There’s nothing like the thrill of coyote hunting after dark—especially when you have thermal vision on your side. Coyotes are smart, wary, and often go completely nocturnal in pressured areas. With a Pulsar thermal scope, you can spot them through brush, grass, or total darkness, giving you the upper hand. This guide covers the top Pulsar thermal scopes for coyote hunting, how to choose the right model, and tips to maximize your success on stand.
Quick Picks
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro — Best Overall
- Pulsar Talion XQ38 — Best Value (Lightweight)
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro — Best for Distance and Budget
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing a Pulsar Thermal Scope for Coyotes
Thermal technology can seem overwhelming, but picking the right Pulsar scope comes down to a few key factors for coyote hunting:
- Sensor Resolution: 640×480 (XP series) gives you the sharpest image and the best target ID at distance. 384×288 (XQ series) offers great detection at a lower price.
- Lens Size: Larger objectives (like 50mm) reach farther and provide better detail. Smaller, lighter lenses (like 38mm) are easier to carry and swing fast.
- Detection & Identification Range: For open country, you want at least 1,400–2,000 yards of detection and solid target ID at 300–400+ yards.
- Refresh Rate: 50Hz or higher keeps moving targets smooth and crisp—especially for tracking running coyotes.
- Reticle & Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Pulsar’s digital reticles, color options, and PiP zoom let you aim precisely, even at night.
- Recording & Streaming: Built-in video and WiFi lets you save hunts and review footage.
- Battery Life: Pulsar scopes offer 7–10 hours on a single charge, with removable batteries for all-night hunts.
- Durability: All Pulsar thermal scopes are waterproof, shockproof, and rated for any weather you’ll face.
- Budget: XP series (flagship) is the top performer. XQ series gives you 90% of the capability for less money. Talion is the latest ultra-light series for mobile hunters.
Detailed Reviews — Best Pulsar Thermal Scopes for Coyotes
Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro
Who it’s for: Dedicated predator hunters who want the absolute sharpest image, longest range, and most precise shot placement at night.
- Key Benefits:
- Flagship 640×480 thermal sensor—industry-leading detail and clarity
- 50mm f/1.0 lens for detection out to 2,000+ yards
- Picture-in-picture mode for pinpoint aiming
- 10+ hours battery life, removable battery, and USB-C charging
- Seamless video recording and live streaming to your phone
- Classic 30mm tube mounts on most ARs or bolt-actions
- Pros:
- Unmatched clarity for identifying coyotes at 400+ yards
- Ultra-smooth image even on fast runners
- Loads of reticle, color, and recording options
- Proven durability in all weather
- Cons:
- Premium price
- Larger and heavier than entry-level thermals
- Final Verdict: The Thermion 2 XP50 Pro is the gold standard for coyote hunters who want the best possible image and performance, no matter the cost. Click to check latest price and specs:
See Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro Price
Pulsar Talion XQ38
Who it’s for: Hunters who want a lightweight, compact, and affordable thermal scope for fast action on the move—perfect for calling stands or quick setups.
- Key Benefits:
- 384×288 sensor for reliable detection and ID at typical hunting ranges
- 38mm lens with wide field of view—excellent for scanning and shooting
- Ultra-compact, weighs under 24 oz
- Picture-in-picture and multiple color palettes
- Fast, easy-to-use controls
- Pros:
- Perfect balance of size, clarity, and price
- Mounts easily on ARs and light rifles
- Removable APS5 battery lasts a full night
- Cons:
- Not as much long-distance detail as the XP50 Pro
- Smaller lens means slightly less range, but plenty for most coyote hunts
- Final Verdict: The Talion XQ38 is the sweet spot for mobile hunters who want Pulsar quality and top features in a lighter, more affordable package. See today’s best deals:
Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro
Who it’s for: Night hunters who want Thermion performance, a big lens for distance, but don’t need the ultra-premium XP sensor.
- Key Benefits:
- 384×288 sensor for reliable coyote ID at up to 350 yards
- Large 50mm lens—excellent detection out to 1,800 yards
- Full feature set: PiP, video recording, streaming, multiple color palettes
- Long battery life and classic scope appearance
- Pros:
- All the features of the flagship model at a lower price
- Excellent image for 95% of hunting situations
- Backed by Pulsar’s warranty and support
- Cons:
- Doesn’t match XP50’s fine detail, but beats most rivals in its class
- Still a significant investment
- Final Verdict: The Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro is the go-to Pulsar scope for hunters who want big-time performance, features, and detection range—without breaking the bank. See price and reviews:
See Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro Price
Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35 Pro (Bonus: Thermal Monocular)
Who it’s for: Hunters who want a scanning tool to find coyotes fast, then move to their rifle. (Not a riflescope, but pairs perfectly with any night rig.)
- Key Benefits:
- Handheld thermal scanner—find targets up to 1,400 yards away
- Helps you scan fields quickly, saving scope battery
- Pocket-sized, light, and fast
- Great for picking up “eyes” in big country or heavy brush
- Pros:
- Works in tandem with your rifle scope
- Lets you spot multiple coyotes before shouldering your gun
- All-night battery, rugged Pulsar build
- Cons:
- Not a riflescope—meant for spotting, not aiming
- Additional investment, but saves time and battery life on your main scope
- Final Verdict: Pair an Axion 2 with any Pulsar thermal scope for a deadly combo. You’ll see every coyote on the field before they see you. Click for price and options:
See Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35 Pro Price
Comparison Table
| Name | Sensor | Lens | Detection Range | Weight | Battery | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermion 2 XP50 Pro | 640×480 | 50mm | 2,000+ yds | 33 oz | 10+ hrs (removable) | Check Price |
| Talion XQ38 | 384×288 | 38mm | 1,475 yds | 24 oz | 9+ hrs (removable) | Check Price |
| Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro | 384×288 | 50mm | 1,900 yds | 33 oz | 10+ hrs (removable) | Check Price |
| Axion 2 XQ35 Pro (Monocular) | 384×288 | 35mm | 1,400 yds | 10 oz | 11+ hrs (removable) | Check Price |
FAQ — Pulsar Thermal Scopes for Coyotes
Why use thermal for coyote hunting?
Thermal lets you see coyotes in total darkness, through brush, grass, and fog. It’s the biggest game-changer for predator hunters in decades—helping you spot, track, and identify coyotes well before they ever see you.
Do I need a 640 sensor or is 384 enough?
If you want the sharpest image and plan to shoot long distances, 640 is best. For most hunters in typical terrain, a 384 sensor provides excellent performance at a much lower price.
What’s the real identification range for coyotes?
With a 50mm lens and a good sensor, you can positively ID coyotes at 300–400 yards. Detection range (spotting heat) is much farther—over 1,500 yards with top models.
Are Pulsar thermals reliable in cold or wet weather?
Yes. Every Pulsar scope is waterproof, fogproof, and rated for harsh field use in rain, snow, and freezing temps.
Can I record my hunts with a Pulsar thermal?
Absolutely. Every model reviewed here has built-in video recording and wireless streaming, so you can capture every hunt and review your shots after the fact.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Coyote hunting at night is more effective—and more fun—when you have the right Pulsar thermal scope. Whether you want the flagship XP50 Pro, a compact Talion, or a workhorse XQ50 Pro, you’ll get an edge that’s hard to beat. Click any link to see current deals, check specs, and start planning your most successful predator season yet!