UK Thermal Scopes Buyer’s Guide 2025: HIKMICRO vs Pulsar for Foxing & Stalking
UK Thermal Scopes Buyer’s Guide 2025: HIKMICRO vs Pulsar for Foxing & Stalking
Looking for the best thermal riflescope for UK foxing and deer stalking? In this buyer’s guide we compare standout, in-stock options from HIKMICRO and Pulsar — focusing on sensor resolution (384/640/HD), NETD sensitivity, lens size, built-in laser rangefinders (LRF), battery life, and real field performance for woodland, low ground, and open hill. Every product link below points to a current in-stock item on BushWear so you can buy with confidence.
Quick Picks (In Stock Now)
- Ultimate Image Quality (HD): Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 — Pulsar’s HD flagship with LRF for maximum detail and confidence at range.
- UK All-Rounder (640 sensor + LRF): Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 PRO — proven performer for foxing and stalking.
- Long-Range Specialist: Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG60 — 60mm objective, 640 sensor, excellent reach.
- Best Value 640 + LRF: HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SQ50L — crisp 640 sensor, ballistic LRF and modern software.
- Budget-Friendly Pro Grade: HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SH50L — 384 sensor with sub-15mK NETD for strong detail and value.
How to Choose a Thermal Riflescope (What Actually Matters)
- Sensor Resolution & Pixel Pitch: 384×288 vs 640×512 (and HD sensors) affects ID at range. 12 µm and smaller pixels help detail at higher mag.
- NETD (Noise-Equivalent Temperature Difference): Lower numbers (<25mK, <20mK, etc.) mean cleaner separation of animal from background in damp UK weather.
- Objective Lens: 50–60 mm lenses pull more detail and extend detection range — think open hill & farmland.
- Built-in LRF & Ballistics: On-board rangefinding with ballistic holds removes guesswork for ethical shots at changing distances.
- Power & Runtime: Replaceable batteries and 7–10h typical runtime cover long winter sits and lamping sessions.
- Ergonomics & Mounting: Traditional 30 mm body scopes (e.g., Thermion, Stellar) drop into standard rings for an easy, tidy setup.
Top Thermal Scope Recommendations (2025)
1) Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 — Elite HD Clarity + LRF
If you want the best image the category can offer in a traditional 30 mm form, this HD Thermion is the one. The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 delivers outstanding resolution, a wide usable magnification range and integrated laser rangefinder — perfect for open hill stalking and long-range foxing.
- HD thermal sensor for class-leading detail and target ID
- Built-in LRF with ballistic app support for precise holds
- Classic riflescope ergonomics on standard 30 mm rings
2) Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 PRO — Proven UK All-Rounder
The Thermion 2 LRF XP50 PRO hits the sweet spot for most UK shooters: a sensitive 640 sensor, F50/1.0 glass, up to ~1800 m detection, and a tidy integrated LRF. Fantastic balance of performance and price for mixed foxing and stalking.
- High-sensitivity 640 sensor with crisp detail at practical magnifications
- LRF to 800 m with ±1 m accuracy
- Robust build, excellent app ecosystem (Stream Vision)
3) Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG60 — Reach & Recognition
Need extra reach and a touch more base magnification for open land? The Thermion 2 LRF XG60 brings a 60 mm objective and 640/12 µm sensor for standout long-range detection and identification. A brilliant pick for larger fields and valley lines.
- 640×480 @ 12 µm sensor, long-range 60 mm objective
- Built-in LRF with Bluetooth ballistics connectivity
- Comfortable eye relief and micro-OLED display
4) HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SQ50L — Best Value 640 + Ballistic LRF
The Stellar 3.0 SQ50L pairs a sharp 640 sensor with sub-15 mK NETD, ballistic LRF and HIKMICRO’s Image Pro 2.0 & shutterless processing. A fantastic balance of price, performance and features for the UK.
- 640×512 sensor with excellent low-contrast detail
- Integrated LRF + on-scope ballistic calculator
- Traditional 30 mm tube; simple to mount, easy to live with
5) HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SH50L — Budget-Friendly Pro Performance
For shooters who want premium ergonomics and an LRF-equipped platform without the 640-price tag, the Stellar 3.0 SH50L is a cracking choice. The 384 sensor still produces impressive results in wet, windy, low-contrast UK conditions thanks to sub-15 mK sensitivity and smart processing.
- 384×288 @ 12 µm with NETD <15 mK
- Built-in LRF with ballistic holds for ethical shots
- Long 9 h combined runtime (internal + 18650)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Sensor | Objective | LRF | Best For | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 | HD thermal | 50 mm | Yes | Maximum clarity & ID at range | Buy now |
| Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 PRO | 640×480 | 50 mm (F/1.0) | Yes | Balanced all-round foxing & stalking | Buy now |
| Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG60 | 640×480 @ 12 µm | 60 mm | Yes | Long-range recognition on open ground | Buy now |
| HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SQ50L | 640×512 | 50 mm | Yes (Ballistics) | Best value 640 + LRF | Buy now |
| HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SH50L | 384×288 | 50 mm | Yes (Ballistics) | Value choice for mixed ground | Buy now |
Which One Should You Buy?
- Want the absolute best image? Go Thermion 2 LRF XL50.
- Need a dependable UK all-rounder? Choose Thermion 2 LRF XP50 PRO.
- Regularly shooting open hill or big fields? Pick Thermion 2 LRF XG60.
- Value 640 + ballistic LRF? Stellar 3.0 SQ50L.
- Tight budget but still pro features? Stellar 3.0 SH50L.
Still unsure? Call our team for expert UK advice — we’ll match the scope to your ground, quarry and budget.
