Trijicon has announced the REAP-IR-50 thermal riflescope series, an all-new platform combining high-resolution thermal imaging, media capture, wireless connectivity and an available integrated laser rangefinder. The REAP-IR line has until now been offered with 24mm and 35mm objective lenses. The REAP-IR-50 steps up to 50mm, increasing the ability to collect more thermal energy from the scene.
The bigger change is inside. The REAP-IR-50 runs on a new proprietary Trijicon Thermal Core built around a 1024x768 thermal sensor, the first high-resolution sensor of its kind from Trijicon, which previously used 640x480 at most.
It is paired with a 1280x1024 SXGA full-color OLED display, a combination meant to give users exceptional thermal definition and image clarity when detecting, recognizing and identifying targets in demanding conditions. Power comes from two CR123 batteries or the USB-C power connection.
Light gathering comes from a manual-focus 50mm F1.0 objective lens, and users can adjust the image with multiple thermal palettes and advanced image processing.
The scope records video and still images directly through the optic, and recoil-activated recording starts automatically at the shot so the user does not have to hit record (easily forgotten in the heat of the action). 64GB of internal memory stores the footage. Integrated Wi-Fi works with the Trijicon App to download photos and videos to a smartphone or tablet. The app's Live View feature streams the scope's image to a connected device in real time, so a second person can see exactly what the shooter sees.
From Trijicon’s own marketing material (Facebook video), I pulled this image of the thermal image quality.
The REAP-IR-50 LRF version adds a built-in 905nm laser rangefinder. The onboard ballistic calculator uses the selected shooter profile to generate a corrected on-screen hold reference, and five profiles can be saved for different rifles or ammunition types.
Overall dimensions are 8.93 in x 3.39 in x 4.95 in (226.8mm x 86.1mm x 125.7mm).
The weight is stated at 3.4lbs / 54.9 oz, or almost 1.6 kilograms, which might give the term top-heavy a new meaning. Eye relief is specified at 25 mm only, so you might want to avoid the larger calibers.
Operation centers on a top-mounted, ambidextrous five-button keypad with large tactile controls that are easy to find in darkness, with gloves on or under stress. Programmable Quick Keys give one-touch access to frequently used functions without menu diving.
Trijicon REAP-IR-50 Key features:
The device is already out with dealers at a price of $9,499.00. You can find more details here: https://www.trijicon.com/products/details/reap-ir-50lrf
Trijicon moves from 640x480 to 1024x768, a move many in the business did about two years ago. Does sensor resolution drive your thermal buying decision more than anything else? How much does American manufacturing matter to you when choosing a thermal optic? Thermals are a special interest, but let us know what’s on your mind in the comments.
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