MATE LITE – best-value clip-on

The MATE LITE uses a 384×288, 12μm sensor with a 38mm F1.0 objective lens and ≤15mK thermal sensitivity. It provides the most accessible route into the current MATE clip-on family while retaining 60Hz imaging and the compact front-mounted format.

MATE H38R – best all-round 640 clip-on

The H38R steps up to a 640×512 sensor with the same 12μm pixel pitch and ≤15mK sensitivity, paired with a fast 38mm F1.0 objective. It provides a notably wider field of view than longer-lens models and adds integrated laser rangefinding on the R version.

MATE ULTRA S60R – flagship image quality

The MATE ULTRA uses a 1280×1024, 12μm detector with a large 60mm F1.0 objective lens, ≤15mK sensitivity and 60Hz imaging. It combines very high native resolution with an exceptionally wide 25.6 × 20.5m field of view at 100m, despite using a long 60mm lens. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="2"}

NocPix's current specifications show a clear progression from the 384-resolution LITE through the two 640-resolution H-series models to the 1280-resolution ULTRA. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="3"}

A thermal clip-on is mounted in front of a conventional daytime riflescope.

Instead of looking directly through a dedicated thermal eyepiece, the clip-on produces a thermal image in front of the day scope, and the shooter continues looking through the normal riflescope behind it.

This gives several practical advantages:

• You retain your existing daytime riflescope
• You keep the familiar reticle and eye relief
• You do not need to swap complete optics between day and night use
• The rifle can retain its normal daytime setup
• Thermal capability can be added only when required

Neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on how you use the rifle.

Choose a MATE clip-on if:

• You want to retain your existing daytime riflescope
• You regularly switch between daylight and thermal use
• You prefer your existing reticle and optical setup
• You want one rifle setup rather than swapping complete scopes

Choose a dedicated thermal scope if:

• Thermal use is your primary requirement
• You want the simplest all-in-one setup
• You do not need to preserve a daytime optic on the same rifle
• You want controls and display designed solely around thermal shooting

Sensor resolution is particularly important on a thermal clip-on because the thermal image may then be magnified again through the daytime scope behind it.

384×288

Approximately 111,000 thermal pixels. A good-value option for shorter and medium distances where very high day-scope magnification is not normally required.

640×512

Approximately 327,000 thermal pixels. This provides almost three times as many native thermal pixels as 384×288 and generally retains considerably more detail as the day scope magnification is increased.

1280×1024

More than 1.3 million thermal pixels. This is around four times the pixel count of 640×512 and is particularly valuable in a clip-on because there is far more image information available before the day scope enlarges the image.

The LITE and H38R both use a 38mm F1.0 objective lens and both operate at 60Hz with ≤15mK thermal sensitivity, but their detector resolutions are very different. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="4"}

The H38R offers substantially more native detail and a much wider field of view. That extra resolution becomes particularly noticeable when the daytime scope is increased beyond low magnification.

The H38R and H50R use the same 640×512, 12μm, ≤15mK, 60Hz thermal detector specification. The main difference is the objective lens and resulting field of view. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="5"}

The H38R gives a broader view and is easier to use across mixed distances. The H50R gives greater native target scale and places more emphasis on longer-range use.

The MATE ULTRA moves from the 640-resolution class to a flagship 1280×1024 thermal detector.

That gives it around four times as many native thermal pixels as a 640×512 sensor.

What is especially notable is that the MATE ULTRA combines this huge detector with a long 60mm F1.0 objective while still providing an exceptionally broad 25.6 × 20.5m field of view at 100 metres. NocPix specifies 14.7° × 11.7° / 25.6 × 20.5m at 100m. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="6"}

This makes it particularly well suited to clip-on use because you get a large amount of native thermal detail before magnification is applied through the day scope.

Magic Zoom is a NocPix MATE accessory/function designed to improve the way the thermal image and user interface behave as the magnification of the daytime scope changes.

With a normal front-mounted clip-on, increasing the day-scope magnification enlarges everything in front of it, including the thermal image and on-screen information.

NocPix developed Magic Zoom to make the MATE platform feel more natural as magnification changes and to help maintain a more usable image and interface.

NocPix specifically lists Magic Zoom as one of the core technologies of the current MATE platform. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="7"}

A thermal clip-on is designed to work in front of a daytime scope, but increasing the day-scope magnification enlarges the thermal display as well as the target.

This means image quality will eventually reduce as magnification increases.

The amount of magnification that remains useful depends heavily on:

• Thermal sensor resolution
• Target distance
• Atmospheric conditions
• Thermal contrast
• Day-scope optical quality
• Correct alignment and focus

A 640 or 1280-resolution MATE will generally tolerate increased day-scope magnification better than a 384-resolution model because it starts with more native thermal image information.

Relevant R-designated MATE models incorporate a laser rangefinder, while not every MATE model does.

The current MATE platform supports an integrated laser rangefinder with a manufacturer-stated range of up to 1,200 metres, together with onboard ballistic calculation on relevant models. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="8"}

This is especially useful after dark, when normal visual distance cues are much harder to judge.

On equipped MATE models, the integrated laser rangefinder can measure target distance directly through the clip-on system.

NocPix states a maximum LRF range of up to approximately 1,200 metres on the current MATE platform. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="9"}

The measured range can then be used with the onboard ballistic calculation system to provide an aiming correction based on the configured ballistic data.

This gives the MATE a considerable advantage over a basic thermal clip-on, because it can combine thermal observation, rangefinding and ballistic assistance while still allowing the shooter to retain the existing daytime scope.

The current NocPix MATE platform uses standard rechargeable 18650 batteries.

NocPix states operating time of more than four hours from a single battery under specified conditions. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="10"}

Using a standard replaceable 18650 is useful in the field because spare charged batteries are easy to carry and can be replaced without waiting for the complete device to recharge.

Actual operating time will vary with ambient temperature, LRF use, recording, Wi-Fi and other settings.

A correctly installed thermal clip-on is designed to sit in front of the existing day scope without replacing the rifle's normal reticle or zero.

However, mounting quality and alignment are critical. The clip-on and adaptor must be fitted securely, concentrically and consistently.

Whenever a clip-on is fitted for the first time, removed and refitted, or used with a different adaptor or rifle, the setup should be checked on a suitable target before relying on it.

A front-mounted clip-on requires a suitable adaptor to connect the MATE securely to the front of the daytime riflescope.

The correct adaptor depends on the outside diameter of the day scope's objective bell, not simply the nominal objective lens size printed on the scope.

For example, a riflescope described as 50mm may have an external objective housing considerably larger than 50mm.

Measure the external diameter carefully or check the manufacturer's dimensions before selecting an adaptor.

NETD measures how small a temperature difference the thermal sensor can distinguish.

Lower numbers indicate greater thermal sensitivity.

The current MATE platform is rated at ≤15mK across the LITE, H38R, H50R and ULTRA models. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="11"}

This becomes especially useful when thermal contrast is weak, such as during damp weather, fog, mild nights or when the temperature of the animal is relatively close to the surrounding ground.

All current MATE models operate at 60Hz. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="12"}

A 60Hz thermal image updates up to 60 times per second, helping motion appear smoother while scanning, following moving animals or moving the rifle.

This is especially important with a front-mounted clip-on because the image is viewed through the daytime scope and may also be optically enlarged.

I want the cheapest route into a quality clip-on

Choose the MATE LITE.

I want the best all-round balance

The H38R is the natural choice. Its 640×512 sensor gives substantially more detail than the LITE while the 38mm lens retains a broad field of view.

I mainly work over larger fields

A longer-lens H50R-style setup places greater emphasis on target scale at distance.

I want maximum image quality

Choose the MATE ULTRA. Its 1280×1024 detector offers by far the greatest native thermal detail in the family.

I use more magnification on my day scope

Prioritise higher sensor resolution. The ULTRA is strongest here, followed by the 640-resolution H-series models.

I need integrated rangefinding

Choose an R-designated model such as the H38R or ULTRA S60R.

NocPix MATE thermal clip-ons are covered by the manufacturer's warranty, with separate warranty periods applying to the main device, rechargeable batteries and qualifying thermal detector components.

The exact warranty applying to a particular MATE model remains subject to NocPix's full warranty terms and the product supplied.

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 a NocPix MATE?

It is a front-mounted thermal imaging attachment designed to add thermal capability to a compatible daytime riflescope.

Do I need to remove my daytime scope?

No. The MATE is designed to mount in front of a suitable existing day scope.

Which MATE is best?

The MATE ULTRA offers the highest image quality with its 1280×1024 detector. The H38R is the strongest all-round 640-resolution option, while the LITE is the most accessible.

What is the difference between MATE LITE and H38R?

The LITE uses a 384×288 detector while the H38R uses a 640×512 detector. Both use 38mm F1.0 optics, but the H38R provides substantially more native image detail.

Why is the MATE ULTRA so expensive?

Its 1280×1024 detector contains around four times as many thermal pixels as a 640×512 detector, giving substantially more native thermal image information and stronger image retention under magnification.

Do all MATE models have an LRF?

No. Rangefinding is fitted to relevant R-designated models. Check the individual product specification before ordering.

How far does the MATE LRF work?

NocPix states up to approximately 1,200 metres on equipped models. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="13"}

Do MATE clip-ons have ballistic calculation?

Relevant current models support integrated ballistic calculation alongside the LRF.

What battery does the MATE use?

The current MATE platform uses standard rechargeable 18650 batteries.

How long does the battery last?

NocPix states more than four hours of runtime from a single 18650 under specified conditions. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="14"}

What is Magic Zoom?

It is a NocPix MATE technology designed to improve image and interface behaviour as magnification changes through the daytime scope.

Will fitting a MATE change my rifle zero?

A properly fitted clip-on is designed to retain the existing day-scope setup, but the complete arrangement should always be checked after installation or refitting.

What adaptor do I need?

The correct adaptor is determined by the external diameter of the day scope's objective bell. Contact Bamfords Online if you need help choosing the correct size.

What does ≤15mK mean?

It describes the detector's thermal sensitivity. Lower NETD values indicate the ability to distinguish smaller temperature differences.

Are all current MATE models 60Hz?

Yes. NocPix currently specifies 60Hz for the MATE LITE, H38R, H50R and ULTRA. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="15"}