope will be superior than thermal or in the reverse direction, the main problem is:

Which option would work best for your needs and budget?

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly the answer to that.

Let’s get started!

Night Vision

Night vision is achieved by taking light as reflections or light and then transforming them to create the crystal clear image.

Thus, it requires some sort of ambient light for its operation.

If you’re shooting at night, the moonlight and the stars typically provide enough light. Modern models have infrared illuminations that function as flashlights to illuminate the scope however they aren’t visible to the naked eye.

If you’re searching the market of night vision optics, you’ll see different ratings for them — Gen I, II or III. In simple terms, the more the level of the generation, the higher the quality.

You’ll also see a newer class that includes night vision scopes called Digital Night Vision.

The normal night vision display is traditional black and green colors, and the modern digital night vision is usually displayed in black and white in the LCD display.

Pros

• Night vision provides a better image.
• It allows you to differentiate between finer details. Furthermore, night vision scopes are less expensive and more compact in dimensions. They are not affected by cold weather.

Night vision technology is in use a lot more as 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

• Its need for ambient light makes night vision limited.

If you don’t have an infrared illuminator that isn’t in use, it’s useless in completely dark environments. It’s not recommended to use it in sunlight as it could is permanently damaged when exposed to a intense light.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal scopes detect heat or radiation released from any living thing. Thermal imaging employs a specific kind of lens that focuses on infrared light and creates the thermogram. This thermogram then transforms into electrical impulses , which then form an image displayed on screen. Full Moon Optics Thermal Scope.

Pros

• Thermal vision is more flexible as it can be used in any kind of lighting condition. One of the most significant benefits for thermal imaging scopes is that they work well in both day and night and don’t require infrared light. On top of that they allow you to discern smoke, dust and fog without difficulty. That’s why firefighters employ thermal technology.

Cons

• A primary disadvantage for thermal imaging has to do with the fact that it is quite heavy to carry around. They are also expensive and may require you to undergo training to interpret the images correctly. The battery’s lifespan is usually restricted, and the quality of the image can be negatively affected by colder temperatures.

FAQ

How long does an Thermal Scope last?

On an average thermal scopes run for about eight hours with a single charge. Different models last from 2 and 10 hours. More recently, ATN has managed to produce ultra-low-consumption thermal scopes that provide 10+ hours of continuous use.

Why is it that Thermal Scopes are so expensive?

The majority of the time, thermal scopes can be expensive due to advanced technological components. There are also differences in cost for various features, such as wireless connectivity, palette mods as well as ballistics applications and more. However, thermals start at a affordable price of $1000.

What is the distance that Thermal Rifle Scopes see?

The distance thermal rifle scopes can see depends on factors such as display resolution and the magnification setting. The majority of entry-level thermals can detect heat signatures as far as 1,000plus yards. Top-quality thermals can detect past the 4,000-yard mark, but it is not easy to identify targets.

Can You Use Thermal Scope for Daylight?

Contrary to night vision scopes, you can utilize thermal scopes instead. You can use a thermal scope during the day without harming components. Instead of intensifying light, thermal scopes read heat signatures. The dual-use functionality is a major benefit of choosing thermal over night vision and making the most of your purchase. Full Moon Optics Thermal Scope.