How to choose the right Nocpix RICO 3 Thermal Scopes
The Nocpix RICO 3 family includes four thermal rifle scopes built around integrated rangefinding, ballistic calculations, removable batteries and the circular AMOLED viewing system. The right model depends less on which one costs the most and more on your terrain, normal shot distance and preferred starting magnification.
The H35R is the best all-around option for most hunters working inside roughly 50–200 yards. The H50R adds more native image scale for open fields and longer shots. The PRO H50R adds autofocus, ocular zoom and remote operation. The L35R offers the lowest entry price but uses a 384×288 sensor and a narrower 3× starting view.
Compare all four models below, or use the buyer guide farther down the page to find the RICO 3 that fits the way you actually hunt.
Need help deciding? Visit our FAQ, browse related collections, or use our contact page for one-to-one guidance.
Which Nocpix RICO 3 Should You Buy?
For most mixed-terrain hunters, start with the RICO 3 H35R. Its 640×512 sensor, 35 mm lens, 2× base magnification and wider field of view make it easier to find animals and follow movement. Move to the H50R when more native magnification and open-country reach matter more than having the widest view.
| Model | Price | Sensor | Lens / Base Magnification | Field of View | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RICO 3 PRO H50R | $5,499 | 640×512 | 50 mm / 3× | 8.8° × 7.0° | 42.13 oz | Experienced open-country hunters who will use autofocus, ocular zoom and the remote |
| RICO 3 H50R | $4,499 | 640×512 | 50 mm / 3× | 8.8° × 7.0° | 32.77 oz | Open fields and longer shots without paying for the PRO features |
| RICO 3 H35R | $3,699 | 640×512 | 35 mm / 2× | 12.6° × 10.1° | 29.10 oz | Best all-around choice for mixed terrain, moving animals and normal hunting distances |
| RICO 3 L35R | $2,699 | 384×288 | 35 mm / 3× | 7.5° × 5.7° | 28.89 oz | Budget-conscious hunters who already use a separate scanner and hunt known shooting lanes |
Manufacturer detection and rangefinder ratings are not the same as positive identification or responsible shooting distance. Real performance varies with target size, humidity, terrain, weather and image settings.
Quick RICO 3 Recommendations
Choose the RICO 3 H35R for the best all-around setup
The H35R makes the most sense for many coyote and hog hunters. Its 2× starting magnification and 12.6° × 10.1° field of view provide more room to locate animals, follow movement and stay aware of what is around the target. It is a strong fit for creek bottoms, timber edges, smaller crop fields and mixed terrain.
Choose the RICO 3 H50R for open fields and more native reach
The H50R pairs the same 640×512 sensor class with a 50 mm lens and 3× base magnification. Animals appear larger before digital zoom is applied, which helps across open crop fields and larger pastures. The tradeoff is a narrower field of view than the H35R.
Choose the RICO 3 PRO H50R for autofocus and ocular zoom
The PRO uses the same basic 640×512, 50 mm and 3× hunting configuration as the standard H50R but adds push-button autofocus, 2× ocular zoom and an included remote control. These are useful upgrades for hunters who regularly change focus distances or want to operate key functions without reaching forward.
The PRO weighs 42.13 ounces and costs $1,000 more than the standard H50R. Do not pay the premium simply because it is the flagship. Choose it when you know you will use its PRO-only features.
Shop the Nocpix RICO 3 PRO H50R
Choose the RICO 3 L35R for the lowest family price
The L35R keeps the integrated rangefinder, ballistic calculator, removable battery system and RICO 3 interface while stepping down to a 384×288 sensor. Its 3× starting magnification works well for animals that have already been located with a handheld scanner.
The H35R is the stronger all-around option when image detail, digital zoom performance and field of view matter more than saving $1,000.
RICO 3 PRO H50R vs. Standard H50R
Buy the PRO H50R for autofocus, ocular zoom and remote operation. Buy the standard H50R for the same core sensor, lens, base magnification and field of view at a lower price and substantially lower weight.
- Both models: 640×512 sensor, 50 mm f/1.0 lens, 3× base magnification, integrated 1,600-yard LRF and ballistic calculator
- PRO only: Push-button autofocus, 2× ocular zoom and included remote control
- Standard H50R advantage: $1,000 lower price and approximately 9.36 ounces less weight
RICO 3 H50R vs. H35R
The H50R and H35R use the same 640×512 sensor resolution but provide very different views.
- Choose the H50R: Open fields, longer shots and a preference for 3× native magnification
- Choose the H35R: Mixed terrain, closer shots, moving animals and a wider field of view
A 50 mm lens is not automatically better. It gives the H50R more native image scale, but the H35R will generally be faster and more forgiving when an animal appears close or moves across the field.
RICO 3 H35R vs. L35R
The H35R and L35R both use 35 mm lenses, but they do not provide the same viewing experience.
- H35R: 640×512 sensor, 2× base magnification and 12.6° × 10.1° field of view
- L35R: 384×288 sensor, 3× base magnification and 7.5° × 5.7° field of view
The H35R preserves more detail as magnification increases and provides a much wider base view. The L35R costs less and is slightly lighter, but it is better used as a dedicated shooting optic alongside a separate scanner.
Features Shared Across the RICO 3 Family
- Integrated laser rangefinder rated to 1,600 yards
- Onboard ballistic calculator
- Reality+ image processing
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- 1.03-inch circular 2560×2560 AMOLED display
- Picture-in-picture mode
- 64 GB of internal storage
- Standard and recoil-activated video recording
- Wi-Fi and Nocpix app connectivity
- Two removable NBP-8 rechargeable batteries
- Up to 10 hours of manufacturer-rated operation per battery
- Magnetic and USB-C charging
- Dual-throw quick-detach Picatinny mount
- Magnesium-alloy housing
- IP67 ingress-protection rating
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Why Buy a Nocpix RICO 3 from Thermal Bros?
Thermal Bros helps match the scope to your terrain, distance and actual hunting use. We will tell you when the H35R makes more sense than the H50R, when the standard H50R is a better value than the PRO, and when a 384-resolution L35R is enough for the job.
- Honest model recommendations without automatically pushing the most expensive option
- Authorized-dealer support and manufacturer-backed warranty coverage
- Help comparing Nocpix against Pulsar, AGM, RIX, iRay USA and other thermal brands
- Price-match support for qualifying authorized-dealer offers
- Trade-in options for your current thermal or night-vision optic
- Direct support from Manhattan, Kansas
View Our Price-Match Policy | Trade In Your Current Thermal | Ask Thermal Bros for Help
Nocpix RICO 3 Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nocpix RICO 3 is best for most hunters?
The H35R is the best starting point for most hunters. Its 640×512 sensor, 2× base magnification and wider field of view fit common coyote and hog-hunting distances across mixed terrain.
Is the RICO 3 PRO H50R worth the extra $1,000?
It is worth the additional cost when you will use autofocus, ocular zoom and remote operation. The standard H50R offers the same core sensor, lens, native magnification and field of view for less money and less weight.
What is the difference between the RICO 3 H35R and H50R?
The H35R starts at 2× and provides a wider 12.6° × 10.1° field of view. The H50R starts at 3× and provides more native image scale with a narrower 8.8° × 7.0° field of view.
Is the 384×288 RICO 3 L35R enough for hunting?
Yes, especially for normal hunting distances and buyers who already carry a separate thermal scanner. The 640×512 H35R provides more detail and performs better under digital zoom, but the L35R offers the RICO 3 shooting platform at a lower price.
Do all RICO 3 scopes have a laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator?
Yes. All four models have an integrated laser rangefinder rated to 1,600 yards and an onboard ballistic calculator. Ballistic calculation is used with single-range measurements rather than continuous-ranging mode.
How many batteries come with a RICO 3?
Each RICO 3 model includes two removable NBP-8 rechargeable battery packs. Nocpix rates each battery for up to 10 hours of operation under qualifying conditions.
Which RICO 3 is best for coyote hunting?
Choose the H50R or PRO H50R for larger open fields and longer shot opportunities. Choose the H35R for mixed terrain, closer encounters and faster-moving coyotes. The L35R works well for budget-focused setups and known shooting lanes.
Still unsure? Tell Thermal Bros what you hunt, your normal distance and the terrain you hunt most. We will help narrow the lineup without pushing features you do not need.
How Does RICO 2 Compare with the New RICO 3?
RICO 3 adds a longer-range LRF, longer listed battery runtime and new model options, but RICO 2 still has configurations the first RICO 3 lineup does not directly replace.
Compare Nocpix RICO 3 and RICO 2 | Compare all RICO 3 models
Upgrading from a RICO 2?
See what changed in battery life, rangefinding, model selection and controls before replacing your current scope.
New Nocpix RICO 3 Thermal Scopes
Compare the PRO H50R, H50R, H35R and L35R by resolution, field of view, magnification, weight and real hunting use.
Looking at Nocpix? Compare all four Nocpix RICO 3 thermal scopes by terrain, field of view and typical shooting distance.
The Nocpix RICO 3 family offers four distinct configurations. Compare the RICO 3 PRO H50R, H50R, H35R and L35R before choosing by price alone.
For a current same-family example, compare the 384×288 RICO 3 L35R with the 640×512 RICO 3 H35R. The sensor change also comes with a different base magnification and field of view, so compare the complete configuration rather than resolution alone.
Compare Nocpix RICO 3 models or read what changed from RICO 2.