Sightmark Round Up: Wonderful Optics for the Dynamic Shooter

Out of all the quality optical options from brands under the Sellmark banner, these Sightmark offerings deserve to be highlighted.

July 17, 2024 By Alfredo Rico

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Sellmark is the parent company to optics brands: Firefield, Sightmark, and Pulsar. Their optic offerings include hunting scopes, competition scopes, night vision scopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and red dots. Firefield serves the entry-level market, Sightmark delivering high-quality at the low to mid-price point, and Pulsar offers premium thermal imaging optics, as well as night vision. I recently spent some time behind all but one of the optics below and have been impressed by how many practical features they give a shooter at their price point.

Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 Thermal Riflescope

Pulsar Thermal Optic — (Photo courtesy of Alfredo Rico)

Let me start off with the most expensive optic of the group (and the only one from Sightmark's sister brand, Pulsar) the Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50. This thermal optic commands a premium price due to the high level of technology and that it is manufactured in Europe.

My first exposure to this thermal was during a night hunt at the Sellmark Ranch in Texas. A thermal optic is a high-tech video camera with a sensor that is sensitive to the infrared band of the electromagnetic wave. Infrared light waves are undetectable to the naked human eye. The optic converts these light waves to an image we can view on a screen. Technically, heat is infrared, so anything that emits heat can be made visible using a thermal optic. The image it produces makes animals look like ghosts in the white-hot color setting. It’s a little eerie, but so cool.

The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 does a lot more than let you see into the night, it has several features that I value as a precision shooter. It integrates a built-in laser range finder (LRF), a ballistics calculator, and a ballistic reticle. To use the ballistic reticle, simply range the animal and a small red reticle appears on the vertical stadia.

Feral hog on thermal — (Photo courtesy of Alfredo Rico)

Looking under the hood we find a 1024x768 sensor with a 12-micron pixel size and a NETD <35 mK. When it comes to image definition, the larger the sensor the more detail you will see. The size of this sensor makes it high-definition. The size of the pixel also aids in detail, the smaller the micron number the better the resolution. 12-micron offers plenty of detail for precise reticle placement. Another important figure is the NETD number. This tells you how sensitive the sensor is in distinguishing between two different temperatures. For hunting, less than 35mK is very good.

Once the thermal sensor gathers the light an image is sent to the internal 1024x768 AMOLED 50 Hz display. This is a high-definition screen that displays the video at 50 frames per second. 50 Hz makes movement look smooth. Lower frame rates will make the video look like you have a poor internet connection which can be frustrating when setting up a shot.

Being able to produce a great image is only part of its strength. With the long push of the zoom button, a small picture-in-picture video will pop up at the top of the screen. The image is a magnified view of the center of the reticle. This allows the shooter to place the reticle precisely on the animal while maintaining a wide field of view in the lower quadrant of the display.

The unit has many controllable functions and some really neat settings. The settings menu pops up in the display when you push the button on the turret’s left side. Here you can choose one of ten reticles, one of eight color palettes, turn on wi-fi, and zero the scope, among many other settings. The wi-fi allows you to connect to the Stream Vision 2 app and download the videos and photos from the scope to your phone. This permits the phone or tablet to be used as a secondary display and as a remote control which is perfect for guiding a shooter with experiential, environmental or physical considerations.

The setting menu is very intuitive to use as are the physical buttons. The buttons on the top of the ocular lens control the recording, zoom factor, and laser rangefinder. Manual lens focus levers are located on each side of the ocular lens. The on/off button sits on the back of the ocular lens housing.

Since thermal video cameras are battery hogs, Pulsar includes two batteries. One is internal and the other is a removable battery. Together they will get you about 10 hours of run time. It would be remiss not to mention that Pulsar offers an excellent 5-year warranty plan designed to provide you with peace of mind and protection for your new device.

Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 Thermal Specs

Sensor: 1024x768 pixels at 12um uncooled
Objective Lens: 50mm
Magnification: 1.75 - 14
Detection Range: 2,300 yards
Frame Rate: 50 Hz
Display: 1024x768 HD AMOLED
Operating Range: -77F to 122F
Waterproof: IPX7
Dimensions (LxWxH): 16.77 x 3.72 x 3.0 inches
Weight: 36.3 Ounces
MSRP: $8,099

Latitude 20-60x80 XD Tactical Spotting Scope

Man looking through spotting scope — (Photo courtesy of Scott Ergas)

I utilized the Sightmark Latitude 20-60x80 XD while shooting out to 1,500 yards. I’d be hard-pressed to ask for better performance. Typically, a good spotting scope with extra-low dispersion glass can cost over $1,100 and at $700, the Latitude 20-60x80 XD is quite a bargain.

The XD in the name means that the glass is extra-low dispersion. This quality of glass offers better resolution contrast and a wider dynamic range of colors than high-definition (HD) or standard glass. There is a tangible difference between ELD and XD glass, it is not a marketing ploy. These are important characteristics for spotting small impacts at long distances. The magnification range on the spotting scope is 20-60x, which was plenty of magnification for the distances I shot.

Another valuable feature is its first focal plane mil-radian reticle. The reticle serves two purposes. To correct a shooter’s hold and to range targets. The reticle is uniquely designed. The left and top stadia are in 1.0 mil increments while the bottom and right are subdivided into .5 mil increments. The design allows for quick or refined assessments.

Dimensions are fairly compact for the magnification. Its length is 11x3x5.7 inches and weighs 45 ounces. It won’t take up much space in a backpack and is light enough to carry while hunting and if the weather turns bad, you won’t have to worry about the scope getting wet, it is IP67-rated and can withstand being submerged in 3 feet of water for an hour. It is also fog proof.

Latitude 20-60x80 XD Tactical Spotting Scope Specs

Glass: Extra low dispersion
Weight: 45 oz.
Length: 11 in.
Field of view: 131-43.5 ft @ 1000 yards
Waterproof/Dustproof: IP67
MSRP: $699

Core TX 2.0 1-4x24 AR556 SFP MOA Rifle Scope

Sightmark Core riflescope — (Photo courtesy of Sightmark)

I put an eye behind the Core TX 2.0 1-4x24 low-power variable optic (LPVO) at a media event. If you would have told me it was a $200 scope, I would not have believed you. The glass was too clear to belong on a low-budget optic, but here it was. The glass and price make it very tempting for a first-time scope especially if the build quality stands up to recreational use.

The Core TX 2.0 1-4x24 is constructed from a 6061-T6 aluminum body and uses a 30mm main tube. The 1-4 magnification will easily take you out to medium distances. On the range, I was hitting a 500-yard elk-shaped steel easily.

Its second focal plane AR 556 ballistic drop compensation reticle makes for quick holdover shots. The reticle is calibrated for a 55gr FMJ ammo and has marks out to 600 yards. The red, illuminated reticle incorporates a 10 MOA circle and dot with the BDC holdover marks.

Although you won’t be fiddling with the turrets other than to zero the rifle, they will give you 140 MOA of elevation and windage adjustment.

Other notable features include an IPX7 waterproof rating, it is fogproof, and shockproof to boot. This will handle most inclement weather you may encounter.

Core TX 2.0 1-4x24 AR556 SFP MOA Rifle Scope Specs

Power: 1-4X
Objective: 24mm
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Elevation Adjustment: .50 MOA per click
Windage: .50 MOA per click
Reticle: AR556 Illuminated
Length: 10. in.
Weight: 18.8 oz.
Eye Relief: 3.7 in.
MSRP: $199

Mini Shot M-Spec M1 LQD Reflex Sight

Sightmark has a slew of red dot models designed for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. One of the red dots I have spent the most time with is the Mini Shot M-Spec M1 LQD. The M-Spec name indicates that this is Sightmark’s highest level of durability and it is designed to be run hard. For reference, the R in the R-Spec line is for recreational use and is the entry-level models. The A-Spec units are for users that hit the range frequently and require a more rugged design. The LQD refers to the Locking Quick Detach mount that is included in the box.

The Mini Shot M-Spec M1 LQD is a versatile red dot sight. Out of the box, it can be mounted on a pistol, shotgun, rifle, AK, or AR. The base of the red dot is the popular Docter/Roblex footprint making it a great choice for optics-ready pistols with that mount. A low profile and an AR riser mount are included. Many other companies offer only a low-profile mount. The high-profile mount allows you to co-witness the red dot to AR backup sights.

Durability was the key when Sightmark designed this red dot. A steel shield surrounds the housing, it carries an IP67 rating meaning that it is waterproof and dustproof. Its operating temperatures are -22 F to 122 F and can handle the recoil of a .375 H&H cartridge. That cartridge can stop a Cape buffalo in its tracks.

The lens has a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating. The reticle is a 3 MOA dot with 10 brightness settings. The dot size makes it useful for precise shots at medium ranges without obstructing the target much. The brightness settings are controlled manually with up and down buttons. Battery life is estimated between 300 to 30,000 hours depending on frequency of use and brightness level. An automatic shut-off is built into the electronics and will shut the power off after 12 hours to conserve battery life. Powering that battery is a single, top-installed, CR1632 battery. This is a beefy red dot that you won’t have to baby.

Mini Shot M-Spec M1 LQD Reflex Sight Specs

Magnification: 1X
Dot Size: 3 MOA
Objective: 21x15mm
Length: 1.73 in.
Weight: 2.3 oz.
Footprint: Docter
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Battery Life: 300 to 30,000 hours
MSRP: $249

Solitude 10x42 XD Binoculars

sightmark binoculars — (Photo courtesy of Sightmark)

If you’re looking for a first pair of binoculars that will serve you for hunting or shooting, it will be hard to beat the Solitude 10x42 XD binoculars. The combined ruggedness, extra-low dispersion lenses, and $350 price point make it an ideal candidate.

As is typical with other Sightmark products, the binoculars are designed to operate in the hardest conditions you may reasonably find yourself in. They are waterproof, dustproof, and fogproof. The lenses are fully multi-coated to minimize internal reflections and improve light transmission. A rubber overmold provides a soft surface for the hands and attenuates harsh bumps. A magnesium bridge provides durable support for the housing.

The 10X magnification with 42mm objective lenses is one of the most popular configurations that serve a hunter and precision shooter’s needs. Some of the nice features include adjustable eyecups, a tripod mount, and neck strap eyelets.

One of the biggest selling points of these binoculars is its extra-low dispersion glass (XD). XD glass offers better resolution, contrast, and dynamic range than high-definition (HD) glass. You will be able to pick out more detail in low contrast or low light conditions. This becomes very important when counting tines or finding a metal target against a grayish background.