Nocpix RICO 3 vs RICO 2: What Changed?
Share
The Nocpix RICO 3 is the newer and more integrated thermal rifle scope platform, but it does not make every RICO 2 model obsolete. RICO 3 improves battery life, laser rangefinder capability and model selection for normal hunting distances. RICO 2 still offers 75 mm and 1280-resolution models that the initial RICO 3 lineup does not replace.
The right answer depends on the exact models being compared. A RICO 3 H50R is a logical successor to the RICO 2 H50R. A RICO 3 L35R and RICO 2 L42R serve different hunting styles. The RICO 2 H75R and S75R remain specialized long-range options rather than older versions of the RICO 3 PRO.
Nocpix RICO 3 vs. RICO 2: The Quick Answer
Choose RICO 3 when you want longer battery life, a longer-range integrated LRF, newer controls and a current lineup built around common coyote and hog-hunting distances.
Consider RICO 2 when a remaining model gives you a specific advantage, such as a 75 mm objective, a 1280×1024 sensor or a strong closeout value.
RICO 3 is not automatically the better scope simply because it is newer. The model still needs to fit your terrain, shooting distance and preferred field of view.
| Category | RICO 3 | RICO 2 | What It Means in the Field |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial model lineup | PRO H50R, H50R, H35R and L35R | S75R, H75R, H50R and L42R | RICO 3 focuses more heavily on practical 35 mm and 50 mm hunting configurations. |
| Sensor options | 384×288 and 640×512 | 384×288, 640×512 and 1280×1024 | RICO 2 still has the higher-resolution S75R option. |
| Objective options | 35 mm and 50 mm | 42 mm, 50 mm and 75 mm | RICO 2 still offers specialized 75 mm configurations for long-range use. |
| Integrated LRF rating | Up to 1,600 yards | Up to 1,200 yards | RICO 3 increases the manufacturer-rated ranging distance. |
| Battery system | Two NBP-8 packs, rated up to 10 hours each | Removable battery with a spare; shorter listed runtime | Battery life is one of the most useful practical RICO 3 improvements. |
| Wide-view 640 model | H35R with 2× base magnification | No direct equivalent in the core lineup | The H35R gives mixed-terrain hunters a wider 640-resolution option. |
| Autofocus | Available on the PRO H50R | Not offered in the standard RICO 2 lineup | The PRO can refocus electronically when target distance changes. |
| Remote control | Included with the PRO H50R | Not a core RICO 2 feature | The PRO allows key operations without reaching forward to the scope. |
Manufacturer ratings are not the same as positive identification or responsible shooting distance. Real performance varies with target size, weather, humidity, terrain and image settings.
What Changed with the Nocpix RICO 3?
1. Battery life received a major upgrade
The RICO 3 uses removable NBP-8 lithium-ion battery packs. Two packs are included, and Nocpix rates each one for up to 10 hours of operation under qualifying conditions.
That is a meaningful improvement for hunters who stay out through the night. It reduces battery changes, makes cold-weather planning easier and gives the scope a practical backup battery without requiring an external power bank on the rifle.
Battery claims still need to be viewed as maximum manufacturer ratings. Temperature, recording, Wi-Fi use, display settings and battery age can all affect actual runtime.
2. The integrated laser rangefinder reaches farther
RICO 3 models use an integrated laser rangefinder rated to 1,600 yards. RICO 2 scopes use a 1,200-yard-rated rangefinder.
The additional rating does not mean hunters should shoot at those distances. It gives the system more ranging capability when checking distant landmarks, livestock, tree lines or approaching animals.
All four RICO 3 models also include an onboard ballistic calculator. Ballistic correction is used with an individual range measurement rather than continuous-ranging mode.
3. The H35R adds a wide-view 640 option
The RICO 3 H35R may be the most important addition for the average hunter. It combines a 640×512 sensor, 35 mm lens and 2× base magnification with a 12.6° × 10.1° field of view.
That configuration is easier to use in creek bottoms, timber edges, smaller fields and mixed terrain than a more magnified 50 mm or 75 mm scope. It also makes locating and following moving animals easier.
The RICO 2 family did not have a direct 35 mm, 2×, 640-resolution equivalent in its main riflescope lineup.
4. The PRO introduces autofocus and ocular zoom
The RICO 3 PRO H50R adds push-button autofocus, 2× ocular zoom and an included remote control. Autofocus uses distance information from the rangefinder to help adjust the objective focus without requiring the hunter to turn the focus knob manually.
Those features can be useful when animals move between different distances or when the rifle is already settled on shooting sticks. Manual focus remains important when conditions or the target do not give the autofocus system a clean result.
The PRO is also heavier and costs more than the standard H50R. It should be chosen because the buyer will use its added tools—not simply because it is the flagship.
View the Nocpix RICO 3 PRO H50R
5. The new lineup is easier to match to common hunting conditions
The RICO 3 family creates four fairly clear buyer roles:
- PRO H50R: Open-country hunters who will use autofocus, ocular zoom and remote operation
- H50R: Hunters who want 640-resolution detail, a 50 mm lens and 3× base magnification without paying for the PRO tools
- H35R: Mixed-terrain hunters who value field of view and fast target acquisition
- L35R: Budget-focused buyers who want the RICO 3 platform with a 384×288 sensor
This is easier to understand than treating every larger lens or higher-priced model as an automatic upgrade.
What Did Not Necessarily Improve?
RICO 3 does not currently offer a 75 mm model
The RICO 2 H75R and S75R were designed for buyers who wanted more native magnification and specialized long-range performance. The RICO 3 H50R and PRO H50R use 50 mm lenses, while the H35R and L35R use 35 mm lenses.
A hunter who already owns an H75R or S75R should not assume the new H50R is a direct replacement. The RICO 3 may offer better battery life and newer controls, but the RICO 2 scope may still provide the lens, sensor and starting magnification that better fit long-range use.
RICO 3 does not currently have a 1280-resolution riflescope
The RICO 2 S75R uses a 1280×1024 thermal sensor. The initial RICO 3 family tops out at 640×512.
The RICO 3 PRO is the highest-feature RICO 3, but it is not the resolution successor to the S75R. The PRO focuses on autofocus, ocular zoom, rangefinding, battery life and control improvements rather than moving to a 1280 sensor.
A discounted RICO 2 can still be a good value
Remaining RICO 2 inventory may be priced below comparable RICO 3 models. That can make a RICO 2 attractive when its magnification, lens and sensor still match the buyer's hunting conditions.
Buying the older generation only to save money is not always the right move. But neither is paying more for RICO 3 features that will not improve the way you hunt.
RICO 3 H50R vs. RICO 2 H50R
This is the closest direct generation-to-generation comparison. Both models use a 640×512 sensor, 50 mm f/1.0 lens, 3× base magnification and a 2560×2560 AMOLED display.
| Specification | RICO 3 H50R | RICO 2 H50R |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 640×512, 12 μm | 640×512, 12 μm |
| Objective lens | 50 mm f/1.0 | 50 mm f/1.0 |
| Base magnification | 3× | 3× |
| Detection rating | 2,840 yards | 2,800 yards |
| Integrated LRF | 1,600 yards | 1,200 yards |
| Display | 2560×2560 AMOLED | 2560×2560 AMOLED |
| Listed battery runtime | Up to 10 hours per NBP-8 battery | Approximately 5 hours per battery |
| Weight | 32.77 oz | Approximately 32.6 oz |
Thermal Bros take: Do not upgrade from a RICO 2 H50R expecting a major jump in basic sensor resolution or native image scale. Upgrade when the longer battery runtime, longer-range LRF, shorter body and newer RICO 3 operating system solve a real problem for you.
A first-time buyer comparing both at similar prices should generally lean toward the RICO 3 H50R. A current RICO 2 H50R owner may be better served by keeping the scope unless the new operating features justify the cost of changing.
RICO 3 L35R vs. RICO 2 L42R
These are both 384-resolution models, but their optics create different views.
- RICO 3 L35R: 35 mm lens, 3× base magnification, 7.5° × 5.7° field of view and a 1,990-yard detection rating
- RICO 2 L42R: 42 mm lens, higher native magnification and a 2,400-yard detection rating
The L35R provides the newer battery, rangefinder and RICO 3 control platform. The L42R provides more native image scale and a longer manufacturer-listed detection range.
Choose the L35R when you want the current platform and a somewhat more forgiving starting view. Consider the L42R when the existing price is attractive and its higher-magnification configuration better matches known shooting lanes or more open terrain.
Should a Current RICO 2 Owner Upgrade?
Upgrade from the RICO 2 H50R when:
- You regularly run out of battery during long hunts
- You want the longer 1,600-yard-rated rangefinder
- You prefer the shorter RICO 3 body and updated controls
- You want the PRO autofocus, ocular zoom or remote-control system
Keep the RICO 2 H50R when:
- The existing 640×512 image already meets your needs
- The 1,200-yard LRF is more than enough for your hunting
- You are satisfied with the current battery arrangement
- The cost of upgrading would be better spent on a scanner, tripod or another part of the setup
Think carefully before replacing an H75R or S75R
The initial RICO 3 family does not include a direct 75 mm or 1280-resolution replacement. Moving to a RICO 3 H50R may improve runtime and ergonomics while reducing the native reach or sensor resolution you originally bought the RICO 2 to obtain.
Which Generation Should a New Buyer Choose?
Most new buyers should begin with the RICO 3 lineup because it provides the current battery system, longer-range LRF and clearer choices for common hunting conditions.
Our starting recommendations are:
- Most hunters inside 50–200 yards: RICO 3 H35R
- Open fields and longer shots: RICO 3 H50R
- Autofocus and remote operation: RICO 3 PRO H50R
- Lowest RICO 3 price: RICO 3 L35R
- Specialized 75 mm or 1280 performance: Evaluate the remaining RICO 2 H75R or S75R
- Strong closeout opportunity: Compare the exact RICO 2 model against its nearest RICO 3 option before buying
Shop and compare the Nocpix RICO 3 family
Our Bottom Line
The biggest RICO 3 improvements are not simply sensor specifications. They are longer battery life, a longer-range LRF, updated controls, the new wide-view H35R and the PRO autofocus system.
RICO 2 remains relevant because its lineup includes configurations the initial RICO 3 family does not: a 75 mm 640 model and a 75 mm 1280 model. Remaining inventory may also represent strong value for the right hunter.
Do not compare generations by name alone. Compare the exact sensor, lens, native magnification, field of view and weight against where you actually hunt.
Need Help Choosing?
Tell Thermal Bros what you hunt, your normal shooting distance and whether you are working open fields, mixed terrain or tighter cover. We will tell you which model fits, including when keeping a RICO 2 or buying the less expensive scope makes more sense.
Compare RICO 3 Models | View Our Price-Match Policy | Trade In Your Current Thermal | Contact Thermal Bros
Nocpix RICO 3 vs. RICO 2 Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nocpix RICO 3 better than the RICO 2?
RICO 3 is the newer platform and generally offers better battery life, a longer-range LRF and more current controls. RICO 2 still offers 75 mm and 1280-resolution models that the initial RICO 3 lineup does not directly replace.
What is the biggest difference between RICO 3 and RICO 2?
The most practical differences are the RICO 3 battery system, the increase from a 1,200-yard to a 1,600-yard-rated LRF, the new H35R configuration and the PRO model's autofocus, ocular zoom and remote control.
Is the RICO 3 H50R a major image upgrade over the RICO 2 H50R?
Not in basic sensor resolution or native magnification. Both use a 640×512 sensor, 50 mm lens and 3× base magnification. The larger improvements involve battery runtime, rangefinding, body design and controls.
Does the RICO 3 replace the RICO 2 S75R?
No. The RICO 2 S75R uses a 1280×1024 sensor and 75 mm lens. The initial RICO 3 family tops out at a 640×512 sensor and 50 mm lens, so the S75R remains a different type of long-range optic.
Which RICO 3 is best for most hunters?
The H35R is the best starting point for many hunters because its 640×512 sensor, 2× base magnification and wider field of view fit common coyote and hog-hunting distances across mixed terrain.
Should I buy a discounted RICO 2?
A discounted RICO 2 can be a good purchase when its sensor, lens and magnification fit your terrain. Compare the exact model rather than assuming every RICO 3 is automatically a better hunting scope.
Do all RICO 3 models include an LRF and ballistic calculator?
Yes. All four initial RICO 3 models include an integrated laser rangefinder rated to 1,600 yards and an onboard ballistic calculator.
Article prepared by Thermal Bros in Manhattan, Kansas. Product specifications and manufacturer ratings are subject to change. Confirm current specifications, pricing and availability on the individual product page before ordering.