Scope review: ATN’s MARS thermal rifle scope series

Time Well Spent November 4, 2022

Every hunter will agree that when it comes to optics, quality and performance truly matter and many want to know, which is the best thermal rifle scope? Well, for years ATN has been leading the industry with its innovative technology and designs to provide hunters with the best equipment that performs under any conditions in any scenario.

Now they have released the MARS Thermal Scope series, making it possibly the best thermal imaging scope for hunting, and this review will break down each scope and highlight all the features that will contribute to more success out in the field.

MARS 4 Thermal Rifle Scope Series

A vast improvement on the already popular MARS-HD thermal scope, the new MARS 4 Series from ATN is a set of modern 30mm tube scopes that is a game changer amongst dedicated hunters.

Let’s break down a few of the unique features that the series offers in general before we dive deep into each individual model:

• Built-in Smart Range Finder
• Thermal Imagery
• WiFi & Bluetooth Connectivity
• Live Video Stream & Recording
• Dual Core Processor
• Recoil-activated Recording
• One Shot Zero Functionality
• Ballistics Calculator
• 16-Hour Battery Life

Who would the MARS 4 Thermal Rifle Scope Series be best suited for?

1. Predator Hunters:

With supportive features such as live streaming and video recording through ATN’s innovative dual-core processing system, predator hunters can record and replay each shot, which is extremely helpful when hunting at night.

The built-in range finder and quality thermal imagery of the MARS 4 series, means having to use less additional equipment such as thermal monoculars and hand-held range finders, so the hunter can remain focused and steady on coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and more.

2. Long-range Hunters:

The MARS 4 series ballistics calculator feature coupled with the smart range finder and crystal clear glass, makes for a deadly combination and provides the long-range hunter or target shooting enthusiast with a greater success rate.

MARS LT Thermal Rifle Scope Series

It’s not always long shots and picking up animals at far distances, in most cases hunting can be at close distances and your target can move in closer than anticipated. For those types of scenarios, the MARS LT series from ATN is the ideal setup.

The LT series is an affordable range of thermal rifle scopes that are ideal for close-range action and make for the perfect entry into the world of thermal optics for the average hunter.

With 6 scope variations in the MARS LT series, there is something for everyone and the list of features is impressive:

• 30 mm Standard Rings
• Lightweight Durable Construction
• Magnification Range 3x to 10x
• One Shot Zero Functionality
• Multiple Reticle Patterns
• Thermal Vision
• 10-Hour Battery Life

Who would the MARS LT Thermal Rifle Scope Series be best suited for?

1. Novice Hunters:

The allure of thermal hunting is strong but often the price tag associated with highly advanced pieces of equipment can be discouraging for new hunters. ATN produced the MARS LT series for just that very scenario and has now given more hunters of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy hunting with a thermal scope.

2. Woodland Hunters:

Depending on the target you are pursuing, if it lives in heavily wooded areas, chances are your shooting distance will be fairly close. Within the MARS LT series are scopes with varying magnification ranges, 3-6x, 4-8x, 2-4x, and 5-10x, making them the perfect scope for hunting in the woods.

3. Young Hunters:

ATN has made using the LT series rifle scopes incredibly easy without taking anything away from its technological capabilities. Apart from the easy mounting scope rings, the operation buttons and ergonomic functionality of the scope make for simple use out in the field. The One Shot Zero is another great feature that will allow young hunters to ensure their rifle and scope are hitting with pinpoint accuracy, which increases the chances of success and helps to build hunter confidence.

ATN’s Top 5 MARS Thermal Rifle Scopes

1. ATN MARS 4 640 1.5-15X – € 4,299

Specifications:

Pros of the MARS 4 640 1.5-15X:

The large range in magnification from 1.5-15x coupled with an impressive field of view provides the shooter with an array of options, including the ability to pick up animals at distance and track them within close range. No matter the terrain, whether it is open flat country or heavy wooded areas, the adjustment of the scope magnification will be a serious advantage.

One could be forgiven for thinking that a piece of equipment such as the MARS 4 640 1.5-15x would be difficult and complicated to use because of its advanced features, but on the contrary, ATN has designed it with simplicity in mind. The Spin to Zoom Wheel, Tactical Buttons, and ergonomic design all work so well and in unison that it will have the shooter dialing in on distant targets in no time.

Cons of the MARS 4 640 1.5-15X:

Not necessarily a bad criticism but still worth mentioning for those considering the MARS 4 series from ATN. These are powerful thermal scopes with impressive features that are backed by equally impressive technology. Take the time to get to know what each scope is capable of, and how the settings work, understand the instruction manual and ensure you get the most out of your purchase. This all takes time and those eager to get out and start hunting will have to work on their patience a little more.

2. ATN MARS 4 640 2.5-25X – € 4,599

Specifications:

Pros of the MARS 4 640 2.5-25X:

The Obsidian IV Dual Core Gen 4 640×480 60Hz sensor within the MARS 4 rifle scope makes for a formidable thermal scope and performs incredibly well at detecting the smallest of heat sources up to incredible distances.

With the Ballistics Calculator and Smart Mil Dot Reticle, it doesn’t matter what the conditions are, ATN’s innovation and forward thinking toward the shooter’s experience mean they can pull the trigger with confidence. What makes the Mil Dot Reticle even more impressive is depending on the load of the bullet being used, the shooter can actually program the variance between hash marks in Mils.

Cons of the MARS 4 640 2.5-25X:

Weight is always an issue when it comes to the overall setup for rifle hunters, especially those that prefer the challenges of a backcountry hunt. So, with the MARS 4 640 2.5-25x coming in at 1.0kg (2.2 lb.) it can be a hefty addition to the rifle, although, with all that technology jammed inside the scope, a little extra weight can be forgiven.

3. ATN MARS 4 640 4-40X – € 4,999

Specifications:

Pros of the MARS 4 640 4-40X:

It is best to describe the MARS 4 640 4-40x rifle scope as “A long-range hunter’s best friend.” With a maximum magnification of 40x, Ballistics Calculator, Smart Mil Dot Reticle, Recoil Activated Video functionality, and an insane thermal detection range of up to 3,300 yards, it is hard to believe there is anything out there that can compete with this scope.

Cons of the MARS 4 640 4-40X:

Let us make no confusion about it, a thermal rifle scope of this quality is going to come with a price tag that may scare off your everyday blind sitting whitetail hunter, but then again this scope is designed for the serious shooter that understands every penny spent on the MARS 4 640 4-40x is worth it.

4. ATN MARS LT 320 4-8X – € 2,099

Specifications:

Sensor	320×240 px/12 μm 60 Hz
Magnification	4-8x
Field of View, degrees	6.3×4.7
Core	ATN Obsidian Core LT
Micro Display	1280×720 HD Display
Eye Relief	90 mm
Color Modes	White Hot / Black Hot
Charging	USB, type C
3D Accelerometer	Yes Related Articles Rifles AN ICELANDIC SAGA ATN has released its MARS thermal scope series, providing hunters with equipment that performs in every scenario; here, we look at each scope in the series and their unique features. By Time Well Spent Gear RIFLE SHOOTING ESSENTIALS ATN has released its MARS thermal scope series, providing hunters with equipment that performs in every scenario; here, we look at each scope in the series and their unique features. By Time Well Spent More Gear News News News Get the latest news delivered direct to your door Subscribe to Rifle Shooter Elevate your shooting experience with a subscription to Rifle Shooter magazine, the UK’s premier publication for dedicated rifle enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned shot or new to the sport, Rifle Shooter delivers expert insights, in-depth gear reviews and invaluable techniques to enhance your skills. Each bi-monthly issue brings you the latest in deer stalking, foxing, long-range shooting, and international hunting adventures, all crafted by leading experts from Britain and around the world. By subscribing, you’ll not only save on the retail price but also gain exclusive access to £2 million Public Liability Insurance, covering recreational and professional use of shotguns, rifles, and airguns. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join a community of passionate shooters and stay at the forefront of rifle technology and technique. Subscribe Manage Consent To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Functional Functional Always active The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Preferences Preferences The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Statistics Statistics The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Marketing Marketing The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes Accept Deny View preferences Save preferences View preferences {title} {title} {title} Manage consent