.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;}

FLIR Armasight Predator 336 Review – Compact Thermal Scope with Flir Tau 2 Sensor 

 January 29, 2018

By  Randy Angwin

  • Home
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • FLIR Armasight Predator 336 Review – Compact Thermal Scope with Flir Tau 2 Sensor

Last updated on September 17, 2022

The Armasight Predator line provides all-weather support for target detection around the clock. Predator thermal imaging weapon sights are some of the most technologically advanced on the market. They are backed by great performance in the law enforcement, military, sporting, and recreation areas. 

The FLIR Predator 336 is a weapon sight for the savvy hunter who needs a reliable spotting scope or the military soldier who needs to illuminate and completely identify their targets. It is an all-around scope that will function both as a thermal imaging scope and a weapon scope. We hope that our Flir Armasight Predator review will be helpful in deciding if this is the best thermal rifle scope for you.

Main Features of the FLIR Predator 336:

Flir PREDATOR 336 2-8X25

Specifications (FLIR Armasight Predator 336 2-8X25):

  • Thermal resolution: 336×256
  • Thermal sensor: Flir Tau 2 17 Micron uncooled
  • Refresh rate: 30Hz
  • Field of view: 13° × 10°
  • Digital e-zoom: 1x-4x
  • Color modes: White Hot, Black Hot, Fusion, Rainbow, Globow, Ironbow 1, Ironbow 2, Sepia, Color 1, Color 2, Ice-Fire, Rain, and OEM Custom
  • Battery life: up to 3 hours or 10 hours with optional extended battery
  • Advanced Wireless Remote Control
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs
  • Dimensions: 194 mm x 74 mm x 42 mm

FLIR Tau 2 Thermal Sensor:

One of the most incredible features on the FLIR Predator is thermal imaging technology. It comes complete with a solid-state uncooled FLIR Tau 2 VOx microbolometer (336x256) that refreshes at 30Hz per second. It renders fantastic image quality which gets you through all environments from haze, fog, smoke, snow, and light rain.

This thermal imaging scope neither emits RF energy nor visible light. This way you remain obscured camouflaged with the environment and targets stay in your line of sight.

Digital Detail Enhancement:

The digital features on the FLIR Predator 336 include Second Generation Digital Detail Enhancement and Active Contrast Enhancement. It automatically processes optimized images with high contrast and great edge sharpness. If you tend to see images that blur towards the edges, the Armasight Predator 336 minimizes this. Image enhancement ensures you have high-quality target images.

This scope also features Information-Based Histogram Equalization (IBHEQ) and Smart Scene Optimization (SSO) that enhances contrast and computes image correction for high-level target accuracy.

High Precision:

The Flir Armasight Predator uses top-of-the-chart technology and software algorithms. It ensures high levels of accuracy thanks to the digital reticle platform complemented by high contrast performance. Its boresight retention and target accuracy are nothing that can be achieved by ordinary ballistic drums and mechanical boresight adjusters. Instead, it translates its high precision into the digital zoom function which can be customized over the power settings without altering the target point of aim with the point of impact.

 Using its FLIR Tau microbolometer, the Predator 336 has 336x256 pixel formats. The LED display tailors the image to optimum standards which is pure and soft with no glare.


Intuitive Functions:

The Predator 336 is lightweight (weighing only 1.4 lbs) and one of the smallest thermal imaging weapon sights on the market. It comes with simple functions ranging from direct button and direct combination functions to electronic menu selections. It provides you with suggestions of the various features and operations to combine and customize your view. It has six digital reticles that are color-selectable. This includes Dot 4 MOA, Cross Center Dot, Line Dot, Clear, and Crosshair reticles. This digital display is complemented by other functions such as the battery status.

The Flir Armasight Predator includes a wireless remote which activates the thermal imaging mode. Not to mention, it can also output video via digital video out.

Versatile Mounting with Quick-release: 

Armasight Predator thermal imaging riflescope

The Flir Armasight Predator is rail mountable to a wide array of equipment including hunting and military weapons. The installation is quite easy, reliable and quick to master. It features an intuitive MIL/STD 1913Picatinny/Weaver rail. It is based on a quick-release locking mechanism which is ideal for quick installations.

It is a tool-less attachment procedure which can quickly be remounted without having to zero in the rifle again. This means you can maintain consistent eye relief and accurate shooting positions.  The integrated side rail can accommodate an extra recording device or a battery pack. The multi-pin mechanism provides video-in imagery to facilitate viewing of a map, or rangefinder display. It also gives access to an external power source.

The Predator makes quick work of target acquisition as its thermal core gives you accurate readings up to 950 yards. It features a glass lens that enables smooth digital zooms of 4-power and 6-power. You can connect the weapon sight to an external video display through the NTSC/PAL video port. It can also be connected to an available digital recorder which can also be mounted on the available scope’s accessory rail.

Durable Aluminum Alloy Housing: 

The Predator thermal imaging weapon scope has aluminum alloy housing. It remains lightweight for easy portability. It can withstand a wide array of operational temperatures. The O-seal and nitrogen filling provide fog proof and water resistance for nearly all conditions. It is a durable scope with long-term reliability.

Battery Life: 

Two CR123 batteries power the Armasight Predator 336. These batteries can power the scope for 4 hours of constant use and there is an easy way to check the battery status simply and conveniently. The good battery performance and wireless remote are good features of this weapon sight.

Unique Features:

Apart from the unique functional features, every FLIR Predator comes with a User-controlled Manual Non-Uniformity Correction/Flat Field Correlation (UCMNU/FFC). It is a mechanical shutter between the lens and the camera sensor. It performs non-uniformity correlation or flat-field correction (FFC) helping to achieve a uniform image.

Silent Shutterless NUC (SSN):

To reduce image noise, the Predator also has a user-controlled non-mechanical flat-field correction. It prolongs the time between mechanical shutters thus reducing the image noise.

Final Thoughts:

Armasight manages to produce the most compact and lightest of thermal scopes in its line. The Predator 336 packs high-performance features for day and night applications. If you are a committed hunter who likes going out in the early dawn hours or after dusk, you’ll be happy with the quality of the thermal images.

The applications of the FLIR thermal imaging scope permits you to customize the system making it efficient in a wide array of applications. It’s a long-wave infrared weapon scope which helps in 24/7 image discrimination. With the scope able to mask its location, it becomes a useful tool for military marksmen and law enforcers.  

About the author 

Randy Angwin

Randy Angwin holds a master of science degree from University of Florida. He is an expert in infrared and night vision technology. His knowledge helps us staying on top of the latest trends in the thermal industry. When not working, Randy likes to hunt and spend time with his two German shepherds.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>