2023 New Optics Guide: Thermal Vision

The latest optics in one of the fastest-growing segments of the market.

by
posted on July 21, 2023
2023 New Optics Guide: Thermal Vision

It used to be that the only way to get a thermal optic on your rifle was to join the military. Things have changed, however, and a thermal vision scope will cost you as much as a higher-end magnifying optic. Look for this trend to continue (and the size of the optics to shrink as well) in the future.


Armasight | Contractor 640 2.3-9.2x35 Thermal Weapon Sight

Armasight | Contractor 640 2.3-9.2x35 Thermal Weapon Sight

The Contractor is built around the ArmaCORE 12 Micron Sensor and combines image processing, wireless-communication interface, GPS and internal memory in a single housing that significantly reduces size, weight and power consumption.

Magnification: 2.3-9.2X
Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
Reticle: Eight-plus options
Length: 7.9 inches
Weight: 28.3 ounces
MSRP: $5,499
(888) 504-2762: armasight.com


Armasight | Jockey 640 Compact Thermal Clip-On Sight

Armasight | Jockey 640 Compact Thermal Clip-On Sight
The Jockey 640 mounts in front of an existing day scope to give you thermal capability with no additional zeroing required and works with most optics with less than 5X magnification. The sight uses Armasight’s ArmaCORE 640 thermal core for a fast 60Hz frame rate. Its battery provides up to 4 hours of runtime at room temperature, and includes a quick-detach mount.

Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
Reticle: N/A
Length: 2.4 inches
Weight: 13.6 ounces
MSRP: $4,099
(888) 504-2762: armasight.com


Burris | BTS35 V2 Thermal Model 300602

Burris | BTS35 V2 Thermal Model 300602
The S35V2 is a thermal riflescope, ruggedly built for use in harsh conditions. Its 35 mm, F1.0 lens offers clear and crisp high-resolution images, while app connectivity permits real-time streaming and photo-capture capability.

Magnification: 3.2-12X
Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
Reticle: 10 options with choice of seven colors
Length: 11.5 inches
Weight: 30.6 ounces
MSRP: $3,000
(888) 440-0244; burrisoptics.com


iRayUSA | InfiRay Outdoor RICO PRO 640

iRayUSA | InfiRay Outdoor RICO PRO 640
In addition to offering multiple reticle options, the latest offering from iRayUSA features a patented dual field-of-view (FOV) objective, which allows users to switch seamlessly from a wide FOV for target detection and a narrow FOV for quick, intuitive, target identification.

Magnification: 1.5/3X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: Multi
Length: 9.84 inches
Weight: 29.6 ounces
MSRP: $6,500
(800) 769-7125; irayusa.com


Liemke | Luchs-1

Liemke | Luchs-1
This high-definition thermal imager can be mounted ahead of a riflescope or used as a hand-held monocular. It offers heat signature detection out to 1,750 meters and has a rapid refresh rate of 50Hz. Intuitive to operate, the controls of the Luchs-1 make it easy to use. The Luchs-2, with a range of 2,500 meters, is also available.

Magnification: 1X (2X direct zoom available)
Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
Reticle: N/A
Length: 6.3 inches
Weight: 20.5 ounces
MSRP: $5,554
+49 75 626 189 472; liemke.com


Pulsar | Thermion Duo DXP50 Multispectral riflescope

Pulsar | Thermion Duo DXP50 Multispectral riflescope
WiFi-enabled and offering 16 GB of onboard storage for video and audio, this full-feature optic is both a thermal-imaging device and a standard daylight riflescope all in one unit. Detection of thermal signatures is possible out to 1,800 yards, and the scope is rated to IPX7 standards for water- and shock-resistance.

Magnification: 2-16X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: 10 options
Length: 16.5 inches
Weight: 33.8 ounces
MSRP: $6,500
(817) 761-1771; pulsarnv.com


Sightmark | Wraith Mini Thermal

Sightmark | Wraith Mini Thermal
Offering a 1,400-yard detection range, five color palettes, 10 reticle styles, nine reticle colors and built-in video and audio capabilities, the newest addition to the Sightmark Wraith family has a ton of utility in a thermal optic. Battery life is claimed up to 4.4 hours on two CR123A batteries.

Magnification: 2-16X
Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
Reticle: Choice of 10 options
Length: 6.6 inches
Weight: 19.3 ounces
MSRP: $1,999
(817) 383-1163; sightmark.com

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