[SHOT 2026] Pulsar Updates: New Trail 3 LRF Optics

Thermal optics are still hot in the tactical and hunting markets these days, and Pulsar has two new options for 2026. The Trail 3 LRF XR50 and Trail 3 LRF XQ50 both aim to deliver affordability, with slight differences because they’re intended to hit targets at different ranges.

Pulsar optics @ TFB:

• Pulsar Axion XQ19 - Super Compact & Budget-Friendly Thermal Monocular
• TFB Review: The Pulsar Oryx XG35 LRF Thermal Monocular
• TFB Review: Pulsar Merger LRF XT50 - 1280x1024 HD Thermal Binoculars
• TFB Review: Pulsar Thermion 2 XL50 LRF - HD Thermal Riflescope

What’s new?

Both riflescopes have improved ergonomics, making it easy to use the buttons (and thermal scopes have lots of buttons) when the lights are out, with bilateral focusing wheels. User interface via the onboard HD 1920X1080 AMOLED display is improved as well, with more-intuitive menus. That display switches off when not in use, thanks to an integrated proximity sensor, saving your battery. Speaking of which, both scopes use the Pulsar LPS7i rechargeable battery; it’s supposed to last up to 12 hours in the field, but since it’s a quick-change powerpack, you can rapidly swap in a new unit if needed.

The Trail 3 lineup comes with 10 reticle shapes, three display shapes and choice of nine different color palettes.

Both scopes have improved laser rangefinders that reach out to 1200 yards, working with an onboard ballistic calculator to help you place your shot more accurately at long distance. Both new scopes have picture-in-picture mode that shows the reticle area zoomed-in while keeping the rest of the viewing area zoomed-out, for better situational awareness. And both scopes use monoblock construction to handle recoil better, handling the kick from beefy calibers such as 375 H&H Magnum.

Pulsar Trail 3 LRF XQ50

Resolution on the thermal sensor for this scope is lower (384x288 at 17 µm sensor resolution), which keeps the price lower. Pulsar says it has 3.5-14x magnification and 1800-meter detection range. That sounds like a lot, but they say this scope is made for short-to-mid-range shooting in low light, particularly in bad weather or when dense vegetation obscures your view—Pulsar recommends it for forest hunting or mixed terrain, “where reliability and image stability are more important than maximum range.” It uses a highly sensitive NETD < 15 mK sensor, if you’re the kind of shooter who’s up on that sort of thing. MSRP is $2,999.97.

Pulsar Trail 3 LRF XR50

This is made for longer-range shooting, with a high-resolution 640x480 thermal sensor at 12 µm sensor resolution, with < 18 mK NETD sensitivity; it’s supposed to do a better job of detection at farther-out distances, with crisp image details. The optic has 3-24x magnification and a 2300-meter detection range. Pulsar recommends it for open fields, rolling hills, farmland or other places where you have more opportunity for long-range shots; they say it “excels in wide terrain where reach, clarity, and detail are essential for effective engagement.” MSRP is $4,199.97.

Although thermals are popular with tactical shooters, Pulsar recommends these scopes for hunting, particular professional hunters (think pest culling). See more info here.