Home Optics & Mounts Night Vision The mounting of NV & thermal riflescope clip-ons (outer objective diameter chart)

The mounting of NV & thermal riflescope clip-ons (outer objective diameter chart)

Introduction

The use of night vision and thermal technology for hunting purposes is on the rise. During the day, most of the wild animals remain in the forest, hidden from the human eye. They come out at dawn or at night to graze in the meadows. Under these circumstances, a standard day riflescope is not of much use. A night vision or thermal device, on the other hand, opens a whole new world for the hunter. Such devices have also proved to be useful in preventing the spread of African swine fever – with this deadly disease on the rise, it is of crucial importance to reduce the population of wild boars to a level where the probability of it spreading is greatly reduced.Pulsar F455 digital night vision clip-on mounted on a riflescope

Pulsar F455 digital night vision clip-on mounted on a riflescope

The manufacturers produce monoculars, binoculars, riflescopes, and riflescope clip-ons of this type. In certain countries, the use of night vision and thermal riflescopes for hunting purposes is prohibited. The manufacturers thus offer clip-ons, the use of which is not as controversial and legal in many places. Furthermore, the clip-ons are the most universal category as they can often be used as a monocular as well. Before purchasing a night vision or thermal device, check whether it is legal to use it for hunting purposes in your country/hunting ground.Pulsar F455 digital night vision clip-on mounted on a Swarovski riflescope

Pulsar F455 digital night vision clip-on mounted on a Swarovski riflescope

There are several important factors that one must pay attention to before buying an adapter to link night vision or thermal clip-on with a riflescope.

Firstly, the riflescope must not have a parallax adjustment ring on the objective as there is not enough mounting surface for a clip-on adapter on such riflescopes. https://www.youtube.com/embed/MFojW9TiSSs?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-GB&autohide=2&start=67&wmode=transparent

Secondly, the riflescope’s lowest magnification power must not exceed 8x as the field of view is too narrow when the devices are paired. Furthermore, it is impossible to see all the information on the display of the clip-on. https://www.youtube.com/embed/VhNIEKxlCJQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-GB&autohide=2&start=1&wmode=transparent

To mount a clip-on on a riflescope, it is important to know the outer objective diameter of the riflescope, not the diameter of the objective lens. One cannot automatically make out the outer objective diameter based on diameter of the objective lens. For example, if the diameter of the objective lens of a riflescope is 50 mm, the outer objective diameter can be anywhere from 56 to 60 mm. The same goes for riflescopes with an objective lens that measures 56 mm in diameter – the outer objective diameter can be anywhere from 62 to 66 mm, etc. The adapters are designed for both NV and thermal clip-ons made by various manufacturers – make sure the purchase the appropriate one.Outer objective diameter comparison

These riflescopes all have a 56mm objective lens but a different outer objective diameter. Zeiss Conquest V6 2.5-15×56 has an outer objective diameter of 62 mm (left), Athlon Helos 8-34×56 has an objective diameter of 63.5 mm (middle), Vortex Razor HD GEN II 4.5-27×56 has an objective diameter of 65 mm (right).

Our customers still mix up the terms ‘objective lens diameter’ and ‘outer objective diameter’. With this article, we aim to put the confusion to an end. Instead of having to use the measuring tool, the customers simply find their riflescope and the corresponding outer objective diameter in the chart, saving time and avoiding a potential measurement error.The outer objective diameter of a riflescope measured with a measuring tool

The outer objective diameter of a riflescope measured with a measuring tool

Adapter numbers

Each adapter has a number next to its name. Pulsar is the only adapter manufacturer where the number corresponds to the diameter of the riflescope’s objective lens (Pulsar FN cover ring adapter marked ‘56’ is thus suitable for riflescopes with an outer objective diameter of around 60–65 mm). All other adapter manufacturers provide numbers that correspond to the outer objective diameter of the riflescope (a Smartclip adapter marked with ‘56’, for example, can be paired with riflescopes that have an outer objective diameter of 56 mm).Rusan Q-R adapter for devices with thread M52x0.75 (fits directly on Dipol, Dedal, and some other NV and thermal devices)

Rusan Q-R adapter for devices with thread M52x0.75 (fits directly on Dedal, Jahnke, and some other NV and thermal devices)

Some values of the outer objective diameters are often referred to as standard because they are used by so many riflescope manufacturers. The most commonly used diameters are:

  • 48 mm,
  • 56 mm
  • 62 mm.

Pulsar FN adapter with included plastic inserts for Pulsar F455 (this adapter is suitable for riflescopes with an objective diameter anywhere from 60 to 65 mm)

Pulsar FN adapter with included plastic inserts for Pulsar F455 (this adapter is suitable for riflescopes with an objective diameter anywhere from 60 to 65 mm)Rusan one-piece adapter for Pulsar F455 (designed for an objective diameter of 56 mm)

Rusan one-piece adapter for Pulsar F455 (designed for an objective diameter of 56 mm)Rusan two-piece adapter for Pulsar F455 (designed for an objective diameter of 56 mm)

Rusan two-piece adapter for Pulsar F455 (adapter for Dedal, Jahnke, etc. + Reduction ring for F455), designed for an objective diameter of 56 mm)Smartclip one-piece adapter for Pulsar F455 (designed for an objective diameter of 56 mm)

Smartclip one-piece adapter for Pulsar F455 (designed for an objective diameter of 56 mm)Smartclip two-piece adapter for Pulsar F455 (designed for an objective diameter of 56 mm)

Smartclip two-piece adapter for Pulsar F455 (Smartclip adapter ‘A’ + PF4 converter for Pulsar Forward), designed for an objective diameter of 56 mm

Riflescopes’ outer objective diameters chart

Below, the riflescope manufacturing companies are arranged alphabetically. Under each brand section, the riflescope series are listed, followed by models with corresponding objective diameters. Please note that not all manufacturers are listed – this is an ongoing project, and as soon as we receive information on models missing from this chart, we will add them.

We encourage you, our readers, to provide us with the outer objective diameters of riflescopes missing from the chart. You can send the value(s) to andraz.gradisnik@optics-trade.com and they will be added. Also, we kindly ask you to notify us if you spot a mistake and contact us in case you have any questions regarding the topic. Thank you in advance.

CompanySeriesModelOuter objective diameter (⌀ -mm)
AthlonNeos3-9×4048
4-12×40
6-18×4451
Talos3-12×4048
4-16×40
6-24×5056
Talos BTR1-4×2430
4-14×4446
Helos BTR1-4.5×2430
6-24×5056
8-34×5663.5
Argos BTR Gen II1-8×2430
6-24×5056
8-34×5663.5
10-40×56
Cronus BTR1-6×2430
4.5-29×5666
Ares BTR2.5-15×5057
4.5-27×50
Ares ETR4.5-30×5663.5
Midas BTR1-6×2430
2.5-15×5058.4
4.5-27×50
Midas TAC4-16×4451
6-24×5057
5-25×5663.5
Midas HMR2.5-15×5058.4
Bering OpticsHunting1-4×2430
1.5-6×4251
2.5-10×5060
6-24×50
3-12×5666
BlaserInfinity1-7×2836
2.8-20×5056
4-20×5865
BurrisVeracity2-10×4250
3-15×5058
4-20×50
5-25×5059
Droptine3-9×4048
3-9×5057
MSR3-9×4048
Fullfield1-4×2430
2-7×3541
3-9×4048
Fullfield II2-7×3541
3-9×4046
XTR II1-5×2430
1-8×2434
2-10×4250
3-15×5058
4-20×50
5-25×50
8-40×50
XTR III3.3-18×5058
5.5-30×5663.5
SkullTac1-4×2430
RT-61-6×2430
MTAC1-4×2430
1.5-6×4246
Predator Quest4.5-14×4252
Delta OpticalClassic3-9×4048
3-12×4251
3-12×5665
Titanium HD1-6×2430
4-24×5058
2.5-10×50 HD
2.5-15×50 HD
2.5-15×56 HD65
Titanium1-5.8×2430
4.5-30×5058
2.5-10×5662
Stryker HD5-50×5665
4.5-30×56
DD OpticsNachtfalke II2.5-10×5665
Nachtfalke III1-6×2430
1.5-6×4250
5-30×50 Hunting56
2.5-15×5058
5-30×50 Tactical
2.5-10×5665
Nachtfalke FX2.5-15×5665
V65-30×56 FFP65
Discovery OpticsHD3-18×5057
4-20×5058
HS4-14×4458
HI5-20×5058
VT-23-12×4452
VT-T4.5-18×4452
VT-Z6-24×4047
Element OpticsTitan5-25×5664.5
Nexus5-20×5059
FalkeTactical1-6×2432
4-16×4452
8.5-25×5059
10-40×5664
Hunt3-12×5664
Pro5-30×5664
GecoStandard3-9×4047
3-9×4250
4-12×42
Gold1-6×2430
1-8×24
2.5-15×5058
4-12×5060
2.5-15×5665
Black1-8×2434
GPOPassion 3x3-9×4048
3-9×4250
4-12×42
4-12×5060
Passion 4x6-24×5058
3-12×5668
Passion 5x1-5×2430
Passion 6x1-6×2430
2.5-15×5058
2.5-15×5665
Passion 8x1-8×2430
1-8×24 Tactical34
HawkeVantage1-4×2430
2-7×3239
4×32
3-9×4047
3-9×4249
3-12×4451
4-16×44
6-24×44
1.5-6×44
3-9×5057
4-12×50
2.5-10×50
4-16×50
6-24×50
3-12×5664
Frontier1-6×2430
1-6×24 Tactical
3-15×4451
4-20×44
5-25×5057
4-24×50
3-15×50
4-20×50
2.5-15×5058
5-30×5664
5-25×56
Endurance1-4×2430
1.5-6×4451
2.5-10×5057
4-16×50
6-24×50
3-12×5664
Sidewinder6.5-20×4248
8.5-25×42
4-16×5056
6-24×5664
8-32×56
8-40×56
10-50×6068
HensoldtZF3-12×5662
4-16×56
6-24×56
3.5-26×56
6-24×7280
IORTactical1-10×2636
1.5-8×2635
1x/4×32
1x/6×30
2-12×3644
6×4247
10×4248
16×42
2.5-10×4249
3-18×42
9-36×4450
4-28×5058
3.5-18×50
4-14×50
6-24×50
10×5664
5.8-40×5666
9-36×56
12-52×56
16×56
Hunting1x/6×3035
1x/4×32
1.5-8×3037
4×3238
6×4248
6-24×5060
4-16×50
10×5663
2.5-10×5666
4-14×56
BDC1.5-8×2635
6×30
2-12×3644
Competition9-36×4450
36×4249
KahlesHelia1-5x24i30
2-10x50i56
3.5-18x50i
2.4-12x56i62
Helia 34-12×4450
3-10×5056
KK16i 1-6×2430
K18i 1-7×24 SFP34
K312i 3-12×5057
K318i 3.5-18×50
K624i 6-24×5662
K1050 10-50×56
K525i 5-25×56
KapsClassic1-4×2230
4×3640
6×4248
2-9×42
2.5-10×5057
8×5662
Tactical2.5-10×5057
10×50
8×5662
10×56
2.5-10×56
Illuminated8×5662
2.5-10×56
TLB1-4×2430
1.5-6×4248
3-12×5663
Kite OpticsK41-4×2430
3-12×5057
K61-6×2430
1.6-10×4250
2-12×5058
2.5-15×5665
KSP1-6×2430
1.6-10×4250
2-12×5058
2.5-15×5662
LeicaMagnus1-6.3x24i30
1.5-10x42i50
1.8-12x50i57
2.4-16x56i62
Amplus1-6x24i30
2.5-15x50i58
2.5-15x56i65
Visus1-4×2430
2.5-10×42 i50
3-12×50 i57
PRS5-30x56i65
Fortis1-6×2430
2-12×5057
2.5-15×5662
LeupoldVX-3i1.5-5×20 25.4
2.5-8×3641
3.5-10×4046
4.5-14×40
3.5-10×5058.4
4.5-14×50
VXI-3i LRP6.5-20×5058.4
8.5-25×50
VX-5HD1-5×2430
2-10×4251
3-15×4453
4-20×5261
7-35×56
3-15×5665
VX-6HD1-6×2430
2-12×4251
3-18×4453
3-18×5058.4
4-24×5260
VX-4.5HD4×24
1-4.5×2430
VX-R1.25-4×20 30.5
2-7×3341
3-9×4046
4-12×40
3-9×5058.4
4-12×50
VX-R Patrol1.25-4×2030
3-9×4047
VX-Freedom1.5-4×20 25.4
2-7×3340
3-9×4047
4-12×40
6-18×40
3-9×5058.4
VX-Freedom AR1.5-4×20 25.4
3-9×4047
Mark AR1.5-4×20 25.4
3-9×40 46
Rifleman3-9×40
4-12×40
3-9×5058.4
Competition45×4556
FX-36×4248
Mark 41.5-5×20 25.4
Mark 5HD3.6-18×4453
7-35×5663.5
5-25×5665
Mark 61-6×2033
3-18×4453
Mark 81.1-8×2436
3.5-25×5669
MarchX10-60×5664
8-80×56
5-50×56
Standard5-32×5260
10-60×52
FX5-42×5664
5-50×56
Compact1-4×2433
1-4.5×24
1-10×24
2.5-25×4251
2.5-25×5260
Benchrest48×5260
40-60×52
F1-8×2433
3-24×4251
3-24×5260
Genesis4-40×5260
6-60×5664
MeoptaMeoPro Optika61-6×2430
2.5-15×4451
3-18×5058
4.5-27×50
3-18×5664
5-30×56
MeoPro6×4249
3.5-10×4451
4.5-14×4450
4.5-14×5056
6.5-20×50
4-12×5057
6-18×50
3-9×50
Meostar R11-4×2230
1.5-6×4250
3-10×5057
3-12×5662
7×56
Meostar R21-6×2430
1.7-10×4249
2-12×5057
2.5-15×5662
8×56
ZD1-4×2230
6-24×5662
MeoTac3-12×5058
MinoxZX5i + ZX51-5×2430
2-10x50i57
3-15×5662
5-25×56
Ze 5i1-5×2430
2-10×5057
3-15×5662
5-25×56
ZP53-15×5057
5-25×5662
ZP81-8×2434
NightforceSHV3-10×4250
4-14×5059
4-14×5665
5-20×56
NXS2.5-10×4250
3.5-15×5059
5.5-22×50
5.5-22×5665
8-32×56
NX81-8×2430
2.5-20×5059
4-32×50
Competition15-55×5261
ATACR1-8×2434
4-16×4250
4-16×5059
5-25×5665
7-35×56
NikonProstaff P32-7×3241
4-12×4049
3-9×5060
Prostaff P52.5-10×4250
3-12×42
4-16×42
4-16×5060
6-24×50
Monarch 71-4×2430
1.5-6×4249
2.6-10×5057
3-12×5663.5
NoblexN61-6×2430
2-12×5056
2.5-15×5662
N6 ED2-12×5056
2.5-15×5662
Vector1-6×2430
2.5-15×5057
5-30×5665
6-24×5868
N4 Vario2.5-10×5056
3-12×5662
Classic8×5662
3-12×56
Basic3-12×5662
N51.2-6×2430
2.4-12×5056
3-15×5662
NZ6 Inception1-6×2430
2-12×5056
3-18×5663
5-30×56
RevicPMR4.5-28×5665
RitonX1 Conquer6-24×5057
X7 Conquer1-8×2834
4-32×5666
Schmidt & BenderKlassik6×4250
10×42
3-12×42
7×5057
3-12×50
4-16×50
8×5662
2.5-10×56
Klassik Hungaria1.25-4×2430
6×4250
3-12×5057
8×5662
2.5-10×56
Exos1-8×2430
3-21×5057
PM II3-12×5057
3-20×50
4-16×50
10×4250
4-16×42
12-50×5662
5-25×56
PM II High Power1.1-8×2430
3-27×5662
5-45×56
PM II Ultra Bright3-12×5461
4-16×5662
PM Short Dot1.1-4×2030
1.5-6×20
PM II Short Dot1-8×24 CC30
1-8×24 Dual CC
1.5-8×2634
PM II Ultra Short3-20×5057
5-20×50
Polar T962.5-10×5057
3-12×5461
4-16×5662
Stratos1.1-5×2430
1.5-8×4250
2.5-13×5662
Zenith1.1-4×2430
1.5-6×4250
3-12×5057
2.5-10×5662
Field Target12.5-50×5662
Summit2.5-10×4048
SightronS-TAC1-7×2430
2-10×3238
3-16×4251
4-20×5058.4
4-20×50 FFP
2.5-17.5×5665
SIH Hunting1.75-4×3238
3-9×32
3-9×4048
3.5-10×5058.4
SIII10×4251
3.5-10×4453
45×45
6-24×5058.4
8-32×5666
10-50×6069
SV4.5-24×5663.5
10-50×6069
SightmarkLatitude6.5-25×5661
10-40×6065
8-32×60
Sig SauerWhiskey32-7×3239
3-9×4047
4-12×40
4-12×5058
Sierra3 BDX3.5-10×4250
4.5-14×4453
4.5-14×5058.4
6.5-20×5260
Tango41-4×2430
4-16×4451
6-24×5057
Whiskey52-10×4250
3-15×4453
3-15×5260
5-25×52
2.4-12×5665
Tango61-6×2430
3-18×4452
4-24×5057
5-30×5665
SteinerRanger1-4×2430
2-8×4251
2.5-10×5058
3-12×5663.5
4-16×56
Ranger 41-4×2430
2.5-10×5057.5
3-12×5664
Ranger 61-6×2430
3-18×5663.5
M5Xi3-15×5056
5-25×5662
M7Xi4-24×5662
M8Xi1-8×2434
SwampfoxArrowhead1-6×2430
1-10×24
Patriot4-16×4451.5
6-24×5057.5
Tomahawk1-4×2430
1-6×24
1-8×24
SwarovskiZ8i0.75-6×2030
1-8×24
1.7-13.3×4248
3.5-28×5056
2-16×50
2.3-18×5662
Z6i1-6×24 Gen II30
1.7-10×4248
2-12×5056
2.5-15×5662
X53.5-18×5056
5-25×5662
dS5-25×5265
Tangent ThetaTT315M3-15×5057
TT315P3-15×50
TT525P5-25×5665
US OpticsTS1-6×2430
1-8×2430
5-25×5058
B-173.2-17×5058
VanguardEndeavor RS2-7×3240
3-9×4048
4-12×40
3.5-10×40
3.5-10×5058
3-9×5663.5
Endeavor RS IV2-8×3240
1.5-6×4250
2.5-10×5058
3-12×5663.5
Endeavor RS VI1-4×2430
1-6×24
Vector OpticsTaurus1-4×2430
3-18×5057
4-24×50
5-30×5663
Aston3-18×4451.5
5-30×5663.5
Sentinel8-32×5059.4
4-16×50
10-40×50
Continental1-6×2430
1-6×2834
1.5-9×4251
3-18×5057
2-12×50
5-30×5664
4-24×56
Marksman4-16×4451
10×4452
3.5-10×44
6-24×5057
6-25×5058
4.5-18×50
Forester1-5×2430
3-15×5058
Grizzly3-12×5664
Tourex4-16×4452
Paragon3-15×50 Gen II57
3-15×50 (SKU: SCOM-11)60
5-25×56 Gen II64
3-15×50 Gen II
6-30×56 Gen II
VixenVI2-8×3239
VII1-4×2430
2.5-10×5058
2.5-10×5665
6-24×5868
VIII2.5-15×5058
LVF3-12×4047
ED Tactical5-30×5665
VomzPilad P4×3238
6×4249
10×42
8×4856
12×5058
8×5664
Pilad PV1.2-6×2430
1-7×25
3-9×4249
2-10×4854
2-10×5258
VortexCrossfire II1-4×2430
2-7×3239
3-9×4048
4-12×4451
3-9×5058
Diamondback1.75-5×3239
2-7×3544
3-9×4048
4-12×40
3.5-10×5058
Diamondback Tactical4-12×4047
4-16×4451
6-24×5057
Strike Eagle1-6×2430
1-8×24
5-25×5663.5
Viper6.5-20×5058
Viper HS2.5-10×4452
4-16×44
4-16×5057
Viper HSLR4-16×5057
6-24×50
Viper HST4-16×4452
6-24×5057
Viper PST Gen II1-6×2433
2-10×3241
3-15×4453
5-25×5058.4
Golden Eagle15-60×5261
Razor HD5-25×5059
Razor HD Gen II3-18×5059
4.5-27×5665
Razor HD Gen II-E1-6×2433
Razor HD Gen III1-10×2433
Razor HD AMG6-24×5059
YukonJaeger1-4×2430
1.5-6×4250
3-12×5665
ZCO4-20×5057
5-27×5663
ZeissConquest V41-4×2430
4-16×4450
6-24×5056
3-12×5662
Conquest V61.1-6×2430
2-12×5056
3-18×50
5-30×50
2.5-15×5662
Victory V81.1-8×30,36
1.8-14×5056
2.8-20×5662
4.8-35×6067
Victory HT2.5-10×5056
3-12×5662
https://youtube.com/watch?v=KwnilAJ1BCc%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26fs%3D1%26hl%3Den-GB%26autohide%3D2%26wmode%3Dtransparent

Conclusion

To sum up, this is how to use this guide:

  1. Check whether your riflescope has an adjustable objective ring – if it does, you won’t be able to mount the adapter!
  2. Keep in mind that the magnification of your riflescope should not be greater than 8x if you want to realize the full potential of the clip-on!
  3. Look for your riflescope in the chart to find out its objective diameter. Alternatively, you can measure the outer objective diameter with a measuring tool.
  4. Purchase an appropriate adapter. Keep in mind that some manufacturers, such as Pulsar, list the diameter of the objective lens in the adapter name instead of the outer objective diameter. Most, however, use the outer objective diameter as it is less confusing.

You can contact us (info@optics-trade.eu) if you require help or wish to get additional information on the topic.

Source and author: Andraž Gradišnik, www.optics-trade.eu