Nocpix RICO 3 PRO H50R Thermal Rifle Scope

Nocpix RICO 3 PRO H50R at a glance

• Industry-first autofocus: Center the animal beneath the main reticle and focus the objective with one button press.
• Premium 640-class thermal image: 640×512, 12 μm sensor with ≤15 mK sensitivity, a 50 mm F/1.0 lens and 60 Hz refresh rate.
• Built for open ground: 3× base magnification, 8.8° × 7.0° field of view and a manufacturer-rated 2,840-yard detection range.
• Integrated ranging and ballistics: 1,600-yard laser rangefinder with single and continuous ranging plus an onboard ballistic calculator.
• Cleaner magnification: 2× ocular zoom works with 4× digital zoom for a total 3×–24× magnification range.
• Full-night power: Two removable NBP-8 batteries provide up to 10 hours of runtime each under favorable conditions.

Thermal Bros advantages: free economy shipping, expert setup help, financing, trade-in or consignment options, no-interest layaway on eligible purchases.

Quick answer: who should buy the RICO 3 PRO H50R?

The Nocpix RICO 3 PRO H50R is the best fit for experienced coyote, predator and hog hunters working medium-to-long distances in open fields. It combines a 640×512 thermal sensor, 50 mm objective lens, 3× base magnification, autofocus, an integrated laser rangefinder, ballistic calculations and remote operation. Its biggest advantage over the standard RICO 3 H50R is automation—not a larger sensor or a longer detection range.

The first autofocus thermal riflescope

The Nocpix RICO 3 PRO H50R autofocus thermal scope is the first thermal riflescope built with autofocus. Not the first from Nocpix—the first from any thermal-optics manufacturer.

That matters because of a problem experienced thermal hunters already know. You set up watching a field edge at 300 yards and a hog crosses at 70. A pair of coyotes comes in on a line you did not expect. Each change in distance affects the objective focus, and until now that adjustment had to be made by hand, in the dark, while the animal was moving.

The PRO H50R takes that step off your plate. Center the animal beneath the main reticle and press the autofocus button on the scope or included remote. Rangefinding and the ballistic calculator are controlled separately, giving you fast access to focus, distance and a firing solution without reaching for the objective ring.

How to set up and use autofocus

Start by setting the rear diopter until the reticle, icons and status bar look sharp to your eye. The diopter adjusts the display for your vision and normally does not need to be changed again.

1. Press the objective-lens focus knob down to enable autofocus mode. The autofocus icon will appear in the status bar.
2. Place the animal or object you want sharp beneath the main shooting reticle.
3. Short-press the Down button on the scope or the Auto Focus button on the included remote.
4. To return to manual focus, pull the objective focus knob up and rotate it left or right.

In good weather, autofocus is designed to complete in under one second. It can take longer in rain, fog or other adverse conditions. That is normal operation, not a fault.

What autofocus actually solves in the field

Focus behaves differently on a thermal optic than on a traditional day scope. On thermal, objective focus determines how much detail the sensor can resolve at a given distance. An out-of-focus thermal image does not simply look soft—it loses the edge definition you rely on to identify an animal, read body posture and count animals in a group.

Hunters who have run thermal for a season usually develop the habit of touching the focus ring constantly. The picture changes when the distance changes, so you take a hand off the rifle and make a fine adjustment at the exact moment you would rather stay settled behind the optic.

The RICO 3 PRO H50R focuses on the area centered beneath the main reticle at the press of a button. The laser rangefinder does not have to be active for autofocus to work, and manual focus remains available whenever weather, cover or the target calls for it.

Autofocus is most valuable when your distances change constantly. If you watch the same lane at the same range every night, you may focus once and rarely touch it again. In that situation, the standard RICO 3 H50R gives you the same sensor, lens and base magnification for less money.

Why Ocular Zoom 2.0 matters on a thermal scope

Digital zoom enlarges the pixels the thermal sensor already captured. It makes the animal look bigger, but it does not create additional detail. Push digital zoom far enough and you are studying larger, softer copies of the same information.

Ocular Zoom 2.0 optically enlarges the 2560×2560 AMOLED display inside the eyepiece before digital zoom is applied. A power-style lever operates the ocular and digital magnification together, giving the PRO H50R a familiar control and a cleaner viewing experience as magnification increases.

The practical difference is simple: the PRO H50R and standard H50R both reach 24×, but the PRO combines 2× ocular enlargement with 4× digital zoom instead of relying entirely on digital enlargement.

How the 50 mm lens affects range and field of view

Objective-lens size is one of the biggest factors in how a thermal scope performs at distance, and the tradeoff is field of view. A larger lens supports more magnification and puts more of a distant animal on the display before digital zoom, but it narrows how much terrain you can see at once.

The RICO 3 PRO H50R's 50 mm F/1.0 germanium lens is built for open crop fields, pastures, cut hay ground and larger properties. It is less forgiving when an animal appears close and crosses quickly in tight cover.

If most of your hunting takes place in timber, creek bottoms, brush lines or small fields, the wider view of the RICO 3 H35R may serve you better. Terrain and typical distance should drive this decision more than price.

Autofocus, laser ranging and ballistics are separate tools

Autofocus and laser ranging are separate one-button functions. The scope focuses on the area beneath the main reticle; the 1,600-yard laser rangefinder measures distance; and the multi-variable ballistic calculator can turn that range into a firing solution. Keeping the controls separate lets you refocus without firing the laser or range an animal without changing focus.

The included customizable remote keeps those controls at your fingertips. You can trigger autofocus, take a range measurement and adjust magnification without reaching forward and shifting your shooting position.

Reliable ranging is especially useful through thermal because darkness removes many of the fence lines, terrain features and visual references used to estimate distance during the day. The LRF supports both single and continuous ranging; actual performance depends on target size, reflectivity, angle and weather.

RICO 3 PRO H50R vs. RICO 3 H50R

Compare the full Nocpix RICO 3 series.

Nocpix RICO 3 PRO H50R specifications

Additional field features

• Picture-in-picture: Places a magnified aiming window over the wider base image.
• Recoil-activated video: Automatically starts recording when recoil is detected.
• 64 GB internal memory: Stores video for transfer through the Nocpix app.
• Seven color palettes: White hot, black hot, red hot, rainbow, violet, crimson and viridian.
• Eight reticle types: Seven static choices plus one customizable reticle.
• Cold-weather battery rating: Approximately seven hours per pack at temperatures down to −4°F under the manufacturer's stated conditions.
• Magnesium housing and IP67 protection: Built for dust, rain and field use.

What comes in the box

• Nocpix RICO 3 PRO H50R thermal riflescope
• Dual-throw quick-detach Picatinny mount
• Customizable Bluetooth remote control
• Two NBP-8 rechargeable battery packs
• Magnetic charging cable and USB-C data cable
• Objective lens cap and rubber eyeguard
• M5 screws, 3 mm hex key and spanner tool
• Soft case, lens cloth and user manual

Nocpix RICO 3 PRO H50R frequently asked questions

Where does the PRO H50R fit in the RICO 3 family?

The PRO H50R is the flagship of the four-model RICO 3 series. The “H” identifies the 640-sensor tier, “50” indicates the 50 mm objective lens and “R” identifies the integrated laser rangefinder. Below it are the H50R, the wider-view H35R and the 384-resolution L35R.

What is the difference between the RICO 3 PRO H50R and H50R?

The PRO adds autofocus, 2× ocular zoom and an included remote control. The thermal sensor, objective lens, base magnification, field of view, detection range, laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator are the same. The standard H50R costs less and weighs about nine ounces less.

Is the RICO 3 PRO H50R the first autofocus thermal scope?

Yes. Nocpix identifies the RICO 3 PRO H50R as the first thermal riflescope with autofocus. Within the RICO 3 family, autofocus is exclusive to the PRO; the H50R, H35R and L35R focus manually.

How does autofocus work?

Push the objective focus knob down to enable autofocus mode, center the animal beneath the main reticle, then short-press the Down button on the scope or Auto Focus button on the remote. Autofocus does not require an active laser range measurement. Pull the focus knob up to return to manual focus.

Why does focus matter on a thermal scope?

Objective focus determines how much usable edge detail the sensor resolves at a given distance. Poor focus can make it harder to identify the animal, evaluate body posture or separate multiple animals standing together.

Does the PRO H50R magnify farther than the standard H50R?

No. Both reach 24×. The PRO combines optical enlargement of the internal display with digital zoom, while the standard H50R relies on digital zoom. The advantage is a cleaner viewing experience at magnification, not a higher maximum number.

What does the 2,840-yard detection range mean?

Detection means the sensor can register a heat source against the background under favorable conditions. It does not mean you can identify an animal or take a responsible shot at 2,840 yards. Recognition and identification happen much closer.

How far will the laser rangefinder read?

The integrated LRF is rated to 1,600 yards and supports single and continuous ranging. Actual distance varies with target size, surface reflectivity, angle, weather and atmospheric conditions.

How many batteries are included?

Two removable NBP-8 battery packs are included. Each is rated for up to 10 hours under favorable conditions and approximately seven hours in sub-zero temperatures down to −4°F. The scope can also operate from a compatible 5V external power supply.

Is the RICO 3 PRO H50R too heavy for my rifle?

At 42.13 ounces, it is the heaviest model in the RICO 3 family. Consider the balance of your complete rifle setup before choosing it over the standard H50R, H35R or L35R.

Which RICO 3 is best for coyote hunting?

The PRO H50R and standard H50R suit open fields and longer shot opportunities. The H35R is usually better for mixed terrain, closer encounters and coyotes moving quickly across a wider field of view. Choose based on terrain and typical distance rather than price alone.

Does the remote work with the other RICO 3 models?

The remote is included with the PRO H50R. The H50R, H35R and L35R are remote-compatible, but the remote is sold separately with those models.

Will the PRO H50R handle magnum calibers?

The scope is rated to 1000 g/s² of recoil, with .300 Win. and 7 mm Magnum listed as reference classes. The magnesium-alloy housing is IP67 rated.

What warranty comes with the RICO 3 PRO H50R?

The optic is covered by the published iRayUSA/Nocpix 5-year warranty and 5-day repair guarantee. Under the current terms, the manufacturer repairs or replaces covered defects from normal use and offers a like-or-better replacement if it cannot complete a covered repair within its stated service window.

Not sure whether the PRO is worth it for you?

Tell us your terrain, typical distance, rifle setup and whether you already carry a handheld scanner. We will tell you honestly whether the RICO 3 PRO H50R makes sense or whether the standard H50R or wider-view H35R is the better buy.

Contact Thermal Bros or call/text 866-464-4461.