emily test blog
.custom-blog-wrapper {
max-width: 100%;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 1em;
font-family: inherit;
}
.custom-blog-wrapper h3,
.custom-blog-wrapper p {
text-align: center;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.custom-blog-wrapper img {
display: block;
margin: 1em auto;
max-width: 100%;
height: auto;
}
.custom-blog-wrapper a {
color: inherit;
text-decoration: underline;
}
SharpShootingUK Spring 2025 Blog
Well, 2025 has all been about the new Calypso Mini AB ultrasonic wind meter and the newly sorted Applied Ballistics Quantum app.
Historically cheap apps have had perfect results when used properly (this keeps me very busy on my ballistics training days!) but only to the end of a G7 drag model’s data, namely 1500fps remaining speed. For transonic and subsonic shooting, one needed Applied Ballistics hardware, which includes drag that covers the whole speed range, namely a Kestrel or Garmin AB device, which is much more expensive. With these MILSPEC devices, one gains hardening, battery life, and general toughness but loses a phone app’s large and clear touchscreen display.
With the new Quantum app, you get transonic drag (CDMs) and some other very advanced features, on par with a Kestrel and Garmin, but for £20. So I’ve been busy teaching clients how to use this excellent new app, which, in addition to its full feature set, is easy to use and navigate. It also has some new features like cloud syncing, profile sharing, etc. It also integrates very well with this clever new AB ecosystem-compatible wind meter from Calypso. Essentially, the mind meter is pointed to the target and then provides perfectly accurate relative wind direction and wind speed 1 and 2. In AB devices, this is auto-updated in the device after certain intervals, depending on the device. Some are about instant, and some are up to 5 minutes. Some devices allow ad-hoc polling of the meter, also. I’ve just done a video on this subject on my YouTube channel, if you fancy more detail. As ever, there are some technical idiosyncrasies you have to navigate around. Modern long-range ballistics is a technological, data-driven endeavour and creating efficient workflows to best use your instruments and your time and attention are key to getting the job done fast and smooth and stress-free.
We have also all fallen for the NightForce prism when we eventually run out of elevation. You can add 20 or 30 moa to your rail, 20 or 30 to your mount, but sooner or later, you still run out of lob. Sure, most rifles will get to a mile this way, but sooner or later, we all run out. So now you’re into mount-tilting mounts such as Ivey, Era-Tac, etc, but these have a big disadvantage. You are tilting the scope down more and more, and eventually it hits the barrel. Your eye-line is now awful, too, as the back of the scope gets higher and higher. I long suspected that we’d end up using prisms instead. So the NF prism duly came along, available in 50 and 100 MOA. One simply whacks it in front of the scope, and it gives you 50 or 100 MOA elevation. They’re magic because they just work, not perfectly aligned? Which Picatinny slot do I use? What about windage error? No, just put it anywhere in front of the scope and it works perfectly every time. Want to lend it to your friend? Sure, clip it on and away he/she goes! I love them.
I’ve also taken a few of my ELR clients out past our previous past of 3036y to a new 3232y target, where we got impacts and managed 0.4MIL (just over a MOA) vertical dispersion, which we will try to better when we have a less vile tailwind, and have created a new 3520y (2miles) I will be trying next week, with my best String ELR of the Year 2024 award winner, Henry, with his 37XC.
As always here, I’ve taken a lot of “normal” clients out to the half MAO at 1209 target with their Creedmoors, trued a lot of ballistics, reverse-engineered a lot of different winds and had fun with Enfields, rimmies and such.
I am also retesting the new little Labradar LX radar. This, with the latest firmware, now supports G7 reverse-engineering, down-range energy, is more sensitive, faster and all in all a much more competitive device. It’s a shade more money than the Garmin, but it does more. I like it more and more. We are indeed spoilt for choice these days.
Loads of clients have ticked off the Mile, which is now doable easily with a good Creedmoor. And folks with magnums can just keep on truckin’ past the mile.
Scope-wise, I’ve just uploaded to YouTube my 2024 dialling scope roundup from £500 to £4500. Every year, the order changes and the scopes get better, mostly from the bottom up. Indeed, Optics Warehouse, ever interested in what’s hot and what’s not, sent me the new £650 Arken EP5 7-35, which is somehow even better than the 5-25, which itself was so shockingly good that the whole scope industry reverberated. This shockwave forces manufacturers to do better, cheaper.
WULF, OPW’s brand, then created the Defender 2 at sub £500! Which is a great little scope - I can attest to the thought and effort they put into the design. I spent hours with OPW just discussing the finer points of reticle design. I used a Defender 2 on an ELR rimfire, ending up at 414y and it embarrassed an old NightForce NXS 8-32 my client was using. The simple fact is, these days, if you choose correctly, several sub £700 scopes chew and spit out some of the old £2000 Alpha scopes. Features, certainly, glass too. Amazing stuff.
The weather on the Moor, as you can see from the photos, although it has broken now, was relentlessly perfect for months! Good times.
And when at home, the shooting doesn’t stop. Here’s my lad Stan chilling in the hammock, but still keeping an eye out for branchers, and showing how trigger discipline starts young.
As ever, all the mentioned kit is available to demo at SharpShootingUK and available to buy from Optics Warehouse.
Thank you so much to Richard for writing this fantastic blog. If you're interested in getting into long-range shooting, head over to his website, SharpShootingUK! He's the best in the business!
READ ARTICLE
Noah Smith - Precision Rifle Shooting ‘Everyone Has a Plan’ (Part 2)
.blog-post-container {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
font-size: 16px;
line-height: 1.7;
color: #222;
background: #fff;
padding: 2rem;
box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
border-radius: 10px;
}
.blog-post-container img {
max-width: 100%;
height: auto;
margin: 1.5rem auto;
display: block;
border-radius: 6px;
}
.blog-post-container h2,
.blog-post-container h3 {
font-weight: 700;
margin: 2rem 0 1rem;
}
.blog-post-container p {
margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}
.blog-post-container a {
color: #0055cc;
text-decoration: none;
border-bottom: 1px dotted #0055cc;
transition: all 0.2s ease;
}
.blog-post-container a:hover {
color: #003d99;
border-bottom-color: #003d99;
}
.blog-post-container blockquote {
font-style: italic;
margin: 1.5rem 0;
padding-left: 1rem;
border-left: 4px solid #ccc;
color: #555;
}
.blog-post-container em {
font-style: italic;
}
.blog-post-container strong {
font-weight: bold;
}
It was still dark outside as we sat in the hotel reception waiting for Ben Wood to come down. We had decided we needed one more piece of data before the start of the competition the next day. In Grand Junction, Colorado, there was a 25 to 30-degree centigrade swing from the morning 10°C to the late afternoon 35°C, so I wanted to check our dope in the cooler, denser morning air. As we waited, one by one most of the GB Team started to appear, everyone had the same idea.
As we drove out of Grand Junction to the local public range through the desert on a dusty track, we passed an abandoned RV that looked like something out of “Breaking Bad”. We came to a right-hand turn with a big sign stating “Range Rules”, which Dad summarised as “Don’t shoot anyone” and if you do “It’s not the Local Council’s fault”! The local public range consisted of a covered area with 20 or so shooting benches and steel targets that spanned about 1000 meters! It was amazing to have such a facility open to the public and free to use.
With the range cold, Dad set up a zero at 100 meters. He picked up an old pallet to stick the target to, I heard him let out a scream and quickly drop it. Turns out a Black Widow Spider had made its home under the pallet, Dad walked back with his eyes firmly fixed on the ground looking for other potential poisonous critters! After verifying our data out to 1000 meters, we had some fun shooting out to a mile on the hills that backed onto the range. Later at Cameo Shooting & Education Complex, we spent the rest of the morning visiting the vendors stands that had kindly sponsored the World Championship, making it possible. It was also a good opportunity to personally thank people, like MDT, who had helped out the GB Team, & who had made a massive difference to my personal preparations. It wasn't all work though, we had another opportunity to shoot a few different handguns & rifles & my favourite (an opportunity not to be missed) was the Accuracy International .50 Cal. The bullets were huge!
That afternoon was the Opening Ceremony, it was amazing to see all the competitors that had worked so hard to be there from 23 different countries. Each team was led into the arena by two members the Mesa Country Sheriff’s Posse in true Cowboy style! There were a number of speeches and what was obvious was the real sense of community pride that the organisers, officials and small army of volunteers had in hosting the event and us visitors.
Sheriff Todd Rowell of Mesa County’s speech made me reflect on the hard work that everyone competing, had put in to be there. “On your path, I am sure you have had frustration and disappointments, thank you for not giving up... Take a moment and realise you are one of the best in the world, you are representing your country.”
The next day was showtime, the first day of the competition. Before the sun was up, we followed the steady stream of tail lights and blinking indicators coming off the highway at the Cameo exit. The car park was already busy with competitors unloading gear and looking for the buggies that would take us up the mountain. It was surprisingly cold at about 8 degrees centigrade, as I stood shivering waiting with my family. I spotted Lucas Westcough, another GB Team Junior, so we jumped into one of the empty buggies and the driver set off into the darkness up the mountain.
I made my way to Stage 14, my first one of ten stages that day, a few other members of Squad 24, my squad for the duration of the competition were already there. After a few minutes, Ben Mcilwaine arrived and we started to unpack our gear and discuss the stage. After 20 minutes or so Ben Wood and my family arrived. The stages for the day ran along a ridge that slowly climbed up a valley side. The targets were in various locations on the mountainside and in the valley. The topography was quite complex with bluffs, valleys and hillsides that were all going to make the wind calls challenging. The course of fire had been written to fully exploit the landscape and this combined with targets at the far left and right of some stages, further complicated wind calls, I knew I was going to learn a lot over the next couple of days.
Dad and I, as always, had set personal goals for the trip. The first and most important being to have fun and enjoy the experience. Secondly, was to achieve a minimum of between a 50% and 60% impact rate and thirdly was a Top 10 finish in the Juniors. The morning went well with my confidence growing in my wind calls under the guidance of the Bens’. Everyone in our small team soon found a job to do and established a good rhythm. At the end of every stage, Mum, Dad and my brother Nat would ferry all my gear up to the next stage, coming back to pick up Ben Mcilwaine’s gear as well. They kept a steady supply of snacks and water coming, even conjuring up a very welcome ice cream at one point for everyone. Hydration & gear carrying made a massive difference as the temperature reached the mid-30 degrees centigrade, combined with the altitude around 2000 meters (6500 ft).
As the day wore on and the fatigue set in, I made my first major mistake of the day, on Stage 11 my last of the day. The stage consisted of 5 targets T1-562, T2-533, T3-503, T4-480 and T5-461 meters. With the following instructions:
“The Shooter will start standing with mag in and bolt back. On command, advance to the first of 3 rock positions and engage T1 with two rounds, then move to a second rock and engage T2 with two rounds. Finally, the shooter will move to a third rock position and engage targets in the order: T3, T4, T5, T3, T4, T5 with one round each. Whether the shooter hits or misses, they will move on to the next target.”
This was potentially quite a high-scoring stage for me, the other guys in my squad that went before me had all done well. For stages like this with a lot of information to remember we typically write a “Dope Card” and attach it to our rifle or wrist. The card is our own personal shorthand on how we are going to shoot the stage with wind holds and evaluations to be dialled on our scopes and an aid memoir of the sequence, mine was ready and I felt confident.
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face” – Mike Tyson
I stepped up to the start position, the Range Officer (RO) issued the command “Load and Make Ready”... [REMAINS UNCHANGED – continues the story without formatting break]
Gutted, I had to wait for what seemed like the longest time, for the timer to beep and signal the end of my stage. A huge part of PRS is the mental game and I was determined not to take my disappointment into the next day & next stages. I consoled myself that overall, I was sat in 10th place in the juniors and had put in a solid performance.
Part 3 Coming Soon...
READ ARTICLE
Noah Smith - Precision Rifle Shooting ‘The Road to Cameo’ (Part 1)
I could tell from Dad’s body language that he was getting annoyed. We had been at the British Airways check-in at Manchester Airport since 4.30am and the guy at the desk was saying we couldn't check in for another 2 hours. I could hear Dad trying to explain we had a firearm and it would be a longer procedure, to no avail.
A few hours later, once we got to the check-in desk and Dad informed the lady on the desk we were travelling with a firearm, I could see the slight look of panic on her face, it was obviously something new to her, she called over her supervisor from another desk for help. When the gentlemen realised that the rifle was booked under my name, a 16-year-old boy, he questioned the legality of me owning a firearm.
We had been trying to check in for 4 hours at this point and I could see Dad visibly bristle! Dad kept his cool and calmly gave the British Airways staff a 2-minute lecture on UK Firearms licensing rules, they quickly glazed over and they started to check us in.
At this point, the check-in queue had grown very long, with two of the four staff on duty dealing with us, the other passengers were getting anxious like us that we/they wouldn't make our flight. After a flurry of phone calls, we were told Border Force were on their way. 20 minutes later three guys turned up and seemed quite excited as we discussed that I was going to the USA to shoot for Team GB in a World Championship. They asked to see my rifle to check its serial number, “wow that's a beauty” one of the guys exclaimed. After the paperwork was finished and they all wished me good luck we ran for the gate!
When we eventually landed in Denver, the air hostess casually announced that a “few items of baggage had not made it onto the flight from Heathrow”. I looked out of the window and could see several rifles being unloaded and spotted mine! It turned out “a few bags” was 130 and 3 of them were ours! After a couple of days sightseeing in Denver and eventually being reunited with our luggage, we set off for Grand Junction and the IPRF World Championships. The drive across the Rockies was spectacular, we drove up the I-70 slowly climbing into the mountains passing small towns that had sprung up in the Gold Rush of the 1850’s. We took a detour up the Loveland Pass for some great views and the opportunity to sit on the Continental Divide between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, then on past the fashionable ski resorts of Aspen, Breckenridge & Vail.
As we dropped off the western edge of the mountains, the scenery quickly changed into what appeared to be a semi-arid desert. Mum said it was like being in a “Clint Eastwood/John Wayne Western”, after a quick Google I knew what she meant! After a few more hours of driving we arrived at the hotel in Grand Junction, where the rest of Team GB were staying.
With the competition not due to start for a couple of days, we took the opportunity to catch up on some sleep the next day. In the afternoon we headed to the Cameo Shooting & Education Centre to check things out. Cameo had been built on the site of a coal-fired power plant and associated coal mine which after it closed had been turned into a very impressive range.
Cameo was bustling with numerous staff and volunteers doing final preparations, everywhere we went we were met with beaming smiles and a warm welcome. As the competition had not officially started, we went into the range office to ask about zeroing & was met with “That's no problem it’s $3 for the day”. Wow, what a bargain, I could tell I was really going to like this place!
A few of the other UK team had also had the same idea so we all headed over to Bay 7. It was nice to get out of the sun with temperatures in the mid to high 30s (centigrade), we all set up on one of the numerous benches. Dad had already given my rifle a once-over in the hotel the night before, so I wasted no time and got a few rounds off. I couldn't have been more pleased! A combination of my Brock & Norris Rifle and Mike “Moose” Burdis ammo from Phalanx Arms, saw the first 5 rounds go through the same hole. A few more rounds to get my velocity, then dropping the data into my Kestrel, saw me spend the next hour shooting steels high on the cliffs that towered above us.The next morning the holiday mood changed a little, as the whole UK team had its first Team meeting. The team normally runs a Buddy System, so that every member of the team gets support on their competition days from a shooter that’s not shooting that day. However, due to how the Course of Fire had been set up it saw the team split 80:20, with 80% shooting one day and only 20% the next, this left the team captains Joe Paske and Ben Mcilwaine with some hard choices, but the whole team agreed on the strategy that would be taken.
I had already dropped lucky, Ben Mcilwaine was already in my squad. Ben had been my buddy at the PR22 World Championships in Italy in 2023 and we had worked brilliantly as a team. The GB Factory shooters were seen by the rest of the team as one of the divisions that stood the most chance of coming home with a medal. So, Ben Mcilwaine was allocated Ben Wood as his buddy, I couldn't believe my luck! I now had two of the best shooters in the UK with me! I was conscious that Ben Mcilwaine would be competing and didn't want to take away from his concentration, but Ben, being Ben, I knew he would help me in any way he could.
After the meeting, everyone headed over to Cameo, as the UK team had been allocated a couple of time slots, one to officially register for the competition and one on the Long Range Precision facility, with targets from 100 to 2000 yards. After registration the team headed up the mountain on a dusty gravel road, the views getting more spectacular as we climbed. We had an hour to check our DOPE and do any final prep and any adjustments that were needed. I spent my time verifying my data out to 1000 metres, with Ben Wood on hand to help. He assisted me and a few of the less experienced guys in fine-tuning our data using our various ballistic calculators. It was a great session and I left feeling confident in my equipment and data, which is half the battle.
One of the things I’d been dying to do while in the US was to shoot handguns and fully auto AR15, as this isn’t possible in the UK. The organisers had set this up in one of the handgun bays, an opportunity not to be missed! My Dad and brother Nat were super keen, Mum not so. Nat, Dad and I all took turns with varying degrees of success and with a little bit of coaxing persuaded Mum to have a go. First up was the AR15, mum looked a little nervous but the instructor was excellent and talked her through everything. Next up was the handgun, mum looked surprisingly comfortable as she stepped up to the line and carefully listened to the instructor. Ding!..... Ding!.... Ding! ..... Ding! ..... we looked at each other as she proceeded not to drop a shot. Once she had emptied the mag, Mum turned with a smile on her face and said “I really liked that!”Part 2 Coming Soon... READ ARTICLE
HIKMICRO Habrok Pro Multi-Spectrum Binoculars: The New Benchmark in Thermal Technology
Newly released from HIKMICRO, the latest generation of Habrok Pro Multi-Spectrum Thermal Binocular sets a new standard in thermal imaging, expanding the boundaries of thermal detection and observation. The Habrok Pro HQ50L and Habrok Pro HX60L are packed with cutting-edge technology, including an industry-leading thermal sensor, a 4K optical camera, and HIKMICRO’s innovative image stabilization system. This blog will detail what sets the new Habrok Pros apart by providing an overview of key features, advanced capabilities, and their diverse application range. Included at the end of this blog, a Quickfire Questions and answers section for all the useful information at a glance. We will address questions such as “What are the Habrok Pros suitable for?”, “What are the main differences between the Habrok Pro models?” and “How does the thermal sensitivity of the two new Habrok Pro models compare?” Read on to discover why the Habrok Pro is HIKMICRO’s new flagship device.
What are the features of the new HIKMICRO Habrok Pro Models?There are 2 new HIKMICRO Habrok Pro models available: HQ50L and HX60LHIKMICRO Habrok Pro HQ50L Multi-Spectrum Thermal Binocular - 640px 50mm with 4K Optical Camera LRF and HarnessThermal Sensor: 640×512 pixels @ 12μm, with NETD < 15mK for high thermal sensitivityLens: 50mm focal length, F1.0 with a thermal detection range of up to 2600mDigital Camera: 4K Ultra High-Resolution CMOS detector (3840×2160) for sharp day & night imageryDisplay: 0.49-inch OLED display with 1920×1080 resolution for clear and immersive viewingLaser Rangefinder: Integrated 1000m rangefinder for accurate distance measurementsIR Illuminator: Built-in 850nm IR emitter for enhanced night visionBattery Life: Over 7 hours of continuous operation with replaceable battery packsWeight & Design: Weighs 975g, featuring a compact and ergonomic design for ease of useThe HIKMICRO Habrok Pro HQ50L combines a highly sensitive 640×512 thermal sensor with a powerful 50mm focal length that produces a thermal detection range of up to 2600m. Its 4K ultra-high-resolution digital camera gives superior detail and clarity of image, even in adverse weather and light conditions. The 1000m laser rangefinder and built-in IR illuminator make it perfect for hunting, birding, search and rescue, and marine operations.HIKMICRO Habrok Pro HX60L Multi-Spectrum Thermal Binocular - 1280px 60mm with 4K Optical Camera LRF and HarnessThermal Sensor: 1280×1024 pixels @ 12μm, with NETD < 18mK for high sensitivity and detailed thermal imagingLens: 60mm focal length, F1.0 with a detection range of up to 3100 mDigital Camera: 4K Ultra High-Resolution (3840 × 2160) CMOS detector with a 60mm, F2.2 lens for vibrant day and night imageryDisplay: 0.49-inch OLED display with 1920×1080 resolution for sharp and immersive visualsLaser Rangefinder: Built-in 1000m rangefinder for precise distance measurementsIR Illuminator: Replaceable 850nm IR emitter for enhanced night visionBattery Life: Over 7 hours of continuous operation with replaceable battery packsWeight & Design: Weighs 1050g, featuring a compact and ergonomic design for comfortable handlingThe Habrok Pro HX60L features HIKMICRO’s new exceptionally high-resolution 1280×1024 thermal sensor that is paired with a 60mm focal length F1.0 lens, offering a thermal detection range of up to 3100m. Matched with a 4K optical camera and built-in 1000m laser rangefinder, this device guarantees ultra-clear and highly detailed imagery in all weather and environmental conditions. This multi-spectrum binocular is ideal for a diverse range of applications, including hunting, birding, search and rescue, and marine operations.
What’s the difference between the two new HIKMICRO Habrok Pro models?Thermal Sensor Resolution: The HQ50L features a 640×512 resolution @12μm thermal detector, delivering sharp thermal images. The HX60L has a significantly higher 1280×1024 resolution @12μm thermal detector, providing enhanced detail and clarity.Lens: The HQ50L comes with a 50mm focal length, ideal for medium to long-range detection. The HX60L comes with a bigger 60mm focal length, perfect for longer-range detection and superior image sharpness.Detection Range: The Habrok HQ50L has a detection range of up to 2600 metres. The Habrok HX60L offers a greater detection range of up to 3100 metres, perfect for long-distance observations.Thermal Sensitivity (NETD): The HQ50L has a thermal sensitivity of < 15mK (@25°C, F# = 1.0), making it highly effective in detecting even subtle temperature differences. The HX60L has a slightly lower sensitivity of < 18mK (@25°C, F# = 1.0), but still offers excellent performance in challenging conditions.Weight: The HQ50L is more lightweight at 975g. The HX60L is slightly heavier at 1050 g, due to its larger thermal lens and detector.Both models feature a 4K digital camera, 1920×1080 OLED display, 850nm IR emitter, and a 1000m Laser Rangefinder, but the HX60L stands out with its higher sensor resolution and longer detection range. Both Habrok Pros are also supplied with HIKMICRO’s new binocular harness which is the ideal way to carry your binoculars in the field or store them away when not in use.
Why does the HIKMICRO Harbrok Pro stand out in the thermal market?The Habrok Pro models integrate thermal and optical imaging in a single unit, featuring an industry-leading 640x512px or 1280x1024px thermal sensor and a 4K digital camera. This dual detection capability ensures exceptional image clarity and detail in day or nighttime conditions. This makes the Habrok Pro a highly versatile device for a wide range of applications.With thermal sensitivity as low as <15mK (HQ50L) and <18mK (HX60L), the Habrok Pro can detect even the slightest temperature differences. This makes it highly effective in difficult weather conditions or challenging environments.The Habrok Pro delivers unmatched detection distances, with the HQ50L offering a range of up to 2600 metres and the HX60L can detect up to an incredible 3100 metres. The long-range performance of these thermal binocular are well suited for hunting, search and rescue, and wildlife observation.Both models come equipped with a 1000m laser rangefinder. This gives a tactical advantage in hunting, surveillance, and search operations.A built-in 850nm IR emitter increases low-light and night-time visibility. Partnered with the thermal detection, this makes sure that you are always able to see your target clearly.Despite being packed with advanced features and technology, the Habrok Pro is lightweight and durable, weighing just 975g (HQ50L) and 1050g (HX60L), with a compact, ergonomic design. It's built for demanding field use, offering 7+ hours of continuous operation with replaceable batteries for extended performance in the field.
Quickfire QuestionsWhat are the main differences between the HIKMICRO Habrok Pro HQ50L and HX60L models?The Habrok HQ50L features a 640x512 thermal sensor with a 50mm focal length, offering a detection range of up to 2600 metres. In contrast, the Habrok HX60L has a higher resolution 1280x1024 thermal sensor with a 60mm focal length, providing a greater detection range of up to 3100 metres.What applications are the Habrok Pro binoculars suitable for?The Habrok Pro models are versatile and can be used for various applications, including hunting, birdwatching, search and rescue operations, and marine activities. Their advanced thermal imaging and optical capabilities make them effective in diverse environments.How does the thermal sensitivity of the Habrok Pro models compare?The HQ50L has a thermal sensitivity of less than 15mK, allowing it to detect subtle temperature differences effectively. The HX60L, while slightly lower at <18mK, still provides excellent performance in challenging conditions.What is the battery life of the Habrok Pro binoculars?Both the HQ50L and HX60L models have a battery life of over 7 hours of continuous operation, and they feature replaceable battery packs for extended use in the field.Are the Habrok Pro binoculars lightweight and easy to handle?Yes, the HQ50L weighs 975g and the HX60L weighs 1050g. Both models are designed with a compact and ergonomic form factor, making them comfortable to handle during extended use.Do the Habrok Pro models come with additional features for improved functionality?Yes, both models include a built-in 1000m laser rangefinder for accurate distance measurements, an 850nm IR illuminator for enhanced night vision, and a 4K optical camera for high-resolution imagery during the day and night.How do I choose between the HQ50L and HX60L for my needs?If you require a longer detection range and higher resolution, the Habrok HX60L is ideal. For general use at a slightly shorter range, the Habrok HQ50L provides excellent thermal imaging capabilities at a lighter weight.How much do the new Habrok Pros cost and when are they available?The new HIKMICRO Habrok Pro are available now. You can preorder them from Optics Warehouse. The Habrok Pro HQ50L Multi-Spectrum Thermal Binocular costs £3,199.99. The Habrok Pro HX60L Multi-Spectrum Thermal Binocular can be purchased for £4,799.99.
EquipmentHIKMICRO Habrok Pro HQ50L Multi-Spectrum Thermal Binocular - 640px 50mm with 4K Optical Camera LRF and HarnessHIKMICRO Habrok Pro HX60L Multi-Spectrum Thermal Binocular - 1280px 60mm with 4K Optical Camera LRF and HarnessBrandsHIKMICRO
For all your optical needs, make sure to check out www.opticswarehouse.co.uk. Click HERE to view. READ ARTICLE
HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0: The New Ultimate Thermal Riflescope for 2024
HIKMICRO have released their brand new Stellar 3.0 Thermal Riflescope series, designed to revolutionise your shooting experience with cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance. This blog will introduce the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 Thermal Riflescopes, giving a detailed overview of key features, specifications, and applications. We’ll discuss what makes this thermal riflescope stand above the crowd with insights into its innovative technology, performance capabilities, and practical uses. At the end, we’ll include Quickfire Questions and answers for all the key information at a glance, answering queries such as "What are the key features of the Stellar 3.0?", "What does the 1280x1024 resolution mean on the Stellar SX60L 3.0?” and "How does it compare to other thermal riflescopes?" Let’s dive into what makes the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 the ultimate thermal riflescope that promises to shake up the field hunting world.What are the features of the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 models?Newly released, there are currently three HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 models available: SH50L, SQ50L and SX60L.HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SH50L Thermal Rifle Scope - 384px 50mm with LRF
Thermal Detector: 384×288 @12μmSensitivity: High sensitivity with NETD <15mKLens: 50 mm focal length, F1.0 with a detection range up to 2600 mDisplay: 2560×2560 resolution 1.03-inch AMOLEDShutterless System: HIKMICRO Shutterless Image System (HSIS)Laser Rangefinder (LRF): Built-in, up to 1000 m with ballistic calculationBattery Life: 9 hours continuous operation with rechargeable internal and external batteriesDurability: High shock resistance up to 1000 g/0.4 msPrimary Use: Suitable for field hunting such as foxing, as well as dawn and dusk hunting.
The SH50L shines with its highly sensitive 384×288 resolution @12μm thermal detector and large detection range of up to 2600 metres. Its high-resolution AMOLED display and integrated LRF ensure accuracy and ease of use, making it a strong choice for field hunting.HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SQ50L Thermal Rifle Scope - 640px 50mm with LRF
Thermal Detector: 640×512 @12μmSensitivity: High sensitivity with NETD <15mKLens: 50 mm focal length, F1.0 with a detection range up to 2600 mDisplay: 2560×2560 resolution 1.03-inch OLEDShutterless System: HIKMICRO Shutterless Image System (HSIS)Laser Rangefinder (LRF): Built-in, up to 1000 m with ballistic calculationBattery Life: 9 hours continuous operation with rechargeable internal and external batteriesDurability: High shock resistance up to 1000 g/0.4 msPrimary Use: Ideal for field and forest hunting, including and foxing during dawn and dusk.
The SQ50L has an impressive 640×512 resolution @12 μm thermal detector, enhancing image clarity and aiding target identification. Its 50 mm focal length and 2560×2560 OLED display provide incredibly detailed images, making it versatile for both field and forest hunting environments.HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SX60L Thermal Rifle Scope - 1280px 60mm with LRF
Thermal Detector: 1280×1024 @12μmSensitivity: High sensitivity with NETD <18mKLens: 60 mm focal length, F1.0 with a detection range up to 3100 mDisplay: 2560×2560 resolution 1.03-inch AMOLEDShutterless System: HIKMICRO Shutterless Image System (HSIS)Laser Rangefinder (LRF): Built-in, up to 1000 m with ballistic calculationBattery Life: 10 hours continuous operation with rechargeable internal and external batteriesDurability: High shock resistance up to 1000 g/0.4 msPrimary Use: Excellent for both field and forest hunting, including foxing at dawn and dusk.
The SX60L excels with its exceptional high-resolution 1280×1024 @12μm thermal detector and a large 60 mm focal length, capturing highly detailed and clear images. With an extended detection range of up to 3100 metres, the SX60L is well-suited for demanding field and forest hunting conditions. Its long battery life of 10 hours and high-resolution AMOLED display further improve its performance and reliability.What is different between the Stellar 3.0 models?The Stellar 3.0 series offers a range of options tailored to different needs:
Resolution: The SH50L features a 384×288 resolution VOx Uncooled Focal Plane Array thermal sensor, the SQ50L has a 640×512 resolution VOx Uncooled Focal Plane Array thermal sensor, and the SX60L boasts a 1280×1024 resolution VOx Uncooled Focal Plane Array thermal sensor, each providing increasing levels of sensitivity and image clarity.Lens Size: The SH50L and SQ50L both use a 50 mm focal length, while the SX60L uses a larger 60 mm focal length for a broader detection range.Detection Range: The SH50L and SQ50L each have a detection range of up to 2600 metres, the SX60L has a longer detection range of 3100 metres.Battery Life: The SH50L and SQ50L offer 9 hours of operation, with the SX60L providing an additional hour.
Why does the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 Thermal Riflescope Stand Out From the Rest?The HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 Thermal Riflescope with LRF stands above the rest because of several innovative and advanced features that strengthen its performance and usability in the field. Key among these is its shutterless technology. This unique technology guarantees uninterrupted imaging by removing the need for a physical shutter system and allows you to utilise constant, clear and steady views.The high-resolution sensors—ranging from 384x288 to 1280x1024—deliver incredibly detailed and clear thermal images. This advanced sensor technology is coupled with the Image Pro 2.0, a state-of-the-art image processing algorithm that produces high image quality by using intelligent algorithms to add extra detail and improve overall visibility.The discreet 1000m Laser Range Finder (LRF) is integrated into the front objective lens, keeping the traditional look and feel of the scope while providing precise distance measurements. This feature is crucial for accurate targeting and effective shooting over long distances.The 1280x1024 high-resolution sensor in the Stellar 3.0 SX60L delivers crystal-clear thermal imagery with exceptional detail. It is easier to identify and track targets at long distances because of the high pixel count that ensures even the most subtle heat variations are captured with remarkable clarity.Furthermore, the Stellar 3.0 is constructed for durability and reliability with a high shock resistance and extended battery life.
Quickfire QuestionsWhat are the key features of the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 Thermal Riflescope?The Stellar 3.0 stands out with high-resolution sensors (ranging from 384x288 to 1280x1024), shutterless technology that eliminates image interruptions, and a discreet integrated Laser Range Finder (LRF) with up to 1000m precision. Its Image Pro 2.0 processing algorithm enhances image detail and the scope’s durable design ensures long battery life (9-10 hours) and high shock resistance.How does the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 compare to other thermal riflescopes?The Stellar 3.0’s combination of high-resolution sensors, shutterless technology, and integrated LRF makes it stand out from the rest. Unlike traditional riflescopes, it offers uninterrupted imaging, precise distance measurement, and rugged durability, while maintaining exceptional image clarity across its sensor options.What does the 1280x1024 resolution mean on the HIKMICRO Stellar SX60L 3.0?The 1280x1024 resolution on the HIKMICRO Stellar SX60L 3.0 refers to the thermal sensor’s pixel count, which significantly enhances image quality. This high-resolution sensor captures more data, resulting in sharper and more detailed thermal images. This improved clarity is important for target identification, even in challenging environments like low-contrasting dawn and dusk or extreme weather conditions. The sensor's sensitivity, with a NETD of <18mK, ensures that even subtle heat differences are detected, making it ideal for long-range detection.What are the different models of the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 and their key specifications?The SH50L has a 384x288 thermal sensor with a 50mm focal length and a detection range up to 2600m. The SQ50L offers a 640x512 thermal sensor with a similar lens and range. The SX60L boasts a 1280x1024 sensor with a 60mm focal length and an extended detection range of up to 3100m. All models feature advanced displays, laser rangefinding and shutterless imaging.What is shutterless technology, and how does it benefit thermal imaging?Shutterless technology replaces the physical shutter with a digital solution. This means imagery is continuous and clear without delays, which is critical for accurate thermal shooting.How does the integrated Laser Range Finder (LRF) in the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 work?The LRF is built into the front lens, allowing precise distance measurement up to 1000m while keeping the scope’s traditional look. It works with the ballistic calculator for accurate targeting and shooting at long distances.What makes the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 suitable for various hunting conditions?The Stellar 3.0’s high-resolution sensors, shutterless technology, and rugged design make it ideal for both field and forest hunting. Its durability and long battery life guarantee high performance in demanding conditions.How long does the battery last on the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 Thermal Riflescope?The SH50L and SQ50L provide up to 9 hours of continuous operation, while the SX60L lasts up to 10 hours.How much does the HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 cost and when are they available?The HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SH50L Thermal Rifle Scope - 384px 50mm with LRF costs £2,399.99 with an RRP of £2,599.99. The HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SQ50L Thermal Rifle Scope - 640px 50mm with LRF is £3,599.99 with an RRP £3,799.99. The HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SX60L Thermal Rifle Scope - 1280px 60mm with LRF is £4,999.99 with an RRP for £5,249.99. All HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 models are currently available for preorder at Optics Warehouse. You can order yours by clicking HERE.Alternatively, you can purchase your HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 Thermal Riflescope by clicking on the links below:EquipmentHIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SH50L Thermal Rifle Scope - 384px 50mm with LRFHIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SQ50L Thermal Rifle Scope - 640px 50mm with LRFHIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 SX60L Thermal Rifle Scope - 1280px 60mm with LRFBrandsHIKMICROFor all your shooting needs, visit Optics Warehouse at www.opticswarehouse.co.uk. Click HERE to view.Be sure to check out the Optics Warehouse YouTube channel for news, updates and reviews. Click HERE to view. READ ARTICLE
KLARNA AVAILABLEOn All Products!
5 STAR REVIEWSOver 1k reviews on Trustpilot
EXCHANGE GUARANTEE60 day scope out guarantee
SPEEDY DELIVERYFast delivery on in-stock items
PRICE MATCHSeen it Cheaper? We'll try to match it!
