October 14, 2024
By Ben LaLonde
Pulsar Night Vision has taken its proven thermal technology a huge step forward with the new Thermion 2 LRF XL50 . This optic not only features high-definition sensors and displays, but it also is equipped with a laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator and wireless interfacing with your smartphone. After getting one of these in hand, I can see first-hand why this is one of the most powerful nighttime optics available on the civilian market. Featuring a stout 1024x768 microbolometer (thermal sensor) and large 50mm germanium objective lens, the scope also boasts an impressive <35mK NETD sensitivity rating. The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 can detect heat signatures out to 2,300 meters (2500+ yards) and boasts the widest field of view in its class with a 1.75 to 14X magnification range. The true Germanium lens, when combined with the ultra-sensitive 12µm sensor, creates a tack-sharp, high-contrast image. The internal AMOLED display screen uses a 1024x768 pixel-for-pixel matching screen – which means you see exactly what the sensor sees.
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The picture-in-picture mode allows users to scan with a wide field of view and also take shots with the magnified image on the fly. This gives you an incredibly accurate, real-time, high-definition thermal image. Furthermore, eight different color palettes allow users to pick the most effective color for the environment they are in. White Hot, Black Hot, and Red Hot aid in detecting and identifying objects, while Rainbow and Ultramarine are designed for farther target identification. Lastly, when sitting and watching for extended periods of time, the sepia, violet, and red monochrome are designed to reduce ocular fatigue. Each palette allows for users to make custom adjustments to suit their needs. For those longer hunts, the battery life is extensive thanks to the 4.9 A⋅h internal battery and two included replaceable/rechargeable batteries. All in, users can expect upwards of 10 hours of continuous use of the optic, and it boasts 64gb of internal storage that allows for extensive recording of photos and videos during your hunt. The reticle can be switched between ten different shapes, and each of those shapes can be changed between nine different colors, ensuring the perfect custom setup for any condition.
Picture-in-Picture When hunting at night, wider angled views are often preferred, as the thermal signature of the scope may be the only visual you have of the entire scene. At the same time, having a magnified view is typically more ideal for precise shot placement. Pulsar’s solution to combine both is their Picture-in-Picture mode, which when activated, magnifies the crosshair and superimposes it at the top of the wide image, increasing situational awareness overall. The internal storage on the optic allows for ten different rifles’ zeroes to be stored, along with up to 10 shooting profiles within each of those. This allows you to swap the optic between rifles while retaining zero from one to the next. When it comes to mounting, many thermal optics require extensive rail sections due to their picatinny-only clamping. Pulsar sets theirs apart by using standard scope tube diameters, in this case 30mm, which allows for the use of standard rings or cantilever mounts. With all those electronic components on deck, one may be concerned about durability through varying weather conditions or the effects of heavy recoiling rifles.
The built-in rangefinder works with the internal ballistic calculator for fast target holds at distance. Always one to rise to a challenge, Pulsar engineered this optic to be substantially robust. It is capable of handling temperatures from -25 to +50℃ (-13 to 122℉), is IPX7 Waterproof rated, and can withstand the recoil of the venerable .375 H&H and many other heavy magnum calibers. The externals of the optic largely resemble that of a traditional daytime optic with a few key differences. The large objective lens is topped by the laser rangefinder unit, giving it a distinctive shape. On either side of the LRF unit is a focus knob, allowing for ambidextrous tuning of the sight picture. What would normally be an elevation turret is now the cap for the replaceable batteries. Meanwhile, the windage turret is actually a cap for the internal battery’s charging port. This USB-C interface also doubles as a data port for offloading videos and photos captured on the device. The parallax/side focus knob is instead a multi-purpose button and dial combo. From that turret, you can navigate the menu, change settings and even use it to zoom in or out from whatever magnification setting you are using at that time. Atop the ocular housing resides the magnification button, the record video button and the laser rangefinder button. The functions are 3D molded into the buttons, offering tactile reference when activating them in the dark.
The focus knob is ambidextrous and allows for quick target focus in a hurry. Accessories The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 comes packaged in a padded zippered case along with all of the accessories needed to get started. Apart from user manuals, the package includes both a 2 A⋅h and 3.2 A⋅h rechargeable battery, along with a dual charger for them. Also included are a couple of stick-on thermal target spots made of the same material as hand warmers to simplify the zeroing process. Additionally, there is a rubber-extended eye cup to cut light pollution, which magnetically attaches to the eyepiece. Lastly is the Bluetooth remote, which allows for control of the optic and its settings without needing to reach up and fumble around in the dark.
Laser Range Finder The large Germanium objective lens allows for heat detection at great distances. The integrated Laser Range Finder (LRF) has been engineered to be able to detect and measure targets as far as 800 meters (880 yards) in complete darkness. The ability to use the thermal scope as a rangefinder is a stout advantage, as it allows you to retain the sight picture while providing precise on-board aiming solutions direct to your reticle. The market for LRF daytime optics has been growing, and the addition of in-scope ballistic solutions has further spurred that growth. The Burris Eliminator and the SIG Sauer Electro-Optics BDX system are two prime examples. Pulsar’s decision to bring this type of technology night-side is a smart move on their part.
Stream Vision 2 App Everything electronic seems to come with an app or two these days. The Thermion 2 is no exception, and interfaces with two separate apps. Pulsar’s Stream Vision 2 app offers complete and total control of the optic via its unique Wi-Fi signal and your smartphone. Almost every feature of the optic can be controlled with the app. I found this interface incredibly user-friendly, as adjusting in the settings in the scope itself presented a bit of a learning curve. Your phone doubles as a monitor, so if others are with you on the hunt, they can get a real-time view of what you are seeing through the scope.
Stream Vision Ballistics App The most distinctive feature of the Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 is its built-in ballistic calculator. With it, you can get first-round hits on target, in the dark! The second app dedicated to the system is the Stream Vision Ballistics (SVB) app. Using a Bluetooth connection, SVB allows you to create those specific profiles for your rifle within the app, and then sync them with the optic. Once you select the profile within the app and zero the reticle, it will store your zero and ballistic information within the optic, ready at a moment’s notice. The Thermion 2’s onboard ballistic computer can process everything on its own though, so you do not need a constant Bluetooth connection to take those farther shots. Conversely, the Ballistic app can also stand on its own and reads out solutions as you adjust the target distance slider. I wanted to check the accuracy of the app’s calculations against my Kestrel 5700 Elite running Applied Ballistics. I confirmed all bullet data and environmental fields matched between the app and the Kestrel. Starting at 100 yards and checking random measurements from there to 880 yards (The Thermion’s farthest measurable distance), I cross-referenced both solutions. For my 6mm Creedmoor bolt gun running 95-grain Bergers, bullet drops measured exactly the same across the board. Windage based on the bullet’s spin drift varied slightly, but never more than 0.15 MRAD (approximately 4.75 inch at 880 yards), a negligible difference given the average width of coyotes and hogs. I even pushed the app farther than the scope itself would measure, comparing both to 1,760 yards; a full mile. Out to that distance and anywhere in between, the 6mm Creedmoor data tracked perfectly. Having a free app that works for both daytime and nighttime optics is a huge plus. Also when shooting beyond the capability of the laser rangefinder, the user can dial in known-distance yardage to 1,650 yards. The overlayed holdover reticle will adjust commensurate dialed range.
Final Thoughts Pulsar’s latest addition to their thermal riflescope lineup brings increased versatility and performance to their already proven platform. The HD resolution and integrated LRF with ballistic calculator together make for more accurate placement of rounds on target. Gone are the days of guessing with Kentucky Windage or needing a secondary nightvision LRF unit to confirm ranges and holdovers. Integration with the two apps streamlines the user interface and high recoil resistance ensures more weapon options to pair it with. While its MSRP of $8,099.97 is sufficiently stout, Pulsar knows there is a demand in the civilian market for an optic with this level of performance, the highest of its kind.