WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF Thermal Scope

384×288 Resolution • 44mm Objective Lens • Integrated LRF with Auto Ballistics

The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF Thermal Scope brings together the features serious hog and predator hunters actually need: a sensitive 384-resolution thermal sensor, large 44mm germanium lens, integrated laser rangefinder and automatic ballistic correction—all in a familiar 30mm tube-style riflescope.

At its core is WAVE’s 384×288 MicroTherm 18 Sensor with a 12-micron pixel pitch, 50 Hz refresh rate and sub-18mK thermal sensitivity. Paired with the 44mm X-WAVE lens and TrueView image processing, the E3 is designed to deliver strong target separation and a clean, natural-looking thermal image—even during warm, humid nights when thermal conditions are less than ideal.

The 3.5× native magnification makes the ETHOS E3 especially well suited for coyotes, hogs and other predators across crop fields, pastures, food plots and open shooting lanes. At $1,999, it delivers integrated rangefinding and onboard ballistics without forcing hunters to step into 640-resolution pricing.

Built for Open Fields and Real Hunting Distances

The ETHOS E3 combines its sensitive 384×288 sensor with WAVE’s large 44mm X-WAVE germanium objective lens. Compared with the 35mm lenses commonly found on 384 thermal scopes, the larger objective gives the imaging system more thermal energy to work with.

Its 3.5× base magnification provides a closer starting view before digital zoom is applied. This makes it a strong choice for hunters who generally know the direction of the shot and want more native magnification for identifying animals across open ground.

Digital magnification extends from 3.5× to 14×, with both rapid and smooth zoom options. The scope provides a 395-foot field of view at 1,000 yards, which equals approximately 13.2 yards at 100 yards.

The ETHOS E3 carries a manufacturer-rated detection range of up to 2,000 yards under favorable conditions. Detection means recognizing that a heat source is present; positive identification and practical shooting distance will depend on the animal, weather, terrain and the shooter’s experience.

Sub-18mK MicroTherm 18 Sensor

Resolution is only one part of thermal image quality. The ETHOS E3’s MicroTherm 18 Sensor carries a NETD rating below 18mK, allowing it to detect extremely small temperature differences within the scene.

That sensitivity can improve separation between animals and their surroundings during:

• High humidity
• Warm nighttime temperatures
• Light precipitation
• Rapid weather changes
• Other low-contrast thermal conditions

WAVE’s TrueView Image Algorithm processes that thermal information to produce smoother contrast, cleaner edges and a more natural view of animals and terrain.

The result is a 384 thermal scope designed around usable hunting performance—not simply impressive numbers on a specification sheet.

DeadEye Integrated Laser Rangefinder

Judging distance through a thermal scope can be difficult because darkness removes many of the visual reference points hunters normally use. The integrated DeadEye Laser lets you confirm the distance without reaching for a separate handheld rangefinder.

The dual-channel system separates the laser emitter and receiver into individual apertures. It is built directly into the objective housing and positioned close to the optical centerline, creating a streamlined design without a bulky rangefinder module hanging from the side of the scope.

A dedicated laser button provides immediate access to the ranging system without requiring the shooter to navigate through multiple menus.

The DeadEye Laser offers two operating modes:

• Scan Mode for continuously updating distances
• Ballistic Mode for ranging a target and calculating the appropriate aiming correction

The Class 1 laser rangefinder is rated for distances up to 1,300 yards on suitable reflective targets. Actual ranging performance on animals will vary according to target size, reflectivity, angle, weather and atmospheric conditions.

SureShot Automatic Ballistic Correction

Once the target is ranged, the ETHOS E3’s SureShot Ballistics system calculates the shot solution and displays a secondary aiming point for the measured distance.

Instead of ranging the animal and then estimating holdover, the shooter receives an updated aiming reference inside the scope. This is especially valuable when coyotes or hogs appear at unpredictable distances across large fields.

The ETHOS E3 can store up to five firearm profiles, including caliber labels and zero distances. This makes it possible to move the scope between compatible rifles while retaining their individual zero and ballistic information.

Every ballistic profile should still be confirmed with the exact rifle, ammunition and muzzle velocity being used. A ballistic calculator is a valuable shooting aid, but it does not replace proper zeroing and live-fire verification.

1600×1200 ViewMax Display

The internal ViewMax Display features a 1600×1200 resolution with WAVE’s wide-field viewing technology, creating a large and immersive sight picture.

While display resolution does not increase the resolution captured by the thermal sensor, it can provide cleaner menus, smoother reticle edges and a more comfortable viewing experience. Adjustable display brightness also allows hunters to reduce eye strain during extended nighttime use.

Available thermal color palettes include:

• White Hot
• Black Hot
• Red
• Green
• Golden
• Violet

The ETHOS E3 also includes Picture-in-Picture, Hot Tracking and Outline Mode for hunters who want additional tools for locating, identifying and engaging animals.

Simple Controls Designed for Night Hunting

The ETHOS E3 uses a primary rotary control for quick magnification changes and menu navigation, along with a simplified three-button control layout.

Large, raised controls make the scope easier to operate by feel in complete darkness. Raised separators between the buttons help prevent accidental inputs, while the dedicated rangefinder button allows the shooter to obtain a distance quickly without searching through the menu.

WAVE’s GloveGrip Focus places a tall, tactile focus control on top of the objective housing. This ambidextrous design can be reached from either side and requires less movement than rotating a traditional objective focus collar. It is also easier to locate and adjust while wearing gloves.

Familiar 30mm Tube-Style Design

The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF uses a traditional 30mm scope tube, allowing it to sit and handle more like a conventional riflescope.

This design works well on AR-platform rifles, bolt-action hunting rifles and dedicated predator setups. It also gives hunters greater flexibility when selecting ring height and positioning the scope for proper eye relief and cheek weld.

The all-metal housing measures 13 inches long and weighs 36 ounces without the battery. Interchangeable threaded eyecups allow the shooter to choose between a compact rubber bumper and an extended rubber eyecup.

Recording, Wi-Fi and Media Management

The ETHOS E3 LRF can capture photos, video and optional audio directly through the scope.

Recoil-activated recording can automatically capture the action when the rifle fires, while adjustable sensitivity allows the feature to be matched to the rifle and ammunition. Photos and videos can also be viewed and deleted directly through the scope.

Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with the WAVE Infrared mobile app provide supported functions such as:

• Live video streaming
• Transferring photos and videos
• Managing recorded media
• Controlling supported device functions

The ETHOS E3 can also receive external power through its USB-C port.

Multiple Reticle and Zeroing Options

The ETHOS E3 offers a wide selection of aiming configurations, including:

• Nine reticle designs
• No-reticle viewing option
• Black or white reticle colors
• Reticle polarity reversal
• Four illuminated center-dot designs
• Red, blue or green center-dot illumination
• Front-focal-style or second-focal-style reticle behavior
• Five saved firearm profiles
• Custom caliber and zero-distance labels

These options make it easier to configure the scope for different rifles, ammunition and hunting applications.

Relentless Runtime Battery System

The ETHOS E3 operates on one commercially available protected 26650 rechargeable battery, delivering an expected runtime of approximately 10 hours under normal conditions.

Unlike a permanently installed internal battery, the field-swappable design allows a depleted battery to be replaced immediately. The battery compartment can also accept a protected 18650 battery when used with the included adapter sleeve.

Automatic shutdown can be set for 30, 60 or 90 minutes to help conserve power between encounters. The feature can also be turned off completely.

Actual runtime will vary according to temperature, recording, Wi-Fi use, display brightness and battery condition.

Built for Serious Hunting Conditions

The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF is designed for demanding hunting conditions with:

• Rugged all-metal construction
• IP67 waterproof rating
• Nitrogen-purged optical system
• 6,000-joule recoil rating
• Approximately five-second startup
• Adjustable automatic shutdown
• External USB-C power compatibility
• Five-year transferable warranty

Who Should Buy the WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF?

The ETHOS E3 LRF is an excellent choice for:

• Coyote hunters working fields and longer shooting lanes
• Hog hunters watching feeders, crop ground and food plots
• Hunters who prefer the feel of a traditional riflescope
• Shooters who want an integrated rangefinder and ballistic calculator
• Buyers seeking strong thermal sensitivity without paying for a 640 sensor
• Farmers and property owners managing hogs and predators after dark

Hunters working primarily inside thick timber or at extremely close distances may prefer a lower base magnification and wider field of view.

Buyers who rely heavily on digital magnification or need maximum identification detail at longer distances should consider stepping up to the WAVE ETHOS E6 LRF 640 Thermal Scope.

Key Features

• 384×288 thermal sensor
• 12-micron pixel pitch
• Sub-18mK thermal sensitivity
• 50 Hz refresh rate
• 44mm X-WAVE germanium objective lens
• 3.5× native magnification
• 3.5× to 14× digital magnification
• Rapid and smooth zoom options
• 1600×1200 ViewMax display
• Integrated DeadEye laser rangefinder
• Ranging capability up to 1,300 yards
• Scan Mode and Ballistic Mode
• SureShot automatic ballistic correction
• Dedicated rangefinder button
• Simplified three-button control layout
• Rotary zoom and menu control
• Ambidextrous GloveGrip top focus
• Up to five firearm profiles
• Picture-in-Picture
• Hot Tracking and Outline Mode
• Photo, video and optional audio recording
• Recoil-activated recording
• Wi-Fi and WAVE Infrared app connectivity
• External USB-C power compatibility
• Approximately five-second startup
• Approximately 10-hour battery life
• 26650 and adapted 18650 battery compatibility
• IP67 waterproof rating
• 6,000-joule recoil rating
• Five-year transferable warranty

Technical Specifications

Five-Year Transferable Warranty

The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF is protected by WAVE’s 5T five-year transferable warranty.

Unlike warranties that only protect the original purchaser, the remaining coverage stays with the scope if ownership changes during the warranty period. That adds long-term value whether you plan to keep the ETHOS for years or eventually trade it toward another optic.

Buy the WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF from Southern Precision Outdoors

Southern Precision Outdoors is a locally owned thermal and night vision dealer in Middle Georgia. We do more than sell optics—we use this equipment in the field and help customers choose the right scope based on their terrain, normal shooting distance, rifle and budget.

The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF Thermal Scope combines a sensitive 384 thermal sensor, large 44mm objective lens, useful 3.5× native magnification, integrated laser rangefinding and automatic ballistic correction at a highly competitive $1,999 price.

Have questions or want to compare the ETHOS E3 with another thermal scope? Contact Shane at Southern Precision Outdoors at 678-630-9758.

Looking to upgrade? Ask about the Southern Precision Outdoors thermal trade-in program and put the value of your current optic toward your next setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF good for coyote hunting?

Yes. Its 3.5× native magnification, 44mm objective lens and integrated rangefinder make it a strong option for hunting coyotes across fields, pastures and other open terrain.

How far does the ETHOS E3 laser rangefinder work?

The Class 1 DeadEye Laser is rated for distances up to 1,300 yards on suitable reflective targets. Actual ranging distance on animals will vary with conditions.

Does the ETHOS E3 have a ballistic calculator?

Yes. SureShot Ballistics uses the measured distance and saved firearm information to calculate the correction and display a secondary aiming point.

What battery does the ETHOS E3 use?

The scope uses one protected 26650 rechargeable battery and provides approximately 10 hours of expected runtime. It can also use a protected 18650 battery with the included adapter sleeve.

Does the WAVE ETHOS E3 use standard scope rings?

Yes. The ETHOS E3 has a traditional 30mm scope tube and currently includes heavy-duty 30mm rings.

Is the WAVE warranty transferable?

Yes. The ETHOS E3 is covered by WAVE’s five-year transferable warranty, meaning the remaining coverage can stay with the optic if it is sold to another owner.

Export of night vision/thermal equipment and optical sighting equipment is controlled by the U.S. Department of State Office of Defense Trade Controls, in accordance with International Traffic in Arms (ITAR), Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations Part 120-130 and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) U.S. Department of Commerce. Please see below for more information.