TFB Review: Nocpix ACE H50R Thermal Riflescope
This is a review of the Nocpix ACE H50R Thermal Riflescope, with a 640×512 thermal sensor. The ACE 50R is a high-end product, although Nocpix actually has an even higher-end model with a 1280×1024 sensor called S60R. The Nocpix ACE 50R has some exciting features like 3x optical zoom, a claimed 15mK NETD, 60 Hz, recoil-activated recording and a gallery function so that you can replay your videos and photos in the ocular. For those who missed TFB’s introduction, Nocpix is a brand by InfiRay Technologies.
The rifle I used is a Ruger Precision Rifle in .308 Winchester, with some modifications to the trigger, handguard and grip. I run it suppressed, using the A-Tec Marksman suppressor (Made In Norway) on their muzzle break. The scope mount is a Spuhr’s SP-3002 in a custom Cerakote close to HIR-601, and depending on your rifle a cantilever version is probably more suitable. I keep a green Magpul PMAG to make sure the capacity is hunting legal, to follow local legislation.
Nocpix Thermals @ TFB:
TFB Review: Nocpix VISTA H50 Thermal Monocular Nocpix ACE – New Flagship Thermal Rifle Scope Line Nocpix Vista – New Mid-High-End Thermal Monocular
As an avid nighttime hunter, primarily targeting wild boar and varmints, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can give me an edge in the field. When I came across the Nocpix ACE 50R, I was intrigued by its promises of cutting-edge technology, and after several weeks of putting it to the test, I can confidently say this thermal riflescope delivers in almost every way that matters.
Thermal Imaging Performance
The ACE 50R shines where it counts most: thermal imaging. The clarity of the image is great. The 640×480 thermal sensor provides sharp and detailed images, even in challenging environments like thick brush. The adjustable color palettes (white-hot, black-hot, red, and fusion, etc.) are intuitive and allow for quick switching based on conditions.
Personally, I found the white-hot mode most effective for scanning open fields, while black-hot worked best in wooded areas with dense foliage. If you haven’t tried a thermal riflescope yet you’re missing out.
Below: Using red hot. I find this mode a bit artificial, and prefer white, black or even green hot. As you can see the ocular is round.
The image quality and projection/algorithms are pretty characteristic of other Infiray and Nocpix products, but it looks like they have improved on how the surroundings look in the image.
Range and Detection
With its 50mm lens, the ACE 50R provides excellent range. The 3.5x base magnification, combined with up to 8x digital zoom, allowed me to spot and track animals far away. Even at higher zoom levels, the image quality holds up remarkably well, which isn’t the case with cheaper thermal scopes. I personally prefer lower base magnifications, for the field of view, but it’s all depending on where you hunt and the distances you can reach.
Some examples from the ACE H50R. The scope was not mounted to a firearm here. The conditions are below freezing, but a clear sky.
Roe deer with triplets – a pretty rare sight!
More deer.
Below is a red deer.
Ease of Use
Nocpix has done a great job making the ACE 50R user-friendly. The control layout is simple and can be operated with gloved hands, which is a big plus during cold nights. The scope’s menu system is straightforward, and I had it set up and zeroed in without much trouble on my Ruger Precision Rifle. The picture-in-picture mode is a game-changer for precise shooting, letting you maintain situational awareness while zeroing in on your target.
The H50R is easy to use, but I found it difficult to hit the buttons from time to time. I also don’t like that the on-off button is placed in such a central position and close to the eye on the ocular.
Below: The battery compartment.
Below: Wild boar in sight, using black hot and the PiP. The distance is 54 meters (top right).
3x Optical Zoom
A new (to me at least) feature is the 3x optical zoom, located in the ocular. This is not a traditional optical zoom, as you’re actually zooming in on the screen. At first, I felt a bit fooled, but once I started using it I quite liked it. I presume the cost of adding this feature is fairly low, but it adds a lot of value.
Below: The A-Tec Marksman suppressor keeping things hush-hush.
Durability and Build Quality
The ACE 50R feels rugged and well-built, as you’d expect from a scope meant for the outdoors. It’s IP67-rated, so it’s supposed to handle rain and moisture with ease. For hunters who frequently navigate rough terrain at night, a durable scope is an essential feature. To be honest, my own use hasn’t been that hard, and I managed to avoid rainy days thanks to a close look at the weather forecast.
Laser Range Finder
As long as it’s not raining or extremely foggy, I found the LRF to be very fast and correct in its measurements. I used the state-of-the-art Vectronix Vector X and a few other LRFs as benchmarks. Having the LRF integrated into the lens results in a slim design and a laser that points in about the same optical axis as what you’re looking at. The drawback is that you get less light onto the sensor, and I guess that’s why Nocpix went for a 0.9 shutter.
Below: The TFB-red thingy at the top of the objective is the LRF.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is solid, lasting about 6-7 hours on a single charge. That’s more than enough for a full night hunt, and the included USB-C charging port allows for easy recharging in the field with a power bank. I also appreciated the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which made it easy to stream and record footage of my hunts directly to my phone. Sharing the highlights of a successful hunt is very easy.
Below you can see the opening and closure of the USB-C port, to avoid dirt or water getting inside.
Below: An image by iPhone, taken in the sunshine and through the ocular. These are mouflon sheep (center) and some fallow deer, surrounded by warm rocks and stones. Mouflon are very hard to catch with thermals due to their thick coat.
Price & Availability
Nocpix is Made in China. The price in the USA seems to be in the region of $5,499, and by the looks of it, they are in stock and shipping.
Nocpix ACE H50R Thermal Riflescope
Final Thoughts
The Nocpix ACE 50R Thermal Riflescope is a powerhouse tool for nighttime hunters. It offers reliable performance in the dark, with a user-friendly design, and rugged durability making it a great companion for tracking and taking down wild boar, coyotes, and other varmints.
Below: The Nocpix H50R with the Nocpix Vista H50 thermal monocular.
No product is perfect, and the ACE H50R has a couple of minor drawbacks. The digital zoom, while useful, does cause some pixelation at maximum levels, so I’d recommend sticking closer to the base magnification for critical shots. With a 0.9 shutter, it’s also quite picky about you keeping the targets in focus manually. At 1.12 kilograms, this ACE is also on the heavy side.
Additionally, the price point may put it out of reach for some hunters, but for those serious about nighttime hunting it quite often seems the performance justifies the investment. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, I prefer it over the cheaper Nocpix ACE L35. I can’t wait to try the Nocpix S60R, and hope that TFB is allowed to review it sooner or later.
Check out https://www.nocpix.com/ for more information.
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