First Look: Leupold LTO-Quest Thermal Optic

by
posted on August 30, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
lto_quest_f.jpg

Earlier this year, Oregon-based Leupold Optics launched the LTO-Tracker, a handheld thermal imaging device that was crafted with hunters in mind—which still didn't stop our friends over at Shooting Illustrated from taking a closer look at it as a personal defense tool. This spring, Leupold doubled down on the concept by introducing the LTO-Quest. The palm-sized LTO-Quest differentiates itself from the original Tracker (which more resembles a monocular) by serving as a palm-sized thermal imaging viewer and camera. Here are four things you need to know.

It does its job.
The LTO-Quest packs quite the punch for its size. Using its 206x156 thermal sensor with a 20 degree field of view, it's capable of detecting a thermal reading out 300 yards using any one of eight color palettes. It’ll operate in temperatures ranging from four-below to 140°F, and it can read temperatures well beyond that—on both sides of the spectrum.

It's compact.
Truth be told, neither of Leupold's thermal products is really a burden to carry around. The Quest really is palm-sized—see the embedded photo for proof of that. Better yet, it weighs in at just less than 7 ounces, so you're not going to have to worry about it adding much weight to your pack.

Features, Features, Features
The LTO-Quest is packed with a bevy of little features that hunters will be able to appreciate. It has a rugged, rubberized body that should keep it relatively safe from whatever elements you’re dealing with. It includes a 300 lumen, dual intensity flashlight, and a micro USB is port is included both for charging, and to download any images that are stored on the included, removable microSD card.

It's easy to use.
"Thermal imaging device" may sound intimidating on paper, but never fear—the LTO-Quest is decidedly easy to use. The controls are intuitive, and take no time to master. A four-hour battery life ensures that your Quest will make it through any job you've got in mind.

Latest

W H2026 07 Hardware W3832 TAH 1596Leadlayered
W H2026 07 Hardware W3832 TAH 1596Leadlayered

Hardware Review: Steiner ePredator LRF & ePredator 8 Riflescope

Looking for a surefire solution for long-range shooting? Look no further. Check out our review of the Steiner ePredator line.

Buckmasters’ New Record Book Reveals Hot Spots, Revamped Rankings

Deer hunters will have the rare opportunity to decipher the current state of whitetail deer when Buckmasters releases the ninth edition of its record book this fall. The 600-page tome shows where, when and by what means these world-class whitetails—25,000 in total—came to be included.

Clean 'em Up—Gun Cleaning 101 for Hunters

Ever wonder how often to clean your gun? How about what to clean it with? How about what to clean it with if you're hunting at 40-below? Phil Massaro answers all these questions and more, in this clean-freaks primer.

Hunting Show Attendance Shattering Records

Attendance records have been shattered at this year’s major hunting shows. The latest, Ducks Unlimited’s DUX (Ducks Unlimited Expo), set a new high-water mark in Memphis, Tenn. According to the Commercial Appeal, the July to Aug. 2 event attracted roughly 30,000 attendees. The 2025 event, also held in Memphis, drew a crowd that numbered nearly 20,000.

The Colonel’s Caliber in an Interesting Rifle—.35 Whelen

“Only accurate rifles are interesting.” Townsend Whelen

New for 2026: Beretta A400 Solo

Beretta USA has launched the A400 Solo, a new semi-automatic shotgun engineered for hunters who demand performance in the harshest conditions. Built on Beretta's A400 platform and packed with the company's latest advancements, the A400 Solo combines Beretta's B-Link Pro gas-operating system, Steelium barrel technology and Kick-Off Plus recoil reduction system into one dependable platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.