Description
WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF 384 Thermal Scope with Laser Rangefinder
(3.5–14× Magnification and up to 2,900 Yards of Detection)
The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF Thermal Scope combines a 384×288 thermal sensor, ultra-sensitive <18 mK NETD, a large 44mm X-WAVE™ objective lens, integrated DeadEye Laser™ rangefinder and automatic ballistic compensation in a traditional 30mm tube-style thermal riflescope.
Built for hunters who want useful native magnification and integrated ranging, the ETHOS E3 LRF starts at 3.5× base magnification and provides a 395-foot field of view at 1,000 yards. That combination makes the E3 especially useful for predator and hog hunters watching fields, timber edges, feeder areas and established shooting lanes.
The E3 isn’t simply about detection distance. WAVE combines its MicroTherm 18 Sensor™, 44mm X-WAVE™ Lens, TrueView™ image processing and 1600×1200 ViewMax™ display to create a complete thermal imaging system designed to retain useful detail in demanding hunting conditions.
Add in the integrated 1,300-yard DeadEye Laser™ rangefinder, automatic bullet drop compensation, recoil-activated recording, multiple rifle profiles and approximately 10 hours of expected battery life, and the ETHOS E3 LRF becomes a feature-packed 384 thermal scope built around real-world hunting.
WAVE publishes a thermal detection range of up to 2,900 yards and a maximum laser ranging distance of 1,300 yards.
384×288 MicroTherm 18 Sensor™ with <18 mK NETD
At the heart of the WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF is a 384×288 thermal sensor with a 12-micron pixel pitch and 50 Hz refresh rate.
WAVE lists a NETD rating of less than 18 mK, meaning the sensor is designed to distinguish very small differences in thermal energy within a scene.
That becomes especially important as environmental conditions become more challenging. On warm nights, humid evenings and other low-contrast situations, the temperature difference between an animal and its surroundings may become considerably smaller.
Greater thermal sensitivity helps the imaging system separate those subtle temperature differences.
WAVE calls this technology its MicroTherm 18 Sensor™, describing it as engineered for extreme thermal sensitivity and improved image detail.
Large 44mm X-WAVE™ Objective Lens
A thermal sensor can only process the infrared energy that reaches it.
The ETHOS E3 LRF uses WAVE’s 44mm X-WAVE™ Lens, designed for high-purity, high-transmission infrared performance.
According to WAVE, the 44mm X-WAVE lens captures up to 58% more usable infrared energy than typical 35mm systems.
That additional incoming thermal energy is intended to support cleaner imaging, stronger thermal contrast and improved performance when atmospheric conditions become more difficult.
Rather than relying solely on software processing, WAVE designed the E3 around the sensor and objective lens working together as an imaging system.
3.5× Base Magnification & 395-Foot Field of View
For predator hunting, starting magnification matters.
The ETHOS E3 LRF starts at 3.5× optical magnification, providing a field of view of:
395 feet at 1,000 yards
That higher starting magnification gives hunters a closer initial view of animals approaching across open ground or appearing along known shooting lanes.
This is particularly useful around field edges, feeders and other locations where the general direction of an approaching animal is already established.
Once additional magnification is needed, the E3 provides digital magnification from 3.5× through 14×, with both rapid and smooth zoom options.
Digital magnification enlarges the captured thermal image. It does not increase the sensor’s native resolution, so selecting the lowest useful magnification helps preserve visible detail and surrounding field of view.
DeadEye Laser™ 1,300-Yard Integrated Laser Rangefinder
At night, judging distance through thermal can be considerably more difficult than it appears.
The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF addresses that problem with its integrated DeadEye Laser™.
WAVE uses a dual-channel laser design, separating the emitter and receiver rather than placing them within a traditional combined laser module. WAVE states that this design helps reduce signal interference while supporting faster target acquisition and more consistent ranging.
The laser system is integrated directly into the objective housing and aligned with the optical center of the scope.
Maximum laser ranging distance is:
Up to 1,300 Yards
WAVE specifies that this maximum range is expected on a suitable reflective target; actual performance can vary with the target and environmental conditions.
Auto Ballistics / Automatic Bullet Drop Compensation
Knowing the distance is only half of the equation.
The ETHOS E3 LRF also incorporates automatic ballistic calculation.
After the appropriate rifle and ammunition information has been configured and a distance is acquired with the laser rangefinder, the ballistic system calculates the shot solution and displays a secondary aiming point for the ranged distance.
This gives the hunter both ranging and ballistic information directly through the scope without needing to lower the rifle and reference a separate rangefinder or ballistic device.
Ballistic calculations should still be verified with the exact rifle, ammunition, velocity and zero being used before relying on the system in the field.
1600×1200 ViewMax™ Display
Thermal sensor resolution and display resolution are two separate parts of the imaging system.
The E3 captures thermal information using its 384×288 sensor, while the image presented to the shooter is shown through WAVE’s 1600×1200 ViewMax™ display with Widefield Technology.
WAVE designed ViewMax around maintaining an immersive viewing experience while providing clean edge-to-edge visibility.
For the hunter, that means the image captured by the thermal sensor is presented on a high-resolution internal display.
Display brightness is adjustable, allowing the viewing experience to be tailored to the user’s preferences.
TrueView™ Image Algorithm
Hardware captures the thermal information. Image processing determines how that information is presented.
WAVE’s TrueView™ Image Algorithm is designed to produce a smoother, more natural-looking thermal image with defined edges and balanced thermal contrast.
Its purpose is to help the user distinguish animals, terrain and surrounding objects without relying on excessively harsh or over-processed imaging.
TrueView works alongside the MicroTherm 18 sensor, X-WAVE lens and ViewMax display as part of the ETHOS imaging system.
GloveGrip™ Top-Mounted Focus
The ETHOS E3 LRF uses WAVE’s GloveGrip™ Focus, an ambidextrous focus control mounted on top of the front portion of the scope.
Instead of requiring the shooter to rotate a large objective collar, the raised focus control can be located and adjusted with relatively small finger movements.
That design is particularly useful during nighttime hunting when the shooter needs to make a focus adjustment without removing their eye from the scope or searching for a control in complete darkness.
The supplied WAVE material specifically describes GloveGrip as a top-mounted ambidextrous focus control.
Simplified Controls for Nighttime Use
The ETHOS E3 LRF uses a simplified three-button control layout and an English-language menu.
WAVE describes the E3 as sharing the familiar user interface used in its ATRIS platform, with an emphasis on streamlined operation.
Startup takes approximately five seconds.
Automatic shutdown can be disabled or set to 30, 60 or 90 minutes.
Recoil-Activated Recording + Photo, Video & Audio
The ETHOS E3 LRF can capture:
- Photos
- Video
- Audio
- Recoil-activated recordings
Recoil-activated recording includes an adjustable sensitivity threshold.
Recorded media can also be viewed and deleted directly on the scope, allowing basic file management without having to immediately transfer the footage to another device.
Audio recording can be enabled or disabled.
Wi-Fi connectivity is also included.
Multiple Rifle Profiles — Save Up to 5 Zeros
The ETHOS E3 LRF supports up to five individual gun profiles.
Profiles can be identified by caliber and zero distance, making it possible to store multiple configurations inside the scope.
This can be useful for hunters who move the optic between compatible rifles or maintain different setups.
Whenever a thermal scope is removed, remounted, moved between rifles or used with different ammunition, its zero should be verified before hunting.
Reticle & Image Customization
The E3 offers extensive on-screen customization, including:
- Nine reticle designs
- Additional no-reticle viewing option
- Black or white reticle colors
- Polarity reversal
- Four illuminated center-dot reticle designs
- Red, blue or green illuminated center dot
- Front or second focal plane options
- Six thermal color palettes
- Picture-in-Picture
- Hot Tracking
- Outline Mode
The six thermal palettes are White, Black, Red, Green, Golden and Violet.
These options let hunters adjust the image and aiming display to their preferences and the conditions encountered in the field.
Relentless Runtime™ — Approximately 10 Hours
The ETHOS E3 LRF uses one protected 26650 rechargeable battery and carries an expected operating time of approximately:
10 Hours
WAVE’s battery compartment can also accept a protected 18650 battery when used with the included spacer.
Using commonly available rechargeable battery formats provides hunters with another option for carrying spare power during long nights in the field.
Actual runtime varies with temperature, battery condition and the features being used.
Traditional 30mm Tube Design
The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF uses a traditional:
30mm Scope Tube
This allows the optic to be installed using appropriate quality 30mm rings or a compatible 30mm one-piece mount.
WAVE lists the E3 at approximately 13 inches long and 36 ounces without the battery, with a published recoil rating of 6,000 joules.
IP67 Weather Resistance
The WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF carries an IP67 rating, giving the scope protection intended for demanding outdoor hunting environments.
The E3 is also nitrogen purged according to WAVE’s current specifications.
WAVE 5T Warranty™ — 5-Year Transferable Warranty
WAVE backs qualifying thermal scopes with its 5T Warranty™, a five-year transferable limited consumer warranty.
WAVE states that qualifying warranty coverage transfers with the scope to a subsequent owner.
WAVE’s current ETHOS E3 product page states that buyers should register qualifying devices within 60 days of purchase for the warranty period to begin from the documented purchase date; otherwise, warranty timing is based on the manufacturing date under WAVE’s published warranty terms.
ETHOS E3 LRF Specifications:
| Specification | WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF |
|---|---|
| Thermal Sensor | 384×288 |
| Pixel Pitch | 12 μm |
| Refresh Rate | 50 Hz |
| NETD | <18 mK |
| Objective Lens | 44mm X-WAVE™ |
| Base Magnification | 3.5× |
| Digital Magnification | 3.5×–14× |
| Zoom Modes | Rapid & Smooth |
| Field of View | 395 ft. at 1,000 yd. |
| Thermal Detection Range | Up to 2,900 yd. |
| Laser Rangefinder | DeadEye Laser™ |
| LRF Range | Up to 1,300 yd. |
| Laser Class | Class 1 |
| Ballistic Calculation | Yes |
| Display | ViewMax™ 1600×1200 |
| Color Palettes | 6 |
| Picture-in-Picture | Yes |
| Recoil-Activated Recording | Yes |
| Hot Tracking | Yes |
| Outline Mode | Yes |
| Reticle Designs | 9 + No Reticle |
| Gun Profiles | Up to 5 |
| Photo / Video Recording | Yes |
| Audio Recording | Yes / Selectable |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Battery | 1× Protected 26650 |
| 18650 Compatibility | Yes, with spacer |
| Expected Battery Life | Approx. 10 Hours |
| Startup Time | Approx. 5 Seconds |
| Recoil Rating | 6,000 J |
| Scope Tube | 30mm |
| Length | 13 in. |
| Weight | 36 oz. without battery |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 |
| Nitrogen Purged | Yes |
| SKU | WTS305 |
| UPC | 850030459688 |
| Warranty | 5-Year Transferable 5T Warranty™ |
WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF and E6 LRF?
The E3 LRF uses a 384×288 sensor, 3.5× base magnification, digital magnification up to 14× and a 395-foot field of view at 1,000 yards.
The E6 LRF uses a 640×512 sensor, 2.5× base magnification, digital magnification up to 15× and a wider 670-foot field of view at 1,000 yards.
The E3 provides more native magnification, while the E6 provides higher sensor resolution and a wider starting view. Both feature a 44mm objective lens, <18 mK NETD, integrated laser ranging and automatic ballistic compensation.
Is the WAVE ETHOS E3 LRF suitable for coyote and predator hunting?
Yes. Its 3.5× base magnification is useful for watching predators approaching across fields, along timber edges and through established shooting lanes.
The integrated laser rangefinder and automatic ballistic system provide distance and aiming information when an animal stops at an unexpected range.
Is the ETHOS E3 LRF suitable for hog hunting?
Yes. The E3 is well suited to feeder locations, field edges and other areas with known approaches.
Its 3.5× starting magnification provides a closer initial view. Hunters who prioritize a wider view for following multiple animals should also consider the ETHOS E6 LRF.
How far can the ETHOS E3 LRF detect heat?
The supplied E3 specification sheet lists detection of up to 2,900 yards under favorable conditions.
Detection means seeing a heat source. It does not mean identifying an animal or confirming a safe shot at that distance. Practical identification depends on target size, weather, terrain, focus and magnification.
How far does the laser rangefinder measure?
WAVE lists a maximum laser ranging distance of up to 1,300 yards on suitable reflective targets.
Actual ranging performance depends on the target, angle and environmental conditions.
Does the ETHOS E3 LRF have a ballistic calculator?
Yes. The E3 includes automatic ballistic calculation / bullet drop compensation.
After the rifle and ammunition information is configured and the target is ranged, the system calculates a solution and presents a secondary aiming point. Verify the ballistic profile with your actual rifle and load before hunting.
What does <18 mK NETD mean?
NETD describes the ability to distinguish small temperature differences.
A rating of less than 18 mK indicates strong thermal sensitivity, helping the E3 separate animals from surrounding terrain when thermal contrast is limited.
What is the difference between the 384×288 sensor and 1600×1200 display?
The 384×288 thermal sensor captures the thermal information.
The 1600×1200 ViewMax display is the screen viewed through the eyepiece. A higher-resolution display does not change the sensor’s native resolution.
Can the ETHOS E3 LRF record hunts?
Yes. It supports photo, video and optional audio recording, plus recoil-activated recording with adjustable sensitivity.
Recorded files can be viewed and deleted directly on the scope.
What battery does the ETHOS E3 LRF use?
The E3 uses one protected 26650 rechargeable battery and has an expected runtime of approximately 10 hours.
It can also accept a protected 18650 battery with the included spacer.
What rings or mount does the ETHOS E3 LRF require?
The scope uses a 30mm tube and requires compatible 30mm rings or a 30mm one-piece mount selected for your rifle.
Correct mounting position, eye relief and installation are important, and zero should be verified after mounting.
Can I save multiple rifle zeros?
Yes. The E3 supports up to five gun profiles, with labeling for caliber and zero distance.
What warranty covers the ETHOS E3 LRF?
Qualifying devices are covered by WAVE’s 5T five-year transferable limited consumer warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s terms.
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