HIKMICRO's X-1280 STELLAR 4.0: specs promise clarity, testing still needed

HIKMICRO has rolled out its STELLAR 4.0 thermal riflescope range, led by the flagship X-1280 SX75LR 4.0, with a stated focus on helping experienced hunters interpret what they're seeing rather than just detect heat.

Snapshot

Covered by Shooting UK, the STELLAR 4.0 line pairs a 1280-resolution flagship with a 640-resolution model and pushes base magnification higher across the board. The piece frames the update around readability at distance and under magnification, rather than raw detection range, with HIKMICRO positioning the tech as support for a hunter's judgement rather than a replacement for it.

Key points

• Sensor and clarity: the SX75L(R) 4.0 uses a 1280 x 1024 detector with 12mK NETD, paired with IMAGE PRO 4.0 processing to improve fine detail at range, according to Shooting UK.
• Higher base magnification: the SX75L(R) 4.0 models move from 2.5x to 3.0x base magnification, while the SQ50L(R) 4.0 models offer 3.5x, per the source.
• Integrated rangefinder: the LRF-Inside Lens design, exclusive to SX75L(R) 4.0 models, builds laser ranging into the optical path while keeping a traditional tube-scope profile; the rangefinder reads out to 1,200 metres with a 1.3cm click value at 100 metres.
• Viewing comfort: the article notes a 1.03in AMOLED display, 8mm exit pupil and 55mm eye relief, intended to give more flexibility in awkward shooting positions.
• Steady image feed: HIKMICRO's Shutterless Imaging System and SYNC PRO are said to cut calibration freezing and lag, keeping the feed responsive as a scene changes.

Quick take

This reads as a manufacturer-driven launch piece light on independent testing or side-by-side figures, so take the specs as HIKMICRO's own claims for now. The base magnification bump and integrated rangefinder are the details worth watching for anyone shopping this segment, but a hands-on comparison against existing thermal scopes would tell you a lot more than the press framing does.

Read the full story: shootinguk.co.uk