What was the best shooting product of the year?
19-Jan-2026
Chris Cooper
In a year brimming with cutting-edge advancements in hunting and shooting technology - from AI-enhanced scopes to ultra-lightweight rifles - the Hikmicro Habrok Pro 4K HX60L multispectral binoculars emerged as a game-changer, seamlessly integrating thermal imaging, 4K day/night vision, laser range finding, and video recording into a single, robust device that elevated field observation for hunters, pest controllers, and competitive shooters in 2025.
With firmware updates introducing digital image stabilisation and enhanced wet-weather performance, it garnered top honours in reviews from outlets like all4shooters and Digital Camera World, as well as buzz at industry events such as SHOT Show and Enforce Tac 2025, solidifying its status as our choice for the premier shooting product of the year.
Background & key features
Evolving from earlier Habrok models, the 2025 Habrok Pro 4K series, particularly the flagship HX60L, was refined with user feedback in mind, focusing on higher resolution sensors and better integration of modes for real-world hunting demands.
At its core is a 1280x1024 thermal sensor with an ultra-sensitive NETD of less than 18mK, enabling crisp detection up to 3100m, even in challenging conditions like fog or rain. Paired with a 3840x2160 4K UHD digital camera for day/night vision (effective up to 400m with the built-in IR emitter), it offers 5.5-22x optical zoom and 2.6-20x thermal zoom. Additional highlights include a 1000m laser rangefinder for precise distance measurement, 64GB internal storage for video and audio recording, GPS and digital compass for navigation, and app connectivity via the HIKMICRO Sight app for seamless data sharing.
The magnesium alloy body, rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, weighs about 1050g with batteries and provides over 7 hours of runtime, even in -20°C temperatures.
Key 2025 updates, such as the V5.5.81 firmware adding electronic image stabilisation (EIS), addressed previous complaints about shake at high magnifications, making it more user-friendly for prolonged handheld use.
Battery, build & protection
Battery life: Over 7 hours of continuous use
Weight: Approximately 1050g (including batteries)
Dimensions: 138 × 68.2 × 223 mm
Ingress protection: IP67 (dustproof and waterproof)
Operating temperature: Reliable down to –20°C
Price
UK RRP: Approximately £4,500–£5,000 (around €5,999, depending on retailer and configuration)
Technical Specifications
For a deeper dive into what sets the Habrok Pro 4K HX60L apart, here's a breakdown of its core specs:
Day / Night digital channel
Image sensor: 1.88” Progressive Scan CMOS
Resolution: 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD)
Magnification: 5.5–22× optical
Objective lens: 60mm, F2.2
Detection range:
Up to 3km in daylight
Approximately 350–400m at night using IR
Field of view (at 100m): 12.6m (H) × 7.2m (V)
Display: 0.49” OLED, 1920 × 1080
Colour modes: Day, Night, Auto
Additional digital features include:
Built-in IR emitter (850nm or 940nm variants)
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR)
Image Pro processing
Video, snapshot, and audio recording
GPS positioning and digital compass
Integrated 1000m laser rangefinder
Thermal Imaging Channel
Thermal sensor: VOx uncooled focal plane array
Resolution: 1280 × 1024
Frame rate: 25Hz
Thermal sensitivity (NETD): Less than 18mK (@25°C, F1.0)
Objective lens: 60mm, F1.0
Magnification: 2.6–20×
Detection range: Up to 3.1km
Field of view (at 100m): 25.6m (H) × 15.4m (V)
Thermal viewing modes include:
Black Hot
White Hot
Red Hot
Fusion
Thermal enhancements:
Flat-field correction
Electronic Image Stabilisation (added via firmware update)
These specs highlight its superiority in resolution and sensitivity over mid-range competitors, making it ideal for professional-grade applications.
How it enhances shooting & hunting
The Habrok Pro 4K transforms routine outings into high-efficiency operations: In dense woodland, use thermal mode to detect heat signatures of deer at 580m or foxes at 600m through foliage, then switch to 4K digital for species identification and range finding for ethical shots.
For low-light pest control, the night vision extends visibility to 300-400m without alerting game, while combined thermal-night modes provide layered intel for better decision-making. Record hunts in 4K with audio for post-analysis, legal documentation, or sharing via the app - perfect for training or evidence in managed shoots.
In adverse weather, features like Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and Image Pro maintain clarity, reducing missed opportunities in rain or fog. Competitive shooters benefit from rangefinding for range scouting, and wildlife observers appreciate the non-intrusive thermal spotting for ethical viewing.
Field test insights
Real-world testing in 2025 underscored its prowess: In coastal environments with minimal temperature contrasts, the HX60L reliably detected seabirds and game up to 3100m in thermal mode, with reliable gender identification up to 300m.
Night vision shone in pitch-black scenarios, spotting subjects at 100-150m for detailed assessment, though handheld focusing on moving targets required practice or a tripod.
Daylight performance delivered vivid colours but lacked the brilliance of premium optics like Swarovski; however, video capture compensated by allowing later review on larger screens. The image stabiliser proved invaluable at 20x zoom, minimising shake during extended observations, and battery life exceeded claims in cold tests.
The only downside we found was in the lens cap design. These dangle down and during windy conditions these flap about and clap on the underside causing an unnatural sounds which did spook the deers, future designs would benefit from a magnet option where they could be held back.
Reviews & reputation in 2025
Throughout 2025, the Habrok Pro 4K received widespread acclaim: all4shooters dubbed it the "new gold standard" for its fatigue-free binocular design and multifunctional integration, noting its edge in long-range detection.
Digital Camera World praised the HE25L variant (a more budget-friendly sibling) as a "jack-of-all-trades" for 24-hour wildlife tracking, highlighting its value at around £3,000 despite bulkier build.
YouTube channels and forums like The Stalking Directory echoed this, with users lauding thermal sensitivity in wet conditions but critiquing daylight mode against pure optical bins.
At events like Enforce Tac, it was showcased for law enforcement applications, expanding its appeal beyond hunting. Average ratings hovered around 4.5/5, with price (up to £5,000) as the main barrier, but pros like robust construction dominated discussions.
Comparison with competitors
Against rivals like the Pulsar Merger LRF XL50 (thermal-focused, ~£4,000) or ATN BinoX 4K (~£800), the Habrok Pro stands out with its 1280x1024 thermal resolution versus Pulsar's 1024x768, offering sharper long-range images. It surpasses the ATN in build quality and battery life but lacks the latter's affordability.
Compared to premium optics like Leica Geovid Pro (range finding bins, ~£2,500), it adds thermal/night modes at a similar price, though Leica excels in pure daylight clarity. In 2025 rankings from Optics Trade, it topped thermal binocular lists for value, outpacing models like HIKMICRO's own HQ35L by incorporating higher-res sensors and stabilisation.
Potential drawbacks
While revolutionary, it's not flawless: Daylight viewing doesn't rival high-end analogs like Swarovski in brilliance, and at 1050g, it's chunkier than standard bins, potentially fatiguing for all-day hikes. Controls require a learning curve, with dual-function buttons leading to accidental shutdowns, and no removable memory card limits expandability. Thermal images can appear fuzzy for photography, better suited for observation, and the high cost may deter casual users. Firmware updates mitigate some issues, but initial setup and occasional glitches were noted in field tests.
Important context for shooters
In the UK and EU, the Habrok Pro 4K is unregulated for ownership as a thermal device, but hunters must adhere to wildlife laws—no night shooting for protected species—and pair it with licensed firearms. It aligns with 2025 trends in multifunctional optics, as seen in awards from Outdoor Life and similar recognitions, emphasising tech for safer, more precise shooting without ethical overreach.
Typical users
This powerhouse suits diverse profiles: Professional hunters tracking game at dawn/dusk, pest controllers needing accurate dark range finding, clay pigeon shooters scouting venues, wildlife photographers capturing elusive footage, and even law enforcement for surveillance. Amateurs appreciate its ease post-familiarisation, while pros value the data-sharing for team ops.
Buying guide
Available from retailers like Tactical Scope or HIKMICRO's site, expect to pay £4,500-£5,000; opt for the HX60LN variant for invisible IR (940nm) if stealth is key. Check for bundles with extra batteries or tripods, and download the latest firmware immediately. UK buyers: Ensure compliance with FAC/SGC for any integrated use with firearms.
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