AGM Global vision is one of the fastest-rising companies in the thermal imaging market. Known for producing top-quality night vision and thermal scopes, in recent years they have taken the market by the scruff of the neck and are shaking things up.
With more than 25 thermal imaging scopes in the range, from budget offerings all the way to tier one units – AGM certainly has all the bases covered.
So hang around as we take a deep dive into the world of the best 5 AGM thermal scopes covering all the different price points.
Contents
1. AGM Global Vision Rattler TS25-384
Best Budget Short Range Thermal Scope
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Sensor Resolution: 384×288
- Display Resolution: 1024 × 768 0.39-inch OLED display
- Optical Magnification: 1.5x
- Digital Zoom: 8x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
- Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
- Water Resistance Level: IP67
- Detection Range: 882 Meters
- Eye Relief: 45 mm
- Battery Life: 4.5 hr
- External Power Supply: 5V USB
- Overall Dimensions: 7.37 × 2.46 × 2.33 in (187.2 × 62.5 × 59.2 mm)
- Weight: 0.91 lb
- Video Recording: Yes
- Storage: Inbuilt EMMC (16 GB)
First off the ranks, we have the fantastic AGM Global Vision Rattler TS25-384. This is one of the cheapest options in the AGM thermal imaging range, but do not let that fool you into thinking that this scope is not worthy of your consideration!
The AGM Global Vision Rattler TS25-384 is an extremely capable thermal imaging scope, especially for the price! One of the biggest selling points for this unit is its compact yet rugged design. Let’s take a quick look at all the important specifications.
The AGM Global Vision Rattler TS25-384 has been designed for 24-hour continuous operation under any and all weather conditions. The combination of the sensitive thermal detector with a brilliant OLED display produces clear and concise sight vision no matter environmental conditions. I tested this scope in driving rain and heavy fog and I was extremely impressed with the results.
The onboard batteries offer only four and half hours of continuous use, but this number can be easily increased with the introduction of a 5V external battery pack. During testing, I plugged in my everyday 10000 mAh power bank which easily powered the scope for over 12 hours of continuous use.
The inbuilt Wi-Fi unit allows for live video streaming directly to your smartphone or any other compatible device. The multiple color palettes can provide a major advantage for hunters or tactical shooters that deal with multiple environments.
The lightweight and compact design is surprisingly sturdy and rugged. The chassis features aircraft-grade aluminum which is more than durable enough to handle any knocks and bumps that you may run into with your everyday hunting. This scope can also be used as a handheld monocular and is perfect for patrol situations.
Overall a great budget thermal scope from AGM, and a perfect starting point for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of thermal optics!
WHAT WE LOVE
- Small, compact, and lightweight
- Video recording and snapshot
- IP67 water and shock proofing
- Adaptive AGC image processing
- OLED display
WHAT WE DON’T LOVE
- Battery life could be better
2. AGM Global Vision Rattler TS19-256
Best Under $1,000
SPECIFICATIONS:
- 256 x 192 thermal resolution, high sensitivity detector
- Image processing technology: Adaptive AGC, DDE, 3D DNR
- 1024 x 768 resolution 0.39-inch OLED display
- 8x digital zoom
- Video recording and snapshot, built-in EMMC (16 GB)
- Supports distance measurement
- Adjustable color palettes
- Wi-Fi data transmission
- Waterproof, shockproof
- Up to 4.5 hours continuous working
- External power supply capability
- Limited 3-year warranty
WHAT WE LOVE
- Budget Friendly
- Wi-Fi data transmission for live streaming
- Built-in 16 GB Storage
- Easy to operate user interface
WHAT WE DON’T LOVE
- Battery life of 45 hours, but this can be boosted easily with an external battery pack.
3. AGM Global Vision Rattler TS35-640
Best Mid-Priced
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Sensor Resolution: 640 – 512
- Display Resolution: 1024 × 768 OLED display
- Optical Magnification: 2 – 16 x
- Digital Zoom: 8x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
- Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
- Water Resistance Level: IP67
- Detection Range: 1750 Meters
- Eye Relief: 60 mm
- Battery Life: 4.5 hr
- Reticle Options: 5 types, 4 colors
- External Power Supply: 5V USB
- Overall Dimensions: 7.4 × 2.5 × 3.1 in (187× 63 × 80 mm)
- Weight: 1.18 lb
- Video Recording: Yes
- Storage: EMMC (16 GB)
The AGM Global Vision Rattler TS35-640 2-16x35mm is, without a shadow of a doubt, my favorite variable magnification thermal scope available in the AGM range.
This fantastic unit packs a real punch, with an extremely sensitive thermal sensor, a high refresh rate, and truly superior build quality – there are very few competing units that can keep up! Let’s take a quick look at the specs.
Again we see full geranium multi coating on the glass optics for maximum light transmission, but this time the detection range has been pushed all the way out to 1750 meters thanks to the increased sensor sensitivity and the variable zoom. This makes for a much more versatile scope that can be used in a variety of shooting circumstances.
The build quality is as good (if not better) when compared to the previously reviewed units. This scope is the first in the range that has been dropped tested and is rated for drops up to 1.5 meters, or almost 5 feet!
But what really sets this scope apart from the pack is the increased thermal sensitivity and range. The AGM Global Vision Rattler TS35-640 2-16x35mm is truly a pleasure to use and feels intuitive from the get-go. There is an inbuilt stadiametric rangefinder which greatly helps with range estimations, and the limited 3-year warranty covers almost every issue that may pop up.
Again, the battery life isn’t amazing at just 4.5 hours, but it is simple and straightforward to connect almost any external power bank by USB for extended use. This is almost a must, but thankfully almost everyone owns at least one external power bank at this point.
Grab this one if you are hunting for a powerful, versatile, variable zoom thermal imaging scope!
WHAT WE LOVE
- Top-notch 640 x 512 thermal resolution
- High sensitivity detector
- 2-16x variable zoom for great versatility
- Stadiametric rangefinder
- Adjustable color palettes
- Multiple reticle options
- Video recording and snapshot with built in memory
WHAT WE DON’T LOVE
- Again, the battery assembly could be better
4. AGM Global Vision Rattler TS50-640
Best For Professionals
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Sensor Resolution: 640 – 512
- Display Resolution: 1024 × 768 OLED display
- Optical Magnification: 2.5 – 20 x
- Digital Zoom: 8x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
- Water Resistance Level: IP67
- Detection Range: 2500 Meters
- Eye Relief: 45 mm
- Battery Life: 4.5 hr
- Reticle Options: 5 types, 4 colors
- External Power Supply: 5V USB
- Overall Dimensions: 7.8 × 2.9 × 3.3 in (200 x 73 x 84 mm)
- Weight: 1.33 lb
- Video Recording: Yes
- Storage: EMMC (16 GB)
So, you are looking for the best thermal imaging scope available on the market right now? One that has huge thermal transmission qualities, and is built to last a lifetime?
Well then, it’s hard to go past the all new AGM Global Vision Rattler TS50-640 2.5-20x50mm – One of AGM’s flagship thermal imaging scopes. This scope packs all the best features from all the previous units we have looked at into one amazing scope, plus there are a few added bonuses.
This is actually not the most expensive thermal scope that AGM currently produces (that award goes to the AGM PYTHON TS75-640), but in my opinion it’s the most well rounded of the top of the line thermal scopes currently available from AGM!
Ok, so what sets this one apart from the pack?
It’s a mixture of features that combine to make an amazing thermal imaging scope that really does blow the competition out of the water.
The sensor resolution of 640 x 512 is as good as you can get in almost any consumer thermal imaging scope.
The variable optical magnification of 2.5 to 20 x gives the user a huge amount of versatility. The detection range of this scope is a ridiculous 2500 meters. That’s not to say you will be making two and a half kilometer shots, but it does mean that its scope is capable of detecting a thermal signature at two and a half clicks. Crazy stuff!
You can sense the quality as soon as this unit is in the hand. There is a satisfying feeling to the weight, and the whole scope is made from the best materials available.
There are honestly very few thermal imaging scopes available for consumers to purchase right now that come close to this unit. Easy to use, quick to set up, and accurate as can be with a bunch of user optionality choices that only increase the shooting pleasure.
WHAT WE LOVE
- 640 x 512 thermal sensor
- Variable zoom capabilities
- Multiple reticle options and colors
- 5 color palettes to choose from
- Fully water, weather, and shockproof
- Stadiametric rangefinder
- Image and video recording and live streaming
- Limited 3-year warranty
WHAT WE DON’T LOVE
- The battery assembly could be more powerful, but an external power bank can be used to boost this
5. AGM Global Vision Rattler TS25-256
Best Sporting
WHAT WE LOVE
- 256 x 192 resolution
- 8x digital zoom
- Adjustable color palettes
- Fully water, weather, and shockproof
- Limited 3-year warranty
WHAT WE DON’T LOVE
- The battery assembly could be more powerful
AGM Global Vision Thermal Scopes Buyers Guide
Thermal imaging or optical-electro scopes are not something you should just buy at the drop of a hat. Careful consideration of multiple factors should be undertaken before you spend any of your hard-earned cash.
Just like any other high-end precision piece of equipment, thermal scopes require a bunch of research before you can reasonably make your final decision.
So, let’s discuss the most important features and specifications that will help you make the correct decision.
Thermal Sensor Resolution and Scope Resolution
The very first feature that you should consider is thermal sensor resolution.
Thermal sensor resolutions may be lower than what you are used to seeing on regular cameras and scopes, but don’t worry as this is to be expected. The sensor resolution is the main factor that impacts the overall clarity and conciseness of the sight and thermal picture.
This probably goes without saying, but the higher the thermal sensor resolution is the clearer the sight picture will be.
Always make sure that the overall scope resolution is higher than the resolution of the thermal sensor. For example, if the thermal sensor resolution is 384×288 pixels then look for 720x360p scope resolution at a minimum.
Magnification
There are two types of magnification on scopes, fixed or variable. There are pros and cons to both setups.
On fixed magnification scopes the magnification will be locked at one specific value. This means there are fewer moving parts and therefore less chance of issues with internal breakages. Fixed magnification scopes are usually much lighter then there variable counterparts, and it is easier and cheaper to produce high-quality optics with fixed magnification optics
Variable magnification scopes offer a much wider range of magnification levels, which can be a huge plus in certain situations. They are much more versatile and can be used in a wider range of circumstances.
But, to produce the same optical quality they usually must be much heavier and will cost a lot more to produce.
In general, I usually recommend a fixed magnification scope as they are cheaper, more robust, and produce better sight images.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a thermal device can vary widely depending on what type of thermal imaging unit you are using. Many leading Handheld Thermal imaging cameras have a refresh rate of 9Hz to 15Hz. This is fine if you are using your thermal camera for electrical fault finding or as a surveillance unit, but it is simply too low for a thermal scope.
Thermal imaging scopes use digital processes to produce the sight image, and as such there is an inherent delay between reality and the image displayed. The higher refresh rate, the shorter the delay will be.
A higher refresh rate also produces a much clearer and smoother image when tracking a moving target, which can give a hunter, marksman, or tactical shooter the upper hand in many situations.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large glass lens located at the front end of any scope is known as the objective lens. Objective lenses with larger diameters allow more light to be gathered. The more light that is gathered, the brighter the sight image will be.
The objective lens diameter is also directly proportional to the field of view. The larger the objective lens diameter, the more significant the size FOV. Why is the field of view important? Let’s tackle that next!
Field Of View
The field of view of a rifle scope refers to the area that can be seen when looking down the scope. This is usually displayed as the area that can be seen at 100 yards or meters, and refers to the area shown from one side of the scopes’ sight to the other.
Scopes that have a wider field of view will allow for the shooter to see more of the surroundings and can help with accuracy and efficiency in shooting, especially when there are moving targets.
There are some specialized situations, such as for military snipers, where a narrower field of view may be more suited. But in general, try to find a scope with the widest field of view possible.
Battery Life
Thermal scopes are optical-electrical devices, and as such, they need batteries to operate. There is nothing more annoying than being out on a hunt and finding that the batteries are running low, or even worse than your scope is dead.
Many thermal scopes now offer replacement batteries that can be easily and quickly swapped in and out, and most come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that have long operating times.
Be sure you always check the battery capacity whether it is a rechargeable battery, and the battery type before you drop your heart and cash on any scope.
The battery life of AGM Global Vision Thermal Scopes is one of the only glaring downsides of these scopes, with most offering 4.5 to 5 hrs of continuous use. Although this is probably long enough for most users, it is not long enough for full night hunts. Luckily, AGM have made it so each and every thermal scope they produce can be paired with almost any external battery pack (as long as it has a USB outlet) for much increased usage times.
Reticle Options
In the last few decades, we have seen a huge shift in reticle options. Gone are the days of just simple crosshairs, although they can still be found. But, which one should you choose?
To be totally honest with you, this is not a question I can answer. The best I can do is to recommend what I like personally – a Mil-Dot configuration reticle is what I usually go for!
Thankfully, these days many thermal imaging scopes offer multiple reticle options that are pre-programmed into the scope itself, giving you the freedom to try out a whole bunch and see exactly what works best for you.
They also offer reticles in multiple colors which you can help with differentiating reticles against different backgrounds.
Coloring Options
Thermal imaging units used to offer just two coloring options, grayscale or stunted color. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore!
Many of the thermal imaging scopes now available offer up to 9 different coloring modes. Sure, this may be a little overwhelming, to begin with, but once you have tried all the options you will find what works for you and what doesn’t.
Just because you have so many options available, this does not mean that grayscale imaging is totally obsolete. I find that color imaging is best for night or twilight hunts, with grayscale working perfectly for multiple moving targets in very low-light situations.
Size, Weight, and Build Quality
It goes without saying that size and weight are important factors to consider with any scope setup, as is the build quality.
Thermal imaging scopes are precision instruments, and as such, they need to be constructed from high-grade materials and to certain tolerances.
AGM has built a strong reputation in the past decade for producing top-quality thermal imaging scopes. All AGM scopes offer full water, weather, shock, and fog proofing and use high grade O-rings, gas purging, aircraft-grade aluminum, thermoplastics, and fully multi-coated glass optics.
AGM has also gone to great lengths to ensure that their thermal imaging scopes stay within certain weight and size limits, with compact options also available.
FAQs for AGM Global Vision Thermal Scopes
How does thermal imaging work?
Thermal sensors work by capturing and displaying the differing levels of infrared radiation that each and every object emits. Although this part of the light spectrum is totally invisible to humans, it can be felt as heat and that is what a thermal sensor captures.
The hotter an object, the more infrared radiation will be emitted.
Can you use thermal scope during the day?
Yes. Thermal imaging works by capturing the infrared radiation emitted by an object, so they work perfectly day or night.
Can you see through walls with a thermal scope?
No, thermal scopes cannot see through solid objects. They can be useful in seeing through less solid objects such as trees, bush, or scrub – perfect for spotting an animal hiding away in the bushes.
Are thermal imaging optics dangerous?
No. Thermal imaging optics do not produce any form of radiation themselves, they purely catch and convert infrared radiation which is around us (and being emitted by us) all the time.
The Wrap Up
The above reviewed scopes are the 4 best thermal imaging offerings from AGM Global Vision. There is one to cover any shooter’s needs, with a wide range of options offered.
Sure, they all leave a bit lacking in terms of battery assembly (although this is easily remedied through the addition of an external power bank) but apart from this one caveat every single scope listed is a beast.
Hopefully you have found all the information you have been searching for! If i had to choose 1 scope in particular and money was no issue then it is impossible to go past the awesome AGM Global Vision Rattler TS50-640 2.5-20x50mm – Best Top Of The Line Thermal Scope.
Like this article? Check out 10 BEST Thermal Scopes of 2022 [Reviews & Buyer’s Guide] for more reviews of thermal scopes.
Happy hunting!