HikMicro Stellar 3.0 SH50L Thermal Riflescope

With a NETD value of just 15 mK, the HikMicro Stellar 3.0 SH50L thermal sight detects even the smallest temperature differences and displays them clearly on the screen. On the viewing side, an OLED display of 2560x2560 pixels with a refresh rate of 50 Hz provides a smooth, steady image that you can comfortably look through for extended periods. The thermal images themselves come from a sensor with a resolution of 384x288 pixels and a pixel pitch of 12 µm; the objective measures 50 mm in diameter.

Depending on the conditions in which you observe, you choose from various color modes on the Stellar 3.0 SH50L. Available are:

• White hot
• Black hot
• Green monochrome
• Red monochrome
• Fusion
• Red hot

In terms of magnification, you start at an optical 6x, with digital zoom of 2x, 3x and 4x on top — at that 4x the total reaches 24x. Thanks to the PIP mode (Picture-in-Picture), you benefit from that considerable magnification while maintaining your overall view. The field of view is 9.3x7.0 meters, more than adequate in practice.

You can take photos and record videos with audio while observing by hand, but the Stellar 3.0 also features a recoil-activation function: as soon as recoil is detected, recording starts automatically. Everything is saved to the internal 64 GB memory. Via the Hotspot function, you connect via Wi-Fi to your smartphone to share files, stream the image feed live, and update the firmware.

In terms of appearance, the Stellar 3.0 deliberately keeps it classic — the shape of a conventional scope, so it looks as though a standard one is mounted on your rifle while you still have all the smart features at your fingertips. The only striking element is the rangefinder (LRF, laser rangefinder) on top of the objective, with a range up to 1000 meters; the measured distance goes directly into the internal ballistic calculator, making your shot more accurate. Power comes from two internal, rechargeable Lithium batteries plus one rechargeable and replaceable 18650 battery, together good for a full nine hours of continuous use.

The housing is made of aluminum and solidly built; without the external 18650 battery it weighs just 880 grams. With IP67 certification, the scope is completely dustproof and withstands submersion to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes. The 30 mm tube diameter makes mounting straightforward — a familiar size for those who want to build their own.