Thermion

Pulsar Thermion 2 Thermal Riflescopes for Long-Range Night Hunting and Precision Shooting

The Pulsar Thermion 2 series is built for hunters and shooters who want thermal performance in a classic riflescope form factor. These optics combine high-resolution sensors, long detection ranges, integrated laser rangefinders, and advanced software features inside a metal body that mounts like a conventional scope. The result is a thermal riflescope line that feels familiar on the rifle but delivers modern digital capability for serious night work.

The range spans three objective sizes: 60 mm flagships for extreme distance, 50 mm models covering most hunting, and the 35 mm XQ35 PRO for a wider field of view in close cover. New to thermal? Start with our complete thermal scope buying guide.

For other thermal platforms, explore our full thermal riflescope lineup, the compact thermal monoculars for scanning, and thermal binoculars for extended glassing. To add thermal to glass you already own, see our thermal attachments.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Thermion 2

The choice comes down to how far you shoot, how wide a field of view you need, and whether you want ranging built in. Bigger objectives detect farther but narrow the view; higher magnification helps at distance but costs you field of view and image quality when over-zoomed.

Sensor Resolution and Image Quality

1024×768 @ 12 µm (LRF XL60, LRF XL50) gives the highest detail and the best digital zoom performance in the line.
640×480 @ 12 µm (LRF XG60, LRF XG50, XG50) balances detail and reach.
640×480 @ 17 µm (LRF XP60, XP50 PRO models) is the proven 640-class option.
384×288 @ 17 µm (XQ50 PRO, XQ35 PRO models) keeps weight and cost down for shorter ranges.

Sensitivity — the spec most buyers skip

Resolution decides how much detail a sensor can resolve; NETD decides how much thermal contrast it can pick out. Lower is better. Within the 60 mm series the XP60 is actually the most sensitive at <25 mK, ahead of the XL60 at <35 mK and the XG60 at <40 mK — worth knowing if you hunt humid or heat-soaked ground where contrast collapses. Our NETD explained guide covers why.

Detection Range

Detection runs from 1,476 yards on the XQ35 PRO to 3,062 yards on the 60 mm XL60 and XG60. Detection is not identification, and it is not an ethical shot. Read how far a thermal scope can really see before buying on range alone.

Laser Rangefinder and Ballistics

Any model with LRF in its name has a built-in laser rangefinder, with a maximum measuring range of 800 m and accuracy of ±1 m. Readings feed distance directly into the scope’s interface and Stream Vision ballistics. Models without LRF in the name do not have one.

Recording, Storage, and Connectivity

Onboard photo and video recording, 64 GB internal memory, and Wi-Fi via Stream Vision 2 are standard across the line, with video and photo captured at 2560×2560. That lets you record hunts, stream to a phone or tablet, and update firmware without extra hardware.

Build and Environment

Every Thermion 2 is IPX7-rated and operates from −25°C to +50°C, with 65 mm eye relief across the 60 mm series.

Thermion 2 Model Comparison

Model	Sensor	Magnification	Detection Range	LRF	Best Use
60 mm — long-range flagships
Thermion 2 LRF XL60	1024x768 @ 12 µm	2.5–20x	3,062 yd (2,800 m)	Yes	Flagship detail, widest 60 mm field of view
Thermion 2 LRF XG60	640x480 @ 12 µm	4–32x	3,062 yd (2,800 m)	Yes	Highest magnification, small targets in open country
Thermion 2 LRF XP60	640x480 @ 17 µm	3–24x	2,187 yd (2,000 m)	Yes	Most sensitive sensor in the series (<25 mK NETD)
50 mm — the working range
Thermion 2 LRF XL50	1024x768 @ 12 µm	1.75–14x	2,515 yd (2,300 m)	Yes	HD detail with the widest low-end field of view in the line
Thermion 2 LRF XG50	640x480 @ 12 µm	3–24x	2,515 yd (2,300 m)	Yes	Long-range hunting with integrated ranging
Thermion 2 XG50	640x480 @ 12 µm	3–24x	2,500+ yd	No	Same reach and sensor without the rangefinder
Thermion 2 LRF XP50 PRO	640x480 @ 17 µm	2–16x	1,969 yd (1,800 m)	Yes	Balanced all-round scope with ranging
Thermion 2 XP50 PRO	640x480 @ 17 µm	2–16x	1,969 yd (1,800 m)	No	Proven all-round performance
Thermion 2 LRF XQ50 PRO	384x288 @ 17 µm	3–12x	1,969 yd (1,800 m)	Yes	Mid-range hunting with ranging
Thermion 2 XQ50 PRO	384x288 @ 17 µm	3–12x	1,969 yd (1,800 m)	No	Mid-range value in the Thermion chassis
35 mm — wide field of view
Thermion 2 XQ35 PRO	384x288 @ 17 µm	2.5–10x	1,476 yd (1,350 m)	No	Timber and close cover, fastest target acquisition

Looking only at the flagships? See the Thermion 2 LRF 60mm series.

The 60 mm Series in Detail

All three 60 mm scopes share the same F60 / 1.0 objective, 442×84×98 mm body, 65 mm eye relief, 7-hour battery life and IPX7 rating. What separates them is sensor, magnification and field of view.

Model	Sensor	NETD	Magnification	Field of view @ 100 m	Weight
Thermion 2 LRF XL60	1024x768 @ 12 µm	<35 mK	2.5–20x	11.7° / 20.5 m	1.16 kg
Thermion 2 LRF XG60	640x480 @ 12 µm	<40 mK	4–32x	7.3° / 12.8 m	1.14 kg
Thermion 2 LRF XP60	640x480 @ 17 µm	<25 mK	3–24x	10.4° / 18.1 m	1.16 kg

The trade-off reads clearly here: the XG60 sees smallest at distance but shows you the least ground, the XL60 gives the most detail and the widest view, and the XP60 has the most thermal sensitivity of the three.

Extended Use Cases

Hog and Predator Night Hunting

• XL60 / XL50 — best identification clarity at distance.
• XG60 — very long fields and high-magnification engagements.
• XP60 / XP50 PRO — balanced for mixed terrain and normal hunting distances.
• XQ35 PRO — brush and timber, where field of view beats reach.

Hunting something specific? See our setup guides for hog hunting and coyote hunting.

Open-Country and Long-Range Shooting

• The XG60 excels at extreme distance with its 4–32x range.
• The XL60 gives a wider field of view for scanning before zooming in.
• Integrated LRF and ballistic tools cut down on juggling separate devices.

Professional Pest Control and Ranch Work

• Profile-based zeroing supports multiple rifles used around the property.
• Onboard recording helps document animal movement and depredation work.
• Pairing with a thermal monocular speeds up scanning before you shoulder the rifle.

Tips for Optimizing Your Thermion 2

• Use the built-in zeroing system rather than chasing shots with turrets.
• Create separate profiles for each rifle and load combination.
• Use Picture-in-Picture to keep situational awareness while aiming magnified.
• Scan low, zoom to inspect — over-zooming costs image quality fast.
• Experiment with palettes as terrain and humidity change.
• Keep firmware updated through Stream Vision 2.

Additional Resources & Guides

• Zeroing the Thermion 2 Riflescope
• What Is a Thermal Sight?
• The Advantages of the Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50