With four different configurations, a 1280-resolution sensor, and an exceptionally wide field of view, Nocpix’s latest thermal promises serious versatility. I took it predator hunting in the Rocky Mountain West to see how it performed.
Thermal optics have completely changed the way we hunt after dark, but building a complete thermal setup can get expensive in a hurry. A handheld scanner, dedicated thermal riflescope, and helmet-mounted thermal can easily turn into three separate purchases, each carrying a substantial price tag.
What if one thermal could handle all three jobs—plus one more?
That’s the idea behind the new Nocpix MICRO 2 ULTRA, a compact four-in-one thermal optic that can function as a handheld scanner, helmet-mounted thermal monocular, clip-on thermal in front of a conventional daytime riflescope, or standalone thermal weapon sight with its own reticle and zeroing capabilities.
At its core are a 1280 × 960 thermal sensor, a 2560 × 2560 AMOLED display, and an exceptionally wide 34.2-degree horizontal field of view.
On paper, it’s an impressive combination. But as anyone who has spent enough time hunting at night knows, specifications tell only part of the story.
I recently spent two nights predator hunting on the plains of the Rocky Mountain West with the MICRO 2 ULTRA, using it as my primary handheld scanner alongside a Nocpix RICO 3 Pro thermal weapon sight mounted on a Daniel Defense rifle.
My initial impression? Nocpix managed to pack an incredible amount of performance into an impressively small package.
- Serious predator hunters looking for a premium handheld scanner or a versatile thermal platform that can adapt to multiple applications.
- Helmet mounting requires additional hardware. The MICRO 2 H25 offers the same four-in-one concept with a lower-resolution sensor for $4,499.
Testing the MICRO 2 ULTRA in the Field
I typically wait until later in the winter to get serious about predator hunting. By then, the vegetation has started to die back, snow has opened up sightlines, and coyotes are generally working harder for their next meal.
This year, I made an exception.
With big-game seasons still underway across much of the Rocky Mountain West, there’s no shortage of gut piles and carcasses scattered across the properties I hunt. That abundance of food, combined with tall vegetation and relatively mild temperatures, doesn’t exactly create ideal predator-hunting conditions.
But I wanted to put the new MICRO 2 ULTRA through its paces in actual hunting situations, not just stand around scanning cattle in a pasture.
Over two nights, I managed to take a few coyotes, although the numbers weren’t anything to write home about. There were a few misses along the way, too. After spending most of the fall chasing big game, I’m still knocking off the rust and getting back into predator-hunting mode.
But that’s part of testing equipment in the real world. Conditions aren’t always ideal, animals don’t always cooperate, and not every stand ends with a dead coyote.
What mattered was how the equipment performed throughout the process.
Image Quality and Detection Performance
The first thing that stood out was just how much image quality Nocpix managed to pack into such a small, sleek package.
The MICRO 2 ULTRA features a 1280 × 960 thermal sensor, delivering four times the pixel count of the previous RH25 V2’s 640 × 480 sensor. It’s paired with a 2560 × 2560 AMOLED display, a 60 Hz refresh rate, and 1× native magnification with up to 8× digital zoom.
Those are impressive numbers, but what surprised me was how clear the image looked in the field.
During my testing, I detected rabbits at approximately 500 yards, coyotes at somewhat greater distances, and larger animals such as cattle beyond 1,000 yards.
At extended distances, however, distinguishing among smaller animals was more challenging. Jackrabbits, kit foxes, and coyotes could look similar at 300 yards and beyond.
That’s not necessarily a criticism of the MICRO 2 ULTRA. It’s an important distinction between detecting an animal and positively identifying it.
For the way I hunt, my handheld scanner has one primary job: find heat signatures and movement.
Once I locate something worth investigating, I transition to my rifle-mounted RICO 3 Pro, where additional magnification allows me to get a better look and positively identify the animal.
Larger animals were a different story. With deer, antelope, and cattle abundant on the properties I hunted, I had no trouble distinguishing those animals from coyotes.
Even with early-season vegetation limiting visibility, the MICRO 2 ULTRA performed exceptionally well in its primary role as a scanner.
A Wide Field of View Makes Scanning Easier
When shopping for thermal optics, it’s easy to get caught up in magnification and detection distances. But after spending plenty of nights predator hunting, I’ve learned that more magnification isn’t always better—particularly when it comes to handheld scanners.
The MICRO 2 ULTRA features 1× native magnification with up to 8× digital zoom, but what really impressed me was its exceptionally wide 34.2° × 25.9° field of view.
Last season, I ran a handheld thermal with 3× base magnification. That magnification was nice when I wanted a closer look at something, but it came with a significant trade-off: a much narrower view of the terrain.
With the MICRO 2 ULTRA, I spent almost all my time at 1×. I didn’t need to zoom in on every heat signature. Once something caught my attention, I could transition to the RICO 3 Pro for identification.
Where the MICRO 2 ULTRA’s wide field of view really shone was during the recovery of coyotes after the shot.
Anyone who has hunted predators at night knows how frustrating it can be to find a downed coyote in thick grass or brush, even when you have a pretty good idea of where it fell.
With my previous 3× handheld, locating animals at close range could be surprisingly difficult. The narrow field of view meant constantly sweeping back and forth, trying to piece together where I was looking.
The MICRO 2 ULTRA made that process considerably easier.
During my two nights of hunting, I used it to recover the coyotes I shot. At its native 1× magnification, I could scan the ground around my feet, look into the surrounding brush, and maintain a much better understanding of where I was in relation to the animal.
It’s one of those advantages that doesn’t necessarily jump out when you read a specification sheet, but it makes a noticeable difference in the field.
For my style of predator hunting, I’ll take a wide field of view over higher base magnification in a handheld scanner just about every time.
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Compact Design and Intuitive Controls
One of the most impressive things about the MICRO 2 ULTRA is its size.
It’s the lightest handheld thermal I’ve personally used. That’s not to say lighter options don’t exist, but compared with my previous experience, the difference was immediately noticeable.
For hunters who prefer scanning by hand rather than running a helmet-mounted system, that matters. Holding a thermal through multiple stands over the course of a long night can become tiring, and the MICRO 2 ULTRA’s compact design makes that considerably more manageable.
The controls were equally impressive. Navigating the menus, adjusting the focus, and operating the zoom controls were straightforward in complete darkness.
There is one consideration for hunters who plan to use it as a handheld through the winter: The metal housing gets cold.
During my testing, temperatures dropped into the upper 30s, and I could already feel the cold transferring through the housing to my bare hands.
It’s not a dealbreaker, but as temperatures drop later in the season, a good pair of gloves will be important for anyone spending hours scanning with the unit in hand.
Battery Life During a Night of Hunting
Nocpix advertises up to six hours of runtime on a single rechargeable 18650 battery in Power-Saving Mode.
Battery life was never an issue during my testing. I’m not someone who likes running batteries until they’re completely dead, especially when hunting at night. I typically swapped batteries after about four hours of use, or once during the night.
With two fully charged batteries, I had more than enough power for a long night of hunting. If you’re hunting from a truck, keeping one battery charging while the other is in use makes managing battery life even easier.
What Comes With the Nocpix MICRO 2 ULTRA?
For an optic with this many possible configurations, it’s worth knowing exactly what Nocpix includes with the MICRO 2 ULTRA.
Along with the thermal itself, the package includes:
- 25 mm objective-lens cap and removable eyeguard
- OEM 1.93-inch rifle mount
- Two M4 × 8 mm flat-head screws
- Two M4 × 6 mm socket-head screws
- 2.5 mm and 3 mm hex keys
- Objective-lens lever
- Bluetooth remote
- Two rechargeable 18650 batteries and a battery charger
- USB-C cable
- Hard case
- Lens cloth
- User manual
It’s a fairly complete package, particularly with the included rifle mount, remote, and two rechargeable batteries.
For hunters planning to run the MICRO 2 ULTRA as a handheld scanner or standalone weapon sight, much of the necessary equipment is already included. Helmet mounting, however, requires additional hardware.
Having two batteries included is particularly useful for predator hunters who spend long nights moving between stands.
Four Ways to Use the MICRO 2 ULTRA
Where the MICRO 2 ULTRA separates itself from conventional handheld thermals is its versatility.
Nocpix designed the unit to serve four distinct roles:
- Handheld scanner: A compact observation tool for locating animals, scanning terrain, and recovering downed game.
- Helmet-mounted thermal monocular: A hands-free option for hunters who want to scan continuously without holding a monocular.
- Clip-on thermal: Mounts in front of a compatible daytime riflescope, allowing hunters to add thermal capability to an existing optic.
- Standalone thermal weapon sight: Functions as a dedicated thermal aiming system with its own reticle and zeroing capabilities, without requiring a separate daytime optic.
For someone investing in a high-end thermal platform, that versatility could be a major selling point.
Rather than purchasing separate devices for every application, the MICRO 2 ULTRA gives hunters the ability to adapt one optic to different situations.
Of course, its actual value will depend on how many of those configurations you plan to use and the cost of any additional mounting equipment.
Helmet-Mounting the MICRO 2 ULTRA
Although I ran the MICRO 2 ULTRA exclusively as a handheld scanner during my initial testing, its helmet-mounted capabilities are among the features I’m most excited to explore as predator season progresses.
I’m a pretty simple hunter when it comes to equipment. I don’t need an elaborate night-vision setup with multiple optics hanging from my helmet. I just need to detect animals coming into a stand and transition to my rifle quickly.
Because I’m right-eye dominant, my plan is to mount a single MICRO 2 ULTRA over my left eye, leaving my dominant eye unobstructed when I transition to my rifle-mounted thermal weapon sight.
The MICRO 2 ULTRA’s 34.2° × 25.9° field of view should make it particularly well suited for this application. Its wide viewing area could allow users to cover more terrain without constantly turning their heads.
Another feature I’m particularly interested in is the automatic flip-to-standby function.
According to Nocpix, the thermal automatically enters standby when it is flipped up and out of the user’s field of view. That means I shouldn’t have to fumble around looking for a power button when it’s time to transition from scanning to shooting.
For predator hunters, that could be a significant advantage. When a coyote comes charging into a stand, the last thing I want to worry about is managing another piece of equipment.
I’m also interested in whether the standby function eliminates visible display light when the optic is flipped up. Any unnecessary light around my face is something I’d rather avoid when hunting predators at night.
Although I haven’t yet tested this configuration, the combination of a wide field of view, compact size, and automatic standby makes the MICRO 2 ULTRA a promising option for hunters looking to move away from handheld scanning.
What You Need to Mount It on a Helmet
Getting the MICRO 2 ULTRA helmet-mounted requires some additional hardware. According to Nocpix, the starting point is either the IRAY-AC52 or IRAY-AC59 Pictail Shoe—the first- and second-generation versions, respectively.
The Pictail Shoe attaches to the bottom of the MICRO 2 ULTRA and provides a dovetail interface compatible with in-spec night-vision bridges. Companies such as Noisefighters, UNV, and Knight’s Armament offer bridge systems that can accommodate this type of mounting interface.
The same Pictail Shoe also allows the MICRO 2 ULTRA to work with Nocpix’s quick-detach mounting options, including the IRAY-AC36 MQD mount and IRAY-AC55 flip-to-side mount. Additional third-party options are available from companies such as HRF Concepts.
One nice feature is that the MICRO 2 shares the same mounting footprint as the previous RH25 V2, meaning existing RH25 V2 accessories remain compatible.
For my intended setup—a single MICRO 2 ULTRA mounted over my left eye on a bump helmet—I’ll need the appropriate Pictail Shoe, a compatible bridge or mounting arm, and helmet-mounting hardware.
Those accessories represent an additional investment beyond the optic itself, but the ability to use existing RH25 V2 mounting components is a nice benefit for hunters upgrading from the previous generation.
Clip-On and Standalone Weapon-Sight Capabilities
The MICRO 2 ULTRA can also serve as a thermal clip-on in front of a compatible daytime optic or function as a standalone thermal weapon sight.
In clip-on mode, Nocpix advertises compatibility with daytime optics offering up to 10× magnification, an increase from the RH25 V2’s 6× capability.
The optic also features three independent zeroing profiles, allowing users to save settings for different rifles or optic combinations.
A dedicated wireless remote provides access to recording, menu navigation, and digital magnification without requiring the user to manipulate the thermal directly.
When configured as a standalone weapon sight, the MICRO 2 ULTRA offers customizable reticles, multiple zero profiles, and Picture-in-Picture functionality.
These features make the MICRO 2 ULTRA considerably more versatile than a conventional handheld scanner.
I haven’t tested either weapon-mounted configuration yet, so I can’t speak to zero retention, point-of-impact consistency, or shooting performance. Those are important considerations that will require dedicated testing.
One Feature I’d Like to See
If I could change one thing about the MICRO 2 ULTRA, it would be the addition of a dedicated lanyard attachment point on the housing.
It sounds minor, but anyone who spends enough nights predator hunting with a handheld thermal will understand why.
When I’m scanning, I typically keep my thermal in my bino harness. But when a coyote comes charging into a stand, things can happen quickly.
Having a lanyard around my neck means I can simply release the thermal, transition to my rifle, and not worry about dropping an expensive piece of equipment or trying to stuff it back into my harness.
The MICRO 2 ULTRA doesn’t have an obvious dedicated attachment loop built into the housing for that purpose.
Once I install some of the available mounting hardware, I expect I’ll have an attachment point where I can secure a lanyard. But for someone running the unit straight out of the box as a handheld scanner, it’s one feature I’d like to see.
Ultimately, my plan is to run the MICRO 2 ULTRA on a bump helmet as predator season progresses. Once I make that transition, the lanyard becomes less relevant.
But for hunters who primarily use handheld thermals, it’s a small detail worth considering.
Who Is the Nocpix MICRO 2 ULTRA For?
I see two groups of hunters who stand to benefit most from the MICRO 2 ULTRA.
The first is the serious predator hunter who wants a premium handheld scanner and prioritizes excellent image quality, a wide field of view, and a lightweight package.
Even if you never helmet-mount it or use it as a clip-on, there’s a legitimate reason to consider this thermal based on its handheld performance alone.
The second is someone who wants to invest in one high-end thermal platform that can serve multiple purposes.
You might start by using it as a handheld scanner, eventually transition to a helmet-mounted configuration, or use it as a clip-on in front of your daytime riflescope.
That flexibility is what makes the MICRO 2 ULTRA particularly interesting.
Is the MICRO 2 ULTRA Worth $6,499?
At $6,499, the MICRO 2 ULTRA is certainly a premium investment. But when you consider that it can serve as a handheld scanner, helmet-mounted monocular, clip-on thermal, and standalone weapon sight, the price starts to make more sense for someone who intends to take advantage of that versatility.
Nocpix also offers the MICRO 2 H25 at $4,499 for hunters looking for a less expensive entry into the same four-in-one platform. The H25 uses a lower-resolution 640-class sensor, while the ULTRA features the flagship 1280 × 960 sensor.
For someone who simply wants a handheld scanner, $6,499 is a significant investment. But for a hunter who plans to take advantage of multiple configurations, the MICRO 2 ULTRA offers flexibility that could eliminate the need to purchase several dedicated optics.
The Nocpix MICRO 2 ULTRA Makes a Strong First Impression
After two nights in the field, the MICRO 2 ULTRA has made a strong first impression.
The image quality is outstanding, the field of view is exceptionally useful, and the compact design makes it one of the most comfortable handheld thermals I’ve used.
What impressed me most wasn’t simply how far away I could detect animals. It was how well the optic fit the way I actually hunt.
From scanning open country to picking up movement in overgrown drainages and recovering downed coyotes in the brush, the MICRO 2 ULTRA did exactly what I needed it to do.
The fact that it can potentially replace several dedicated thermal optics also makes it an interesting investment for hunters who want flexibility without sacrificing image quality.
There’s still more testing to do, particularly with helmet mounting and the weapon-mounted configurations.
But as a handheld scanner, the MICRO 2 ULTRA has already earned my confidence.
Nocpix MICRO 2 ULTRA And Accessories
- MICRO 2 ULTRA 1280x960 1X, 25mm Multifunction Thermal Weapon Sight: $6,599
- MICRO 2 H25 640x512 1X, 25mm Multifunction Thermal Weapon Sight: $4,599
- MICRO 2 Flip-to-Side Mount 2.05 Centerline Height: $349
- MICRO 2 ADM MQD Mount: $199
- MICRO PICTAIL 2 Helmet/Weapon Shoe: $129
- Excellent image quality from the 1280 × 960 thermal sensor
- Exceptionally wide field of view, especially useful for scanning and game recovery
- Compact, lightweight design reduces handheld fatigue
- Intuitive controls and easy menu navigation
- Four configurations from one optic
- Two included rechargeable 18650 batteries
- No obvious dedicated lanyard attachment point for handheld use
- Metal housing gets cold during extended use without gloves
- Additional helmet-mounting hardware increases overall cost
- Premium $6,499 price
- Product Origin
- Manufacturer Sample
- Tested By
- Mike Herne
- Location
- Plains of the Rocky Mountain West
- Duration
- Two nights of predator hunting
- Conditions
- Early-season vegetation, no snow cover, and temperatures reaching the upper 30s
- Test Configuration
- Handheld scanner paired with a Nocpix RICO 3 Pro thermal weapon sight mounted on a Daniel Defense rifle
- Test Type
- Predator detection, scanning open terrain and brushy drainages, animal identification workflow, and recovery of harvested coyotes
- Observed Detection Distances
- Approximately 500 yards for rabbits, greater distances for coyotes, and beyond 1,000 yards for large animals such as cattle
- Test Limitations
- Digital zoom, helmet mounting, clip-on performance, standalone weapon-sight performance, controlled battery runtime, and long-term durability were not independently evaluated.
- Product Type
- Four-in-one thermal optic
- Operating Modes
- Handheld scanner, helmet-mounted monocular, thermal clip-on, standalone thermal weapon sight
- Thermal Sensor Resolution
- 1280 × 960
- Display
- 2560 × 2560 AMOLED
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Native Magnification
- 1x
- Digital Zoom
- Up to 8x
- Field of View
- 34.2° × 25.9°
- Battery
- Rechargeable 18650
- Advertised Runtime
- Up to 6 hours in Power-Saving Mode
- Batteries Included
- Two
- Clip-On Compatibility
- Daytime optics up to 10x magnification
- Zeroing Profiles
- Three
- Weapon-Sight Features
- Customizable reticles and Picture-in-Picture
- Remote
- Bluetooth wireless
- Included Rifle Mount
- OEM 1.93-inch mount
- Mounting Footprint
- Compatible with RH25 V2 accessories
- Housing
- Metal
- MSRP
- $6,499
