Trijicon IR Hunter MK3 35MM Thermal Riflescope Review

IR Hunter Thermal Scope

IR Hunter Thermal Scopes are specially designed by Trijicon for hunting. It is a flagship night vision product for Trijicon. IR hunter scopes have two models, MK2 and MK3. Both the models have two options;

• MK2 20 mm 
• MK2 35 mm
• MK3 35 mm (My review) – Best for Medium range shooting.
• MK3 60 mm – Long distance shooting

Trijicon IR Hunter MK3 Thermal Rifle Scope Review

Now let’s get into the deep review of Trijicon IR-Hunter MK3 Thermal Riflescope. It is an upgraded version of the IR-hunter MK2 model. Moreover, MK3 model is quite easy to handle and comes with some added features that makes the Trijicon IR Hunter

MK3 Thermal Scope to work even better for hunting. One of the notable improvements in MK3 scope is the elevated readout position and windage. Some of the newly developed features include; 

• Stadiametric rangefinder
• Dual lever mount (MK2 has single lever mount)
• Battery extender cable
• Multiple reticle locations
• Download video cable

Features of Trijicon IR Hunter MK3 Thermal Rifle Scope

Construction

Trijicon IR HUNTER MK3 Thermal Scope is the most powerful scope with a compact design. It is made specifically for the hunters who go night hunting. It has a solid construction with Aircraft-grade aluminium alloy that makes it sturdy and long lasting. The material is of premium quality and so this scope is little expensive compared to the other products.

The eye-catchy black matte finishing of the scope is scratch resistant and makes it good looking over years.

The entire scope has given nitrogen purging for protection. It can resist water and fog, but it cannot be submerged into water for hours. It can remain only about 15 minutes in water and for up to 1 meter. So make sure the climatic condition in your hunting field. 

Ergonomic Design

The Trijicon IR HUNTER MK3 Thermal Scope has an intuitive, ergonomic control button with advanced IR technology. The ergonomic control buttons make it easy for you to manipulate menu options.

Also, the scope comes with a double-lever fast release system. It is included for a steady and easy mounting to the Picatinny rails. 

Eye Relief

This scope has an eye relief of 27mm. It is also featured with a diopter that helps you to focus your target easily even if you wear power glasses. The diopter in the scope depends on the eye relief and helps you to focus the image accurately.

Microbolometer

Microbolometer is a sensor used in thermal scopes to detect the target. Here the scope is made of micro IR Vanadium Oxide microbolometer with 640×480 resolutions. It has the capability to view both warm and cold targets even in no light conditions. It is an excellent choice for night shooters who love hunting during the dark night.

Refresh Rate

IR Hunter MK3 thermal scope is featured with 30-60Hz refresh rate. Of which 60Hz refresh rate allows you to track easily the fast- moving targets without blurring or image tearing. It is also provided with another option that can reduce the refresh rate to 30 Hz to save the life of the battery. 

Wi-Fi Connectivity

As all other upgraded thermal scopes, Trijicon also comes with wifi connectivity. You can connect any digital video recorder to this scope using the video cable. The down thing here is the scope cannot record videos as the other scopes do. You can record videos only by using the video recorder. 

Edge Detection Mode

This is a unique feature of Trijicon IR Hunter MK3 Thermal Scope. Edge detection mode aids you in an easy way to view the target. It reduces the brightness of the screen around your target, but the outline remains the same. So you can view yours more clearly. 

Display Resolution

 Trijicon IR Hunter MK3 is boasted with a crystal clear OLED display along with exclusive imaging features like the ETR and Digital Contrast Enhancement. It improves the visibility of your target by providing high quality images.

Enhanced Target Recognition (ETR)

The ETR in IR Hunter MK3 scope has auto-adjust mode, which means it automatically adjusts the image of your target. So you can focus your target accurately for hitting. ETR can also be combined with the Stadiametric Rangefinder to know the distance between the target and you. So you can hit your target with ease. Also, it is quite easy to set up.

8x Digital Zoom

 The digital electronic zooming system in the IR-HUNTER series allows you to achieve various magnifications at a faster rate. The advanced built-in sighting system and the reticle increase its MOA accuracy and also help you to track the prey quickly by the 8x zooming options.

Digital Focus Control (DFC)

The DFC feature in IR Hunter scope not only allows you to focus your target but also sharpens the overall image of your target for extreme detail.

IR Window Lens Protection

Trijicon IR Hunter MK3 Thermal Scope has an objective front lens made of Germanium. The Germanium lens is the costliest item in the scope and is protected with a highly transmissive IR window. This IR window can be fully replaced. 

Difference Between MK2 and MK3

When comparing MK2 with MK3 IR Hunter Thermal Scopes, you’ll find a number of improvements in MK3 from MK2.

• The first difference between both MK2 and MK3 models is the Refresh rate. MK2 comes with 30Hz and MK3 possess two options 30Hz and 60Hz.
• MK2 is made with a single lever mount whereas MK3 has dual lever mount.
• MK2 comes with a 20mm lens option having a wider field of view. But MK3 has upgraded with two lens options 35mm and 60mm along with the higher magnification range.
• The MK3 IR Hunter with 35 mm lens is very well suited for short, medium, long distance shooting. Whereas the 60 mm lens is specifically designed for shooting at long distance targets.
• But MK2 IR Hunter can be used for shooting at short distance targets. It is a perfect choice for beginners.
• The next difference is the optical magnification.MK2 has 1.5x magnification range whereas the MK3 35mm model possesses 2.4x magnification range. But the digital magnification is similar in both the models having 8X range.
• Finally, the battery life. MK2 can work continuously for up to 4 hours. The MK3 model can run for up to 6 hours when the 30Hz refresh rate has been activated.