If you're serious about thermal hunting in Australia, you've probably heard the name Pulsar Thermion 2 XG60 thrown around. After spending considerable time behind this scope in the field — from hunting camels in the Murchison to fox control across the WA wheatbelt — we're ready to give you our honest, no-BS review.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Thermion 2 XG60 feels premium. The build quality is solid, the controls are intuitive, and the eye relief is generous enough to suit a wide range of shooters. It mounts like a traditional riflescope, which means no awkward adapters or rail conversions — a big win for hunters who want a clean, familiar setup.
Image Quality
This is where the XG60 really shines. The 640×480 sensor with a 60mm objective lens delivers exceptional detection range — we're talking animals at 1,800+ metres in the right conditions. The image is crisp, with excellent contrast between warm targets and cool backgrounds. In the Australian bush, where scrub and spinifex can make spotting difficult, this level of clarity is a genuine game-changer.
The multiple colour palettes (White Hot, Black Hot, Red Hot, and more) give you flexibility depending on ambient temperature and personal preference. We found White Hot to be the most useful for general hunting, while Black Hot worked well in warmer conditions when heat signatures were less pronounced.
Range & Detection
Pulsar rates the XG60 with a detection range of up to 1,800m. In real-world Australian conditions — dust, heat shimmer, and variable humidity — you'll realistically detect pigs and foxes at 800–1,200m with ease. For ethical shots, we were consistently confident out to 400–500m with a well-zeroed rifle.
Battery Life
The internal battery delivers around 8 hours of use, and the IPS14 battery pack extends this further. For an overnight hunt, you'll want the external pack — but for a standard evening session, the internal battery is more than adequate.
Recording & Connectivity
Built-in video recording and Wi-Fi connectivity via the Stream Vision 2 app are genuinely useful features. Being able to review footage after a hunt — or stream live to a spotter — adds real value. The footage quality is impressive and makes for great content if you're documenting your hunts.
Zeroing & Reliability
Zeroing the Thermion 2 XG60 is straightforward, and the scope holds zero reliably even after repeated recoil from centrefire rifles. We ran it on a .308 and a 6.5 Creedmoor without any issues. The freeze-frame zeroing function makes the process quick and easy, even in the field.
Who Is It For?
The Thermion 2 XG60 is built for the serious Australian hunter who wants a dedicated thermal riflescope — not a clip-on, not a handheld. If you're doing regular pest control, property management, or guided hunts, this scope will pay for itself in results. It's not a budget option, but it's one of the best thermal riflescopes available in Australia right now.
Getting the Most Out of Your Thermal Scope
Even the best thermal scope is only as effective as the shooter behind it. If you're new to thermal hunting or want to sharpen your skills, we offer hands-on Thermal Scope Basic Training and Advanced Thermal Training sessions to help you get the most out of your gear in real Australian conditions.
We also stock Dog Silhouette Thermal Targets — purpose-built for practising with your thermal scope before heading into the field. These are a great way to dial in your zero and build confidence at distance.
Final Verdict
The Pulsar Thermion 2 XG60 is a top-tier thermal riflescope that delivers outstanding performance in Australian hunting conditions. The image quality, detection range, and build quality are hard to beat at this price point. If you're ready to take your thermal hunting to the next level, this is the scope to do it with.
Have questions about the Thermion 2 XG60 or want to know if it's the right fit for your setup? Get in touch with us — we're hunters ourselves and happy to help.