Hey there my fellow coyote hunters! Joel here again with some exciting updates on the best thermal scopes to take down those wily ‘yotes in the dark. Thermal technology has come a long way in recent years, going from bulky military gear to sleek, powerful optics that have become an essential part of many hunters’ kits, especially those of us who pursue predators at night.
When I first started hunting coyotes, I quickly realized that my regular glass scope just wasn’t cutting it once the sun went down. I remember one particularly frustrating night, sitting in a blind for hours, hearing coyote howls all around me, but unable to spot a single one through my scope. That’s when I decided it was time to upgrade to thermal.
And let me tell you, it was a game changer! Suddenly, I could spot coyotes hundreds of yards away, even in complete darkness. Their heat signatures stood out like beacons against the cool night background. I went from going home empty-handed more often than not to consistently bagging coyotes on almost every hunt.
But with so many thermal scopes on the market now, it can be tough to know which one to choose. That’s why I’ve tested and reviewed the top models for 2024 to help you find the perfect scope for your needs and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into night hunting, there’s a thermal scope on this list for you.
So let’s dive in and take a look at the best of the best:
1. ATN ThOR 4 640 4-40x Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope
- Ultra Sensitive Next Gen Sensor – Is capable of capturing crisp clear images at the furthest ranges with improved resolution, higher sensitivity, and smooth gradations even in total darkness
- Ballistic Calculator – Hunt responsibly by making sure your shot hits the target Each and Every time
- Range, Wind, Multiple-Weapon Profile, Angle to target, Temperature, Humidity, Plus more. Helps you determine exact ballistics for expert long-range shot
The ATN ThOR 4 is a top-of-the-line thermal scope that’s packed with features. With a 640×480 sensor and 4-40x magnification, it provides crisp, detailed images at long range. Smart features like a ballistic calculator, recoil activated video, and Wi-Fi streaming make this a great choice for tech-savvy hunters. The 10+ hour battery life is also impressive. Though pricey, the ThOR 4 is worth the investment if you want the best.
2. Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 2-16x Thermal Riflescope
The Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 is another high-end option with excellent image quality thanks to its 640×480 sensor and top-notch AMOLED display. The picture-in-picture mode is handy for
- Extreme Detection Range with 384×288 Microbolometer Resolution: High quality germanium optics coupled with an advanced thermal imaging sensor ensure an unprecedented detection range of up to 1,500 yards, even in complete darkness.
- Stream Vision 2 with Wi-Fi: Built-in Wi-Fi connects the device to Android/iOS smartphones via Stream Vision 2 app. Update device software, transfer real-time images to mobile screens, and remotely control digital functions.
keeping an eye on your surroundings while zoomed in on a target. It’s built like a tank too, with a durable magnesium alloy housing. The 8 color palettes and 10 reticle options allow you to customize the view to your liking. If you can swing the price tag, the Thermion 2 won’t disappoint.
3. AGM Rattler TS25-384 Compact Thermal Rifle Scope
For those looking for a more affordable option, the AGM Rattler TS25-384 delivers a lot of bang for your buck. The 384×288 sensor provides good image quality, and the scope is packed with useful features like a rangefinder, Wi-Fi streaming, and a choice of multiple reticles and color palettes. At under 2 lbs, it’s lightweight and easy to handle too. The 4.5 hour battery life is a bit on the short side, but overall this is an excellent scope for the price.
- High-Sensitivity Thermal Detector: The Rattler series scopes use a high-sensitivity thermal detector and a 1024×768 OLED monitor for a clear image in harsh environmental conditions like darkness, fog, and rain, making it an ideal thermal rifle scope for hunting in challenging environments..Battery Life (Operating) : Up to 4.5 hr. Operating Temperature Range : -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F)
- High-Resolution Thermal Imaging Riflescope: The Rattler TS25-384 has a 384 × 288 thermal resolution and high sensitivity detector, making it a high-performance thermal imaging scope for hunting.
4. FLIR ThermoSight Pro PTS536 4-16x Thermal Riflescope
FLIR is well known for their high quality thermal imagers, and the ThermoSight Pro PTS536 lives up to that reputation. The 640×512 sensor provides outstanding clarity and detail, while the 4-16x zoom range is ideal for a variety of hunting scenarios. The simple 4-button interface is easy to use even with gloves on. With 4 hours of battery life, it’s not the longest-lasting scope out there, but the hot-swappable batteries help mitigate that issue. Pricey but top-notch quality.
5. ATN ThOR LT 320 3-6x Thermal Rifle Scope
Another solid choice from ATN, the ThOR LT 320 is a more budget-friendly alternative to the ThOR 4. While the 320×240 sensor resolution is lower, the scope still performs very well in the field, especially at closer ranges. 3-6x magnification is plenty for most coyote hunting scenarios. With up to 10 hours of battery life and an easy 3-button interface, this scope is a great entry point into thermal hunting.
- 60Hz Thermal Sensor detects animal heat signatures for fast target acquisition
- White Hot/Black Hot Mode for display of moving objects in your preferred color palette
- One Shot Zero allows for an easy and fast sight-in of your scope. Plus, multiple reticles to choose from
6. IR Defense IR Hunter Mark II 640 2.5-25x Thermal Rifle Scope
The IR Hunter Mark II 640 is a sleek, streamlined thermal scope packed with high-end features. The 640×512 sensor provides excellent image clarity, and the 2.5-25x magnification range is incredibly versatile. You can go from a wide field of view for scanning to 25x zoom for long-range shots with ease. The customizable reticles and color palettes let you set the scope up just the way you like it. The video output is also a handy feature for recording your hunts. A great choice if you’re willing to pay for premium quality.
7. Trijicon REAP-IR 35mm 2.5x Thermal Riflescope
Trijicon is a well-respected name in the world of optics, and their REAP-IR 35mm thermal scope lives up to the brand’s reputation for durability and performance. The 640×480 sensor provides crisp images, and the germanium objective lens is top quality. The rugged housing is built to withstand hardcore use in the field. At 2.5x magnification, this scope is geared more towards closer range hunting, but it excels within that niche.
- Great Product
8. Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50 Thermal Riflescope
The Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50 is another feature-rich option from Pulsar. The built-in laser rangefinder is incredibly useful for quickly ranging targets, and the scope’s “picture-in-picture” mode lets you keep both eyes on your prey. The 640×480 sensor provides excellent image quality, and the 8x digital zoom allows you to reach out far when needed. The IPX7 waterproof rating means you can hunt in any weather without worry. A very solid choice overall.
9. Leupold LTO-Tracker 2 HD Thermal Viewer
While not a rifle scope per se, I had to include the Leupold LTO-Tracker 2 HD on this list. This compact handheld thermal monocular is an invaluable scouting and tracking tool. The 320×240 sensor provides surprisingly good image quality for such a small unit, and the 7x digital zoom lets you reach out a good distance. It’s also very affordable compared to a full-fledged thermal scope. I never hit the field without mine.
10. Burris BTC 50 3.3-13.2x Thermal Clip-On Sight
Last but not least, we have the Burris BTC 50 thermal clip-on. This innovative design allows you to add thermal capability to your existing day scope, saving money and allowing you to use a scope you’re already familiar with. The 400×300 sensor strikes a good balance between image quality and battery life (Burris claims 4+ hours). With 3.3-13.2x magnification and a 50mm objective lens, the BTC 50 is quite versatile too. If you want thermal capability without buying a whole new dedicated scope, this is the way to go.
Now, I know that was a lot to digest, but I hope this overview has given you a good sense of the top thermal scopes on the market right now. As you can see, there’s something for every budget and hunting style.
If you’re looking for the absolute best image quality and features, the ATN ThOR 4, Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50, or IR Defense IR Hunter Mark II are hard to beat. These are top tier scopes for serious hunters willing to make a significant investment.
- Magnification: 1x
- Resolution: 400×300
- Pixel Size: 17μm
On the other hand, if you’re just getting into thermal or working with a tighter budget, scopes like the AGM Rattler TS25-384 and ATN ThOR LT 320 offer very good performance at a more affordable price point. You’ll still be marking targets you’d never see with a regular scope.
And don’t sleep on handheld units like the Leupold LTO-Tracker 2 HD. These compact thermal viewers are so useful for scouting and recovering downed game. I think every hunter should have one in their pack.
Of course, the most important thing is getting out there and putting these tools to use in the field. I’ve taken coyotes with all kinds of thermal setups over the years. At the end of the day, the best scope is the one that helps you put fur on the ground consistently and effectively.
So whether you choose one of the scopes on this list or find another model that suits you, I wish you the best of luck on your night hunting adventures. Stay safe, shoot straight, and enjoy the unique thrill of outsmarting coyotes in the dark. Trust me, once you go thermal, you’ll never
go back.
CONCLUSION
The best thermal scopes for coyote hunting should be an advantage to you not a hassle to carry. So, choose the size, optical system, extra features, and functions more specifically. With the right scope, you get fast aiming, better accuracy, target acquisition, range of detection, and image clarity. These are the factors that improve your skills and bring you closer to successful shots.
Hope you find the above list of best thermal scopes for coyote hunting helpful. You can outperform any predators with a better tool and plan. So, Have one!
Happy hunting!