MATE is designed for customers who want thermal capability without replacing an existing daytime riflescope.

The attachment mounts in front of a compatible day scope, allowing the shooter to retain the familiar reticle, eye relief and existing rifle setup while adding thermal imaging when required.

The range progresses from the more accessible MATE LITE through premium 640-resolution H-series models to the flagship MATE ULTRA.

A dedicated thermal riflescope replaces the conventional optic entirely. A thermal clip-on works with a compatible daytime scope already installed on the rifle.

NITE is fundamentally different from NocPix's thermal products. It uses a high-resolution digital imaging sensor to produce a conventional visible image rather than detecting heat.

This allows full-colour viewing during daylight and digital night vision after dark when suitable infrared illumination is used.

The NITE range is therefore particularly attractive to customers who want one rifle-mounted optic capable of giving a natural daytime picture as well as low-light and night capability.

Thermal imaging and digital night vision can both be used after dark, but they form the image in completely different ways.

A useful combination for many users is a handheld thermal device for quickly locating an animal, followed by a digital optic where conventional visible detail is preferred.

Thermal sensor resolution describes how many heat-sensitive pixels are used to build the image.

256×192

Approximately 49,000 thermal pixels. Common in more accessible products where price, size and simplicity matter.

384×288

Approximately 111,000 thermal pixels. A strong mid-level resolution used across compact handhelds and more accessible riflescopes.

640×512

Approximately 327,000 thermal pixels. This provides almost three times as many thermal pixels as a 384×288 detector and is one of the most important premium sensor classes in the NocPix range.

1280×1024

Approximately 1.31 million thermal pixels. This is around four times the pixel count of 640×512 and more than eleven times the pixel count of 384×288.

Sensor resolution is extremely important, but it is only one part of a thermal imaging system.

Final image quality also depends on:

• Thermal sensitivity / NETD
• Objective lens aperture
• Objective focal length
• Image-processing quality
• Display quality
• Focus accuracy
• Weather and atmospheric conditions

A well-designed 640-resolution device with excellent sensitivity, optics and image processing can produce a more useful real-world image than simply choosing a product because it has the largest quoted specification in one area.

NETD stands for Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference.

It describes the smallest temperature difference that the thermal detector can distinguish and is normally expressed in millikelvin, or mK.

A lower NETD figure indicates greater thermal sensitivity.

This becomes particularly important when thermal contrast is poor, including:

• Mild nights
• Warm ground
• Fog
• High humidity
• Damp vegetation
• Situations where target and background temperatures are close

Excellent thermal sensitivity helps reveal subtle temperature differences within the scene rather than showing only obvious hot and cold shapes.

Pixel pitch describes the physical spacing between pixels on the thermal detector and is normally expressed in micrometres.

Many current NocPix thermal devices use 12μm detector technology.

A smaller pixel pitch allows more pixels to fit within a given physical detector area and helps manufacturers combine high sensor resolution with practical objective lens sizes.

Pixel pitch should never be considered alone. Sensor resolution, focal length, thermal sensitivity and image processing all work together to determine field of view, magnification and final image quality.

Objective focal length has a major effect on the way a thermal optic behaves.

Shorter focal lengths

Usually provide lower base magnification and a wider field of view. This makes them excellent for scanning, woodland, smaller fields and fast target acquisition.

Longer focal lengths

Normally provide greater native target scale at distance but reduce the field of view. They are particularly useful across larger fields and more open terrain.

This is why the biggest objective lens is not automatically the best option. A user working around woodland edges may get significantly more practical benefit from a 35mm device than a 75mm model.

Field of view describes how much of the scene you can see at one time.

A wide field of view makes it easier to locate animals, scan large areas quickly and follow moving subjects.

A narrower field of view usually accompanies increased native magnification and greater target scale.

High-resolution 1280-class detectors can change this relationship significantly because their larger physical sensor area can allow a long focal-length optic to retain a surprisingly wide viewing window.

Quoted thermal detection range is useful for comparing products, but it is also one of the most misunderstood thermal specifications.

Detection

Establishing that a heat source is present.

Recognition

Establishing the general type or shape of the heat source.

Identification

Seeing enough information to establish what the subject actually is.

A thermal device can therefore detect a large heat source at a much greater distance than the distance at which positive identification is realistically possible.

Real-world performance also changes with:

• Target size
• Temperature difference
• Fog and humidity
• Vegetation
• Rain
• Sensor resolution
• Lens size
• Magnification

The F-number describes the aperture of the objective lens.

In simple terms, a lower F-number allows more thermal energy to reach the detector.

This is one reason premium thermal products frequently use fast F0.9 or F1.0 objective lenses.

Lens aperture works alongside sensor sensitivity, resolution and image processing. It should not be used as the sole measure of image quality, but a fast objective is an important part of a high-performance thermal system.

Refresh rate describes how many times the thermal image can update each second.

A 60Hz system can update up to 60 times per second, helping movement appear smoother when scanning, following an animal or moving the rifle quickly across a scene.

The difference is most noticeable during movement rather than when observing a completely stationary object.

Many newer premium NocPix products use 60Hz imaging.

An integrated laser rangefinder allows distance to be measured without moving away from the thermal or digital optic.

This becomes particularly useful after dark because familiar depth cues and landmarks are much harder to judge accurately.

Many NocPix products use the letter R to identify a rangefinding version, although the exact specification should always be checked on the individual product page.

Ballistic calculation uses measured distance together with configured rifle and ammunition information to calculate an aiming correction.

On compatible NocPix riflescopes and clip-ons, an integrated laser rangefinder can feed the measured distance directly into the ballistic system.

This can be particularly useful where target distances vary considerably.

The system depends on accurate data. Rifle zero, muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, sight height and other inputs must be correct if the calculated correction is to be useful.

Ballistic calculation remains an aiming aid and does not replace correct zeroing, positive target identification or safe shooting practice.

R+ is NocPix's thermal image-processing technology used across a number of its current devices.

Image processing takes the raw information captured by the detector and turns it into a cleaner and more useful visible thermal image.

Processing can influence:

• Edge definition
• Local contrast
• Fine scene detail
• Noise reduction
• Image appearance under magnification

Newer platforms such as ACE 2 move to updated processing technology as part of the latest generation of NocPix optics.

Magic Zoom is associated with the latest MATE thermal clip-on platform.

A front-mounted clip-on is viewed through the daytime riflescope behind it. As day-scope magnification increases, a conventional clip-on image and interface would normally be enlarged along with it.

Magic Zoom is designed to make that transition more natural by adapting the viewing system as magnification changes.

This is particularly valuable on higher-resolution clip-ons because more native thermal information remains available as the image is enlarged.

Battery design varies across the NocPix range, so the individual product specification should always be checked rather than assuming every model uses the same power system.

Several current NocPix platforms use replaceable rechargeable battery systems, including standard cylindrical rechargeable batteries on relevant models.

A replaceable battery is particularly useful in the field because a discharged battery can be swapped for a charged spare rather than waiting for the entire device to recharge.

Actual runtime can vary with:

• Ambient temperature
• Display brightness
• Wi-Fi
• Photo and video recording
• Laser rangefinder use
• Other active functions

Woodland and tighter ground normally benefit from a wider field of view rather than maximum magnification.

Models using shorter focal lengths are generally easier to scan with because they show more surrounding ground.

Examples worth considering include:

• LUMI L19 for very wide handheld scanning
• LUMI H35 / H35R for premium compact scanning
• VISTA H35 / H35R
• QUEST H35R
• ACE 2 H35R
• MATE H38R

The correct choice still depends on whether you need a handheld scanner, binocular, dedicated riflescope or clip-on.

Large open ground allows longer viewing distances and makes greater native target scale more valuable.

Longer 50mm, 60mm and 75mm-class objective configurations are therefore commonly better suited to this type of terrain.

Examples include:

• VISTA H50 / H50R
• QUEST H50R
• ACE H50 / H50R
• ACE 2 H50R / S60R
• RICO 2 H50R / H75R / S75R
• MATE H50R / MATE ULTRA

The longest lens is still not automatically the best. High-resolution sensors can provide excellent target detail while retaining a much wider field of view than a lower-resolution system using a similar focal length.

If maximum native thermal detail is the priority, start with NocPix products using flagship high-resolution thermal detectors.

A 1280×1024 detector contains around 1.31 million thermal pixels, approximately four times as many as a 640×512 detector.

Relevant flagship families include:

• High-resolution QUEST thermal binoculars
• VISTA flagship monoculars
• ACE flagship riflescopes
• ACE 2 S60R
• RICO 2 S75R
• MATE ULTRA

The best device still depends on use. A flagship long-range riflescope is not automatically a better woodland scanner than a compact wide-view monocular.

Value depends on the type of optic rather than there being one universal best-value NocPix.

Handheld monocular

LUMI provides a broad spread of prices and sensor resolutions while retaining a compact body design.

Dedicated thermal riflescope

BOLT is positioned as the more accessible dedicated thermal riflescope family.

Thermal clip-on

MATE LITE provides the more affordable route into the current MATE thermal attachment platform.

Premium all-round thermal scope

ACE and ACE 2 are strong starting points before moving towards the more specialist long-range RICO 2 family.

NocPix products are supplied with manufacturer warranty cover, but the applicable warranty period can differ between the main device, rechargeable batteries and qualifying thermal detector components.

The exact warranty applying to a particular device remains subject to the specification of that model and NocPix's full warranty terms and conditions.

Please retain your Bamfords Online invoice as proof of purchase. If a potential warranty fault develops, contact Bamfords Online and we can assist with the warranty process.

What is NocPix?

NocPix produces thermal imaging and digital night vision equipment including thermal binoculars, monoculars, riflescopes, clip-on attachments and digital day and night optics.

Does thermal imaging work in complete darkness?

Yes. Thermal imaging detects infrared energy emitted by objects rather than relying on visible light.

Does thermal imaging need an IR illuminator?

No. Thermal imaging does not require infrared illumination. Digital night vision such as NITE may use IR illumination in darkness.

Which NocPix is best for scanning?

LUMI and VISTA are the main handheld monocular families, while QUEST provides a binocular alternative for customers who prefer two-eye viewing.

Which NocPix monocular is most portable?

LUMI is specifically designed around compact size and portable handheld use.

Which NocPix monocular is the more premium viewing option?

VISTA is designed around a larger and more immersive viewing system and sits above LUMI as the premium conventional monocular family.

Which NocPix thermal scope is the accessible option?

BOLT is the obvious starting point for customers looking for a more accessible dedicated NocPix thermal riflescope.

Which is the newest premium NocPix thermal scope range?

ACE 2 is the newer-generation premium conventional riflescope platform.

Which NocPix range is aimed most strongly at long-range thermal use?

RICO 2 places particular emphasis on larger objective lenses and long-range thermal performance.

What is the difference between ACE and ACE 2?

ACE is the established premium platform, while ACE 2 is the newer generation with updated detector, image-processing, rangefinding and ballistic technologies.

What is the difference between ACE 2 and RICO 2?

ACE 2 retains the handling of a conventional riflescope and is designed as a premium all-round platform. RICO 2 places greater emphasis on larger objectives and longer-distance thermal performance.

What is a thermal clip-on?

A clip-on such as NocPix MATE mounts in front of a compatible daytime riflescope and adds thermal capability while allowing the shooter to retain the existing optic and reticle.

Does a thermal clip-on require re-zeroing?

A correctly fitted front-mounted system is designed to work with the existing daytime setup, but mounting and alignment should always be checked after initial fitting and after the device has been removed and refitted.

What is the difference between MATE LITE and H38R?

MATE LITE uses a lower-resolution thermal detector and provides the more affordable route into the range. H38R moves to premium 640-resolution imaging and is the stronger all-round option where additional image detail matters.

What is special about MATE ULTRA?

MATE ULTRA is the flagship MATE platform and uses a much higher-resolution thermal detector to retain substantially more native image detail, particularly when magnification is applied through the daytime scope.

Is NocPix NITE thermal?

No. NITE is digital day and night vision. It produces a conventional visible image using a digital imaging sensor.

Can NocPix NITE be used during the day?

Yes. Full-colour daytime viewing is one of the major advantages of a digital day/night optic.

What does 640×512 mean?

It is the native resolution of the thermal detector. A 640×512 detector contains approximately 327,000 heat-sensitive pixels.

Is 1280×1024 significantly higher resolution than 640×512?

Yes. A 1280×1024 detector contains approximately four times as many thermal pixels and therefore begins with considerably more native image information.

Is 384×288 still useful?

Yes. 384-resolution devices remain very useful where typical viewing distances, size and budget do not justify moving to 640 or 1280 resolution.

What does ≤15mK mean?

It is a measure of thermal sensitivity. Lower NETD figures mean the sensor can distinguish smaller differences in temperature.

Does a bigger thermal objective lens always mean better?

No. A longer focal length normally gives greater target scale but narrows the field of view. The correct lens depends on your typical terrain and viewing distances.

Why do some NocPix models have an R after the model name?

Across many NocPix ranges, R is used to indicate a rangefinding version. The exact specification should still be checked on the individual product page.

Do all NocPix products use the same battery?

No. Battery systems vary between ranges and generations. Check the individual product description for the exact battery type, quantity included and charging arrangement.

What warranty do NocPix products have?

Main devices are generally covered for 3 years, rechargeable batteries for 2 years and qualifying thermal detector components for 10 years, subject to the applicable NocPix warranty terms.

Can Bamfords help me choose between two NocPix models?

Yes. Tell us what you intend to use the device for, your typical distances and whether you prioritise field of view, image detail, portability, rangefinding or long-range performance and we can help narrow down the most suitable models.