Thermal scope review
Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF Review: XR60 vs XT60 for Australian Hunters
The Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF comes in two models, and choosing between them comes down to view width, not reach. The Thermion 3 LRF XR60 pairs a 640×480 sensor with a 4× base and a rated 14 hours of run time. The Thermion 3 LRF XT60 uses a 1280×1024 sensor for twice the view width from a 2× base. Both use the same 60 mm lens and 1,200 m rangefinder, so they recognise animals at the same distance. For most fox and pig shooters working open farmland, we'd start with the XR60.
The trade-off with both is weight. At 1.3 kg before rings, this is a scope for the vehicle, the bipod or a fixed stand rather than long walks.
Two models, one lens
Pulsar released the Thermion 3 LRF in late October 2026 as the third generation of its classic-style thermal riflescope. It keeps a 30 mm tube that sits in ordinary scope rings, and both models put a 12 µm sensor behind a 60 mm F1.0 lens. The diagram below shows what that shared lens means.
Because the lens and pixel size are the same, each pixel covers about 2.0 cm at 100 m on both models, by our estimate from the lens and sensor specs. The XT60's bigger sensor simply adds pixels around the edges, so it takes in a 25.7 m wide scene at 100 m against 12.8 m for the XR60. It sees wider, not further.
The XR60 makes up for its narrower view with a 4× starting magnification, which puts a distant animal bigger in the eyepiece straight away. Its system NETD is also rated slightly lower, under 18 mK against under 20 mK for the XT60, which helps hold contrast on humid nights. We explain the measure in how NETD affects the thermal picture.
Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF specifications
These are Pulsar's published figures for both models.
| Spec | Thermion 3 LRF XR60 | Thermion 3 LRF XT60 |
|---|---|---|
| Pulsar SKU | 76589 | 76590 |
| Sensor | 640×480, 12 µm, 50 Hz | 1280×1024, 12 µm, 50 Hz |
| System NETD | <18 mK | <20 mK |
| Lens | 60 mm F1.0 | 60 mm F1.0 |
| Magnification | 4–40× (digital) | 2–24× (digital) |
| Field of view | 7.3° (12.8 m at 100 m) | 14.6° (25.7 m at 100 m) |
| Detection range | 2,800 m | 2,800 m |
| Laser rangefinder | Up to 1,200 m, Class 1 | Up to 1,200 m, Class 1 |
| Display | 2560×2560 AMOLED | 2560×2560 AMOLED |
| Eye relief | 65 mm | 65 mm |
| Zeroing click at 100 m (base magnification) | 10 mm | 20 mm |
| Battery | Built-in plus removable APS5 | Built-in plus removable APS5 |
| Rated run time (22 °C) | 14 h | 8.5 h |
| External power | USB-C PD, 5 V / 9 V | USB-C PD, 5 V / 9 V |
| Memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Recoil rating | 6,000 J (rifled) | 6,000 J (rifled) |
| Protection / temperature | IP67, −25 to +50 °C | IP67, −25 to +50 °C |
| Size | 391 × 96 × 90 mm | 391 × 96 × 90 mm |
| Weight (with battery, no mount) | 1.3 kg | 1.3 kg |
| Mounting | 30 mm tube, standard rings | 30 mm tube, standard rings |
Detection range is the furthest distance at which a large warm target first shows up as a few pixels. Recognising what it is happens much closer in, which we cover below. You may see other figures quoted for some of these specs; we explain which are right in Pulsar Thermion 3 specs explained.
What's new in the third generation
The biggest change is the rangefinder. Pulsar rates it to 1,200 m, up from 800 m on the Thermion 2 LRF, and builds it into the scope body rather than the thermal lens. The diagram below sums up the other changes.
The controls are the change you'll feel. The main buttons now sit on the eyepiece, a rotating controller ring handles menus, magnification is set with a zoom ring like a day scope, and focus moves to a wheel on top that either hand can reach. Pulsar notes the new layout takes some getting used to if you're coming from an earlier Thermion. If you own a Thermion 2, our Thermion 3 vs Thermion 2 LRF upgrade guide covers whether the change is worth it.
How far it reaches
With about 2.0 cm per pixel at 100 m, the Thermion 3 holds detail a long way out. By our estimate from the lens and sensor specs, both models recognise a fox at roughly 220–290 m and a pig at roughly 440–580 m. The chart below shows those bands, along with the shorter distances at which you can identify the animal with confidence.
These are clear-night figures. Humidity, rain and fog pull them in, and a fox facing you head-on shows less than one standing side-on. Higher magnification makes the animal bigger on the screen but adds no detail, since all of the Thermion 3's zoom is digital. We work through five common animals in how far the Pulsar Thermion 3 can identify a fox, pig or deer.
Rangefinder and ballistics
The rangefinder takes single readings, scans continuously, and can show true horizontal distance for shots up or down a slope. Its 1,200 m top figure applies to large, reflective targets; a fox in long grass will range shorter, though still far beyond any sensible night shot.
The ballistic calculator is built into the scope. You build a profile for your rifle and load in the Stream Vision Ballistics app, send it to the scope over Bluetooth, and after you range an animal the scope shows a suggested point of aim on the reticle. As with any ballistic solver, the result is only as good as the data you enter, so check it at the range before you trust it at night. Our Thermion 3 rangefinder and ballistic calculator guide walks through the setup.
Weight, mounting and power
Say you're packing the ute for a weekend of pest control on a big western property. At 1.3 kg and 391 mm long, the Thermion 3 sits best on a heavy-barrelled rifle on a bipod or a vehicle rest. On a light sporter carried all night, that weight changes how the rifle handles.
The scope comes without a mount, so budget for a pair of quality 30 mm rings. Pulsar sets a maximum of 2.5 Nm on the ring screws and recommends mounting as low as the barrel allows. Eye relief is a generous 65 mm, and the 6,000 J recoil rating covers heavy centrefire calibres. We walk through rings, eye relief and zeroing in mounting and zeroing the Pulsar Thermion 3. For help working out what base your rifle has, see our guide to choosing between Weaver, Picatinny and dovetail rails.
Power comes from two APS5 batteries, one built in and one removable. The scope uses the removable one first, then switches to the built-in one, and you can swap the removable battery with the scope running. Pulsar rates the pair at up to 14 hours on the XR60 and 8.5 hours on the XT60, both at 22 °C; the higher-resolution sensor draws more power. You can also run it from a USB-C power bank that supports 5 V or 9 V Power Delivery. Our Pulsar Thermion 3 battery guide covers charging and cold nights.
Which one we'd buy
The chart below follows the questions we'd ask a customer choosing between the two.
Our pick: for most hunters shooting foxes, pigs and deer across open paddocks, the XR60 is the better buy. It recognises animals as far out as the XT60, starts at a more useful 4× for distance work, and carries the longer battery rating. Choose the XT60 if you scan wide country from the vehicle, often shoot animals at the edge of timber, or simply want the most detailed Thermion picture; its 25.7 m view makes finding and following animals noticeably easier.
Skip the Thermion 3 if you hunt mostly on foot with a light rifle; the weight will wear on you. If you want more reach for similar money, the HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SX75L's 75 mm lens holds detail further out, as we cover in our HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 review. For the XT60 against the other 1280 scopes, see Thermion 3 XT60 vs Stellar SX75L vs Nocpix ACE 2 S60R. If you're weighing the XR60 against the Stellar's 640 model, see Thermion 3 XR60 vs HIKMICRO Stellar 4.0 SQ50L. We go through the choice in more detail in Thermion 3 XR60 or XT60: is the 1280 sensor worth it.
See the Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF
Check the current price and availability on each product page.
Thermion 3 LRF XR60 Thermion 3 LRF XT60Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF FAQ
What models does the Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF come in?
The Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF comes in two models. The XR60 (SKU 76589) uses a 640×480 sensor with 4–40× magnification and a 12.8 m view at 100 m. The XT60 (SKU 76590) uses a 1280×1024 sensor with 2–24× magnification and a 25.7 m view. Both share a 60 mm F1.0 lens, a 1,200 m rangefinder and a 2560×2560 AMOLED display.
When was the Pulsar Thermion 3 released?
Pulsar announced the Thermion 3 LRF XR60 and XT60 in late October 2026 as the third generation of its Thermion thermal riflescope, following the Thermion 2 LRF. It's a new release, so check the current availability and dispatch time on the Xhunter product page for each model before you plan a trip around it.
Does the Pulsar Thermion 3 come with a mount?
No. Pulsar sells the Thermion 3 LRF XR60 and XT60 without a mount, so you'll need a pair of 30 mm scope rings or a one-piece 30 mm mount. Pulsar's manual sets a maximum torque of 2.5 Nm on the ring screws and recommends mounting the scope as low as the barrel allows. Choose rings rated for a 1.3 kg scope.
How far does the Pulsar Thermion 3 rangefinder measure?
Pulsar rates the Thermion 3 LRF rangefinder at up to 1,200 m, up from 800 m on the Thermion 2 LRF. That maximum applies to large, reflective targets. A fox or pig in grass will range shorter, but still well past normal night shooting distances. It offers single readings, a continuous scan mode and true horizontal distance.
How long does the Pulsar Thermion 3 battery last?
Pulsar rates the Thermion 3 LRF XR60 at up to 14 hours and the XT60 at up to 8.5 hours, both at 22 °C, using the built-in and removable APS5 batteries together. The XT60's higher-resolution sensor uses more power. Expect less on cold nights, and you can extend run time with a 5 V or 9 V USB-C power bank.
How heavy is the Pulsar Thermion 3?
Both Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF models weigh 1.3 kg with the battery fitted and no mount, and measure 391 mm long. That's heavy for a thermal riflescope, so it suits a vehicle rest, bipod or fixed stand better than a light rifle carried on long walks. Add the weight of your rings when planning the setup.
What eye relief does the Pulsar Thermion 3 have?
The Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF has 65 mm of eye relief on both the XR60 and XT60, with dioptre adjustment for your eyesight. That's generous for a thermal riflescope and gives a comfortable margin on heavier centrefire calibres. Set it when mounting by sliding the scope in the rings until the full display is visible in your normal shooting position.
Is the Pulsar Thermion 3 waterproof?
Yes. The Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF is rated IP67, which means it's dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water, so rain and wet scrub won't harm it. It's rated to work from −25 to +50 °C. Thermal imaging still loses contrast in heavy rain and fog, so the picture will soften even though the scope is unaffected.
Can I use the Pulsar Thermion 3 during the day?
Yes. Pulsar designs the Thermion 3 LRF for use day and night, and it resists bright light. By day you still see a thermal picture rather than a normal image, which helps you find animals in shade, scrub or long grass. As with any thermal, never point the lens directly at the sun.
Which apps work with the Pulsar Thermion 3?
The Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF works with two Pulsar apps. Stream Vision 2 streams live video to your phone, manages recordings and handles firmware updates over Wi-Fi. Stream Vision Ballistics builds the rifle and ammunition profiles that the scope's built-in ballistic calculator uses, and sends them to the scope over Bluetooth.
Can the Pulsar Thermion 3 handle heavy calibres?
Yes. Pulsar rates the Thermion 3 LRF for recoil up to 6,000 J on rifled firearms, which covers heavy centrefire hunting calibres. Its 65 mm eye relief adds a comfortable margin. Use quality 30 mm rings, torque them to no more than 2.5 Nm, and recheck your zero after the first few shots.
Who should not buy the Pulsar Thermion 3?
Skip the Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF if you mostly hunt on foot with a light rifle, because its 1.3 kg weight and 391 mm length are a lot to carry all night. It also isn't the cheapest way into a 640 thermal. If you only shoot inside about 150 m, a lighter, simpler scope will do the job for less.
This review is based on Pulsar's published Thermion 3 LRF specifications and user manual; recognition distances are our estimates from those specs.