ACE L35 – the accessible entry into ACE

The L35 uses a 384×288, 12μm thermal detector with a fast 35mm F0.9 lens. Its 4× base magnification gives it a relatively focused image and it offers a manufacturer-stated detection range of up to 1,800 metres.

ACE H50 – the best-value 640-resolution model

The H50 is a major step up in thermal resolution, using a 640×512 sensor with ≤15mK sensitivity and a fast 50mm F0.9 objective. It starts at 3× magnification, has a 15.4 × 12.3m field of view at 100m and is rated for detection out to approximately 2,600 metres.

ACE H50R – the all-round 640 model with LRF

The H50R uses the same 640×512, ≤15mK, 50mm F0.9 thermal platform as the H50 but adds an integrated laser rangefinder.

ACE S60R – the original ACE flagship

The S60R moves to a much larger 1280×1024 thermal detector and a 60mm F1.0 lens. Despite its longer focal length, its large sensor gives it a very wide 25.6 × 20.5m field of view at 100m, 2× base magnification and detection out to approximately 3,100 metres.

The move from 384×288 to 640×512 gives a substantial improvement in native thermal detail. The S60R then moves to 1280×1024, containing approximately four times as many thermal pixels as a 640×512 detector.

This is also why the S60R can combine a long 60mm objective lens with an unusually wide field of view: its physical detector area is considerably larger.

The H50 and H50R use the same core thermal imaging specification: 640×512 resolution, 12μm pixel pitch, ≤15mK NETD, 60Hz refresh rate and a 50mm F0.9 objective lens.

The important difference is the integrated laser rangefinder.

The H50R and S60R are both premium ACE models with integrated laser ranging, but their thermal detectors are significantly different.

The S60R's 1280×1024 detector contains approximately four times as many individual thermal pixels as the H50R's 640×512 sensor.

That extra resolution is particularly noticeable when examining finer detail and when magnification is applied. The larger sensor also allows the S60R to maintain a much wider field of view despite its longer 60mm lens.

The standard ACE range uses a conventional scope-style body and mounting arrangement. ACE RM versions of the H50R and S60R use NocPix's dedicated Rail Mount system.

The thermal specifications of the corresponding RM models remain fundamentally the same. The difference is the physical mounting system.

NocPix designed the Rail Mount to improve structural rigidity, simplify horizontal levelling and provide greater fore-and-aft adjustment for setting eye relief.

ACE 2 is NocPix's next-generation replacement for the original ACE concept, but the original ACE remains a very capable premium thermal riflescope range.

The biggest ACE 2 improvements include ≤12mK detector sensitivity, R+ 2.0 processing, Ocular Zoom 2.0, upgraded laser ranging and ballistic calculation, longer 60mm eye relief, a larger 10mm exit pupil, lighter magnesium-alloy construction, 5G Wi-Fi and recoil resistance up to 7,000J.

ACE 2 currently consists of H35R, H50R and flagship S60R models. The H35R also introduces a wider-field 35mm option using a 640×512 sensor. NocPix lists the H35R and H50R at 640×512 / ≤12mK and the S60R at 1280×1024 / ≤12mK. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="1"}

Thermal resolution

Sensor resolution determines how many individual thermal pixels are available to build the image. More pixels generally provide greater native scene detail and give the scope more information to work with when magnification is applied.

A 384×288 sensor contains around 111,000 pixels. A 640×512 sensor contains around 327,000. A 1280×1024 detector contains around 1.31 million.

NETD

NETD measures how effectively the detector can distinguish very small differences in temperature. Lower figures indicate greater thermal sensitivity.

This matters particularly during mild, damp, foggy or overcast conditions when an animal and the surrounding landscape may be relatively close in temperature.

Resolution and NETD therefore describe different things. Resolution relates to spatial detail, while NETD relates to sensitivity to small temperature differences.

The objective-lens focal length has a major effect on magnification and field of view.

35mm

A shorter focal length generally provides a wider view and is useful for shorter-range observation and mixed ground. On the original ACE L35, however, the smaller 384×288 detector results in a relatively high 4× base magnification.

50mm

The H50 and H50R use a 50mm F0.9 lens with 3× base magnification. This provides a strong balance between field of view and useful target scale across larger fields.

60mm

The S60R uses a 60mm F1.0 lens, but its exceptionally large 1280×1024 detector actually allows it to start at just 2× and provide the widest field of view in the original ACE range.

This is why lens size cannot be considered on its own. Sensor dimensions also have a major influence on the final magnification and viewing angle.

Thermal detection range is the maximum distance at which the manufacturer states that the scope can detect the presence of a defined heat source under its test criteria.

It does not mean the user will be able to positively identify an animal at that distance.

There are three useful concepts to separate:

• Detection – establishing that a heat source is present.
• Recognition – determining the general type or shape of the target.
• Identification – obtaining enough detail to establish exactly what the target is.

Positive identification therefore occurs at a much shorter distance than the maximum detection figure published on a specification sheet.

An integrated laser rangefinder is not required for thermal observation, but it can be particularly useful at night because the lack of visible landmarks makes judging distance more difficult.

The ACE H50 does not include an integrated LRF. The H50R and S60R do.

The ACE family is designed for users who prefer the familiar shape, eye position and mounting style of a traditional riflescope but want the capabilities of modern thermal imaging.

• Choice of 384×288, 640×512 and flagship 1280×1024 thermal resolution
• Fast F0.9 or F1.0 germanium objective lenses
• High-resolution Vision+ AMOLED viewing system
• Ocular Zoom technology
• Reality+ thermal image processing
• Integrated LRF available on selected models
• Photo and video recording
• Recoil Activated Video
• Replaceable external battery system
• Dedicated Rail Mount versions available

The range also gives users a clear upgrade path from the more affordable L35 through premium 640-resolution models to the 1280×1024 flagship S60R.

NocPix applies separate warranty periods to the main device, rechargeable batteries and thermal detector.

For products purchased through an authorised dealer, the warranty period begins from the purchase date shown on the invoice. Warranty remains subject to NocPix's full terms and exclusions.

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

What is the best NocPix ACE thermal scope?

The S60R is the flagship original ACE model, using a 1280×1024 thermal detector and 60mm lens. For many users, however, the H50R provides the strongest balance of price, 640-resolution image quality and integrated laser ranging.

What does R mean on a NocPix ACE?

R denotes a model equipped with an integrated laser rangefinder. For example, the H50R includes a rangefinder while the H50 does not.

What is the difference between H50 and H50R?

The core thermal specifications are essentially the same. The H50R adds an integrated laser rangefinder.

Is the S60R much better than the H50R?

The S60R uses a 1280×1024 detector containing approximately four times as many thermal pixels as the H50R's 640×512 detector. This provides substantially greater native image detail, particularly when magnification is applied.

Why does the S60R have a wider field of view than the H50R?

The S60R has a physically much larger 1280×1024 detector. This allows its 60mm lens to provide a wider viewing angle than the H50R's 50mm lens despite the longer focal length.

What is ACE RM?

ACE RM is the rail-mounted version of the H50R and S60R. It uses NocPix's dedicated rail interface instead of the conventional mounting arrangement.

Should I buy ACE or ACE 2?

Original ACE remains a strong option when its lower price represents good value. ACE 2 is the newer generation and improves detector sensitivity, image processing, ocular zoom, ranging, ballistic functionality, weight, ergonomics and connectivity.

Can NocPix ACE scopes record video?

Yes. ACE supports onboard thermal photo and video recording, with Recoil Activated Video available on the platform.

Can I use a NocPix ACE on an air rifle?

Suitability depends on the exact rifle, mounting arrangement and model. Always ensure the scope and mount are correctly installed and compatible with the platform being used.

Does detection range mean identification range?

No. Detection only indicates that a heat source can be detected. Recognition and positive identification require considerably more image detail and occur at shorter distances.

What warranty does a NocPix ACE have?

NocPix's standard warranty is 3 years for the main device, 2 years for rechargeable batteries and 10 years for the thermal detector, subject to the manufacturer's warranty terms.