Ep. 291 | Entry Level Thermal Scopes **THE BEST 2023**

The time has come for the kick off of our "Best Optics of 2023" show series as usual we're getting started with one of the most popular categories that we call "Entry Level Thermal". The issue is that we hate to call most of these scopes "entry level" because the quality is so good but they are on the bottom of the price list for quality thermal. But honestly, the under $3,000 price category just keeps getting better and better and more expensive optics are seeing price drops and getting pushed into this category. On this show Hans and Jason will pick their personal favorites from the list and let you know what they like and why. Stay tuned because they'll offer this same format in all the price categories all the way to the top end of thermal and for digital NV and handheld thermal as well.
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*** Why Hunt Coyotes and Predators? ***
Coyotes and Predators, similar to hogs, cause financial stress for many families in rural communities. Coyotes kill livestock, plain and simple. Ranchers have battled coyotes killing cattle since the early days of ranching and it costs them dearly. Cattle ranching is a business, the cows aren't pets, every time they lose a calf to a coyote those families lose a paycheck. Cattle ranchers hate coyotes just as much as Farmers hate hogs! We hunt coyotes to protect the livelihood of our friends and neighbors that depend on their cattle business to feed their family...
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*** Comin' Up Next ***
Coming soon is more hog and predator hunting talk! Thank you for watching, liking, subscribing, sharing, and commenting!
Hans and Jason

[@Lysander_Spooner]

My wife and I raise sheep for market. We have coyotes nearby and we're concerned for the safety of our flock. This video has definitely helped me narrow down my scope buying decisions. I appreciate your honesty and casual presentation of all the pertinent information. First time I've seen your channel and I'll definitely be coming back for more!

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thank you so much! Give us a call when you’re ready to narrow it down and make the purchase, we’d love to have your business. 877-350-1818

[@Lysander_Spooner]

@@TheLateNightVisionShow Will do. What are your hours of operation?

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

M-F 8-5 Texas time thanks!

[@maxchalice5625]

You know, I know the entry level Scopes have gotten better over the years but so has Hans"s comedy😂

[@HansETX]

😂 I’m glad to able to finally be appreciated around here!

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Oh man.. Hans’ head is about to explode lol

[@dougwalton4487]

You guys are awesome. Great customer service. I would much rather support a great small business than the big guys.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thank you SO much!! Customers like you is what keeps us in business, keeps the podcast coming and keeps us doing what we do. Think you, thank you!

[@sundownsaturn]

I got lucky and got the rico rh35 640 on sale this year from you guys. Still haven't quit watching you because now I need a scanner lol keep up the great work!

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Haha! Good deal. We appreciate your business and support!

[@rayzee7561]

Bearing and AGM have a battery extenders so they can use a larger rechargeable battery in place of the little 123's that don't last. You can get 4 to 5 hours on the larger batteries if you leave the scope on. If you go to sleep mode, you can go all night.

[@tripledfarmsmaple]

Great Review! I really like the honesty in your reviews. This is only the second video of yours I’ve seen but I’ll be checking out more. Thanks! Jared

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thank you very much! We really appreciate the kind words. When you’re ready to pick out a scope feel free to give us a call. We’d love ti help and have your business!

[@deanhimes8424]

How about a review of the new Rix thermal scopes? Are they any good? How do they compare with other established manufacturers?

[@tgunz64]

Thank you for this video. Looking at getting a thermo hopefully by mid summer. You guys have helped me narrow it down to a few models to watch. Going to bookmark your site as well.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Awesome thanks for watching, wed love to have your business when you’re ready!

[@UncleDanBand64]

I would think The Rattler 256 in the lower Magnification would be very usable for hog hunters. My hunting partner has a Rattler 256 in the 25mm. It is ok but the base Magnification is to strong for the style of hunting we do. I believe the one that I would use is the 19mm.

[@brianmihlfeith7135]

I bought the AGM TS19-256 for up close ratting. It has TOO much magnification for my needs and I’d prefer an even less magnified thermal. I’ve been happy with it for my use but can see how 256 wouldn’t be great for shooting any further.

[@UncleDanBand64]

@brianmihlfeith7135 Yeah, the lower the magnification the better. I use a PVS14 with an IR Laser for my night hunting.

[@wagnerfamily4229]

Excellent show and I look forward to next week.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thank you for watching!

[@dusty1184]

I have the Super Hogster and the Talian XQ35 Pro and it has a fantastic mid range image to me. I really like it better than my Super Hogster A3 since it has a way better price point, Pulsar battery system is superior, and better menu functionality.

[@bobvanecek2028]

Bought my AGM Tipan from you guys and absolutely luve that thing! Now im looking at a scope in the $1500 range.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thank you so much! Give us a shout, always glad to help

[@mostflowj]

The TL-35 is awesome went from a digex to the Bolt and the battery life is next to none. hunted a two night tournament recently and never had an issue with battery life with one 18500 and the internal batteries. Night I zeroed I had no problem shooting steel at 400 yards.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Yes sir the TL35 is awesome and the battery life is great too! Glad you're enjoying it.

[@canyonclowdus896]

What is the difference between the Bolt TL35 V2 and the adder TS50 as far as long range (250 plus)? As the adder is 4x with 50 mm lens would that be a better choice?

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Feel free to give us a call at Outdoor Legacy and one do the guys will be happy to answer your questions about the specific optics and help you with a purchase when you’re ready. We’d love to have your business! 877-350-1818

[@richardwarner3705]

Great show thanks.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thanks for watching!

[@unityma]

I've tested out the Sightmark Wraith 2-16 Mini Thermal. On a sunny day the picture was good and clear as expected. On a rainy or humid day it was so bad that I thought the scope was broken. So you believe the Pulsar Thermion XQ35 will perform better under poor (rainy/humid) weather condition with 384 resolution than the AGM Rattler TS35-640?

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss and compare the optics. It’s worth noting that virtually no thermal looks good in rainy/humid contortions and honestly they all look “bad” but there are definitely some that do better than others. Give us a call, we’re glad to help and would love to have your business! 877-350-1818

[@heatherparker8065]

Good morning, What do you recommend for cold inclement weather in the winter?

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Give Hans and Jason a call and they’ll be glad to help. They’d love to have your business. 877-350-1818

[@TigersLSU]

Great show guys lots of good information.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Glad you enjoyed it thank you!

[@andrewdaw]

Really helpful list. I was wondering if there was much performance difference between the wraith and the rattler Ts 25 384? Is the weather sealing better on the rattler? Thanks!

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Give us a call! We’ll be happy to help and we’d love to have your business. 877-350-1818

[@Yahtahey]

I certainly enjoyed! Thank you!

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thank you for watching!

[@Jamxknife]

Just picked up a thor for 800 bucks, I've seen them as low as 600. Do you think its worth it for that price?

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Quite honestly….no we do not think there is any price that makes them a good buy. We’re sorry for being harsh, we definitely don’t want to throw rocks at another man’s dog but ATN is well known in this industry for all the wrong reasons. We stopped selling them about 8 years ago due to our own experience with them. Sorry but if you enjoy the scope and it does you well then it will be a good buy for you.

[@johnpawly1849]

Thanks guys I’m new to all this but is there some charts of some sort that includes eye relief or do you just put your eye on that coil looking thing on the end

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thanks for watching. You really have to get your eye in pretty close. You’ll need either a rifle with a collapsible stock or you’ll be a scope that’s made to be mounted far enough back for the proper eye relief on a fixed stock rifle. Wed line to have your business, give us a call and we’ll be glad to help. 877-350-1818

[@1320420]

Thank you for this video.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thank you for watching

[@limplin7]

Damn...I almost got the ATN THOR 5 LRF 320 3-12X for $2395 and now i watched this and don't even know similar scope to that one. I need it for a crossbow fun. Please help!

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Hans and Jason would love to have your business. Feel free to give Outdoor Legacy a call if you’d like their advice and to purchase from them. 877-350-1818 thanks for watching!

[@charlesmckinley29]

35 deg. F and 87% humidity in Western PA at the moment. Humidity is an issue.

[@jameskozlowski5496]

Do any of these scopes take 18650 batteries? CR123 is a deal breaker for me.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

As if now, only the AGM Varmint… thanks for watching!

[@BB-ss3mw]

Bolt can if you have an adapter I think

[@stevenlord782]

Message to all manufacturers. Forget the CR 123 exists for any nightvision/thermal scooe please.

[@gregorteply9034]

It can take rechargeable ones too.

[@rayzee7561]

AGM sells a battery extender for the 18650 batteries to take the place of the 123's. Cheap and great accessory for the AGM and Bearing compact scopes.

[@kevinc9416]

Need a review on the Arken Zulus please. Compare to C50. Just sent my C50 back. Looking for options

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

After doing some research we do not currently have plans to carry the Arken line of optics. Thanks for watching

[@phillipbaldwin2318]

What time of the year, are the best deals available?

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

There really isn’t a perfect time. Right now we’re 6 weeks after SHOT show and most of the new optics for the year have been announced and are shipping. There will always be a few surprises through out the year. Youre usually best off buying before fall/winter if you want to get the scope you want without much waiting time or delays. Once you get to October things tend to pick up and sometimes inventory is spotty. But honestly the best time to buy is when you’re ready. Feel feee to give us a call, we’d love to have your business! 877-350-1818

[@fowllab]

Enjoyed as usual.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thank you sir!

[@jonathancoley8112]

Awesome show!

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thank you for watching!

[@Jim-ey3te]

what about the RIX scopes what do you think good bad or ugly

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Check out Episodes 303 and 306, we have reviews of both the Leap L3 and L6. Thanks for watching!

[@WvMnts]

Good stuff. Thanks

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thanks for watching!

[@juandavila3535]

What do u think of the incendis pro clip on scope????

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Generally we do not recommend clip on optics. They are a terrible investment, rarely do what people think/hope they will and the same money or less will get you a far better dedicated daytime optic. With that said, we do not sell or recommend Accufire optics. Feel free to give us a call if you’d like to discuss some dedicated optics, we’d be glad to help and love to have your business. 877-350-1818

[@savalos2011]

What happened to posting the episode to Spotify? I could t find it there.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

So sorry but thank you for letting us know. It was scheduled to go live as normal but there was a Spotify error and it didn’t post. We fixed it and it’s live now. Again, thanks for telling us!

[@hawaiiangunner]

I'm sorry to post this on the halfway through the video but I sure hope that you guys show the difference and Optical clarity. It kind of helps to know whether you want to spend an extra $2,000 to 5000 for me it all depends on how much more clarity the extra money gives me. Hard decision to make

[@Haikeoutdoor]

We have a thermal dual-light fusion night vision device,you can find out about it.

[@hawaiiangunner]

Ty! I'll check it out!!

[@Haikeoutdoor]

👍@@hawaiiangunner

[@jaymz8222]

Could you recommend me a scope? I just bought a Cap dragon claw ll, a modded .50 cal air rifle. It has an 11mm dovetail for mounting. I won’t be shooting past 100 yards ever. And my budget is 1,000$.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thanks for watching. You’ll need a picatinny rail for the rifle because all the scopes use them. Your budget won’t allows for a decent thermal but it will allow for a really good digital NV optic. We’d love to have your business so feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy ti help you pick out and purchase the scope that’s right for you. 877-350-1818

[@jaymz8222]

@@TheLateNightVisionShow Thanks. I'll give you guys call and we can pick one out.

[@4x4BACKWOODSBOY]

I wonder where the sightmark would fall on their list.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

We discussed the Sightmark Wraith Thermal on this show. Thanks!

[@mellow1479]

Good morning I have a question Adder TS35-384 vs Adder Ts35-384 35 vs 50 if I’m only 200 yards and in which one is better

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Thanks for watching! It honestly depends more on your closer range shots and average shot ranges. If you’ll give us a call we’ll be glad to help answer all your questions and we’d love to have your business! 877-350-1818

[@lancelamoon6743]

That is my average shot with my Adder TS35-384 and I really like it

[@brownjessea1]

I'm looking at the ATN THOR 5 320 thermal. Do you have any info or recommendations on this scope. I'm hovering around the $1600-$2000 budget range and this is right in there. I primarily hunt coyotes at probably less than 100 yards but I'd like to be able to go 200-300.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Our advice is to stay away from ATN at all costs. If it means you can’t buy a scope this season, then don’t. We do not advise anyone to buy ATN for any reason. There are other much better optics in the $1800-$2000 range. Thanks for watching

[@brownjessea1]

How about Bering Optic Super Hogster vs AGM TS35-384? I found a slightly used Super Hogster for the same price as the AGM. @@TheLateNightVisionShow

[@rayzee7561]

@@TheLateNightVisionShow I have an ATN scope, it worked good for 3 to 4 months then all I got was a red flash when I turned on, then it went black. I could hear it clicking when i pressed buttons, but the screen was black. I returned for repair and they sent me a new one, the old one could not be repaired. 5 shots into sighting it in at the range and I got the same, it's what I call the ATN red screen of death. Third one did the same thing also, maybe 3 months, right in the middle of my best hog hunting time of year. I borrowed a Super Hogster and then bought one. All my hunting buddies used the SH, but they were new to the market at the time and I was scared to buy one. ATN kept my scope a couple months then sent an upgraded scope and so far, so good, but I only use it for close range shooting in the woods, or in case my SH breaks, I will have a spare scope on a smaller caliber gun. ATN spends the most money on advertising, so I think they make a lot in sales. And they loan out scopes to guides to get good advertisement. I see local guides advertise for them all the time. My friends son bought an ATN, against my advice, and got the same issue, then they talked him into trading it in on a higher priced scope, now he is regretting the whole ATN fiasco. ATN is JUNK.

[@royweatherford64]

I have the 320 3x9 and it’s gotten me through hunting season without an issue it’s light and much smaller than my 4k pro 5x20 nv which I really like but there’s definitely a difference in image quality compared to what they showed . My 4k pro recently started giving me a little issue after 3 years with freezing up but I’m pretty sure it just needs an update. I would recommend to save a little more and get if possible a 640 version of something they recommended. I have a 160 atn monocular and I can’t stand the image quality of it . I might try to sale my 320 and upgrade to a different brand and something i can possibly mount a red dot on top of . Ill say this about the 320 I can easily make a 100 yard and probably much further, where and how I hunt I don’t have really anything past 100 that’s an option . Get what you pay for with these .

[@royweatherford64]

@@TheLateNightVisionShowwhat scopes are you referring too at 2000 that’s a 320 or higher

[@hitechcowboy1547]

Have you guys looked at the iRay Bolt SE?

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Yes sir we are testing it now and have units in stock ready to ship. Feel free to give us a call and Jason will be happy to answer your questions on it. 877-350-1818

[@OkieJackOutdoors]

I like my ts25-256, but If I could get $1150 out of it, I'd ditch it and upgrade. I've been using it as a scanner and went back to NV and a coyote cannon.

[@GeneralPatton31]

I have sightmark wraith 4k max and coyote cannon. Would you want to trade with boot? If not would you do 1000 for it?

[@BB-ss3mw]

Weight talion xq35 pro with mount ?

[@dusty1184]

I don't know the exact weight but it is pretty light on my 16 inch Blackout

[@Tony-ix8wd]

what abut the Burris BTS 50 vs ?

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

No sir the Burris thermals are a very poorly rebranded Chinese Guide IR brand scope that are sub par to any other quality thermal on the market.

[@Tony-ix8wd]

Ok thanks. I thought I read that Burris were made in Japan.

[@duroboat69]

What a good lightweight night vision scope under 20 ounces

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Under 20oz is probably going to be the AGM Neith. The Wraith Mini will be a close second. Feel free to give us a call and we’ll be glad to help.

[@ralanharris15]

Is there a summary?

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Give us a call. We’ll be happy to help, there is no one size fits all for thermals. We would love to have your business. 877-350-1818

[@BB-ss3mw]

Can bolt freeze zero screen?

[@ChrisDonohue91]

The tl35 V2 can for sure. Hit the "p" pallet button and the camera button at the same time

[@Mrgunsngear]

🇺🇸

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

😎

[@sethperry1323]

Hey that bolt went back up to 3300!! Wth 😢

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

We were shocked as well. The promo was supposed to end on 12/31 but we had been told it was going to be a permanent price drop. Unfortunately that didn’t happen and it went back to where it was before.

[@m118lr]

“Budget” is a lot more user-friendly ‘sounding’ THAN “entry-level” LOL…

[@BrassMunkyBallistics]

Sure wished somebody would help out with our big cat problom.... their natural ability to blend along with stealthness has made it frigging impossible! I have video from my 4k mini them taking down 3 deer damn near simultaneous ... whatever they are they were let loose from a nonpermitted zoo locally 30 years ago. An what's concerning is their behavior. I opened a troll door😏 Fook me somebody help a ninja out

[@nowherespecial6780]

The only thing I do not like. Is the only payment plans that you offer. Is paypal or pay in full. How many people can really take out 3 to 18 thousand dollars on A scope. I spoke with one year lovely ladies. Then she directed me through everything. But you Would think there would be more options. Is making investment like that.. Especially when you're going in between an a t v cost to a small home. Which give decent payments as well.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

The issue is that almost every 3rd party online finance company is anti-gun, anti-hunting and anti 2nd Amendment. We’ve dealt with 2 different finance companies that offered decent rates and were easy to work with. Both ended up dropping us after a few months saying that we sold “firearms and/or hunting accessories” and they did not support that. A few of our competitors are still able to offer those options but they will eventually get dropped as well, I actually know 3 of them who got booted in the last 90 days for the same reason. We found a couple hunting friendly finance companies but they are unethical loan sharks hiding behind the “pro gun” flag and they trick people into loans that end up costing 90-110% in interest by the time they are paid off. They make credit cards look like a bargain but most people don’t understand the fine print and it’s too late when they figure it out. So we wish there were good options but we refuse to promote loan sharks to our customers and everyone else is anti-gun. PayPal does offer credit and people can say what they want about them but they’ve given us 0 issues in 11 years. The day a gun/hunting friendly finance company that doesn’t try to rape their customers comes around we’ll be the first to sigh up!

[@wmp89]

Get a new credit card as they typically have 15-18 months 0% APR. Pay it off over that time frame and then close the card.

[@justsnuggle]

The way you guys talk make it sound like all the thermal manufacturers and your customers have really thin skin you guys are trying real hard not to offend anybody

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

Over the years we’ve found people can sometimes take offense and think if we don’t choose the scope they own that we don’t like it or that we don’t think it’s good quality, which isn’t the truth at all. In these shows we just pick our favorites and don’t want people think we’re dogging their favorite scope. Thanks for watching.

[@angry_z_rider4275]

I had to scroll past so much spam channel top 5 list bs to find this. I fucking hate youtube it fucks over real creators.

[@NotOurRemedy]

Still so mad you said Napoleon was a bad general.

[@TheLateNightVisionShow]

I know, I know .. we said he was mediocre. We’ve probably ruined our chances of hosting a podcast for the history channel. Thanks for watching!

[@NotOurRemedy]

@@TheLateNightVisionShow you guys are awesome. I watch like everyone of your shows or podcasts. I point everyone I can to y’all. I will never bring up napoleon again dude. Sorry!

[@BB-ss3mw]

Ques. Can you freeze screen to zero on bolt?

[@BB-ss3mw]

What’s weight of talion xq35 pro with mount supplied?