The Best HIKMICRO Hunting Gear in 2023

Sep 7, 2023

Nothing beats thermal and digital day & night vision optics when it comes to giving hunters a clear view of their quarry by day and by night. Modern thermal gear provides an unmissable view of your target species' heat signature, even when it's partially obscured by cover, while day & night vision offers clear and reliable images even in the hardest conditions, with remarkable levels of detail. Both options enable hunters to see in the dark with absolute stealth as they don't use conventional light which can compromise concealment.

This category is undergoing significant evolution. So, which thermal appliance best suits your needs? Read on for reviews of the best HIKMICRO hunting gear available.

HIKMICRO's Winning Lineup

Budget-frienly Thermal Monocular: LYNX Pro Series
High-performance Thermal Monocular: FALCON Series
Precision Thermal Scope: STELLAR Series and THUNDER 2.0 Series
Most Popular Thermal Clip-on: THUNDER 2.0 Series
Combined Thermal and Digital Day & Night Vision Binocular: RAPTOR Series
Award-winning Digital Day & Night Vision Scope: ALPEX Series
Leading Digital Day & Night Multiple-Use LRF Clip-On: CHEETAH LRF Series

What to Consider When Choosing Your Optic

IMAGE QUALITY: A sharp image is essential for confident quarry identification and accurate shot placement. Quality sensors and high resolution can provide the most vivid and layered images, allowing you to get a good view of the target, as well as the surrounding landscape - also the landscape around it – a vital consideration for safe shooting
BATTERY LIFE: Nobody wants the hassle of being let down by a flat battery while hunting at night. Devices with a long runtime will ensure that you are up and running and ready for action even on long outings.
FIELD OF VIEW: A wide field of view is a real asset when spotting quarry. Optics that enable you to wind down the magnification provide the option of widening the view to even more of what’s around you.
DETECTION RANGE: The longer the detection range, the further you can see – and that’s a great help when spotting over extensive ground. Optics with longer detection range also produce a better image over shorter distances.
DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY: Hunting optics need to be tough, especially if you are using them in demanding night-time conditions. Rugged build quality and water resistance will ensure that your device stands up to unsympathetic use.
EASE OF USE: Over-complicated night vision and thermal optics can spoil a hunting trip. The best devices are designed to deliver simple, intuitive operation.
PRICE: Excellent day and night optics don’t have to be prohibitively expensive. Modern production and manufacturing techniques mean there are dependable options to suit all budgets.

HIKMICRO Has the Answer

HIKMICRO has all options covered to meet every hunter's needs with sharp viewing, wide field of view, long detection range, excellent battery runtime, easy operation and numerous market-leading features. HIKMICRO devices boast robust build quality to stand up to the rigours of serious field use and are very competitively priced. This innovative range of optics includes dedicated riflescopes, clip-ons, monoculars and binoculars for round-the-clock viewing.

Leading Thermal and Digital Day & Night Vision Optics from HIKMICRO

Thermal Monocular

Thermal Scope

Thermal Clip-on

Budget-friendly Thermal Monocular: LYNX Pro Series

The LYNX Pro is an entry-level thermal monocular that's small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. It is perfect for spotting by day and night and is well-suited to pest control applications including fox, rabbit and grey squirrel shooting on open ground especially in woodland. It is very simple to use, boasts a runtime of up to 10 hours. The high-sensitivity built-in thermal detector provides you with clear view even in total darkness.

Best Forest Hunting Companion: LH25

As one of HIKMICRO's biggest-selling products, the new LH25 Pro model introduces a few subtle improvements, the LYNX Pro weighs just 310g so is no burden to carry. There is a lot of technology packed into its small frame, and that includes NETD<35mK @12 μm imaging detector, and large aperture lens. The LYNX LH25 model combines a 384px sensor with a 25mm lens, which results in sharp viewing with detection range to spot a 1.7m target out to 1200m. The wide field of view makes it excellent for scanning wide expanses and close-up viewing, which can help you ensure quick target detection, perfect overview at short distances, precise observation, and dependable identification, and is appropriate for forest hunting.

Other Features:

Photo and video capture direct to onboard 8GB memory
Up to 8x zoom
Four colour palettes for optimum viewing in changing conditions
Power-saving standby mode to extend battery life and connectivity to the HIKMICRO SIGHT app

High-performance Thermal Monocular: FALCON Series

The FALCON Series is a great choice for serious hunters who demand a high-end thermal monocular delivering awesome performance. Its dependable, high-quality viewing has also made it a winning choice for search and rescue and outdoor recreation. This monocular's design has been enhanced for ultimate ease of use with extremely high thermal sensitivity. The thermal core has a sensitivity of 20mK NETD, providing a more detailed image than previous thermal models. This thermal imager is capable of detecting and displaying small details such as animal fur, branches, and leaves. This creates a reliable image under poor visibility conditions.

Best Field Hunting Companion: FQ50

In details, the best model FQ50, with its 20mK NETD, 640×512 @12μm thermal detector and super-large f0.9 aperture ensures clear thermal imaging out to 2600m with high-contrast viewing in all weather conditions, while 2.6x magnification with up to 8x digital zoom provides detailed observation. A field of view of up to 15.3m at 100m means nothing goes unseen when scanning for target species, and it's all relayed via a full-colour 1024 HD OLED display. Whether targeting deer, fox or wild boar, whether field or forest hunting, whether daytime or nighttime, it makes easy work of virtually any situation, and its pin-sharp viewing and exceptionally long detection range make it an unrivalled option for hunters targeting wary quarry over extreme distances and right around the clock.

Other Features:

Up to 7 hours runtime from a replaceable rechargeable battery
Photo and video recording to 64GB onboard memory
Image Pro enhanced image processing algorithm
Robust magnesium housing and lens coating material for long-time use
Connect to HIKMICRO SIGHT app so you can share everything you see on your hunting trips

Tube-design Thermal Scope: STELLAR Series

STELLAR series is proportioned much the same as a traditional riflescope. This feature means it mounts via standard 30mm mount rings and provides familiar handling and balance with your rifle. This easy-to-operate thermal scope gives detailed viewing, and delivers the renowned, high-quality thermal image quality, even when working in cover, making it a top choice for deer, fox and wild boar shooting, which can maintain vision in complex forest environments.

Best Forest Hunting Companion: SQ50

STELLAR SQ50, the viewing experience is enhanced by 640x512@12um detector, wide field of view (15.4m x 12.3m at 100m) and a detection range of up to 2600m. Ultra-low power consumption gives a runtime of up to 13 hours, while a recoil-activated function can capture video with audio. A super-sensitive detector, high-quality lens ensure that this scope will keep you bang on target, which also increases the field of view and the likelihood of spotting wild boars in the forest. Despite its high specification, the STELLAR SQ50 retails for under £3,000, making it an exceptionally well-priced high-performance thermal optic.

Other Features:

Five reticle groups with 10 layouts in 4 colours
"Zoom and Freeze”zeroing ensures the shooting precision
50Hz frame rate for lag-free viewing
Magnification starting at 1.6x and built-in WiFi connectivity to the HIKMICRO SIGHT app

NEW Compact Thermal Scope: THUNDER 2.0 Series

The new THUNDER 2.0 series is a very compact thermal scope delivering excellent thermal sensitivity NETD<20mK and high-resolution viewing at a very competitive price. Compared with 1.0 series, significant enhancements have been made. The new design of the knob, which positions the focus next to other top-mounted controls, allows for more efficient adjustment of zoom, photo and video triggering (with audio), colour modes, etc., which enables a more convenient operation when hunting. The new upgrade also includes a custom battery that can extends the operation time up to 10 hours, which can get an excellent performance even in cold environment. Quick menu is also activated for users to quickly locate the frequently used functions.

Best Field Hunting Companion: TQ50 2.0

The TQ50 2.0's compact frame contains state of the art thermal imaging technology, including 640 detector, 12 μm pixel pitch, 50mm objective lens, thermal sensitivity of <20 mK and 1024x768 OLED display. The 2.6x optical zoom is boosted by 8x digital zoom for detailed viewing with a mighty 2600m detection range with a generous field of view. It's a versatile optic, popular with commercial fox shooters in the UK and equally at home shooting rabbits, rats and wild boar. The ultimate partner for field hunting, especially in the bushes, high resolution can definitely help you locate your prey as quickly as possible.

Other Features:

New rechargeable, replaceable battery pack supports charging in the device directly
Support tone and brightness adjustment
Quick zeroing with ten reticle patterns in four colours
Onboard video recording, picture in picture and connectivity to the HIKMICRO SIGHT app

Most Popular Thermal Clip-On: THUNDER 2.0 Series

This innovative THUNDER 2.0 clip-on unit attaches to your day scope to convert it to thermal. Besides all the innovation made on THUNDER 2.0 scope model, the clip-on also adopts a M52*0.75 thread. The attachment is via a quick-release collar which fastens securely to the front of the optic. The result is a fast and simple thermal hunting solution with your usual setup and all your familiar aimpoints.

Best Field Companion: TQ50C 2.0

With the large 640 detector, 12 μm pixel pitch, 50 mm focal length and thermal sensitivity <20 mK, the TQ50C 2.0 completes the latest thermal imaging technology in one device. It ensures informative images and an enhanced identification capability even under the slightest temperature differences. For example, the smallest features such as bristles or the sex can be reliably detected when hunting wild boar. The field hunters in particular will appreciate the long detection range of 2600m.

Best Forest Hunting Companion: TH35PC 2.0

The THUNDER TH35PC 2.0 unit has a 35mm lens, <20mK thermal sensitivity and 1800m detection range, making it a great choice for use in woodland cover and for wild boar shooting in farm buildings when mounted on a rifle.

Other Features:

New simplified menu, quick-focus knob
Replaceable, rechargeable high-capacity battery pack supports charging in the device directly
2-in-1,support being transformed into a thermal imaging monocular starting at 1.8x
A generous field of view, multiple colour palettes, easy to navigate central display menu and and connectivity to the HIKMICRO SIGHT app

Multi-spectrum Binocular

Combined Thermal and Digital Day & Night Vision Binocular: RAPTOR Series

The RAPTOR binoculars combine full-colour HD daytime viewing with thermal, infrared night vision and a rangefinder to deliver the ultimate insight by day and night. Image Fusion mode enables hybrid thermal/optical viewing with a very clear view of surroundings as well as quarry. The long list of smart features includes a battery-saving sensor which switches the Raptors into standby mode when you take them away from your eye. Their high level of performance and optical versatility has made these binoculars a top choice for serious hunters and rescue services.

As for optical specifications, the 50mm RQ50L, detection range is up to 2600m and a high-spec 640x512 detector ensures very sharp viewing with a choice of four thermal colour palettes. The rangefinder is accurate to ±1m out to 1000m, helping the hunter to achieve precise shot placement. For the professional fox shooting, deer management, and even the wild boar shooting, this is definitely to be an invaluable tool. The waterproof RQ50L has 3.4x optical magnification and 1-16x digital zooming, with a very wide field of view on lower zoom settings. It is supplied with two sets of rechargeable batteries, both of which can deliver a runtime of up to 8 hours.

Other Features:

20mK high-sensitivity thermal camera
2560x1440 HD day and night camera
Zoom Pro image processing algorithm
Onboard recording and connectivity to the HIKMICRO SIGHT app.

Digital Day & Night Vision Scope

Digital Day & Night Vision Clip-On

Award-winning Digital Day and Night Vision Scope: ALPEX Series

The super-popular ALPEX A50T won its class in the 2023 Great British Shooting Awards, impressing judges with its versatile day and night performance, easy operation and very competitive price point. Those qualities have also made it a winning choice for pest control, from fox and rabbit shooting over open ground to rat shooting around farm buildings.

This reliable and easy to operate scope has similar proportions to a normal telescopic sight, and mounts via standard 30mm rings. Its intuitive controls also make it very simple to operate and zero with a choice of reticle profiles, patterns and colours as well as picture in picture mode.

The ALPEX produces a very clear full-colour daylight image, which remains exceptionally bright in very poor light conditions at dawn and dusk, thanks to a unique 1/1.8 in detector and 3D DNR image algorithm. Its infrared mode enables ultra-sharp viewing in complete darkness with a detection range out to 600m, while 1920x1080 resolution, 50hz frame rate and 1024x768 HD OLED display deliver a pin-sharp image. Also, a 50mm F1.2 lens, a suitable magnification with a high image quality after digital zoom makes ALPEX series perfect for both field and forest areas.

Other Features:

Support recoil-activated recording with audio
5 Reticle Groups with 8 colors and 10 reticle types
Image defog technology and connectivity to the HIKMICRO SIGHT app.

Leading Digital Day & Night Multiple-Use LRF Clip-On: CHEETAH LRF Series

The lightweight CHEETAH weighs just 477g and quickly clips to your daytime scope to convert it to day & night vision for colour daytime recording. The multifunctional device is can also be used as a monocular and, with the addition of a mount, can be used as a riflescope in its own right. A laser range-finding feature is also available.

The CHEETAH's 3-in-1 versatility, easy controls, exceptional performance with 2560x1440 UHD resolution, and competitive price have made it a popular choice with pest shooters targeting foxes and rabbits. Airgun shooters also regard it as a great device for after-dark rat shooting.

The CHEETAH C32F-L boasts amazing full colour viewing by day and in twilight, and clear infrared night-time viewing with a built-in adjustable IR illuminator and 1920 0.49'' large OLED. Digital zoom gives you magnification of 2.7x to 22x by turning the dial around the rear button. Detection range is 400m and you can expect around 5.5 hours continuous runtime, which can be extended by using the power-saving standby mode.

Other Features:

Direct video recording at the press of a button, picture in picture and Smart IR
Single shot zero, 5 zero profiles with a choice of 10 reticle designs and 8 colours
Connectivity to the HIKMICRO SIGHT app

HIKMICRO’s Recommended Hunting Combos

For New Hunters: LYNX and CHEETAH Series

The LYNX thermal monocular provides affordable and effective spotting which combines perfectly with the CHEETAH's sharp full-colour and infrared night vision viewing and laser range-finding potential to create a great setup for safe and effective pest control.

For Professionals: FALCON and ALPEX

The FALCON's market-leading thermal performance is the perfect tool for spotting and observation. Pairing it with the ALPEX riflescope's sharp digital day and night viewing and also the traditional tube design will create an excellent combo for the serious hunter who fancies traditional hunting style looking to cover a wide range of scenarios in the field or forest.

For Experts: FALCON and THUNDER 2.0

The FALCON's 2600m detection range with <20mK ultra-high thermal sensitivity, intuitive operation and long runtime mean nothing goes unseen. Use it alongside the THUNDER 2.0, which incorporates similar thermal technology in a high-quality sighting system, and you have an unbeatable setup and immersive hunting experience for deer stalking, wild boar hunting and professional fox shooting in the most challenging conditions.

The Choice is Yours

Every shooter's final choice of thermal and digital day & night optic will be based on several factors, the most important ones being price and the type of shooting scenario the gear is going to be used in. The HIKMICRO range includes products to cover all applications and budgets with no compromise on performance.