Trijicon has introduced the REAP-IR-50 thermal riflescope series, a significant update to its thermal catalog. This new series integrates ranging and camera capabilities directly into the thermal optic, addressing the practical needs of precision shooters and hunters who might otherwise carry separate devices for rangefinding and video capture. The line includes two versions: the REAP-IR-50LRF, which features an integrated laser rangefinder and ballistic solver, and the standard REAP-IR-50, which employs stadiametric ranging. Both models are built around an in-house developed sensor core and operating system from Trijicon’s Electro Optics Division.
At the heart of the REAP-IR-50 series is a 1024x768 uncooled vanadium oxide sensor, featuring a 12-micron pixel pitch. This resolution marks a notable increase over the 640-class sensors often found in high-end thermal hunting optics. The sensor refreshes at 50 Hz, and Trijicon rates its thermal sensitivity at less than 25 millikelvin (mK). This low mK value indicates a greater ability to discern subtle temperature differences, which is particularly advantageous in challenging conditions like muggy or foggy nights where thermal contrast can be limited. The visual output is presented on a 1280x1024 color OLED display, viewed through a manual-focus 50 mm f/1.0 objective lens.
The optical system offers a base magnification of 1.5x, with digital zoom extending up to 12x. A key design choice is the first focal plane (FFP) reticle, ensuring that holdover and ranging marks scale accurately across the entire magnification range. The REAP-IR-50 series also features advanced image-processing modes. Enhanced Target Recognition (ETR) works to maintain detail in the scene by shifting contrast toward the primary viewing area, mitigating issues caused by large areas of open sky. Edge Detect, available in both White Hot and Black Hot, outlines terrain and structures in thin gray, while warm bodies remain bright; Trijicon states this mode is designed to reduce eye strain during extended use. These modes complement the standard White Hot and Black Hot palettes, three additional color palettes, and a hybrid Max Heat option, providing users with eight palette choices.
The REAP-IR-50LRF model incorporates a 905 nm laser capable of measuring distances from 50 to 1,500 meters (approximately 55 to 1,640 yards). This laser rangefinder feeds data to an onboard ballistic solver, which then calculates and displays a corrected hold based on the active shooter profile. Users can store up to five distinct profiles, allowing for configuration with multiple rifles and loads. The standard REAP-IR-50, in lieu of the laser, utilizes stadiametric ranging. This method requires the shooter to bracket the target using on-screen reference shapes, such as deer, hog, or hare profiles, to estimate distance. While Trijicon describes this as less precise than a laser, it contributes to a lighter overall weight and potentially lower cost.
Controls on the REAP-IR-50 series are managed via an ambidextrous five-button keypad located on the sloped rear face of the housing, designed for ease of use in the dark or with gloves. Programmable Quick Keys allow for rapid access to frequently used functions, minimizing menu navigation during critical moments. The optic also functions as a full-featured camera, recording video and stills to 64 GB of internal memory. Recoil-activated recording automatically captures shots. For connectivity, integrated Wi-Fi links the scope to the Trijicon App, available on both iOS and Android platforms. This application enables file transfer to a mobile device and supports a live video feed from the optic. Trijicon highlights the Live View feature as particularly useful for guiding others, allowing a second person to observe the thermal picture simultaneously. Further electronics include pitch and roll indicators, GPS, a compass, and a microphone. A USB-C port handles file transfers, software updates, and external power input.
For power, the REAP-IR-50 operates on two CR123 batteries, providing an estimated runtime of approximately 1.5 hours at room temperature, or about an hour when actively recording. Trijicon notes that cold weather conditions will reduce these figures and recommends an external power bank for extended use, estimating 12 to 14 hours of runtime from a 10,000 mAh battery bank connected via the USB-C port. For ruggedness, the aluminum housing features a Cerakote FDE finish and has been built and tested to MIL-STD-810H standards, covering shock, vibration, and temperature extremes. The series is rated for operation from −26° to 131°F and can withstand submersion to 1 meter for one hour. Attachment to a rifle is accomplished with Trijicon’s Q-LOC Picatinny mount.
In terms of physical specifications, the REAP-IR-50LRF model weighs 54.9 ounces, or approximately 3.4 pounds, inclusive of its mount and lens cap but without batteries. The standard REAP-IR-50 model is slightly lighter at 51.4 ounces. Retail pricing for the REAP-IR-50LRF is $9,499, shipping with a hard case, the Q-LOC mount, a USB-C cable, two CR123 batteries, and a LensPen. The standard REAP-IR-50 is priced at $8,999.
