Armasight Operator 640 Clip-On Thermal Sight [Hands-On]

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New for 2025, Armasight has introduced a new line of thermal vision optics: the Warden 640 monocular, Commander 640 weapon sight, and Operator 640 clip-on. We’re excited to take a closer look at each of them to test out exactly what they can do.

Clip-on thermals can provide the versatility of a handheld monocular while also giving the option to turn your low power variable daytime riflescope into a thermal optic.

The most powerful of the new Armasight thermal optics, the Operator has a 1,305-meter detection range for human-sized targets and a 1-4x digital magnification with a true 1x optical magnification designed to be paired with any LPVO.

SPECS:

• Detector Type: ArmaCORE™ 640 x 480 12um Thermal Core
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Thermal Sensitivity: NETD < 40mK
• Detection Range: 1,305m on a Human Sized Target
• Field of View: 12.6° x 9.4°
• Optical Magnification: 1x unity (recommended for daytime optics with 1x – 6x magnification)
• Digital Zoom: 1x – 4x
• Display: XGA (1024 x 768) OLED
• Wireless: None
• Graphics: Active On-Screen Graphics and Iconology
• Recoil Rating: Up to .50 cal
• Lens System: F/1.00; 35mm manual focus
• Power Supply: 2 x CR123A (3V)
• Battery Life: 4 hours at 20° C
• Environmental Rating: IP67
• Operating Temperature: -40° C to +50° C (-40° F to + 122° F)
• Dimensions: 154 × 82 × 84mm / 6.05 × 3.24 × 3.32in
• Weight: 473g / 1.04lbs
• Warranty: 3 years w/ registration
• Color: Gray
• MSRP: $4299

WHY GET A THERMAL CLIP-ON

A thermal clip-on, when combined with an appropriate daytime rifle scope, gives you the functionality of a handheld monocular and thermal weapon sight combined. When you need to scan without your rifle, look for blood trails, or even non-shooting tasks around the home, you simply dismount the thermal from your rifle and get to work. When it’s time to put pork in the freezer or eliminate coyotes from your property, you just attach the thermal in front of your already zeroed day optic and get to work.

Combining the best of both worlds, a clip-on bridges the gap between a dedicated monocular and a dedicated weapon sight. Downside? The Operator 640 Clip-on costs a bit more than the Warden 640 or Commander 640. But getting one clip-on to do the job of two other thermals is a lot less expensive than getting two dedicated thermals.

If you want all of the options available to you, the Operator 640 has the most versatility of the new Armasight lineup. 

IN THE FIELD

The Operator clip-on has performed well in the southeast during field testing. Hogs and similar-sized game were easily detectable at several hundred yards across open fields, and steel targets on the range were able to be detected and successfully engaged out to 800 yards when the targets had been warmed by the sun.

The zero shift with the thermal attached was minimal, and returned to zero perfectly when removed and reattached multiple times on our test rifle. This made using the Operator as a separate handheld a breeze since there was no worry about the rifle’s zero being affected when reattached.

This also makes the Operator easy to move from rifle to rifle when the need arises. Instead of being limited to just one set-up at a time, such as with a dedicated weapon sight, the Operator allows the user to quickly move between rifles and calibers without having to completely re-zero the rifles. 

Two CR123A batteries provide up to 4 hours of constant use. The large and easy-to-access battery compartment on the side of the Operator makes switching batteries quick and painless, while also providing the batteries with a lot of protection from the elements. 

One impressive thing about the Operator is how well-built it is to withstand whatever the user or nature can throw at it. Rain, wind, dust, drops, the Operator is designed to handle it all. From rubber seals around the ports to the extra-strength housing of the unit itself, everything about the Operator is built to last.

Speaking of ports, the Operator comes with a USB-C port to make transferring pictures and video from the onboard system easy. This also allows the Operator to be streamed to external devices.

LOOSE ROUNDS

Like its handheld and weapon sight cousins, the Armasight Operator clip-on is a game-changer of an optic and a major step forward in thermal technology. The ArmaCORE detector delivers crisp images at unparalleled distances while giving the user all of the tools needed to take full advantage of the system in the palm of their hand. 

Where handheld monoculars and dedicated weapon sights have their niche and perform well in their roles, the Operator does it all and doesn’t hold back. For options, features, and capability — the Operator 640 does it and more.

If you’re looking for a high-performing thermal clip-on optic, the Armasight Operator delivers.