What is the best thermal imaging scope for coyote hunting? Today’s post unveils the best thermal scopes for coyote hunting and attached is an insightful buyer’s guide to help you find the best thermal scopes for predator hunting.
Coyote hunting requires a quality optic that generates crisp and high-quality sight pictures in any hunting environment. The best thermal scopes for coyote hunting are designed to provide this and much more. The right thermal scope will improve your marksmanship, yield more sightings and turn your hunting trips into a success.
Additionally, thermal scopes have dual day and night functionalities, so you are guaranteed that you will get plenty of use from them. They also provide plenty of advanced features that give you plenty of value for your money.
Do You Need a Thermal Scope to Hunt Coyotes?
A thermal scope isn’t mandatory for coyote hunting. If you plan on hunting the predators during the day only, you can use a magnified scope and if your hunt extends into the night, you can use a light. However, spotting the coyotes even during the day is difficult and thermal sights help you overcome the challenge.
Thermal scopes for coyote hunting give you a competitive edge because they help you spot the coyotes faithfully. The sensors used in thermal scopes provide high-contrast images that overcome the natural camouflage. Besides thermal scopes work both during the day and at night so you have a round-the-clock device.
8 Best Thermal Scopes for Coyote Hunting
With the surging demand for thermal scopes in the field of hunting, the market is now saturated with products from so many brands. With so many models to choose from, finding the right product for your coyote hunting needs becomes a task. Luckily, we are here to help.
We have taken our time to research the latest and most advanced thermal sights and put up this comprehensive list for you to pick from. With any of these thermal scopes, you will revolutionize how you hunt coyotes and become a better hunter. Let’s jump right in.
1) ATN ThOR 4 2.5-25x50mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope
The ATN ThOR 4 2.5-25x50mm is a magnificent thermal scope that performs stunningly in the hunting arena. This high-end thermal sight is built with the latest technology and an array of top-notch features that make it one of the best thermal scopes for coyote hunting.
It employs a 4th-generation dual core thermal sensor technology that captures thermal heat from targets in any environment and generates clear HD images. Besides, it offers a long detection range of up to 1950m which is more than adequate for coyote hunting.
The scope is built with hunters in mind. It brings to the table a suite of intuitive features such as a ballistic calculator to help you hunt responsibly. Additionally, it is equipped with a smart rangefinder for measuring the size and distance of the target, and a 3D gyroscope that provides stable and consistent images.
Another notable feature of the scope is the all-weather performance. It is weather-resistant for use in rain, mist and fog. It also boasts a smart Mil-Dot illuminated reticle that guarantees visibility in all lighting conditions.
Looking forward to hunting hogs and coyotes soon? The ATN ThOR 4 2.5-25x50mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope will get the job done. Easy target acquisition, identification and elimination are the hallmarks of this thermal scope.
Features
- Ultra-sensitive Gen 4 640×480 thermal sensor
- Smart rangefinder
- E-compass and GPS
- Recoil activated video
- Ballistic calculator
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Weather resistant housing
Pros
- Long 1950m detection range
- Smooth zoom
- Manageable weight
- Illuminated reticle
- Stunning image clarity
Cons
- Big budget
2) Pulsar Thermion XM50 5.5-22x42mm Thermal Rifle Scope
To hunt coyotes easily in the dark, you need a high-quality thermal sight like the Pulsar Thermion XM50. It has a heat detection range of up to 2,500 yards and a 1024×768 HD AMOLED display that provides the clearest view of the target in any environment.
The scope has 13 different reticle options for you to customize your hunting experience and a stadia metric rangefinder to help you measure the size and distance to the target. Furthermore, you can use it on different platforms and save your settings using the 5 rifle profiles and 50 zero saves.
If you like to document your hunting trips, the scope comes with a built-in recording with recoil activation. It also has a Stream vision app that connects to smart devices for easy data transfer and One Shot Zero technology with a freeze function for easy sight-in.
The Pulsar Thermion XM50 is also IP67 waterproof and rated for operability in all weather conditions.
Features
- Color viewing modes
- Built-in recording
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 4x digital zoom
- 13 reticle options
- 5 rifle profiles with 50 zero saves
- One Shot Zero technology
- High-resolution AMOLED display
- Picture-in-picture digital zoom
Pros
- Long detection
- External power supply adaptable
- Durable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Discontinued by the manufacturer
3) AGM Global Vision Rattler TS35-384 2.14x35mm Thermal Rifle Scope
Gracing our thermal scopes for coyote hunting recommendations is the Rattler TS35-384 from AGM Global Vision. This compact and lightweight thermal sight is developed for day and night operation in any weather and environmental condition.
It provides a wide field of view which is vital when hunting coyotes. It also employs an ultra-sensitive 384×288 thermal detector that senses targets even in harsh weather conditions and a high-quality OLED display that generates crisp views of the targets in any environment.
Furthermore, the scope is built ready for hunting. It has a shockproof aircraft-grade aluminum body that stands up to anything you subject it to. Better yet, it boasts an IP67 water resistance level that makes it ideal for use in any weather condition.
Above all, the scope has an onboard Wi-Fi module for video streaming and a video recording function to help you capture every moment of your hunting trip. The other fascinating attribute of the Rattler TS35-384 2.14x35mm is its useability; it can be used as a handheld monocular or attached to a rifle.
Features
- 384×288 thermal detector
- 8x digital zoom
- On-board Wi-Fi module
- IP67 water resistance level
- High-quality OLED display
- Image processing technology
- Built-in video recording
Pros
- Good image and video quality
- Robust and reliable construction
- Easy to use
Cons
- The battery life is short
4) Armasight Contractor 320 3-12X Thermal Rifle Scope
As one of the best thermal scopes for coyote hunting, the Armasight Contractor 320 has multiple reticle options in different color palettes. This will help you tailor your hunting experience based on your needs and enhance your accuracy in different lighting conditions.
The thermal sight is built to provide unmatched durability. It has a solid aluminum body that is sturdy enough to withstand any rough handling. Apart from that, it has an IP67 water resistance level for use in all weather conditions and an operating temperature rating from -40 to 122 ℉.
To ensure crisp viewing of the targets, the scope has a 60Hz refresh rate and image detail enhancement. It also comes with a built-in stadia metric rangefinder for measuring how far the target is and how big it is.
Features
- Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities
- Wi-Fi video and image capture
- 8+ reticles with multiple color palettes
- Integrated stadia metric rangefinder
- Graphic compass
- Alloy metal body
- Waterproof and dustproof
- 60Hz refresh rate
Pros
- Durable make
- Intuitive interface
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- Only 4 hours of battery life
5) Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro 2-16x Thermal Rifle Scope
The technologically advanced Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro will help you spot coyotes with ease in any lighting condition and help you acquire them accurately. The scope has an extremely potent 640×480 microbolometer that detects heat signatures as far as 2,000 yards away and displays them on a crisp AMOLED display.
This thermal sight is built with ease of use in mind. It has an ambidextrous lens focusing for bringing the image into focus, and a smooth magnification of 2x to 16x. It also has a manageable weight of 2lbs only, for mobility convenience.
Another big advantage of the scope is the stunning optical finesse. It has fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright and clear views of the target by enhancing light transfer. It also boasts 10 reticle shapes in 9 different colors for visibility in any lighting condition.
The scope is built to survive rough handling and extreme weather conditions. It withstands recoil from virtually all calibers and has an IPX-7 water resistance for all-weather reliability.
Best of all, it is powered by a high-capacity battery that provides more than 10 hours of continuous runtime. Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro 2-16x Thermal Rifle Scope is a force to be reckoned with among the best thermal scopes for coyote hunting.
The state-of-the-art thermal imaging technology combined with the in-built laser rangefinder help create a versatile and highly dependable shooting solution for predator hunting. Hunting hogs and coyotes will never be the same again with Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro.
Features
- Crisp AMOLED display
- Built-in photo and video recording
- IPX7 fully waterproof
- Picture-in-Picture mode
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 5 unique shooting profile
- 10 reticle shapes in 9 colors
Pros
- Stunning resolution
- Long battery life
- Manageable weight
Cons
- Short warranty
- Expensive
6) ATN ThOR 4 2-8x25mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope
The feature-rich ATN ThOR 4 2-8x25mm is a top contender among the best thermal scopes for coyote hunting. Having this scope as your coyote hunting optic will help you see the coyotes clearly through any obstacle and make your hunting expeditions more enjoyable.
The scope works in any lighting condition, even in pitch-dark night settings. It is powered by a powerful 384×288 sensor that detects the heat energy of the target even when they are hiding behind light covers such as grass and brush or in rainy and misty weather conditions.
Furthermore, the scope has a high-resolution video and photo recording to help you capture every shot you take. Better yet, the video recording is recoil activated for added convenience. What’s more, is that the scope has a smooth zoom that helps you magnify to target without losing what is in the field of view like with step zoom systems.
The scope also brings to that table a ballistic calculator to help you hunt more responsibly and a built-in smart rangefinder to help make your hunting expedition easier and more fun-filled. There is no better way to eliminate hogs, coyotes and predators than with ATN ThOR 4 2-8x25mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope.
Features
- Smooth zoom
- Built-in smart rangefinder
- High-performance 384×288 sensor
- Built-in smart rangefinder
- High-resolution video and photo recording
- Ballistic calculator
- Recoil activated video
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Multiple reticle patterns with different colors
- Long battery life
- Good detection range
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Heavier in terms of weight
7) AGM Global Vision Varmint LRF TS35-640 2-16x35mm Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope
For coyote hunting and hunting in general, the AGM Global Vision Varmint LRF TS35-640 is your ideal option. It has a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to use and carry around when looking for a game.
The scope has weather-resistant housing that makes it ideal for use in any weather and environmental conditions. It has a powerful thermal sensor that detects heat signatures of the coyotes even in fog, rain, mist, or in pitch-dark nights.
Furthermore, the scope has a built-in laser rangefinder designed to calculate the exact design between you and the target. The distance measurement results are displayed on the scope’s monitor which is easy to read in any lighting condition.
This thermal sight is also equipped with an internal Wi-Fi module for live video streaming and an external 5V power battery pack which provides additional runtime during long hunting sessions.
With all these handy features at your disposal, you are guaranteed consistent reliability and better performance in various hunting conditions. Undoubtedly, the AGM Varmint LRF is one of the best thermal scopes for coyote hunting.
Features
- Built-in laser rangefinder
- 5 reticles with 4 colors
- 1-8x digital zoom
- Weather resistant housing
- Internal Wi-Fi module
- 50Hz refresh rate
- Crisp clear OLED monitor
- 2x optical zoom
Pros
- Adjustable color palettes
- Compact and lightweight design
- Solid construction
Cons
- Short eye relief
8) Pulsar Apex XD50A 2-8×42 Thermal Weapon Sight
Last but not least, we have the Pulsar Apex XD50A 2-8×42 Thermal Weapon Sight. The scope is engineered for a wide variety of precision long-range applications among them hunting.
Long-distance viewing is made possible by the continuous and versatile digital zoom that is also ideal for short-range applications. Further, the scope is engineered with a crisp LCD and a fast 50Hz refresh rate that guarantees fast and clear image updates of the fast-moving game.
For precision aiming, the scope utilizes a digital picture-in-picture feature. Besides that, it offers a wide field of view for rapid target finding and quick, consecutive follow-up shots.
It also comes with a one-shot zeroing and free function to help you get back to your initial zero easily and multiple reticle shapes to customize your shooting expeditions.
When it comes to construction, the device is built to last. It is shockproof, impact-resistant and recoil-proof to withstand the fierce recoil that heavy calibers generate.
It is also waterproof for all-weather performance. Lastly, it included updatable software to ensure that you keep improving your performance in the field.
Features
- 4x digital zoom
- Manual, automatic and semi-automatic calibration modes
- 10 variable electronic variables
- One shot zeroing with freeze function
- Picture-in-picture mode
- Long 1,400 detection range
- Waterproof construction
- 50Hz refresh rate
- 384×288 thermal resolution
Pros
- External power adaptable
- Good battery life
- Excellent picture quality
- Great detection range
Cons
- Expensive
Further Reading
- Best Night Vision Scopes for AR-15
- Spotting Scopes for Long-Range Shooting
- Best Thermal Scopes for Hog Hunting
- Night Vision Crossbow Scopes
Choosing the Best Thermal Scopes for Coyote Hunting
Outlined below are the key factors you should consider when looking for the best thermal scopes for coyote hunting.
Lens Capacity
The lens capacity is a very important part of every thermal scope. A thermal sight with a high lens capacity will improve your performance in the field and fine-tune your accuracy.
You will be able to spot and pick the game at any distance and plan the shot with greater accuracy.
Battery Life
All thermal scopes are powered by batteries. However, the capacity of the battery is different from one device to the other.
If you plan to stay in the hunting fields for long, ensure that you get a thermal sight with high-capacity battery life. You wouldn’t want to have your hinting trip cut shot by a low battery.
The best thermal scopes for coyote hunting have a battery that lasts more than 8 hours of continuous operation.
If the scope has a lower battery capacity than that, always ensure that you carry replacement batteries for backup in case they end up getting depleted in the middle of the hunting session.
Zoom Capacity
The zoom capacity in thermal scopes varies from one product to the other. The best zoom is one that is smoothly adjusted and one that brings the distant targets closer while still maintaining a crisp and excellent resolution.
Read: Vortex Scopes for Coyote Hunting
Screen Resolution
When making your selection, try and look for a product that offers HD resolution. The screen resolution of a thermal scope can make or break your coyote hunting expedition.
The best thermal scopes for coyote hunting have a high screen resolution that guarantees crisp clear sight pictures of the target in any hunting environment.
Weight
The next factor you should consider is weight. A heavy and bulky thermal sight can have the best features that you need for hunting and other applications.
However, the scope will be cumbersome to carry in the field. It may as well affect the balance of your hunting firearm and make it less accurate.
Therefore, you must go for the lightest thermal scope you will find. It will be convenient to carry around. A light scope will also disperse recoil from heavy calibers effectively for fast follow-up shots.
Read: AR-15 Scopes for Coyote Hunting
Construction Quality
Thermal scopes are not cheap. You will have to pay thousands of dollars for one. When you spend such a large amount of money, you will want to invest in a quality product that provides many years of use.
Before making the purchase, look at the quality of materials used to make the thermal sight. For a product to last long, it must be crafted from premium-quality materials.
It should also be shockproof, impact resistant and recoil resistant to add on durability. The thermal sight should also be weatherproof for all-weather reliability.
Detection Range
The other feature that you should not overlook is the thermal scope’s detection range. The device you choose to get has to have a detection range that is long enough to let you spot coyotes with ease in any environment.
Refresh Rate
Lastly, consider the refresh rate of the thermal sight. Refresh rate is very important when hunting these fast-moving creatures.
It will keep the sight picture clear as the target moves. A tip is to get a thermal scope with at least a 50Hz refresh rate.
Read: Best Thermal Scope with Rangefinder
What is Better for Hunting Thermal Scope or Night Vision
For hunting at night, you can use a thermal sight or a night vision scope depending on your hunting habits as well as your personal preference.
For long-distance hunting, it is best to get a thermal scope as they offer a longer detection range. Thermal scopes also give you an edge when it comes to hunting in adverse lighting and weather conditions.
They will provide reliable performance in pitch-dark night settings where a night vision scope will not work.
Also, a thermal scope will let you spot the game with ease even in obstacles such as fog, mist and light cover like grass and bushes. However, they are expensive to acquire and less available.
On the other hand, a night vision scope will give you better image views at night as it is designed to operate at night. Night vision scopes are also more affordable than thermal scopes and are much more available.
But they have the downside of being dependent on the light so they might not be helpful when the night is dark and moonless.
Besides, some night vision scopes are designed to be operable in the dark only as exposure to bright sunlight might damage the delicate optics.
Read: Best Night Vision Scopes
How Far Can You Shoot With a Thermal Scope?
The distance at which you can shoot with a thermal scope will chiefly depend on the quality of the device you are using.
With a high-end thermal scope that has a long detection range, you will be able to positively identify a target that is as far as 4,000 yards away. On the other hand, an entry-level thermal scope will limit you up to about 1,000 yards.
Read: Best Night Vision Binoculars
Can You Use a Thermal Scope in Daylight?
Yes. Thermal imaging sights are engineered to work effectively at night as well as during the day The scope will detect the heat signatures an object gives off and create an image irrespective of whether you are shooting in broad daylight or not.
How Does Thermal Imaging Work?
A thermal imaging sight works by collecting heat signatures from an object and using the heat signatures to form an image.
Generally, thermal scopes have a special lens and ultra-sensitive sensors that detect the heat or infrared energy that is given off by an object.
When the heat signatures are collected, the scope creates the image of that target on the display where you view it.
Is it Legal to Hunt Coyotes with a Thermal Scope?
Yes. It is legal to use a thermal scope for coyote hunting at night or during the day. But as an infrared light optic with a source of infrared light, you must follow your local laws and rules that are set when it comes to hunting with artificial light.
Read: Best Scopes for Coyote Hunting
Conclusion
Adding a thermal scope in your hunting tool set will help you acquire the targets successfully in any environment. All the thermal scopes we have mentioned above are built with hunters in mind.
Take into account the features that make each thermal sight a good purchase and select the one that will help turn your coyote hunting sessions into a success this season.