Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ35 PRO Thermal Rifle Scope

The Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ35 PRO sits in a sweet spot in Pulsar's Thermion 2 lineup. It's the 384-sensor scope that gives serious predator hunters real detection range and a clean thermal image without pushing into flagship LRF pricing. If you're calling coyotes inside 300 yards or running thermal for hog control on the property, this is the scope that does the job without paying for features you won't use.

What Makes the XQ35 PRO Different

The "PRO" designation on this model means it ships with Pulsar's upgraded ≤25 mK NETD sensor — the lower the NETD number, the sharper the contrast between a warm-blooded animal and the background. At ≤25 mK, the XQ35 PRO produces noticeably cleaner imagery than the standard XQ35, especially in humid air, light fog, or right after a temperature swing when ambient and animal body heat start to read closer together on a less sensitive sensor.

The 35mm germanium objective is a deliberate choice. Bigger objectives (like the 50mm on the XQ50) push detection range farther, but they also add weight, narrow your field of view at low magnification, and cost more. The 35mm objective on this scope keeps the unit at 2.0 lb and gives you a wider scan area at 2.5x — useful when you're sweeping a tree line looking for movement, not glassing a single point a quarter-mile out.

Key Specs

• Thermal sensor: 384 × 288 px
• Display: 1024 × 768 AMOLED
• Objective lens: 35mm germanium
• Magnification: 2.5x – 10x (digital zoom over base optical)
• Pixel pitch: 17 µm
• NETD: ≤25 mK
• Refresh rate: 50 Hz
• Detection range: 1,400 yards
• Battery life: Up to 7 hours
• Weight: 2.0 lb

Who This Scope Is For

• Coyote callers and predator hunters working inside 300 yards on open ground or food plots
• Hog hunters running stalk-and-shoot or stand setups where weight on the rifle matters
• First-time thermal buyers who want a real Pulsar without committing to LRF-flagship money
• Property owners managing predators or destructive game where you need confidence in low-light ID without overspending

If you're shooting consistently past 400 yards or you want onboard laser rangefinding for precision dialing, look at the Thermion 2 LRF XQ50 PRO 

How It Compares to the Rest of the Thermion 2 Lineup

The XQ35 PRO is the entry point into Pulsar's Thermion 2 PRO series. Step up to the XQ50 PRO linked above if you want a wider thermal field of view and longer detection range out of the same 384 sensor. The XQ35 PRO is the right pick if your shots stay inside coyote-call distance and you want Pulsar quality at the lowest tier of the lineup.

What's in the Box

• Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ35 PRO Thermal Rifle Scope
• APS3 rechargeable battery pack
• USB cable
• Carrying case
• Lens cleaning cloth
• User manual and warranty card

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ35 PRO good for coyote hunting? Yes. The 384 sensor paired with ≤25 mK NETD gives you the contrast needed to ID a coyote from a stray heat signature inside typical calling distance (50–300 yards). The 2.5x base magnification keeps the field of view wide enough to scan for incoming dogs without losing them when they commit.

What's the difference between the XQ35 and the XQ35 PRO? The PRO model uses Pulsar's upgraded ≤25 mK NETD sensor for sharper thermal contrast, especially in marginal conditions like fog, humidity, or temperature swings. The base XQ35 uses a less sensitive sensor that performs fine in cold, dry conditions but loses image clarity faster as ambient and animal heat signatures converge.

What's the detection range vs. identification range? Detection range (1,400 yards on this scope) is the distance at which the scope can register a heat signature as something present — not what it is. Identification range, where you can confirm species and make an ethical shot decision, is significantly shorter — generally inside 300–400 yards on a 384-sensor scope at this magnification.

Does the Thermion 2 XQ35 PRO have a built-in rangefinder? No. If you need onboard laser rangefinding, step up to the Thermion 2 LRF XQ50 PRO.

What battery does the XQ35 PRO use, and is it rechargeable? It uses Pulsar's APS3 rechargeable battery pack. The unit ships with one battery; many hunters buy a second so they can swap mid-night without recharging.

Is the Thermion 2 XQ35 PRO waterproof? It's rated IPX7 — meaning it'll survive heavy rain and brief submersion. It is not designed for sustained underwater use