HikMicro Stellar 3.0 SQ50L Thermal Riflescope

With thermal imaging optics, everything revolves around sensitivity, and that's where the HikMicro Stellar 3.0 SQ50L distinguishes itself: the NETD remains limited to 15 mK. This value indicates what temperature difference the viewer can still detect — the lower, the finer the detection, so even minimal temperature differences are picked up by this model. What the sensor registers appears on an OLED screen of 2560x2560 pixels that refreshes at 50 Hz for a smooth image. The thermal imaging sensor itself has 640x512 pixels and works with a pixel pitch of 12 µm, which means the pixels are tightly packed together. At the front is a 50 mm objective; at 100 meters distance you look out over a wide area of 15.4x12.3 meters.

Optically, the viewer magnifies 3.6x, and with digital zoom you can go up to 26.6x — enough to bring your target significantly closer. To use that zoom without losing your orientation, there's the PIP function (Picture in Picture). On top of that, the various color modes help you stay sharp in observing different situations. Available are:

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

To record your observations, you can use the buttons on the top of the housing to manually take photos or record videos, including sound. If recoil activation is turned on, the device automatically captures a short clip when it detects recoil — handy for reviewing every shot afterward. The internal 64 GB memory stores all your recordings. Via Wi-Fi and the Hotspot function you share files with your smartphone, and with the streaming function you can transmit the live image to your phone, so you can watch together with others.

On the outside, the Stellar 3.0 maintains a familiar shape and strongly resembles a conventional riflescope, only with the complete arsenal of thermal imaging functions. In addition to observing in the dark, where the device excels, it also helps you determine the impact point. Above the objective is a range finder (LRF, or laser rangefinder) that works directly with the built-in ballistic calculator. Based on the measured distance, it calculates the impact point, which gives you greater accuracy. For the hunter and sport shooter who wants to remain precise at distance, that's a practical combination.

The sturdy housing of the SQ50L can take a hit and weighs 830 grams without an external battery. The power supply consists of two internal rechargeable Lithium batteries plus one replaceable, rechargeable 18650 battery; together they provide nine hours of runtime. Thanks to the IP67 certification, the viewer is completely dust and water-tight — you can immerse it for up to 30 minutes to a depth of one meter.