If you’re diving into the world of thermal optics for the first time, welcome — you’re about to level up your game, whether it’s for hunting, scouting, or just enjoying the latest in outdoor tech. At Midwest Thermal Optics, we’ve been in the thermal industry for over 10 years, and if there’s one thing we know, it’s how quickly this market is advancing. With more affordable options hitting the shelves every year, it’s never been a better time to buy your first thermal riflescope or monocular.
But before you hit “add to cart,” here are a few key questions and factors to consider that will help you find the best thermal optic for your needs and budget.
1. What’s Your Budget?
This is always the first question we ask our customers — and it’s an important one.
You can now get into the thermal game for as little as $500 for a handheld thermal monocular or around $1,000 for an entry-level thermal riflescope. On the higher end, advanced thermal optics with long-range detection, recording capabilities, and high refresh rates can go upwards of $8,000+.
There’s a wide range of options in between, and price usually reflects image clarity, detection range, refresh rate, and smart features like onboard recording, ballistic calculators, or multiple reticle options.
2. How Far Do You Want to Detect and Identify?
Another key factor is distance. Ask yourself:
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How far do I want to detect heat signatures?
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How far do I want to clearly identify what I’m looking at — like deer, coyotes, or hogs?
Most thermal optics will advertise their detection range (how far they can see a heat source) and their identification range (how far you can tell what that source is).
For example:
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Entry-level scopes may let you detect out to 600-800 yards, but identify at only 150-250 yards.
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Higher-end scopes offer detection past 1,500 yards and clear identification out to 500+ yards.
For most hunters, especially night hunters, 200 yards is the sweet spot for average shots — so you want a scope that gives you sharp enough clarity to feel confident at that range.
3. What Platform Are You Mounting It On?
Will this scope go on a bolt action rifle, an AR platform?
Here’s why it matters:
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Tube-style scopes (30mm or 34mm) are often ideal for bolt-action rifles, giving you that traditional optic feel.
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Compact-style thermals are usually shorter and lighter, perfect for ARs or smaller rifles where weight and balance are more of a concern.
Choosing a thermal that matches your weapon’s ergonomics and mounting options is key for both comfort and performance.
4. Consider Your Environment
Different climates demand different performance.
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If you're in hot and humid regions, you'll want an optic that handles humidity and thermal clutter well.
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In freezing temperatures, make sure your optic is rated for cold weather performance, or you might end up with laggy refresh rates or battery issues.
Many high-end scopes are built rugged for all conditions, but if you hunt in extreme environments, this should be high on your priority list.
5. Other Features to Look For
Depending on your goals and budget, you might also want to look for:
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Internal recording or Wi-Fi streaming
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Multiple color palettes (White Hot, Black Hot, Red Hot, etc.)
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Rechargeable vs. replaceable batteries
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Smart reticles & rangefinders
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Image quality & sensor resolution
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(256, 384, 640, 1280)
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Final Thoughts: Don’t Buy Blind
Shopping for your first thermal optic can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. The most important thing is to match the optic to your needs: your budget, your hunting distance, your rifle platform, and your environment.
If you’re still unsure, reach out to us at Midwest Thermal Optics. We’ll help you find the perfect optic based on your goals — and we only carry trusted brands that we know perform in the field. 815-716-0707
Ready to shop?
Check out our lineup of thermal scopes, monoculars, and rifle-mountable optics at thethermalstore.com.
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