5 Best Thermal Scopes Under $2500

If you are searching for the best thermal scopes under $2500 and feel like every option you look at either overpromises on specs or underdelivers in the field, you are not alone. The $2500 bracket is where thermal optics start to get serious.

You are past the entry level tradeoffs, past the mid range compromises, and now operating in a space where sensor sensitivity, display engineering, and long term build quality all come together in a way that genuinely changes what you can do after dark. Thermal technology that was reserved for military and government contracts just a decade ago is now available to hunters, wildlife managers, and precision shooters at this price point.

In this guide, I have researched and verified the specs on five of the strongest options available right now. I will walk you through exactly what makes each scope worth your attention and help you match the right one to how you hunt.

Best Scopes Comparison

Image	Name	Key Features	Check Price
	Burris BTS35 V3	400×300 sensor, 12 micron, 50Hz, 35mm F1.0, 14x native magnification, 1-8x digital zoom, PiP, 10 reticles, BurrisConnect app, ADM QD mount, IP67, 800G shockproof, USB-C hot swap 18650 batteries	Check Price
	DNT Optics Hydra HS635	640×512 sensor, 12 micron, sub 18mK, 35mm F1.0 Germanium, 3-in-1 standalone, clip-on and handheld, Micro-OLED 1024×768, IP67, recoil rated to .50 BMG, ISR AI processing, 18650 battery, 5yr warranty	Check Price
	Burris BTC35 V2 Kit (BTC35 V2 + RT6 + PEPR Mount)	400×300 VOX sensor, 12 micron, 50Hz, 35mm F1.0, 1x to 4x zoom, 750 yd detection, 5 color palettes, BurrisConnect app, RT6 1-6x24mm LPVO, ADM QD mount, SmartClip 30mm adapter	Check Price
	Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ35 Pro	384×288 sensor, 17 micron, sub 25mK, 35mm F1.0, 2.5-10x, 1400 yd detection, 1024×768 AMOLED, 10hr battery, magnesium alloy, IPX7, 5 zeroing profiles, 10 reticles, 8 color palettes, PiP, 16GB, Stream Vision 2, 3yr warranty	Check Price
	AGM Adder V2 35-384	384×288 sensor, 12 micron, sub 15mK, 35mm F1.0, 4-24x, 1800m detection, 2560×2560 OLED semi-circular display, shutterless NUC, 64GB, 9hr battery, 1000G recoil, IP67, ADM mount included, 5yr warranty	Check Price

Now that you have a quick side by side picture of what each scope brings to the table, it is time to get into the details. Below, I break down each one thoroughly so you can see exactly what makes it stand out, how it performs in real hunting conditions, and who it is the right fit for. Let us get into it.

1) Burris BTS35 V3 (Best Overall Thermal Scope Under $2500)

Burris is an American company with a legacy stretching back to 1971, and the BTS35 V3 is their most ambitious thermal scope to date. It represents the third generation of a platform that has earned genuine field credibility with nighttime hunters across the country, and V3 addresses every significant complaint that users raised about the V1 and V2 in a comprehensive and thoughtful way. The result is a scope that feels like it was designed by people who actually spend time in the field at night, not just engineers working from a requirements document. For a scope sitting comfortably under the $2500 ceiling, the BTS35 V3 delivers a remarkably complete package.

The sensor at the heart of the BTS35 V3 is a 400×300 VOX unit with a 12 micron pixel pitch and a 50Hz refresh rate. That 400×300 resolution sits in a practical middle ground that Burris pairs with Cybercore image processing technology to produce a clean, high contrast picture that experienced thermal users consistently describe as one of the more natural looking images they have seen from a thermal scope at this price. The 35mm F1.0 Germanium lens is fast and well suited to hunting scenarios across a wide range of distances. The native magnification of 14x with 1x to 8x digital zoom covers everything from close range ground blind work up to extended distance predator calling setups.

One of the features that immediately stands out about the BTS35 V3 is the control interface. Burris redesigned the menu system around a rotary dial control that hunters consistently describe as intuitive even while wearing gloves in complete darkness. The learning curve on most thermal scopes is steep because the button combinations required to navigate menus are not obvious under pressure. Burris solved that problem with a layout that draws from video game controller design, making menu navigation fast and natural from the very first session. The Picture in Picture mode gives you a 2x zoomed inset frame within your main field of view, which is ideal for precise shot placement at distance without losing your situational awareness of the broader scene.

The power system in the BTS35 V3 deserves special mention. Burris engineers the scope around a hot swap capable 18650 battery configuration with USB-C charging, giving you the ability to swap batteries in seconds without powering down the scope or losing your settings. The internal battery runs alongside a removable external cell, providing 5 or more hours of combined runtime. For hunters who run hard all night, the ability to drop in a fresh battery without interrupting a stand setup is a meaningful tactical advantage. The IP67 waterproof rating and 800G shockproof chassis confirm that this is a scope engineered for real field conditions. The included ADM Quick Detach M1913 Picatinny mount makes setup clean and fast on any standard rail system.

Key Features

Sensor Resolution	400×300 VOX
Pixel Pitch	12 micron
Refresh Rate	50Hz
Objective Lens	35mm F1.0
Native Magnification	14x with 1-8x digital zoom
Image Enhancement	Cybercore processing, Picture in Picture mode
Reticle Options	10 unique and customizable reticles
Color Palettes	9 palettes including White Hot, Black Hot, Red Hot, Green Hot, Iron, Inferno
Battery System	Hot swap 18650 with USB-C, 5+ hours combined runtime
App Connectivity	BurrisConnect app for live streaming, photo capture, ballistic profiles
Mount	ADM QD M1913 Picatinny mount included
Weatherproofing	IP67 waterproof, 800G shockproof

Pros

• Rotary dial menu interface is the most intuitive and glove friendly control system on this list, validated by real world field use
• Hot swap 18650 battery system with USB-C charging allows seamless battery changes without powering down or losing scope settings
• Cybercore image processing delivers a natural, high contrast picture that experienced users consistently rate highly
• Picture in Picture mode provides a 2x inset zoom for precise shot placement while maintaining full situational awareness
• BurrisConnect app supports real time live streaming, photo capture, and custom ballistic profile creation
• IP67 waterproof and 800G shockproof construction backed by a proven American brand with a strong service reputation

Cons

• The 400×300 sensor resolution, while excellent for this price bracket, does not reach the 384×288 or 640×512 resolution levels of some competing scopes on this list, which becomes noticeable when pushing to maximum magnification at long distances

The Burris BTS35 V3 is the thermal scope that consistently converts skeptics into loyal users. It is fast, intuitive, and built for the way real hunters actually operate in the field. If you want a scope that you can pick up and immediately use effectively without a manual, this is the one to check out. Go take a closer look and see why the BTS35 has dominated the conversation in this price range for three generations.

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2) DNT Optics Hydra HS635 (Best Versatile 3-in-1 Thermal Scope Under $2500)

DNT Optics has built an impressive reputation in a very short time, and the Hydra HS635 is the product that best explains why serious hunters and thermal veterans have been paying close attention to this brand. The HS635 is not just a thermal riflescope. It is a complete thermal platform built around the concept that one device should be able to do the job of three: a dedicated standalone thermal riflescope, a clip on thermal for your existing daytime scope, and a handheld thermal monocular for scanning and scouting. Executed poorly, that kind of multi-function ambition usually results in a product that does all three things adequately but none of them exceptionally. DNT executed it well, and the HS635 is the proof.

The sensor in the HS635 is a 640×512 VOX unit with a 12 micron pixel pitch and a sub 18mK NETD rating. On this list, that is the highest resolution sensor by a significant margin, and the performance difference is immediately visible the first time you look through it. At 640×512, the HS635 produces a thermal image with a level of fine detail and edge sharpness that the 384 and 400 class sensors on this list simply cannot match. DNT also layers their proprietary Image Super Resolution algorithm on top of the raw sensor output, using AI driven processing to further enhance clarity, particularly during digital zoom where most thermal scopes begin to show significant degradation. The result is a scope that holds image quality deep into its zoom range in a way that distinguishes it from the competition.

The 35mm F1.0 Germanium objective lens is fast and well optimized for the 640×512 sensor, delivering a practical and capable combination for hunting at moderate to long distances. The Micro-OLED 1024×768 display renders the image with excellent contrast and smooth thermal gradients, and the 65mm eye relief is notably generous by thermal scope standards, making it comfortable to use across extended glassing sessions and with a wide variety of shooting positions. The clip on functionality is fully compatible with low powered variable optics and low magnification prism scopes, transforming your existing daytime optic into a thermal system without any re-zeroing required when you remove it.

The HS635 runs on standard flat top 18650 rechargeable batteries with a USB-C external power option for extended sessions. DNT CNC machines the entire housing from a single block of 6061 aircraft grade aluminum, which produces a rigidity and quality feel that goes well beyond what most consumer grade thermal products offer. The IP67 waterproof rating and recoil resistance rated up to .50 BMG at 800Gs mean this scope is qualified for virtually any platform and any weather condition you are likely to encounter. The five year warranty on DNT products is among the most generous in this market. For a hunter who wants one thermal device that genuinely adapts to every scenario, the Hydra HS635 is a standout choice at this price.

Key Features

Sensor Resolution	640×512 VOX
Pixel Pitch	12 micron
Sensitivity	Sub 18mK NETD
Objective Lens	35mm F1.0 Germanium
Display	Micro-OLED 1024×768
Eye Relief	65mm
Usage Modes	Standalone riflescope, clip-on thermal, handheld monocular
AI Processing	DNT Image Super Resolution (ISR) algorithm
Battery	Standard 18650 hot swap, USB-C external power option
Housing	CNC machined single block 6061 aircraft grade aluminum
Weatherproofing	IP67 waterproof, recoil rated to .50 BMG at 800Gs
Warranty	5 year manufacturer warranty

Pros

• 640×512 sensor is the highest resolution on this list, delivering visibly superior image detail and edge sharpness compared to all competing options
• Three in one versatility as a riflescope, clip on thermal, and handheld monocular is genuine and well executed rather than a marketing afterthought
• DNT ISR AI processing maintains image clarity deep into the digital zoom range where most scopes begin to degrade significantly
• CNC machined aircraft grade aluminum housing produces a rigidity and build quality that outperforms most thermal scopes at this price
• Recoil rated to .50 BMG means it qualifies for virtually every rifle and caliber combination in the hunting world
• Five year warranty is one of the most comprehensive coverage packages on this list

Cons

• Battery life on a single 18650 cell runs approximately 4 hours, which is shorter than the competing scopes on this list and will require a spare battery or USB-C power bank for extended all night hunts

The DNT Hydra HS635 is the scope for the hunter who wants the highest sensor resolution in this price window paired with genuine three way versatility that eliminates the need for multiple thermal devices. If image quality and adaptability are your top priorities, this is the one to look at. Go check it out and see what a 640 sensor scope can do at this price.

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3) Burris BTC35 V2 Kit (Best Complete Thermal System Kit Under $2500),

The Burris BTC35 V2 Kit takes a fundamentally different approach to thermal hunting than the other four scopes on this list, and it is the right approach for a very specific type of hunter. Rather than being a standalone dedicated thermal scope, this kit is built around the BTC35 V2 thermal clip-on unit, paired with the RT6 1-6x24mm LPVO riflescope and a P.E.P.R. mount, all in one complete, ready-to-run package. For hunters who want a thermal system that preserves the daytime optical quality of a quality LPVO while adding genuine thermal capability for nighttime work, this kit builds that complete system for you without requiring any additional purchasing or compatibility research.

The BTC35 V2 clip-on unit is built around the same 400×300 VOX sensor with 12 micron pixel pitch and 50Hz refresh rate that powers the BTS35 V3 standalone scope. In clip-on configuration, it mounts in front of your riflescope using the SmartClip 30mm adapter system, converting your RT6 daytime optic into a thermal system without affecting your zero. Remove the clip-on, and you are back to a crisp, full daylight LPVO setup instantly. Thermal detection range reaches out to 750 yards with 1x, 2x, and 4x power zoom options and five vivid color palettes. The BurrisConnect app integration allows real time video streaming, photo capture, and remote control of device settings from your phone.

The RT6 1-6x24mm riflescope included in the kit is a serious optic in its own right and not simply a bundled accessory. The RT6 was designed in response to the demands of three-gun competition, where speed and precision across a wide magnification range are equally critical. The true 1x setting allows both eyes open engagement at close range, while the 6x upper end provides enough reach for ethical shots at significant distances. The Ballistic AR Mil reticle includes trajectory compensation to 600 yards, and the integrated throw lever makes magnification changes fast under pressure. The included P.E.P.R. mount is Burris’s proprietary Proper Eye Position Ready cantilever design, which adds up to 2 inches of forward scope positioning to ensure correct eye relief and makes mounting to an AR style flat top receiver fast and repeatable.

The combined value proposition of this kit is straightforward and compelling. You are getting a capable thermal clip-on unit, a competition grade daytime LPVO, a quality cantilever mount, and the SmartClip adapter system in one purchase. The RCR123 rechargeable batteries used by the BTC35 V2 are noted for strong performance in cold weather, which is a practical advantage for hunters working in winter temperatures where standard lithium cells can lose capacity quickly. If you hunt with a partner or operate across multiple platforms and want a thermal solution that converts cleanly between day and night use without a dedicated thermal scope, this kit is the most complete turnkey answer available in this price window.

Key Features

Sensor Resolution	400×300 VOX
Pixel Pitch	12 micron
Refresh Rate	50Hz
Objective Lens	35mm F1.0
Thermal Zoom	1x, 2x, 4x
Thermal Detection Range	750 yards
Color Palettes	5 palettes
Included LPVO	Burris RT6 1-6x24mm with Ballistic AR Mil reticle
Mount	Burris P.E.P.R. 30mm cantilever mount included
Adapter	SmartClip 30mm clip-on adapter included
Battery	2x 16340 RCR123 rechargeable, hot swap capable, cold weather optimized
App Connectivity	BurrisConnect app for live streaming and remote control

Pros

• Complete ready-to-run thermal system including thermal clip-on, quality LPVO, cantilever mount, and clip-on adapter in one purchase with no additional compatibility research required
• Clip-on design converts instantly between daytime LPVO use and thermal night use without affecting zero
• RT6 LPVO is a genuine competition grade optic in its own right with true 1x setting for both eyes open engagement
• RCR123 batteries maintain strong performance in cold weather where standard cells lose capacity
• BurrisConnect app provides live streaming, photo capture, and remote device control
• Best option on this list for hunters who want one unified system covering both day and night hunting scenarios

Cons

• The 750 yard thermal detection range is the shortest on this list, which makes this kit better suited for close to medium range hunting scenarios than for wide open long range applications

The Burris BTC35 V2 Kit is the answer for the hunter who does not want to choose between a quality daytime LPVO and a capable thermal system. It gives you both in one complete, carefully assembled package that is ready to run the moment it arrives. Go check it out and see how well a complete thermal kit performs when every component is designed to work together from the start.

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4) Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ35 Pro (Best European Engineered Thermal Scope Under $2500)

Pulsar is a Lithuanian company with a global reputation that has been built one genuinely exceptional product at a time, and the Thermion 2 XQ35 Pro is the entry point into the Thermion 2 lineup, which is widely considered the gold standard of thermal riflescopes available to civilian hunters and shooters. The Thermion 2 series is what happens when a company decides that a thermal scope should look, feel, mount, and handle exactly like a conventional daytime riflescope without any of the tactical hardware or awkward bulk that most thermal optics carry. The XQ35 Pro executes that vision cleanly, and for hunters who value elegant, traditional optics design as much as raw thermal performance, this scope is uniquely satisfying to own and use.

The sensor in the Thermion 2 XQ35 Pro is a 384×288 uncooled ASi microbolometer with a 17 micron pixel pitch and a sub 25mK NETD sensitivity rating. The 17 micron pitch is a larger pixel size compared to the 12 micron sensors on other scopes in this guide, and the trade-off is well understood in the thermal imaging world: larger pixels collect more thermal energy per pixel, which can produce excellent sensitivity and clean images in challenging thermal contrast conditions like foggy mornings, cold rainy nights, and dense humid environments. The sub 25mK NETD confirms that the sensor is picking up extremely subtle temperature differences, which is precisely the kind of detection capability that matters when you are trying to spot a bedded animal that has been stationary long enough to partially thermally blend with its surroundings.

The 2.5x to 10x magnification range on a 35mm F1.0 Germanium lens gives the XQ35 Pro a detection range of 1400 to 1968 yards depending on the source, comfortably covering the distances that most hunters work at night. The 1024×768 AMOLED display is one of the best rendering panels available in this price class, producing a vivid, high contrast, smooth image that makes extended glassing sessions genuinely comfortable. Pulsar stores up to five zeroing profiles with 10 distance coordinates each, which is a feature that hunters who use their scope on multiple calibers or platforms will use constantly. The 10 reticle options in nine color modes, eight color palettes including White Hot, Black Hot, Rainbow, and Sepia, and the Picture in Picture mode round out a feature set that is as comprehensive as anything on this list.

The dual battery system with a hot swappable external APS2 battery pack and an internal APS5 cell provides a combined 10 hours of operational runtime, which is the longest on this list by a clear margin. The magnesium alloy housing and IPX7 waterproof rating confirm that European engineering standard means something in this product. Pulsar backs the Thermion 2 XQ35 Pro with a three year factory warranty and provides ongoing firmware support through the Stream Vision 2 app, which connects via both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi for faster, more stable streaming and software updates.

Key Features

Sensor Resolution	384×288 uncooled ASi microbolometer
Pixel Pitch	17 micron
Sensitivity	Sub 25mK NETD
Objective Lens	35mm F1.0 Germanium
Magnification	2.5-10x
Detection Range	1400 yards
Display	1024×768 AMOLED
Battery System	Dual battery hot swap, 10 hours combined runtime
Zeroing Profiles	5 profiles, 10 distance coordinates each
Color Palettes	8 palettes including White Hot, Black Hot, Rainbow, Sepia
Reticle Options	10 reticle shapes in 9 color modes
Housing	Magnesium alloy, IPX7 waterproof, 30mm tube
Connectivity	Wi-Fi dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Stream Vision 2 app
Storage	16GB internal memory
Warranty	3 year factory warranty

Pros

• Traditional riflescope form factor mounts on standard 30mm rings with no adapters, keeping your rifle setup clean and familiar
• 10 hours of combined battery life is the longest runtime on this list, covering even the most extended hunting sessions without a break
• Dual band Wi-Fi at both 2.4GHz and 5GHz provides faster and more stable connectivity than single band competing scopes
• Five zeroing profiles with 10 distance coordinates each is ideal for hunters who regularly swap between calibers or multiple rifle platforms
• AMOLED display produces a vivid, natural thermal image that is among the most comfortable to use for extended observation periods
• Pulsar’s long track record of firmware support and product longevity makes this a trusted long term investment

Cons

• The 10x upper magnification is the most limited on this list, which can feel restrictive for hunters who regularly take shots or make identifications at the longer distances where the other scopes here have more headroom

The Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ35 Pro is the thermal scope for the hunter who values European engineering precision, exceptional battery life, and a form factor that feels like a traditional riflescope rather than a piece of technology attached to one. It is one of the most trusted and well supported thermal scopes available at this price. Go check it out and see why Pulsar has held the Thermion 2 in such high regard across the global hunting community.

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5) AGM Adder V2 35-384 (Best Performance Per Dollar Thermal Scope Under $2500)

The AGM Adder V2 35-384 is the scope that has been turning heads in the thermal community since AGM announced it, and for good reason. AGM took the original Adder 35-384, which was already a respected performer, and rebuilt it from the ground up with upgrades in every area that experienced users had asked for. The result is a scope that delivers specifications typically associated with significantly more expensive options while staying within this price window. Specifically, the combination of a sub 15mK NETD sensor, a next generation 2560×2560 semi-circular OLED display, and AGM’s first shutterless NUC system in a single package is genuinely unusual at this price point, and it gives the Adder V2 35-384 a credible claim as the most technically advanced scope on this list relative to its cost.

The sub 15mK NETD sensor rating is the headline specification and the one that most directly determines real world performance. For context, a 15mK NETD means the sensor can detect temperature differences as small as 0.015 degrees Celsius between adjacent pixels. That is exceptional sensitivity that is normally associated with far more expensive thermal systems. In the field, what that sensitivity delivers is the ability to detect animals that have been stationary for extended periods, to see through light precipitation and atmospheric haze that degrades lesser sensors, and to maintain detection capability in low thermal contrast conditions like warm humid nights where the temperature difference between an animal and its background is minimal. The 12 micron pixel pitch further concentrates that thermal energy into a finer pixel structure, which contributes to sharper edge definition and better target separation at distance.

The new 2560×2560 semi-circular OLED display is AGM’s most ambitious display engineering to date, replacing the 1024×768 display from the original Adder 35-384 with a unit that delivers dramatically more visual information. The semi-circular form factor is distinctive and represents a meaningful ergonomic improvement over conventional rectangular micro displays in a thermal scope eyepiece. The shutterless NUC system is the other technical advancement that experienced thermal users will immediately appreciate. Non-uniformity correction is the calibration process that most thermal scopes perform periodically, which causes a brief pause or blackout in the image. The Adder V2’s shutterless NUC system eliminates those interruptions entirely, providing smooth, continuous imaging throughout the hunt without ever freezing the frame at a critical moment.

The 4x base magnification continuously zooms to 24x in 0.5x increments, giving you the most magnification range of any scope on this list. The 1800 meter detection range, 64GB of internal storage, shot activated recording, tilt sensor with display off function, cold and warm hue viewing modes, and on-device media playback round out a feature set that is impressively comprehensive. The dual power system delivers 9 hours of runtime, and every Adder V2 ships with a field-proven American-made ADM Recon 30mm one-piece mount included at no additional cost, a mount that retails for $220 on its own. AGM backs it all with a five year factory warranty.

Key Features

Sensor Resolution	384×288 VOX
Pixel Pitch	12 micron
Sensitivity	Sub 15mK NETD (best on this list)
Objective Lens	35mm F1.0
Magnification	4-24x continuous in 0.5x increments
Detection Range	1800 meters
Display	2560×2560 semi-circular OLED
NUC System	AGM first shutterless NUC, uninterrupted imaging
Battery System	Dual 18650 internal + external removable, 9 hours runtime
Storage	64GB internal
Recoil Resistance	1000G rated
Weatherproofing	IP67 waterproof
Mount	ADM Recon 30mm one-piece mount included ($220 value)
Warranty	5 year factory warranty

Pros

• Sub 15mK NETD is the best sensor sensitivity on this list, delivering exceptional detection in low contrast and challenging atmospheric conditions
• Shutterless NUC system provides continuous, uninterrupted thermal imaging throughout the entire hunt with no calibration pauses
• 2560×2560 semi-circular OLED display is the highest resolution display on this list and a dramatic improvement over the previous generation
• 4-24x continuous magnification range is the widest zoom capability on this list
• ADM Recon 30mm one-piece mount included from day one represents $220 of included accessories value
• 9 hours of dual battery runtime with 64GB storage and on-device media playback without requiring a phone

Cons

• The 4x base magnification is the highest starting point on this list, which means the field of view at minimum zoom is narrower than lower base magnification scopes, making it slightly less ideal for fast close range target acquisition in tight cover

The AGM Adder V2 35-384 is the scope that delivers the most impressive technical specification package of any option on this list relative to its price. If maximum sensor sensitivity, uninterrupted continuous imaging, and the widest zoom range available under $2500 are what you are after, this is your scope. Go check it out and see what AGM’s best engineering looks like when it is put together in one package.

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Conclusion

The under $2500 thermal scope market has reached a level of engineering maturity that would have been remarkable at any price just a few years ago.

Whether you prioritize the most intuitive field interface and proven American brand support, the highest resolution sensor paired with three way tactical versatility, a complete ready to run day and night system in one kit, the longest battery life and most trusted global engineering heritage, or the most sensitive sensor and the most impressive display technology available in this price window, there is a genuinely outstanding scope on this list that fits that priority.

Every option covered here delivers real, field proven capability that goes well beyond what a $2500 budget was able to buy in thermal imaging even half a decade ago. Choose the one that matches how you hunt, where you hunt, and what you need it to do, and you will be hunting with equipment that punches well above its price tag every time you take it out.

See Also: 5 Best Thermal Scopes Under $1000