Looking at my first thermal scope. Considering AGM Adder, InfiRay Bolt and Pulsar Thermion 2 (all tube-style scopes).

I understand the concept of resolution degrading once you move (up) from the base magnification.

So my question is, at the base magnification (let's say that is 3x), is 640 noticeably "better"?

Or is it more that you buy 640 to get better resolution as you go UP from base magnification?

Yes

I like my bolt 2

The main thing is to pick a scope with a base magnification that is adequate for most of what you will do with the scope. Digital enhancement of the magnification DRAMATICALLY reduces the resolution. As an example, I've got a older Thermion XQ50 (384) with 4x base magnification and I've got the new latest greatest Thermion 2 XP50 Pro (640) with 2x base magnification. If I bump the magnification of the XP up to 4x the image quality isn't any better than the XQ 384 on 4x. For the spot and stalk hog hunting I do a 3-4x base is the best choice. I haven't had any issue shooting running hogs in a field with 3-4x. When I use the XP is typically shoot stationary shots with the picture in picture 4x.

The Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro is a very good DO ALL scope with a 3x base magnification.

3x does seem to be about the most optimal base mag going for digital sights. You go below 2.5x and a lot of people are saying they want more. You go above 3.5x and people are claiming they can't shoot anything inside 100 yards because the FOV is too small.

Ideally, you want maybe 2.5x and 8k (7680x4320) worth of digital zoom because 640x480 doesn't for a very good image after 4x in most cases.

Maybe this will show another problem. Hot spot is a handwarmer behind a 1" square hole (100 yds, ignore readout). It's NOT square in the pic! Hot stuff tends to bloom so object 'definition' is a little difficult. Gets worse with more digital mag. and really hot target. Yes, FOV is reduced by the digital mag. All mag steps are x2.
better shot, feeder and salt block, 100 yds.

Both are Rattler 640 base mag.

To answer your question, a good 640 resolution optic with a 3x base magnification will be significantly crisper and clearer than a good 384 resolution optic at 3x optical magnification. You just have so many more pixels providing your eye with so much more information and this is especially noticeable when looking at animals are further ranges. It doesn't mean everyone needs a 640 optic but there is no debating, the image quality is going to be noticeably better.

Feel free to give us a call if you'd like to discuss optics. We're happy to help you narrow it down based on your hunting situation and needs. We hunt with every single optic we sell and we can compare them all for you and quickly help you narrow down the list. We'd love to have your business.

- Jason

Good response Jason, thanks. I just posted images to show there are additional 'effects' to consider. Shots show brightness and contrast set low to prevent night blindness. And the red X obscures the target at base mag, I think I gut shot the hog that nite. Was 2x larger than the hot salt block, partially obscured by tall grass. As to FOV, cut the 2nd pic to the lower left quarter for twice mag.

If you can afford 640 get it, but if your choice is between a 3x 384 and a 1x 640 the 384 ( at a lower price most likely ) would be my choice.