Brand comparison
1280 Thermal Scopes Compared: Thermion 3 XT60 vs Stellar SX75L vs Nocpix ACE 2 S60R
If you're spending premium money on a 1280 thermal riflescope, the shortlist is usually the Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF XT60, the HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SX75L and the Nocpix ACE 2 S60R. All three use a 1280×1024 sensor with 12 µm pixels, so the lens decides most of the difference. Choose the SX75L for the most reach, the XT60 for eye relief, run time and recoil margin, and the S60R if you want a 60 Hz mode for moving animals.
One sensor, two lens choices
With the same sensor in all three, the lens sets both detail and width. The SX75L's 75 mm lens gives each pixel about 1.6 cm at 100 m by our estimate, against about 2.0 cm for the 60 mm XT60 and S60R. The trade-off is a narrower view, as the diagram below shows.
In practice, that puts fox recognition at roughly 270–365 m on the SX75L and 220–290 m on the XT60 and S60R, by our estimate from the lens and sensor specs. The XT60 and S60R take in about 25.7 m and 25.6 m at 100 m, against 21.2 m for the SX75L, so they're quicker for scanning wide country. Our full working for the Thermion 3 is in how far the Pulsar Thermion 3 can identify a fox, pig or deer.
Say you're working a big property on the western plains, where pigs feed across open wheat stubble and the nearest cover is 400 m away. Here the SX75L's extra reach is worth having: it holds a recognisable outline on a pig roughly a quarter further out than the 60 mm scopes. Closer in, along a creek or timber edge, the wider XT60 and S60R make it easier to keep a moving animal in view.
The rest of the comparison
Beyond the lens, the three split on sensitivity, zoom, eye relief, battery and refresh rate. The chart below lines them up.
HIKMICRO and Nocpix quote NETD of 12 mK or better; Pulsar quotes the XT60's whole system at under 20 mK. The makers measure differently, so treat the gap with care, though on paper the Stellar and Nocpix are more sensitive. We explain the measure in how NETD affects the thermal picture, and why Pulsar's figures need reading carefully in Pulsar Thermion 3 specs explained.
The XT60 leads on eye relief, at 65 mm against 60 mm on the S60R and 55 mm on the SX75L, and on rated run time, at 8.5 hours. Pulsar also rates it for recoil up to 6,000 J. The S60R's 60 Hz mode is the stand-out for following running animals. Both the XT60 and SX75L carry a 1,200 m rangefinder; HIKMICRO builds the SX75L's into the objective lens.
Weight and handling
The XT60 weighs 1.3 kg with its battery, against 1,075 g for the SX75L. On a heavy rifle shot from a bipod or vehicle rest, that difference barely registers, and the extra mass helps settle recoil. On a lighter rifle, the Stellar balances better. The XT60's controls follow a day scope's layout, with a zoom ring and a top focus wheel, which some shooters will find more natural.
Which one we'd buy
The chart below follows the questions we'd ask a customer choosing between them.
Our pick: for open-country pig and deer shooting, where recognising an animal at distance matters most, the Stellar 4.0 SX75L. For hunters running a heavy calibre, or who want the longest battery rating and most eye relief in this group, the Thermion 3 XT60. Choose the Nocpix ACE 2 S60R if you often shoot moving animals and value its 60 Hz picture. If you're also weighing the XT60 against its 640 sibling, see Thermion 3 XR60 or XT60: is the 1280 sensor worth it.
Compare the 1280 thermal scopes
Check the current price and availability on each product page.
Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF XT60 HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SX75L Nocpix ACE 2 S60R1280 thermal scope comparison FAQ
Which 1280 thermal scope sees furthest: Thermion 3 XT60, Stellar SX75L or ACE 2 S60R?
The HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SX75L. Its 75 mm lens gives each pixel about 1.6 cm at 100 m, against about 2.0 cm on the 60 mm Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF XT60 and Nocpix ACE 2 S60R, by our estimate. That puts fox recognition at roughly 270–365 m on the SX75L and 220–290 m on the other two.
Which 1280 thermal scope has the widest view?
The Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF XT60 and Nocpix ACE 2 S60R are effectively level, at about 25.7 m and 25.6 m wide at 100 m. The HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SX75L's longer 75 mm lens narrows its view to 21.2 m. A wider view makes it easier to scan paddocks and keep a moving animal in frame at closer range.
Which 1280 thermal scope has the most eye relief?
The Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF XT60, with 65 mm. The Nocpix ACE 2 S60R offers 60 mm and the HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SX75L 55 mm. All three are comfortable on typical fox and pig calibres, but the XT60 gives the most margin on heavier recoil, and Pulsar rates it to 6,000 J on rifled firearms.
Which 1280 thermal scope has the longest battery life?
The Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF XT60 is rated at up to 8.5 hours at 22 °C, the Nocpix ACE 2 S60R at up to 8 hours, and the HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SX75L at up to 7 hours at 25 °C. Makers test at different temperatures, so treat the gap as a guide, and carry a charged spare on long nights.
Is the Thermion 3 XT60 heavier than the Stellar SX75L?
Yes. The Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF XT60 weighs 1.3 kg with its battery fitted and no mount, against 1,075 g for the HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SX75L. On a heavy rifle used from a bipod or vehicle the difference is small, but on a lighter rifle carried on foot the Stellar balances better.
Is a 60 Hz thermal scope better for moving animals?
A higher refresh rate draws more frames each second, so a running animal looks smoother and is easier to track. The Nocpix ACE 2 S60R offers a 60 Hz mode, while the Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF XT60 and HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SX75L run at 50 Hz. For standing animals and slow scanning, the difference is small.
Which 1280 thermal scope suits professional pest control?
It depends on the ground. For open-country culling at distance, the HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SX75L's 75 mm lens gives the most reach. For mixed country, vehicle work and heavy calibres, the Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF XT60 offers the widest view, 65 mm eye relief and the longest battery rating. Both carry a 1,200 m rangefinder and ballistic calculator.
Is the 75 mm Stellar SX75L harder to scan with?
Slightly. The HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SX75L's 75 mm lens gives a 21.2 m view at 100 m and starts at 3× magnification, against 25.7 m and 2× on the Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF XT60. In open country you won't notice much; in close country or along timber edges, the wider 60 mm scopes keep moving animals in view more easily.
This comparison is based on Pulsar's, HIKMICRO's and Nocpix's published specifications; per-pixel and recognition figures are our estimates from those specs.