HIKMICRO Alpex Pro A50PL vs Alpex 4K A50EL

A Real-World Hunter Valley Field Test

When night optics get reviewed, it’s usually done in a backyard or on a range.

That’s not how we do it.

The HIKMICRO Alpex Pro A50PL and the HIKMICRO Alpex 4K A50EL were put through a proper field test on a working Hunter Valley property during a live pig control operation.

There were no controlled conditions, no staged targets, and no perfect lighting.

Just paddocks, feedlots, long grass, and pigs that destroy everything in their path.

Both scopes were run alongside the Speras TH4 4-in-1 Hunting Torch, which we later switched into IR mode once darkness settled in.

But the biggest surprise of the entire test actually happened before the IR torch was even turned on.

Alpex Pro A50PL vs Alpex 4K A50EL – Key Specifications

The Conditions: Hunter Valley Reality

Anyone who hunts the Hunter Valley knows it’s not easy on optics.

During the test we had:

• Heat still rising from the ground late into the evening
• Humid air softening visibility across paddocks
• Long grass and scrub creating clutter in the image
• Pigs moving between feed areas and fence lines

Distances ranged from 80 metres out past 300 metres, which is typical for pest control work on open farmland.

We arrived on site in the late afternoon, and that’s when things started to get interesting.

The Moment the Difference Became Clear

Before darkness fully set in, pigs started appearing along a distant fence line as the light was fading fast.

This awkward transition between daylight and night is where digital optics often struggle.

It’s too dark for normal daytime performance, but not dark enough yet to rely on IR.

Looking through the Alpex 4K A50EL, the image was clean and sharp — exactly what you'd expect from a high-quality 4K digital scope.

Then we switched to the Alpex Pro A50PL.

The difference was immediately noticeable.

The 6K sensor in the Pro pulled noticeably more detail out of the fading light. Grass, fence posts, and the outline of pigs standing along the fence line were easier to separate from the background.

Where the 4K image began to flatten slightly as light dropped away, the 6K Pro retained more contrast and depth.

And again — this was before the IR torch was even turned on.

Night Falls – Bringing the Speras TH4 Into Play

Once darkness settled in, we switched the Speras TH4 hunting torch over to IR mode.

The TH4 is a versatile 4-in-1 hunting torch with interchangeable modules:

• IR
• White
• Red
• Green

For night hunting with digital optics, the IR module is where it really shines.

With the beam adjusted for distance we were able to comfortably achieve:

• Detection past 300 metres
• Reliable identification around 200–250 metres

The adjustable beam also allowed us to tighten the IR hotspot when stretching shots across larger paddocks.

Image Performance in Real Hunting Conditions

Alpex 4K A50EL

Strengths

• Extremely crisp image at base magnification
• Excellent daytime performance
• Reliable performance with IR illumination

Where It Struggled Slightly

Like most digital optics, image softness begins to appear when digital zoom is pushed harder.

Alpex Pro A50PL (6K)

Strengths

• Sharper image when zooming
• Stronger contrast in heavy grass and scrub
• Better low-light performance before IR is used

The higher-resolution sensor allows the Pro to hold detail longer when zooming, which is critical when confirming what animal you're looking at before taking a shot.

Out in Australian paddocks, that matters — because sometimes what looks like a pig at distance can quickly turn into a calf or kangaroo.

Built-In Rangefinder Advantage

Both scopes include integrated laser rangefinders, which are incredibly useful when hunting large open properties.

Alpex Pro A50PL

• Rangefinder out to 1200 metres

Alpex 4K A50EL

• Rangefinder out to 1000 metres

Battery Life

Battery life is another important factor when running long nights in the field.

Alpex 4K A50EL

• Around 11 hours runtime

Alpex Pro A50PL

• Around 7 hours runtime

Shop the Optics Used in This Field Test

View HIKMICRO Alpex Pro A50PL View HIKMICRO Alpex 4K A50EL

Speras TH4 Hunting Torch

The Speras TH4 4-in-1 hunting torch used in this test provides interchangeable modules for IR, white, red, and green light, making it extremely versatile for Australian hunting conditions.

View Speras TH4 Hunting Torch

Final Verdict From the Field

After several hours of real pest control work in Hunter Valley conditions, one thing became clear.

Both scopes are excellent pieces of gear.

But the Alpex Pro A50PL stood out in one critical moment — that late-afternoon transition when light is fading but IR hasn’t yet been turned on.

That’s where the 6K sensor showed its advantage, pulling more usable detail out of low light and making animals easier to identify earlier in the evening.

Once night fell and the Speras TH4 IR torch was running, both scopes performed well.

However, the Pro continued to hold detail better when zooming.

For hunters chasing pigs, foxes, and other pests across Australian farmland, that extra detail can make all the difference.

When thermal gear gets reviewed, it’s usually from a lookout point or a quick backyard scan. That’s not how we operate.

The Nocpix Nova H35R was tested on a live pig eradication operation on a working Hunter Valley property — long nights, heavy heat in the ground, unsettled weather, and active sounders causing ongoing damage. This wasn’t a controlled demo. This was real pest control, where equipment either performs or gets exposed very quickly.

The Job: Hunter Valley Pig Control

The property was experiencing consistent pig movement around cattle feedlots and creek systems, with fresh rooting and increased pressure on livestock areas. Feeders had only been active for a short period, yet pig activity was already well established.

Operations were conducted entirely at night, with storms rolling through and high residual ground temperatures — conditions that quickly separate average thermal units from serious performers.

This is where the Nova H35R stood out.

Deployed on the Ghosteye Electric Scanner

 The Nova H35R we ran it on our Ghosteye electric scanning platform — our dedicated remote thermal scanner, similar in concept to a SpidaBot-style setup.

Mounted to the Ghosteye, the Nova H35R delivered:

• Smooth, stable scanning across large paddocks
• Rapid target acquisition without image stutter
• Excellent detail when tracking moving sounders

This setup allowed us to scan continuously while keeping operators off the rifle until positive identification was made — a major advantage when working around livestock and infrastructure.

The Nova H35R integrated seamlessly into this workflow.

Thermal Performance Where It Matters

The 35mm lens proved to be an ideal balance for pig eradication work.

• Wide enough to scan feedlots and open ground efficiently
• Narrow enough to clearly identify pigs at distance
• Strong heat separation, even over disturbed soil and warm terrain

Pigs were easily distinguished from cattle, fence lines, and background heat — even when moving through timber edges and recently worked ground. Sounders were picked up early, allowing planned approaches rather than rushed reactions.

That early detection is the difference between observing pigs… and removing pigs.

Live Streaming to iPad – A Massive Win

One standout feature was live streaming via the Nocpix App to an iPad.

Unlike many other brands, where you lose around 10–15% of the image due to cropping or poor scaling, the Nova H35R filled the entire iPad screen edge-to-edge.

This made a genuine difference in the field:

• No wasted screen space
• Improved situational awareness
• Easier communication between operators
• Faster decision-making during active engagements

When multiple people are monitoring movement in real time, having the full thermal image — not a cropped version — is a huge advantage.

Built-In Rangefinder: Practical, Not a Gimmick

The integrated laser rangefinder quickly became part of the workflow.

Being able to range pigs instantly across open ground helped with ethical shot decisions, confident target selection, and faster follow-up planning when sounders broke.

It removed guesswork and kept engagements controlled and deliberate.

Real-World Results

• Multiple sounders located and engaged
• Clear identification in every scenario
• Zero confusion with livestock
• Reliable performance through heat and unsettled weather

The Nova H35R ran faultlessly — no freezing, no lag, no image washout. Exactly what you want when you’re relying on equipment to deliver outcomes, not excuses.

Final Verdict: Built for Real Pest Control

The Nocpix Nova H35R isn’t designed for casual scanning — it’s built for serious pest control operations.

If you’re managing pig problems on rural or agricultural properties, running night operations around livestock, using remote or electric scanning platforms, and needing reliable live-streaming with clear identification, this unit delivers where it counts.

We don’t test gear in perfect conditions.
We test it where pigs are actively causing damage — and the Nova H35R proved it belongs in the field.

Should you buy a Nocpix Nova H35R?

100%! it's an awesome little unit - and for the price gives anyone looking for a solid, heavy hitting thermal tool, confidence in their target acquisition.

We have the unit in stock and ready for immediate dispatch. 

-> Shop the Nova H35R

Real-World Performance in Australian Hunting & Pest Control Environments

When you’re running thermal optics in Australia, you don’t get perfect conditions. Warm ground, minimal contrast, moving targets, scrub, fences, and pressure to identify correctly — especially during professional pest control work.

That’s exactly why we’ve been running the Hikmicro Stellar SX60LS 3.0 (50 Hz) in the field and comparing it directly to the original Stellar SX60L — not just hunting, but on recent live pest control operations where performance actually matters.

If you’re splurging on a 1280 thermal device, this comparison will tell you which version of the Stellar platform truly earns its place on the rifle.

🧠 The Stellar Platform — Proven, Then Refined

The original Stellar SX60L built a solid reputation. With its 1280 × 1024 sensor, it delivered strong detection and dependable performance and became a popular choice for hunters and professional users stepping into high-resolution thermal.

But running the SX60L alongside the newer Stellar SX60LS 3.0 on real jobs quickly shows this isn’t just a generational refresh — it’s a refinement aimed squarely at warm, low-contrast environments like Australia.

Hikmicro didn’t reinvent the platform.
They fixed the weak points.

🌟 Stellar SX60LS 3.0 — Where the Upgrades Show in the Field

On a recent pest control job, we deliberately ran the SX60LS in conditions that expose thermal limitations — warm nights, heat-soaked ground, and animals moving through broken cover.

The upgrades were noticeable immediately.

• 🔥 NETD ≤ 15 mK (vs 18 mK on SX60L) – finer thermal sensitivity when everything is close to the same temperature
• ⚡ 50 Hz refresh rate – smoother image and better tracking of moving animals
• 🔍 1280 × 1024 @ 12 µm sensor – exceptional detail, now better utilised
• 🧠 Image Pro 2.0 processing – cleaner edges, reduced background noise
• 🎯 Integrated 1,000 m LRF (LS model) – accurate ranging without extra gear
• 🔋 Updated power system – built for long nights in the paddock

Instead of fighting the image, the SX60LS lets you focus on the job.

📦 Stellar SX60L — Still Capable, Just Less Forgiving

The Stellar SX60L hasn’t suddenly become obsolete. It still detects well at range and remains effective in cooler conditions or slower-paced hunting.

However, when used side-by-side during pest control work, its limitations become clearer:

• 18 mK NETD struggles more when ground and animals equalise in temperature
• Lower refresh rate makes fast movement feel less natural
• More time spent confirming targets in partial concealment

It works — but it requires more effort and more second-guessing.

📊 Side-by-Side Comparison

🇦🇺 Australian Conditions — Where the SX60LS Earns Its Keep

🐗 Warm Nights & Broken Scrub

During our recent pest control operation, animals moving through grass lines and fence breaks were picked up earlier and with clearer definition on the SX60LS.

The 15 mK NETD meant partial concealment didn’t wash the image out.

⚡ Moving Targets Under Pressure

The 50 Hz refresh rate proved invaluable when animals changed direction or broke into open ground. The image stayed fluid and easy to track.

🌡️ Heat-Soaked, Low-Contrast Ground

This is where Australian conditions punish thermal gear. The SX60LS reduced eye strain, sped up identification, and eliminated much of the guesswork seen with older-generation units.

🎯 If You’re Splurging on 1280 Thermal — This Is the Version to Buy

If you’re already investing in a 1280 thermal device, the Stellar SX60LS 3.0 is the most refined version of the platform.

• ✔ Regular hunting or pest control work
• ✔ Warm, low-contrast environments
• ✔ Moving targets in scrub or open ground
• ✔ Faster identification with less hesitation

🏁 Final Verdict — Proven in the Field

After running the Hikmicro Stellar SX60LS 3.0 (50 Hz) on a recent pest control job, the upgrades proved themselves where it counts.

The move from 18 mK to 15 mK NETD, combined with a smoother 50 Hz refresh rate and improved processing, directly improves identification speed, tracking confidence, and efficiency in real Australian conditions.

This isn’t just Hikmicro updating a flagship.
It’s Hikmicro finishing it properly.