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Hikmicro Stellar 3.0 SQ50L, SH50L, SH35L, SX60LS Review and Image Quality
Full review · Thermal scopes
HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 Review
The full series image test, from the 384 SH35L to the 1280 SX60L
Watch it
The full video review
The written review below covers everything in it.
What makes the Stellar 3.0 stand out
We took an in-depth look at the full HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 series, a line-up of five models, each with its own strengths and trade-offs. Before we get to the image quality, here is what sets the series apart.
Light, with a big battery
It is one of the lightest options available, offering exceptional portability without sacrificing performance. Battery life is among the best on the market, so you get extended use in the field.
A rangefinder on every model we tested
Every model in this review has a built-in 1,000 metre rangefinder. On the top-tier models, the SQ50L and SX60L, the rangefinder is integrated into the lens. On the mid and lower-tier models it is securely mounted on top.
384, 640 and 1280 sensors
The line-up runs three sensor resolutions, 384, 640 and the flagship 1280 pixels. That gives you budget-friendly options for both long and close-range use, as well as high-performance all-rounders in the flagship models. The thermal imaging technology is fully developed in-house by HIKMICRO.
A one-inch round display
The new Stellar series introduces a massive one-inch round display with a 2560 pixel resolution, which delivers an immersive and very clear viewing experience.
Shutterless calibration
With HIKMICRO’s shutterless calibration technology, you no longer have to worry about the image freezing at critical moments.
Fine-tuning and recording
The Stellar series is designed for precision and extreme fine-tuning. For those who record their hunts, recoil-activated recording means you never miss a crucial moment.
How we tested
We used our well-cared-for dogs to demonstrate image quality at distances from 10 metres out to 300 metres. That gives you a clear indication of field of view and detail retention at different ranges.
As always, the temperature and humidity are displayed on screen in the video, so you have the conditions each recording was made in. This is a crucial factor, because colder, more favourable temperatures can sometimes make one thermal appear better than another. We tested these devices in challenging conditions, pushing the latest sensors to their limits and showing real-world performance in harsh climates.
The settings that were on
Zoom Pro
HIKMICRO’s Zoom Pro technology helps refine your image, at longer distances in particular, and makes the outline of the animal more visible. We had Zoom Pro on for the entire video, aside from the closer distances.
Observation mode and detection mode
One of the other awesome features HIKMICRO have introduced is the ability to change the scene mode. You have observation mode, which is the normal mode, and now detection mode.
We have been pushing for a detection mode for quite a while, something that focuses on the animal and not so much on the background. As these sensors have got better, the manufacturers have become obsessed with making the entire image look beautiful, and that has been taking away from what we actually use these devices for. Now you have the choice. Detection mode really dulls down the background, which should make it easier to pick an animal out from the terrain around it. We will see how this feature progresses over time.
Image quality: the 384 and 640 models
The split screen in the video runs the SH35L, SH50L and SQ50L together, starting at 50 metres to show field of view and image quality.
The cheaper end surprised me
I have been quite surprised with how good the cheaper end of this series is. The 4.2× base magnification on the SH35L and the 6× base magnification on the SH50L show real practicality at decent ranges, which means you do not necessarily need to spend six or ten grand to get a thermal that gets the job done.
There is a downside to a high base magnification, though. You lose field of view, particularly at close range, so it is something to consider if you do a lot of close shooting.
Further out, the 640s start to shine
As you move out to further distances, the 640 sensor in the SQ50L starts to shine. Zoom Pro is on throughout these recordings, and HIKMICRO has some of the best zoomed image on the market. A lot of thermals can be completely unusable once you start zooming in.
At 300 m
The SH35L and SH50L are still doing quite well at 300 metres. The higher base magnification, combined with the new sensor technology, is what keeps them usable at that distance.
Hopefully this comparison helps you work out which end of the market you need to be looking at. We will be doing more in-depth comparisons on the lower-end models, and you will find them in our guides and reviews.
Image quality: SQ50L vs SX60L
Now the flagship models, a 640 against a 1280 pixel sensor. We start at base magnification at 50 metres, then go out to 100 and 300.
Base magnification and field of view
One key point between these two is the base magnification. The SQ50L has a 3.6× base and the SX60L has 2.5×. That affects your field of view, particularly on close-range targets, and the difference becomes much more apparent once you get into the 10, 30 and 50 metre marks.
If you are doing a lot of close-range work or tracking moving targets, the SX60L is probably going to be the better option, though I think in practice it is not that much of a difference. One of the key benefits of a high pixel count with a low base magnification is that you get good field of view for the closer distances while still having exceptional image quality further out.
Zoom Pro, or a natural image
One thing to note is that the SX60L does not have Zoom Pro. HIKMICRO have opted to leave it as a natural image. On the SQ50L we have Zoom Pro on, which takes away detail but tries to refine the shape of the target.
At 300 m
Out at the 300 metre mark the SX60L has more detail in the image, whereas the SQ50L is relying heavily on the Zoom Pro algorithm to maintain the shape of the animal. Both devices perform very well, though. The SQ50L is definitely going to be good enough to get the job done for the majority of people, and the SX60L, for those that can afford it, will have better long-range potential, particularly on smaller animals like foxes. Your 200, 300 and 400 metre shots would be more comfortably achieved with the SX60L.
Which one is right for you?
The SQ50L and SX60L both perform very well. The SQ50L is good enough for the majority of people, while the SX60L is for those who can afford it and want the most long-range potential, particularly on smaller animals. And if you do not want to spend flagship money, the cheaper end of the series is far better than you might expect.
| If you… | Look at |
|---|---|
| Want a thermal that gets the job done at decent ranges without spending flagship money | SH35L or SH50L |
| Do a lot of close shooting | Watch the base magnification |
| Want a flagship that is good enough for the majority of people | SQ50L |
| Want the most long-range potential on smaller animals like foxes, at 200 to 400 metres, and can afford it | SX60LS |
| Do a lot of close-range work or track moving targets, and are choosing between the two flagships | SX60LS, probably, though not by much |
Still not sure? Click through to the website or give us a call, and we can go through the pros and cons with you and help you make an informed decision.
Spec snapshot
| SH35L | SH50L | SQ50L | SX60L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 384 × 288 | 384 × 288 | 640 × 512 | 1280 × 1024 |
| Objective lens | 35 mm F1.0 | 50 mm F1.0 | 50 mm F1.0 | 60 mm F1.0 |
| Base magnification | 4.2× | 6× | 3.6× | 2.5× |
| Field of view at 100 m | 13.1 × 10.0 m | 9.3 × 7.0 m | 15.4 × 12.3 m | 25.6 × 20.5 m |
| Rangefinder | 1,000 m, on top | 1,000 m, on top | 1,000 m, in the lens | 1,000 m, in the lens |
| Zoom Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | 830 g | 870 g | 860 g | 1,000 g |
| Display | 1.03-inch round OLED, 2560 × 2560 | |||
| Eye relief | 45 mm | |||
| Batteries | Two internal plus one removable 18650. HIKMICRO claim about 9 hours for the range, and 10 hours on the SX60L datasheet. We did not time them for this review. | |||
Setup, menus, zeroing and the app
This one is all about image quality. When the Stellar 3.0 was first released we did a full review of the SQ50L on its own, covering an overview and operation, the menu system, zeroing, and the wireless and app setup. If you want to see how the scope actually runs, start there.
Why we do these
What Bristle Up stands for
We put a huge amount of time into doing proper in-depth reviews across all the major brands, as well as the new and upcoming ones. It is not about trying to sell you whatever happens to be sitting on the shelf. It is about giving you the best advice we can, understanding what you actually need the device to do, and helping you get the right gear for the job.
We stock all the major brands, we will not be beaten on price, and we do awesome package deals. We get your order to you in two to four days Australia-wide, and it is covered while in transit. If you are unlucky enough to have a warranty issue down the track and you need a thermal for work or play, we will give you a loan unit to get you out of trouble.
We have built an awesome little team in Yuleba in Queensland, and something I am particularly proud of is that Bristle Up is creating real jobs in a rural town. When you support us, you are helping support country jobs and the families behind our team as well.
Shop the Stellar 3.0 range
Prices and stock are on the product pages. If you are stuck between two models, call the team and tell us what you hunt and how far you shoot.
Still deciding?
Talk it through with us
Tell us what you hunt, the rifle it is going on and how far you realistically shoot, and we will go through the pros and cons with you so you get the right Stellar the first time.