Infiray Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF Riflescope

The Infiray Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF Riflescope is considered one of the top thermal riflescopes for night hunters in 2024. Notable features include a 640×512 12-micron sensor, 3X base magnification, integrated laser rangefinder, and a long-lasting removable, rechargeable battery. This new 3-12X thermal riflescope has what coyote hunters have been asking for; excellent image quality, a battery that will last for long hunts, and capability for shots at 200+ yards. It should also be great for hog hunters who prefer a 3X base magnification.

Thanks to Jason Roberton, owner of Outdoor Legacy, we could put the Infiray Outdoor Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF to the test in December 2024. Let’s dig a little deeper to see if the Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x Thermal Riflescope lives up to all the hype and look at the new features of this thermal scope.

Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF Dimensions & Mounts

The Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF is about 10″ long and 3″ wide and weighs 36 ounces. After I used it for a while it seemed to be about the perfect size for a thermal scope. It is compact yet large enough to allow easy operation of the controls. At 36 ounces it is a little heavy for its size. It is made of tough magnesium with a large 50mm lens that accounts for some of the weight.

The RH50R comes standard with a dual-lever, quick-release (QR) mount that attaches to any firearm equipped with a Picatinny rail. The supplied mount has three mounting positions for the scope, making it easy to set the eye relief for modern sporting rifles and many bolt-action rifles. An American Defense return-to-zero mount is also available for the scope at extra cost.

Rico RH50R Mk2’s Technology

The heart of the Rico RH50R Mk2 Thermal Scope is a 640×512 12-micron thermal processing core with a NETD rating of <20 Mk. Add the MATRIX III Advanced Image Correction and Automatic Image Optimization software, and an F1.0 Germanium 50mm lens, and you have a thermal optic with an extremely clear image. It is the same image that you will see in the InfiRay Bolt TH50c, one of my favorite thermal scopes. I have yet to see a 640 thermal with a better image.

But that’s not the end of the story! The RH50R has a HUGE 2560×2560 AMOLED HD display. Everything you see is larger. You see more details, it is easier to aim at longer ranges and it provides an experience you will not get with any other brand of thermal scope. To get an idea of what I am talking about, imagine two 4K TVs side by side watching a live football game. One has a 30″ screen and one has a 60″ screen. Which would be more enjoyable and which would you rather watch?

You can see the difference when you compare it to other 640-resolution thermal scopes with smaller display screens. You will not be disappointed with the image quality and I can not overemphasize the importance of the physically larger display screen.

Special Features of the Rico RH50R Mk2

The RH50R unlocks several advanced features such as a dynamic zoom control with an LPVO-style zoom lever. Instead of a button, you can adjust the zoom from 3x to 12x in increments of .1X. It also has an integrated laser rangefinder (LRF) and a Ballistics Calculator. I was eager to use the new features.

Rico RH50R Mk2’s Laser Rangefinder

There are two kinds of night hunters when it comes to laser rangefinders. Those who have laser rangefinders and those who want a laser rangefinder. Those hunters who choose a thermal without an LRF usually do so because of the extra cost, or because their favorite scope does not offer an LRF option. IRay offers a similar scope without the LRF, and the LRF model currently costs $1500 more. That is a lot more money, but the LRF model also gives you a Ballistic Calculator function, and the LRF is a very small built-in unit, so it adds no bulk or weight to the scope.

Determining distances at night can be challenging, making an LRF a valuable tool for increased success. Wild hogs in the dead of night may be any size and if you spot one alone in an open field, it may be a small hog at 50 yards or a large hog at 200. LRF when hunting coyotes are particularly useful when ranges are beyond 150 yards where you have to start considering the drop of the bullet to make a good shot.

Up until now, LRFs were large, bulky units that were either attached to the scope or formed a prominent bulge on top of the objective lens. However, the new integrated RH50R LRF unit is so compact and lightweight that it is hardly noticeable, yet it effectively measures distances up to 1200 meters! While incorporating an LRF does increase production costs, most night hunters will find its benefits well worth the investment.

Without hesitation, I can say this is the best LRF I have ever used on a thermal scope. This year, I tested two other LRF-equipped scopes that did not perform as well at longer ranges compared to this unit. The RH50R is user-friendly, offering both point-and-click and continuous measurement modes. It provides accurate measurements and integrates seamlessly into the scope, with no bulky attachments on the side or top of the objective lens. The only improvement I could imagine was the addition of a ballistic calculator—and InfiRay has already delivered on that front!

Dynamic Zoom Control/ LPVO Style Zoom Lever

The Rico RH50R Mk2 features what InfiRay refers to as Dynamic Zoom Control, which includes an LPVO-style zoom lever. This system allows you to adjust magnification in 0.1X increments using a lever located at the rear of the scope. Unlike most thermal scopes that use a button to double the magnification with each press, the RH50R’s zoom functions more like a traditional scope equipped with a throw lever.

As you move the lever, a vertical scale temporarily appears on the left side of the screen, showing the magnification level as you adjust it, then disappears. The selected magnification is also displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Dynamic Zoom Control enables you to quickly adjust to your desired magnification level without losing too much resolution in the process. This feature stands out among all the thermal scopes I’ve used, making the traditional button zoom feel outdated. Additionally, the lever’s location makes it significantly easier to operate than the small buttons found on most other scopes.

However, the Dynamic Zoom Control is not without its issues, which I will address later in the review.

InfiRay Ballistics Calculator

The current production model of the Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF has a Ballistics Calculator (BC) that calculates holdover for long-range shots. After you add velocity and ballistic coefficient data into the shooting profile, it will calculate the hold-over when you range a target. You can enter the data through the InfiRay app or directly in the scope using the menu button.

Let’s say that your rifle is zeroed for 100 yards and you have a coyote that hangs up between 200 and 300 yards. You can range the coyote and a red “X” appears below the standard crosshair indicating the correct holdover and aiming point. Just put the red “X” on the coyote and shoot. No guessing holdover to use for the shot. The BC reticle also appears in the small PIP window if you are using the Picture in Picture feature.

Be sure you have the correct ballistic data during the setup. It is best to chronograph your load to get the actual velocity from your rifle. The velocity on the ammo box or in the loading manual may be a lot different than the actual velocity of your particular rifle. For example, the velocity listed on the box of a .223 Remington or similar cartridges may not be the actual velocity of your rifle. It can vary up to 300 feet per second depending on the barrel length of your rifle.

The Ballistic Calculator does not operate when the LRF is in continuous mode. If it did, your reticle would be continuously changing. The BC only calculates drop and has no windage measurement feature.

We tested the Rico RH50R Mk2 Ballistic Calculator using a very accurate 6mm Creedmoor rifle on a calm day. The load was chronographed before entering the data into the shooting profile. The test distance was shot at 350 yards on steel targets. The result was a dead-center hit on the 8″ steel plate. Any of the shots at the plate would have been hits on a coyote-sized animal.

The Ballistic Calculator also calculates hold under if your rifle is zeroed at 200 yards and your target is 100-150 yards. With a 200-yard zero in a caliber like 6.5 Grendel, the bullet path would be about 2″ high at 100 yards. It is easy to shoot over a coyote at 100-150 yards out. The InfiRay Ballistic calculator will calculate the proper hold-under for those ranges.

Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF – More Common Features

In addition to the great image quality of the Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF and the special features mentioned above, you get many other features that make it a pleasure to use in the field.

2 Battery Packs Included for 10-12 Hours of Power

At the top of the list of features is the long-lasting, removable rechargeable battery. Our tests indicate that in warm weather, the battery provides approximately 6 hours of use on a single charge. The scope comes with two rechargeable batteries, and additional IRay battery packs are available for $199 each if you need a spare. The scope can also be powered via an external power bank connected to the magnetic USB-C connector. This magnetic connector, along with the included cable, is a great feature for tournaments or when you’re on the move. It also helps prevent damage to the connector during a hunt—a common issue that has led to repairs for scopes with standard cable ports.

The RH50R also features video and audio recording. Recording is done internally, eliminating the need for a microSD card. With 32GB of internal memory, you can download recordings either through the IRay App or directly to a PC using the provided cable. Note that the scope is not compatible with Apple computers. While the app works for downloads, using the cable is significantly faster. Videos are recorded in .mp4 format, allowing you to upload them directly to platforms like YouTube without needing to convert or edit the file format.

The Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF also includes recoil-activated recording, but I do not recommend using this feature. It reduces battery life and only captures a few seconds of the action. Additionally, it drains the battery faster because the recording function runs continuously in the background. When recoil-activated recording is enabled, the manual record button becomes disabled. For longer, more controlled, and better-quality videos, manual recording is a much better option.

The Picture-in-Picture function provides you with a 2X multiplied window on the top center of the display. It allows you to have the full-width screen at base power and a 2X magnified image with a reticle in the smaller view at the top. I usually run PIP on other thermal scopes, but not on the RH50R. The Dynamic Zoom with the throw lever is so easy to use, that I just zoom in and out as necessary for the shot.

You can save multiple zero profiles in the RH50R. It gives you the capability to set up five profiles for different rifles or different loads for the same rifle. Regardless of how you use the multiple profiles option, it will come in handy. Other handy features include an inclinometer to help you keep the scope level, a digital compass, and a battery status indicator on the display screen. If you encounter a bad pixel on the screen, it has a blind pixel repair tool.

Scroll to the bottom for a complete list of Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF specifications and what comes in the box.

Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x Controls

The Rico RH50R’s buttons and focus knob are conveniently grouped in a classic top-mounted layout, allowing easy operation with either hand. It has four control buttons and a focus knob on the top of the scope. You have a power button at the front, followed by a ranging button, a menu button, and a record button in the rear. The menu button is raised slightly higher than the other buttons for easier selection in darkness.

Focusing the scope for distance is done by a knob on the top front of the scope. It is very easy to use, it turns smoothly and resistance is just enough to keep it set during recoil so it does not move until you physically turn it. The scope has an ocular lens adjustment to set it to your vision. Just set it one time for your eye and you are ready to hunt. The control buttons and focus adjustments have a clean layout and everything you need during the hunt except Zoom. The throw lever operates the Zoom function.

All the menu functions are accessed through the menu button with a series of long and short presses. A long press of the menu gets you into the main menu. You can move up and down menu items using the up and down buttons next to the menu button.

A quick press of the menu button gets you to the quick menu to adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness, or change the color palette. The RH50R has some very nice color palettes including Black Red, Black Green, White Red, White Green, Black White, White Black, Crimson, Viridian.

Rico RH50R Mk2 Palettes & Reticles

The scope has 8 reticle patterns including 3 ranging reticles for those long shots at stubborn varmints that hang up at long range. Each of the reticle patterns has 8 color options; red, green, black, and white, or combinations of those colors. The ranging reticles work at any magnification level.

When the digital zoom is changed, the ranging reticle that is displayed is scaled, i.e. its view will change (increase or decrease) in proportion to the variable magnification. This function is similar to a conventional front focal plane scope with a ranging reticle, ie, it ranges properly at any power. I do not have the measurements of the reticles so I do not know if they are sized in milliradian increments or inches.

Hunting With The Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x

The Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x Thermal Riflescope is great for hunting coyotes, especially if most of your shots are over 100 yards. Personally, I like thermal scopes with higher base powers of at least 3X, and I think the 3-12X magnification is perfect. I use my thermal scanner for locating game and seldom look through my rifle scope until it is time to identify an animal at long range or make the shot.

With a field of view of 46 feet at 100 yards at 3X base power, the Rico RH50R offers ample visibility for scanning fields or tracking moving targets. Now if you like to stalk to within 25 yards of hogs, you may want a lower base power, but for all-around hunting, it is hard to beat this thermal scope.

The Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x image is very good, especially in white hot. Everything in the image is sharp, and the heat separation between the animal and background is excellent, giving you a clear target when you have to zoom the magnification. The target does not pixelate badly at higher magnification. A little blurry at 12X yes, but still good enough to identify coyotes and accurately aim at long yardage.

I like to record all my hunts for YouTube and the Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x records great video and audio. It indexes the files by date, so it is easy to find video files for download via the app or cable to a PC.

Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x Not Just For Coyotes

The Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x has a 3X base magnification, so I expect it to be higher on the coyote hunters’ wish list. But if you hunt multiple species, do not pass it by because you think the magnification is too high.

I hunt hogs as much as I do coyotes, and I did not feel handicapped at all by the higher magnification. The 3X base magnification is perfect for coyote hunters, but not too much for hog hunters unless all your hunting is done in wooded areas at close range. Even with the 3X base magnification, it still gives you a 46-foot wide field of view at 100 yards. It may not be the best for shooting over feeders at 50 yards, but if you hunt mostly fields for hogs, it works fine

Warranty & Customer Service

The InfiRay Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x Thermal Riflescope is covered for 5 years. One of iRayUSA’s stated objectives is to “greatly improve the customer service level for the end user”. They plan on accomplishing this objective by offering a 1-week repair guarantee, and by only working with highly qualified Authorized Dealers.

During the published warranty period, IRayUSA will repair or replace, at its discretion, any optic that becomes defective from normal use. If repairs take longer than one week, they provide a replacement optic in equivalent or better condition.

To meet the InfiRay 5-day repair/replacement warranty time frame, you may have your scope replaced by a refurbished scope. Some people do not want a refurbished scope to replace the scope they bought. If you want your scope repaired, you can tell IRayUSA on the work order, but it may take more than 5 days to get your scope back.

The 5-year warranty period follows the product and is not tied to the original owner. The warranty period is tied to the date of sale to the dealer or end-user registration. So, if you are the second owner of an IRay thermal scope, you receive the remainder of the warranty.

Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x Issues

I liked everything about the Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x on my first outing. It has everything I want in a thermal scope. It worked perfectly those first few nights. The image was great, the zoom worked perfectly, and the LRF was fast and accurate. It worked like a champ UNTIL…. the Zoom started acting crazy on the 4th night out. As I zoomed the scope, instead of a smooth constant zoom, it jumped up and down between magnification powers. When I stopped zooming it would come to rest and the image was fine. Of course, during the zoom, the image and reticle were dancing in and out making the image unusable which is not acceptable for a scope of this price.

After contacting the IRayUSA service center, they told me that some of the early model RH50R scopes had faulty encoders. New production units have upgraded encoders and they have parts to repair the older scopes.

One of my friends has an RH50R so I called him to see if he had that problem with his scope he had indeed had the same problem and had to return the scope for repair. InfiRayUSA sent him another scope to replace his. The scope he received was a reconditioned scope in excellent condition and so far the zoom is working properly.

Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF Conclusion

Despite the encoder issue, the Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF excels as a thermal hunting riflescope. The image is great and the controls are the best of any scope I have used. The rear throw lever zoom control is much better than any other type of zoom control on thermal scopes. The battery life is good and InfiRay provides two batteries with the scope.

It has a very secure QD mount making it easy to move if you have more than one rifle used for night hunting. The 3-12X magnification range is perfect for most types of hunting and the Ballistic Calculator works well for those long shots.

Regarding the zoom issue I had, IRayUSA states that the encoder has been upgraded on new production models and they have the repair parts for early production scopes like the one I tested. The IRayUSA 5-year warranty is one of the best in the industry. They will repair/replace any scope with a 5-day turnaround.

After testing the Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF, I have found the perfect 640 thermal scope for my needs.

Infiray Outdoor Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF 3-12x Thermal Riflescope Specifications

• Detection Range: 2400 Yards
• Optical Magnification: 3X
• Digital Magnification: 4X, stepped
• Horizontal Angular Field of View: 46ft at 100 yards
• Objective Diameter: 50mm
• Objective F: 1.0
• Display Type: AMOLED
• Display Resolution: 2560×2560
• Reticle: 8 (7 Static, 1 DIY)
• Color Palettes: Black Red, Black Green, White Red, White Green, Black White, White Black, Crimson, Viridian
• Rangefinder: Integrated 1200 yd LRF
• Picture-in-Picture: Yes
• One-Shot Zero: Yes
• Stand-by Mode: Yes
• Mobile App: Yes
• Wifi: Yes
• Image Capture: Yes
• Connector Type: USB-C
• Onboard Recording: Yes
• Storage Capacity: 32GB
• Power Source: USB-C External, IBP-5 Li-ion Battery Pack
• Run Time: 5+ hours
• External Power Source: USB-C
• Startup Time: 10 Seconds, Instant from Standby
• Warranty: 5 Years
• Operating Temperature Range: -4°F~122°F
• Ingress Protection: IP67
• Recoil Rating: 300 Win./7mm Mag
• Length: 9.50
• |Width: 3.00
• Height: 3.75
• Weight: 36.63 Oz.
• Housing Material: Magnesium Alloy

Shop iRayUSA Thermal Optics at Outdoor Legacy

I am writing this in December of 2024. Right now, the Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF Thermal Scope is usually in stock at Outdoor Legacy. If you want a new Iray Rico RH50R Mk2 LRF Thermal Scope, call Jason at Outdoor Legacy at (877)350-1818. If it is out of stock you can get on the waiting list with a $100 deposit. Jason will take the time to help you decide what thermal scope or other night vision optic is best for your hunting needs.

For the latest news about Night Vision Optics, subscribe to the most informative shows on YouTube, the Late Night Vision Show. Hosts Jason Roberts and Joel Miller will keep you up to date on Night Vision Optics and entertain you with some great hunting videos.

Also please visit our featured Youtube channels; The Old Deer Hunters and HansETX. The Old Deer Hunters website has reviews of many rifles, scopes plus reloading.