In recent years, compact thermal monoculars have made great progress, but it is still rare to test a device that introduces a truly new feature. The CONOTECH Lipot 635 LRF is one of those products that, at least on paper, promises something different: AI-assisted automatic focusing.

This unit was kindly provided by Marco Brumar Brutti of Riva & Brutti (upgradeyourifle.com) and currently has a suggested retail price of €1930.

As always, in this article and in the accompanying video review you will find not only the technical specifications declared by the manufacturer, but also my practical field impressions, based on real-world testing, including strengths and weaknesses.

Enjoy the video and happy reading.

CONOTECH LIPOT 635 LRF – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

THE HISTORY OF CONOTECH

ConoTech is a cutting-edge company specializing in the development, production, and distribution of advanced thermal imaging devices and related components. With a strong focus on quality, precision, customer support, and competitive pricing, ConoTech has become a recognized player in the sector.

The company collaborates with partners in more than 60 countries, holds over 100 patents, and maintains a strong research and development structure, with about 50% of its staff dedicated to R&D. With steady growth over the past three years, ConoTech continues to develop innovative and reliable technological solutions.

AVAILABLE MODELS

The LT series includes four models: the Lipot 215, Lipot 325 LRF, Lipot 335 LRF, and the unit tested in this review, the Lipot 635 LRF.

They share many technical features but differ mainly in sensor size, ranging from 256 × 192 pixels up to 640 × 512, as well as in NETD values, native magnification, and objective lens diameter.

STANDARD ACCESSORIES

I briefly showed the accessories in a short video, which you can also find embedded in this article. I can confirm that the monocular comes in a well-designed blue and white cardboard box, featuring a black-and-white natural scene depicting a rocky mountain landscape with snow and ice.

Inside the package, in addition to the monocular itself, you will find a soft carrying pouch, apparently made of textured, water-resistant fabric that can withstand light rain, a lens cleaning cloth, a small instruction manual with the main settings, a warranty and quality control card, and another small black cardboard box containing a case for two 18650 batteries and a USB-C cable for battery charging and data transfer.

MECHANICS AND FOCUSING SYSTEM

The first thing I really appreciated was the compact size of this small thermal monocular: it measures 140 × 45 × 74 mm. Using my electronic scale, with the battery installed and the hand grip mounted, the weight did not exceed 375 g. It is a very lightweight instrument that can be carried anywhere and used in virtually any situation, and this is certainly one of its main strengths.

From a mechanical standpoint, the housing appears to be made of reinforced polycarbonate with fiberglass, and it is designed to be comfortably used with either the right or left hand. The hand grip can be repositioned thanks to four lateral slots, allowing the user to optimize comfort.

The grip is excellent: the fingers naturally fall on the three buttons and the binocular-style control knob, which I will describe shortly. The side surfaces of the housing are textured, improving grip, and on the underside, near the battery compartment cover, there is a small recess that allows the palm to rest securely, with the thumb naturally locking against the side of the body.

A standard 1/4-inch threaded socket is also provided for mounting the monocular on a monopod or photographic tripod, which can be useful when taking precise range measurements with the laser rangefinder or recording stable, high-quality video.

On the left side there is a small silicone cap that seals and protects the USB-C port, while on the right side the marking “635 LRF” is clearly visible. The LRF acronym refers to the laser rangefinder, which is integrated in the front section, just below the objective lens. It is a Class 1 laser capable of measuring distances up to 1200 meters; I will discuss its performance in more detail in the dedicated section.

Below the eyepiece you will find a hinged battery compartment cover, equipped with a large release button that can be operated easily even while wearing gloves. By lowering the lever, the release mechanism is activated. Inside, the device uses a standard 18650 battery rated at 3400 mAh.

To prevent incorrect insertion, which requires a small amount of pressure, a white label inside the compartment indicates the correct polarity; for clarity, the positive terminal faces inward when inserting the battery.

Like all thermal monoculars, this model is rated IP67, meaning it operates in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +50°C and can be stored in temperatures between -40°C and +70°C.

The IP67 protection rating is an international standard (IEC EN 60529) that certifies a device’s resistance to the ingress of dust and liquids. The designation is composed of two digits:

• “6” (solid protection): the device is completely dust-tight and protected against micro-particles.

• “7” (liquid protection): the device is protected against temporary immersion. Specifically, it can withstand submersion in water up to 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes.

As mentioned earlier, ergonomics are enhanced by a well-designed adjustable hand grip in synthetic leather, which provides excellent comfort whether wearing gloves or using the device with bare hands, even for users with larger hands.

Although this monocular features an AI-assisted automatic focusing system, it is still possible to bypass the automation using the small control knob located on the top control bridge. The knob is not very large—approximately 15 × 11 mm—but it is precise and well textured. Of course, focusing precision is inherently limited by the wide aperture of the objective, but given the accuracy of the autofocus system, I found myself using manual focus only occasionally, mainly for navigating the menu.

The objective lens is not deeply recessed inside the optical housing, but only by a few millimeters; for this reason, I always recommend keeping it protected. To keep both price and weight under control, the manufacturer chose a simple rubber lens cap, similar to those used on binoculars, which attaches to the front loop.

It is not as refined as some rigid caps with integrated mounts, but I personally prefer rubber or silicone caps, as they absorb impacts better and are less likely to break. Last year, for example, I cracked the rigid polycarbonate cap of a well-known thermal device simply because, while carrying it on a shoulder strap, it struck a birch tree with moderate force while I was following a wild boar. In short, less is more.

EYEPIECE AND DISPLAY

The eyepiece is also well designed, with a lens diameter of about 18 mm. It is not among the largest, so in very cold conditions a bit of care is needed to avoid fogging (although thermal devices generally suffer less from this issue than conventional monoculars due to the heat they generate).

It features a large diopter adjustment ring, almost as wide as the eyepiece housing itself—approximately 38 mm in diameter and about 12 mm thick. The ring is well textured and the movement is smooth and precise.

The eyepiece lens appears to have a multi-layer coating, showing a pleasant bluish-violet reflection. It incorporates a latest-generation 0.49-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1920 × 1080. Despite the very compact size, the display delivers sharp and well-contrasted images, with a good sampling ratio relative to the sensor, and allows adjustments of brightness, contrast, and other settings.

The device is also equipped with a very soft rubber eyecup, shaped with a wider lateral profile (often called a “winged” eyecup), designed to provide better protection from wind, stray light, and airborne dust or sand.

The digital system increases the magnification up to 16×. The display inside the eyepiece also shows a wide range of information: a compass with heading and inclination at the top, and at the bottom the battery indicator, time, current magnification, rangefinder data, selected color palette, viewing mode, and calibration status.

In short, you have practically everything under control in a compact device that costs less than €2000. A few years ago, a monocular offering this level of functionality at a similar price would have been unthinkable.

SENSOR

For the flagship model of the Lipot series, CONOTECH uses a latest-generation uncooled VOx sensor with a resolution of 640 × 512 pixels, a 50 Hz frame rate, a 12 µm pixel pitch, a spectral range of 8–14 µm, and a NETD of less than 15 mK.

As you know, the performance of a thermal monocular cannot be evaluated solely on the basis of sensor size or objective diameter. Other factors play an important role, including display quality, the image and video processing system, compression performance for photos and recordings, and above all the image processing algorithm.

In the section dedicated to practical field impressions, I will describe my experience with these aspects in real use.

LASER RANGEFINDER

The laser rangefinder proved to be one of the best in this price range. It offers a maximum measuring distance of 1200 meters, whereas many competitors stop at around 1000 meters. The minimum distance is 5 meters, with an accuracy of ±1 meter, and of course it is a Class 1 laser.

It can be used in single-measurement mode or in continuous scanning mode, and I can confirm that the continuous scan is very fast, responsive, and precise. Performance naturally improves when the device is held steady, so you will notice differences when ranging while moving or with some oscillation compared to using a support such as a hunting stand, a vehicle window, or a small monopod.

The laser module is also well integrated beneath the objective and positioned slightly recessed compared to the outer edge of the housing. This detail may seem minor, but in practical terms it can provide better protection in case of accidental impacts or drops.

SOFTWARE AND USER INTERFACE

The operating software is mainly organized around two levels of menu. By briefly pressing the control knob, you access the quick menu, where you can change the color palettes—black hot, white hot, red hot, and rainbow—as well as adjust screen brightness (five levels), contrast, and sharpness.

There is also the option to quickly disable the AI-assisted autofocus system, allowing focusing to be performed manually using the precise control knob. From the quick menu it is also possible to change the image mode, selecting among clear night, fog, and rain modes, activate Picture-in-Picture (a magnified window centered on the subject), enable or disable Wi-Fi, and use hot tracking, which highlights the hottest object in the scene.

By pressing and holding the focusing knob, you enter the main menu, where you can manage the internal gallery, review photos and videos, display them in full screen, or delete them directly. Until recently, this feature was typically available only on higher-end devices.

It is also possible to perform defective pixel correction, select the calibration mode (automatic, manual, or silent), and adjust the usual general settings, including OSD brightness and the option to enable the microphone.

The monocular also features an integrated digital compass with automatic system and calibration, as well as several rangefinder settings, including single measurement, continuous measurement, angle compensation with horizontal distance calculation, and the choice of units in meters or yards.

Additional settings include date and time, language selection, restoring factory settings, and access to internal memory management, including full formatting.

The menu interface is displayed in black and white with grayscale, with white icons highlighted in blue. I found the color scheme unobtrusive and easy on the eyes, with excellent contrast. The diopter adjustment of the display, as mentioned earlier, is also very well implemented.

CONOTECH SMARTPHONE APPLICATION

The proprietary app is among the lightest and most intuitive I have used. It is available for iOS and Android and installs quickly. After installation, you simply activate Wi-Fi on the monocular and search for the CONOTECH Wi-Fi network in your smartphone settings. The default password is 12345678, and I recommend changing it afterward.

Once connected, the app displays the live view, image and video management, and the device serial number. In the advanced settings, you can also check for and install firmware updates directly through the app.

In terms of remote control, the app offers only basic functions: taking photos, starting video recording, and enabling or disabling audio recording.

Its real strength, however, is the stability and speed of the connection. Compared with other systems that sometimes require several attempts to connect, the CONOTECH app proved to be very fast and reliable in my tests.

MEMORY

The CONOTECH Lipot is equipped with 64 GB of internal memory. Photo and video compression works well, allowing you to store thousands of images and hundreds of video clips without difficulty.

Using the supplied USB-C cable, the monocular can be connected to a computer to access the internal storage. Two folders—Pictures and Video—will be visible, allowing files to be easily copied and transferred.

BATTERY

The Lipot 635 LRF is powered by a 3400 mAh 18650 battery. I appreciated the decision to use a standard, lightweight battery, as one of the key strengths of this monocular is its compactness and low weight.

The manufacturer declares an operating time of about six hours at 22°C. In my tests, with intensive use, Wi-Fi enabled, frequent adjustments, and temperatures close to 2°C, with some evenings reaching −4°C, I observed the low-battery warning after about four hours.

In any case, carrying a spare battery, which is included in the package, allows for extended observation sessions without any real limitations.

QUICK OPERATION OF THE THERMAL MONOCULAR

The thermal monocular is very quick to operate, thanks to the three buttons and the small control knob, similar to those found on binoculars, all located on the top control bridge. The buttons are slightly different in shape, about 14 mm in diameter, and feature raised icons to make them easy to recognize even in the dark.

The button near the objective lens controls power on and off, while the central button, when pressed briefly, activates the laser rangefinder; when pressed for a longer time, it activates the automatic focusing mode. A red cursor appears on the display and can be positioned on the animal or object to be focused; within a few moments, the system produces a sharp and well-contrasted image.

The photo and video button allows you to take a picture with a short press or start video recording with a longer press.

The control knob allows quick access to the quick menu with a short press; rotating it navigates through the menu items, and pressing it confirms the selected settings. A longer press opens the main menu. When manual focus is selected from the quick menu, the same knob can be used to adjust focus.

Finally, by pressing the photo button and the rangefinder/focus button simultaneously, it is possible to quickly activate calibration.

FIELD IMPRESSIONS

I had the opportunity to review this product in advance thanks to the collaboration of Marco Brumar Brutti of Riva & Brutti, who sent me one of the first units available in Italy. At the time of unboxing, the product was not even listed yet on the official website, upgradeyourrifle.com.

It was a real pleasure to take it out already on the first evening to evaluate the performance of this thermal monocular. The first aspect I truly appreciated was the ergonomics: the monocular is extremely light—about 350 grams with the battery installed—and only 14 cm long, which means it can easily be carried even in the pocket of an outdoor or hunting jacket.

Although the device is compact, the buttons are large enough to be easily operated even while wearing winter gloves. I was also impressed by the precision of the focusing system. For years I have used the traditional front focusing ring or, in some cases, a focusing knob, which was already an improvement, but the ability to focus using artificial intelligence is, in my opinion, a significant advantage that gives this product an edge over many competitors.

In any case, the autofocus system can be quickly disabled from the quick menu, allowing manual focusing through the control knob, which, although somewhat small, remains functional and precise. I did notice that in foggy conditions the automatic system cannot always perform perfectly, much like the infrared autofocus systems used in cameras.

Another strong point of this CONOTECH monocular is the relationship between display size and resolution. Many people may not realize how comfortable it is to observe through a display like this. To give an idea, the screen measures about 10.8 mm in width and 6 mm in height, and when viewed from approximately 15 mm, it provides a horizontal viewing angle of around 40 degrees. This is comparable to watching, from a distance of three meters, a television with a screen width of roughly 2.2 meters, equivalent to about a 95–100 inch display. This gives you an idea of how detailed the Full HD resolution appears in practical use.

Another useful feature is the ability to review photos and videos directly on the display, without having to connect the device to a computer. This is particularly convenient when observing with friends or in a group, or when simply wanting to show recorded animals to others—just let them look through the eyepiece to view the images in excellent quality.

The laser rangefinder also performed very well, proving to be extremely fast and accurate in continuous scanning mode, with a maximum measuring distance about 200 meters greater than that of many thermal monoculars currently on the market. The presence of Picture-in-Picture and Hot Track is also welcome; both functions are fast and effective in real use. The available color palettes, although not numerous compared with some competitors, are well chosen and cover all practical needs.

As usual, I preferred the black hot palette, but in certain situations I also found the others to be very effective. I was also impressed by the Eyec II image-processing algorithm, which represents an improvement over previous generations used in older thermal monoculars. This updated processing system provides noticeably better image clarity and sharpness compared with CONOTECH devices I tested even just last year.

Observations carried out in mist, fog, and light rain also confirmed the good overall performance of the system.

Regarding real operating distances, a thermal monocular equipped with a 640×512 sensor and a 35 mm objective, such as this CONOTECH, falls into a well-balanced performance category. In my field tests, under favorable environmental conditions and with good thermal contrast, heat detection was possible without difficulty at distances beyond 1500–2000 meters (approximately three pixels visible), while actual recognition—that is, the ability to reliably distinguish the species—generally ranged between 400 and 700 meters, with longer distances possible in the case of larger animals.

For more precise identification, meaning the ability to perceive details useful for evaluating the animal or its behavior, the most realistic working range is within 300–400 meters, which is also the distance at which instruments of this type provide their best performance. At around 150–180 meters, the level of detail is excellent, making it possible, for example, to distinguish clearly between a young deer lying in the grass and a roe deer.

As always, I would like to point out that these values can vary significantly depending on air humidity, fog, rain, and the actual thermal contrast between the animal and the environment—factors that often have a greater influence than the technical specifications declared by the manufacturer. Overall, however, the combination of a 640 sensor, a 35 mm objective, and a well-designed image-processing algorithm provides very convincing performance in real field observation.

It is certainly a product that I feel confident in recommending.

PROS AND CONS

Pros

• Excellent price-to-performance ratio

• AI-assisted autofocus system, highly effective in real use

• Good ergonomics and precise focusing control knob

• Second-generation image-processing algorithm, smooth, accurate, and effective

• Accurate rangefinder, both in single and continuous modes, up to about 1200 m

• Ability to view and delete photos and videos directly from the display

• Latest-generation VOx sensor

• Lightweight, affordable, and robust construction

Cons

• Few significant drawbacks in this category

• Does not offer the same long-range detail resolution as CONOTECH models with larger objectives and sensors

• In conditions of persistent fog or dense mist at medium to long distances, the autofocus system may become less effective

Ecco la traduzione in inglese, mantenendo uno stile naturale e adatto alla conclusione di una recensione.

CONCLUSION

The CONOTECH Lipot 635 LRF is a compact and modern thermal monocular that, in real-world use, stands out above all for its practicality and well-balanced overall performance. The combination of a 640×512 sensor, an updated image-processing algorithm, and an AI-assisted autofocus system delivers sharp, well-contrasted images while simplifying observation in the field.

It is a lightweight, robust, and straightforward instrument, designed more for practical effectiveness than for impressing with unnecessary features. Everything included proves genuinely useful in real use, from the fast and accurate rangefinder to the good-quality display and the ability to manage recorded photos and videos directly on the device.

The smartphone connection also proved to be stable, fast, and reliable—an aspect often underestimated but one that makes a real difference in everyday use.

Overall, considering its size, performance, and price, the Lipot 635 LRF ranks among the most interesting compact thermal monoculars currently available, especially for users looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use, and genuinely effective field instrument.

PRICE

The CONOTECH Lipot 635 LRF has a retail price of approximately €1930.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank Marco Brumar Brutti of Riva & Brutti for providing the sample used in this test in Italian preview and, as always, for allowing me to express my impartial opinions, which is the duty of every independent journalist.

Readers can purchase this monocular directly from the official website:
https://upgradeyourrifle.com/

COMPANY INFORMATION

Riva & Brutti

Headquarters: Via Casnedi, 58 – 23868 Valmadrera (LC) – Italy
Showroom: Via Pozzoli, 6 – 23900 Lecco (LC) – Italy

+39 0341 581374
+39 0341 206563
+39 349 8550737
hunting@rivaebrutti.it
https://upgradeyourrifle.com/it/

My most recent report at a firearms store in Novara gave me the opportunity to get my first hands-on experience with the Nocpix MATE H50R clip-on, which made an excellent impression on me from the very first look. Thanks to the official Italian distributor, I was able to review the device throughout the month of December, carrying out simple nighttime observations—as you will see shortly—as well as a range session to assess its optical and mechanical performance. At the time of writing, the distributor suggests a retail price of €2,999 VAT included, with the product available through the official online shop.

As always, in this article and in the accompanying video review, you will find not only detailed information about the technical specifications, but also my unbiased impressions, based on practical, real-world field testing.

THE STORY OF NOCPIX

Nocpix is a brand born from years of research and development in the field of thermal optics, dedicated to hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. The parent company collaborates with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of microbolometers—thermal sensors—and is widely recognized for its strong focus on image quality, reliability, and user experience.

The name “Nocpix” combines the words “nocturnal” and “pixel”, highlighting the brand’s mission: to bring night vision to a higher level of quality through modern technologies and high-performance thermal sensors.

With the MATE series, Nocpix set out to redefine the standards for thermal clip-on devices. By focusing on sensitivity, resolution, refresh rate, and ease of use, the brand aims to deliver modern, competitive tools for users operating in low-visibility conditions.

In short, Nocpix represents a contemporary approach to thermal imaging applied to hunting and sport shooting—built on solid technical expertise and driven by a constant ambition to evolve.

AVAILABLE MODELS

The MATE series includes the following models: MATE ULTRA S60R, MATE H50R, MATE H38R, and MATE LITE L38. As shown in the comparison table later in this article, the main differences lie in the size and resolution of the thermal sensor, ranging from 384×288 pixels, through 640×512, up to the high-performance—yet more expensive—1280×1024 sensor.

All models feature an F1.0 aperture, while the objective lenses differ in diameter—38 mm, 50 mm, and 60 mm—depending on the model, as well as in their maximum detection range.

STANDARD ACCESSORIES

I invite you to visit my Instagram page and—if you like—to follow me there: you will find a quick unboxing video showing all the accessories included in the package. The supplied kit is certainly generous and includes a remote control, three 18650 batteries, a battery charger with USB-C cable, a lens cleaning cloth, a hard carrying case with dedicated compartments for the clip-on and accessories, a multilingual quick-start guide, and a set of thermal targets useful for zeroing at the shooting range.

CONNECTION TO THE RIFLE SCOPE

I mounted the Nocpix clip-on in front of my Burris XTR PRO 5–35×56 rifle scope, which features an external objective diameter of 63.5 mm. I personally use SmartCLip series adapters—which I have already reviewed in detail, including a dedicated video—and for this reason I encountered no installation issues. The clip-on uses a standard M52 × 0.75 mounting thread.

As for the rifle platforms, I used both a Tikka T3x TAC A1 and a Savage 110 High Country, both chambered in .223 Remington. No issues were observed with recoil, especially considering that this clip-on is rated to withstand a maximum muzzle energy (E₀) of 7,000 joules when used on rifled firearms.

MANUFACTURER’S DECLARED TECHNICAL DATA

Technical specifications – Nocpix MATE H50R

MECHANICS AND FOCUSING SYSTEM

The Nocpix MATE clip-on is remarkably compact: my electronic scale measured a weight of just 470 grams, packed into dimensions of 120 × 92 × 76 mm. The black magnesium alloy housing is both lightweight and robust. Grey inserts are present, while the MATE branding appears in white, complemented by the H50R designation in red. The unit is fully waterproof and designed to withstand recoil energy of up to 7,000 joules.

Thanks to its compact size, the clip-on can be easily carried even in a jacket pocket without worrying about minor scratches, although the supplied carrying case does an excellent job of protecting the device. On the top side, there is a battery compartment with a hinged cover and safety latch, designed to house a standard 18650 rechargeable battery.

On the right side of the clip-on are the power button, menu button, and two arrow buttons for navigation. On the left side, you will find the USB-C port and the integrated laser rangefinder.

The objective lens is protected by a hinged cover attached to the housing and fitted with two raised ridges, making it easy to open even when wearing shooting or winter gloves. Although this is a clip-on device, it also features an “eyepiece mode”, which required the engineers to strike a careful balance between forward mounting, low weight, and acceptable ergonomics for handheld use.

I can confirm that I found it very comfortable even during simple observation tasks, despite it not being as ergonomic as a dedicated Nocpix monocular. The buttons are easy to operate even with winter gloves, and it is always possible to rely on the small remote control. The focusing ring is also sufficiently large and precise to be adjusted comfortably while wearing gloves.

OBJECTIVE LENS

As indicated by its designation, the MATE H50R is equipped with a 50 mm germanium objective lens featuring an F/1.0 aperture, one of the brightest configurations currently available on the market. When paired with the thermal sensor, it delivers a field of view of 8.6 × 6.6°, corresponding to a linear field of view of 15 × 11.5 meters at 100 meters.

EYEPIECE

The MATE H50R features a very large eyepiece field lens, measuring 35 mm in diameter, which greatly facilitates comfortable viewing. Readers should note that the MATE H50R can be used both as a clip-on device and as a handheld monocular by activating the appropriate functions via the menu. The eye relief is rated at 20 mm.

DISPLAY

The device is equipped with a modern 1920 × 1080 AMOLED display featuring a 60 Hz refresh rate, delivering very sharp and highly detailed images. Thanks to an advanced software feature known as “Magic Zoom”, on-screen icons automatically scale according to the magnification of the rifle scope, effectively eliminating the issue of disappearing or unreadable symbols that affected early thermal clip-on solutions.

SENSOR

This model is equipped with an uncooled vanadium oxide (VOx) thermal sensor with a resolution of 640 × 512 pixels, a 12 μm pixel pitch, a NETD below 15 mK, and a 60 Hz refresh rate. In real-world use, the system rarely exhibited image lag or trailing, even during very fast panning movements.

In combination with this sensor, the MATE H50R is capable of detecting a standard 1.7 × 0.5 m target at distances of up to 2,600 meters.

LASER RANGEFINDER AND MEASUREMENT MODES

The integrated laser rangefinder of the MATE H50R can be used in single or continuous measurement modes. In the first case, a short press of the dedicated button provides a single distance reading (SGL), while a long press activates continuous measurement (CONT), which is particularly useful when tracking moving targets. It is worth noting that ballistic calculation is disabled during continuous measurements, preventing inaccurate readings.

The color and brightness of the rangefinder reticle can be adjusted, allowing the display to be tailored to different lighting conditions and personal preferences.

The compact laser rangefinder, integrated into the housing, is Class 1 eye-safe and has a maximum range of 1,200 meters, with an accuracy of approximately ±1 meter. As will be discussed in the practical observation section, it proved to be very precise, aided by its position close to the objective’s optical axis. Within the LRF option of the main menu, the function can be enabled or disabled as required.

POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM

The MATE H50R is powered by a standard rechargeable 18650 battery. The manufacturer states a runtime of approximately four hours at 22 °C. During the month of November, I conducted three outings lasting just over one hour each, for a total of approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes—an excellent result considering the late-autumn evening temperatures.

The battery compartment opens quickly and can be operated even while wearing winter gloves. With the two additional batteries supplied, overall autonomy is more than sufficient for extended sessions. Batteries can be recharged using a standard 5 V USB-C power supply.

MEMORY

The integrated memory capacity is 64 GB, higher than that offered by most competitors. After reviewing the recorded footage, I can confirm that a video of approximately 30 seconds occupies a relatively small amount of storage, while a single photo typically requires only a few megabytes. This allows for the storage of hundreds of videos and thousands of images, all of which can be easily transferred to a PC via USB-C cable or through the Nocpix application.

APPLICATION

The menu of the Nocpix MATE H50R is intuitively structured and provides a comprehensive set of icons that allow the user to monitor and manage every device setting. Among these is the Ultra-Clear mode indicator, which shows whether advanced image processing is active, as well as the Wi-Fi indicator, useful for quickly checking whether the wireless module is enabled and ready to connect to the dedicated app.

A dedicated calibration panel is also available, informing the user of the currently selected calibration type—automatic, manual, or background shutter-based. An icon related to the RAV function is present as well, indicating whether recoil-activated video recording is enabled.

Additional icons provide more practical information, such as the current time, battery status, and a symbol that appears when the remote control is connected. Particularly useful is the indication of the zeroing profile, which can include both the zeroing distance and a custom name (configurable via the app), allowing multiple rifles or configurations to be managed without confusion.

When both the accessory and the device are connected, the Magic Zoom icon also appears, while two dedicated indicators display horizontal and vertical inclination, valuable information especially during more technical shooting sessions.

ZEROING

When the MATE H50R is used as a clip-on in front of a rifle scope, the optical axis of the thermal device may not be perfectly aligned with the traditional reticle. In such cases, the zeroing function becomes essential to synchronize the two systems and achieve precise correspondence between the point of aim and point of impact.

Before proceeding, it is crucial that the rifle scope has already been correctly zeroed. Once the MATE is mounted in front of the optic—following the recommended installation procedure—the user can select one of the eight available memory profiles, which are particularly useful for managing different rifles or setups.

The device then allows the selection of a zeroing distance, set by default at 100 meters but freely adjustable. Using the integrated laser rangefinder, the measured distance can also be imported automatically, making the entire process significantly faster.

Once on target, if the point of impact does not coincide with the reticle center, the image freeze mode can be used. This function allows the thermal image to be shifted up, down, or sideways. The direction is selected via the menu, while the buttons enable either fine or coarse adjustments depending on whether they are pressed briefly or held down.

Once precise alignment between the shot group and the reticle is achieved, a long press of the Menu button saves the adjustment and exits the zeroing interface. A second confirmation shot is recommended to verify perfect alignment; if necessary, the procedure can be repeated within seconds.

MAGIC ZOOM

One of the most interesting features of the MATE series is the Magic Zoom system, an accessory designed to work in synergy with the daytime optic and offering two clear advantages. On the one hand, it ensures that the device interface remains visible at all times when changing the scope’s magnification; on the other, it automatically optimizes image quality at higher zoom levels by leveraging R+ image processing to preserve sharpness and detail.

The setup procedure is straightforward: after mounting the MATE in front of the daytime optic and installing the Magic Zoom module on the magnification ring, simply insert the battery and power on both devices. By holding down the Magic Zoom power button, pairing mode is initiated, and a sequence of short presses places the module into connection mode. Within a few seconds, the appearance of the dedicated icon in the corner of the display confirms successful pairing. A short press of the module’s button also allows the user to check the battery status via a simple color-coded indicator.

To achieve maximum accuracy, Magic Zoom requires a brief initial calibration, which can be activated from the MATE’s main menu. The system guides the user step by step: after confirming the start of the procedure, it is sufficient to keep the rifle within a moderate tilt range and follow the on-screen instructions.

The calibration process involves progressively setting the rifle scope to 3×, 6×, and 9× magnification (or the closest available values), confirming each step using the Menu button. Once the sequence is completed, the MATE confirms that the module is correctly calibrated and ready for use. Since my Burris scope has a minimum magnification of 5×, I necessarily started the calibration at 6×.

From a practical standpoint, the calibration remains valid even after replacing the Magic Zoom battery. It only needs to be repeated if the accessory is removed from the optic, as its mechanical alignment would then change. The package includes a protective case that also functions as a charger, housing two Magic Zoom modules so that you are never left without power, as well as an excellent remote control. The latter is perfectly suited for both nighttime use and range sessions, featuring large, tactile buttons that are easy to identify by feel and offer very reliable operation.

COMPATIBILITY WITH RIFLE SCOPES

To ensure the best possible compatibility with different daytime rifle scopes—each with its own magnification ranges and fields of view—the MATE H50R offers four different user interface levels. This allows the display to be quickly adapted to the reticle and visual characteristics of the mounted optic. Selection is immediate: a short press of the Down button cycles through the available levels until the one best suited to the specific setup is found.

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MENU SETTINGS

Quick Menu Settings

The Quick Menu of the MATE H50R allows rapid access to the main adjustments in just a few seconds. It is opened with a short press of the Menu button and enables navigation through the various icons using the Up and Down buttons. Each selected item is highlighted, and the menu closes automatically after a few seconds of inactivity or manually with a long press of the Menu button.

The available options include:

Color Mode
Provides several thermal color palettes such as White Hot, Black Hot, Red Hot, and other more specialized variants. This function is available only on the H38R, H50R, and S60R models.

Display Brightness
Adjustable across six levels, allowing the display to be adapted to ambient lighting conditions. The mid-level setting generally offers a good balance between visibility and visual comfort.

Image Contrast
Contrast can also be set across six steps. A medium value typically delivers a detailed image without sacrificing natural appearance.

Sharpness
This adjustment affects edge definition and the perception of fine details. It is available in six levels, with a mid-range setting usually recommended.

Ultra-Clear Mode
A function designed to improve image readability in challenging weather conditions such as rain, humidity, or fog. It can be quickly enabled or disabled directly from the Quick Menu.

Image Tone
Allows the user to choose between a “cool” tone, offering higher contrast and a more incisive image, or a “warm” tone, which is softer and less fatiguing during prolonged observation.

Preset Distance for Ballistic Calculation
Useful when the integrated laser rangefinder cannot operate optimally—for example under very adverse weather conditions. It allows a fixed distance (typically 200–300 m) to be set in order to continue using ballistic calculations. The function can be disabled by selecting OFF.

WI-FI CONNECTIVITY AND NOCPIX APP

The Nocpix MATE H50R offers full Wi-Fi management, making device control via smartphone significantly easier. Once the function is activated from the menu, the Mate generates a dedicated wireless network, typically identified by the name MATE H50R_XXXXXXX. After connecting the smartphone—using the default password, which can be easily changed—the NOCPIX app can be used to manage settings, access the live view, and configure both the network name and password.
The entire system is designed to be straightforward and reliable: any changes are applied after a reboot, helping to prevent errors or unstable connections.

N-LINK: INTERCONNECTION AND SHARED TELEMETRY

One particularly interesting feature of the MATE H50R is N-LINK technology, which allows the device to be connected to other NOCPIX products in order to share ranging data. This means that even if one of the paired devices does not have an integrated laser rangefinder, it can still benefit from distance measurements—and, when available, ballistic calculations—provided by the other unit.
Pairing is simple: activate N-LINK, select the desired device from the list, and confirm. Once connected, data sharing takes place in real time.

AUTOMATIC BALLISTIC CALCULATION

The MATE H50R also integrates a highly intuitive ballistic calculation system. The user can choose whether to display the point-of-impact offset or allow the device to automatically adjust the zeroing distance based on laser rangefinder measurements.
In practical terms, the system can virtually “shift” the aiming point to maintain correct alignment at varying distances, without requiring the shooter to interpret holdover scales or reticle references on the daytime optic. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, a manual mode is also available, allowing corrections to be applied according to personal ballistic tables.

RAV AND VIDEO MANAGEMENT

The RAV (Recoil Activated Video) function is extremely useful for documenting shooting sessions, as it automatically starts recording at the moment of the shot. The Mate stores 10 seconds before and 20 seconds after recoil, ensuring that no critical detail is missed.
In addition to the main video file, a slow-motion version is also generated, ideal for analyzing projectile behavior or target reaction. Recoil sensitivity can be adjusted across six levels, making the system suitable for both light calibers and more powerful rifles.

PIXEL CORRECTION AND CALIBRATION

Like all thermal devices, the Mate may develop a few defective pixels over time. The automatic pixel correction function resolves most issues within seconds, while a manual mode is also available to select and remove persistent pixel defects.
For image calibration, three modes are provided: automatic, manual, and background (the latter requiring the objective cover to be closed), allowing the user to adapt the system to personal preferences and environmental conditions.

FILE MANAGEMENT AND MICROPHONE

The internal Gallery organizes photos and videos by date, making recorded content easy to browse and retrieve. The microphone can be enabled or disabled from the menu: when turned off, videos are recorded without audio—an appreciated feature for users who prioritize maximum discretion.

CLIP-ON AND MONOCULAR MODES

From the settings menu, the Mate can be quickly switched between clip-on mode and monocular mode. By default, the device powers on in clip-on mode, and it is important to verify that the correct mode is selected before mounting it in front of a daytime scope, in order to avoid display or alignment issues.

POWER SAVING AND MOTION SENSOR

The MATE H50R also features an intelligent standby mode: when the device is tilted beyond a certain angle, it automatically enters power-saving mode and reactivates as soon as it is realigned. This function helps extend battery life, especially during long night sessions.
A motion sensor can also be enabled, displaying horizontal and vertical reference lines to indicate optic inclination.

OTHER ADVANCED SETTINGS

A wide range of additional options completes the feature set, including date and time settings, system language selection (with a broad choice of languages), measurement units, color palette customization, firmware updates via file or app, factory reset, and access to system information. Everything is designed to give the user full control while maintaining a clear and intuitive interface.

FIRMWARE UPDATES AND APP INTEGRATION

One of the strengths of the Mate series lies in firmware management. Nocpix has made the update process as simple as possible, allowing the device to communicate directly with smartphones and tablets via Wi-Fi. In addition to real-time viewing, the NOCPIX app also acts as a control hub to keep the MATE H50R fully up to date.

The app automatically checks for new firmware versions and, when available, installs them without the need to connect the device to a computer. This ensures that users always benefit from improvements in performance, stability, and software features released by the manufacturer.

For those who prefer a manual approach, Nocpix also provides firmware packages on the official website, allowing updates to be installed directly through the device’s internal menu.

SHOOTING RANGE TEST

The shooting range test was conducted at TAV La Montagnola, located in the municipality of Maccagno con Pino e Veddasca, at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters above sea level. This is a typical mountain range facility, with firing angles ranging between 5° and 15°, depending on target distance. On the day of testing, the external temperature was 4 °C, with 8 km/h wind and 35% humidity.

As anticipated, the test was carried out in two phases. The first verified the precise zeroing of the Burris XTR PRO rifle scope; the second focused on installing the clip-on using the SMARTCLIP adapter supplied by Barbuio gun shop, which has collaborated with Maremmano for many years.

I am very familiar with these adapters, which—as mentioned earlier—are reviewed in detail elsewhere on this website. They are known for their excellent retention, high mechanical quality, and refined finish, which allows them to look virtually “as new” even after hours of use.

The live-fire test was conducted using the thermal targets supplied by Maremmano. I can honestly state that the image quality observed through the Burris eyepiece was so high that I was able to clearly distinguish the target positioned at 100 meters without any difficulty.

I fired an initial cold-bore shot to verify the consistency of the point of impact compared to that obtained using the daytime scope alone. Since I did not observe any significant deviation with this specific unit, I then proceeded to shoot a standard group, paying particular attention to shooting position and trigger control. This was especially important given that I had been stationary for nearly four hours, at +4 °C, under conditions that were far from ideal.

Afterwards, I removed the clip-on, reinstalled it, and repeated the test twice consecutively. The results can be seen in the image shown below. While it is practically impossible to define these outcomes in purely mathematical terms—since they are influenced by multiple variables—I can confidently state that this represents the best group I have ever shot since I began testing products of this kind.

The excellent results are the outcome of a perfect combination of factors: the structural rigidity of the clip-on, the effectiveness of the SmartCLip adapter, the optical quality of the rifle scope, and the overall consistency of the Tikka rifle.

I believe that, although this was not a true hunting test—where additional variables come into play and shots are often taken more quickly and instinctively—it nevertheless allowed for a clear verification of the clip-on’s excellent mechanical precision, as well as its high image quality even in daylight conditions. The target was placed in a rocky environment, with no obvious thermal contrasts except for the small thermal patch used for the test.

The Magic Zoom system also proved to be highly effective, finally allowing on-screen icons and framing to scale correctly according to the magnification set on the rifle scope. Until a few years ago, thermal clip-ons were used almost exclusively with low-magnification driven-hunt optics; in this case, however, I was able to use it successfully even on a long-range rifle scope. This strongly suggests very good potential performance in tactical and military applications as well.

PROS AND CONS

Pros

The Nocpix MATE H50R stands out first and foremost for its light weight, a factor often overlooked in thermal clip-ons but essential for maintaining proper rifle balance. When mounted at the muzzle, it does not significantly alter the rifle’s stability—an especially valuable characteristic during extended sessions or selective hunting outings.

Mechanical precision is also highly convincing. During the shooting range test, using a .223 Remington rifle, the system demonstrated consistent correspondence between point of aim and point of impact, indicating a well-designed optical interface that does not introduce dispersion. Although I did not have the opportunity to test it with larger calibers such as the classic .308 Winchester or .300 Magnum, nothing observed during testing suggested potential issues, especially considering the device’s evident robustness.

Image quality is excellent, thanks to a sensitive sensor and image processing that makes effective use of Ultra-Clear mode and R+ technology. Magic Zoom, one of the most original solutions in the Mate series, ensures that the interface remains fully readable even when changing the magnification of the daytime optic, resulting in a truly smooth user experience.

Also worth highlighting are the extremely comprehensive standard accessories, effective app-based management, the availability of multiple zeroing memory profiles, and the presence of an integrated laser rangefinder with automatic ballistic calculation—features that are often found only on significantly more expensive products. In my opinion, the price-to-performance ratio is excellent.

Cons

Despite the overall high standard, the MATE H50R does present a few aspects that could be improved. The interface, while comprehensive, may initially feel somewhat dense, with numerous entries and submenus requiring a short familiarization period before the device can be used to its full potential.
Magic Zoom, although a very useful accessory, also requires a bit of care during both installation and calibration. These steps must be performed accurately in order to extract the best possible performance from the system.

IN SUMMARY

The Nocpix MATE series once again confirms its excellence with a clip-on that successfully combines innovation, precision, and practicality. Essential features and intelligent additions—such as Magic Zoom—deliver a superior user experience, preventing interface elements from disappearing and preserving image quality even while adjusting magnification.

The MATE H50R stands out for its versatility: it can be used either as a high-quality observation device at medium and long distances, or as a reliable, lightweight, and mechanically precise clip-on. All of this comes at a competitive price, making it an ideal choice both for users seeking professional-grade performance and for shooting and hunting enthusiasts looking for an intuitive, robust device with excellent visual output.

PRICE AND WARRANTY

As of December 2025, the MATE H50R clip-on is priced at €2,999 and is covered by a two-year warranty. It can be purchased directly through the official distributor Maremmano, via the link provided on their website.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Maremmano for providing the unit used in this test and for allowing me complete freedom to share my practical, hands-on impressions in the field.