HIKMICRO's STELLAR 4.0 thermal riflescope targets longer-range clarity

HIKMICRO has rolled out its STELLAR 4.0 thermal riflescope range, led by the flagship X-1280 SX75LR 4.0, with the pitch aimed less at spotting heat and more at reading a scene with confidence at distance.

Snapshot

The STELLAR 4.0 line, announced by HIKMICRO under the banner "When Seeing Becomes Knowing," pairs a 1280 × 1024 sensor with reworked optics, a laser rangefinder and ballistic calculation. HIKMICRO frames the range as built for hunters who already know their way around a thermal scope and want clearer, more readable detail at range rather than just a detection tool.

Key points

• Sensor and clarity: The SX75LR 4.0 carries a 1280 × 1024 detector with 12mK NETD, with HIKMICRO's IMAGE PRO 4.0 processing aimed at making detail easier to interpret, not just more visible.
• Higher base magnification: Base magnification rises from 2.5× to 3.0× on SX75L(R) 4.0 models and sits at 3.5× on the SQ50L(R) 4.0, which HIKMICRO says gives a more complete first view before any adjustment.
• Built-in rangefinder: An industry-first LRF-Inside Lens design folds laser ranging into the optical path on SX75L(R) 4.0 models, keeping a traditional tube-scope profile while reading out to 1,200 metres.
• Handling and display: Rear-positioned focus and a standard magnification ring keep controls familiar, backed by a 1.03in AMOLED display, 8mm exit pupil and 55mm eye relief, plus shutterless imaging (HSIS) and SYNC PRO to cut lag and freezing.

Quick take

This is a manufacturer launch rather than independent testing, so the performance claims here are HIKMICRO's own. Still, the emphasis on base magnification, built-in ranging and reduced lag suggests a scope pitched squarely at experienced stalkers working longer distances and tougher backgrounds, where sorting detail matters as much as spotting heat in the first place.

Read the full story: shootinguk.co.uk