The ever-expanding thermal market apparently was too appealing for optics pillar Vortex Optics to forego any longer, resulting in the new Vortex Veil 400 Thermal Monocular.
At 5 inches long and weighing only 13.3 ounces, the Veil 400 looks and feels in hand just like a common rangefinder. Yet, this small powerhouse features a thermal resolution of 400x300, a 12μm pixel pitch, a 25mm Germanium objective lens and a 1,100-yard detection range.
Like larger thermal monoculars, the Veil 400 also offers multiple color palettes, a sharp OLED display and multiple viewing modes, as well as the ability to take and store photos and videos.
After several day and night sessions with the unit, I found the Veil 400 a very useful tool for Vortex’s intended market — the hunter. Yet, it’s also a very solid choice for ranchers looking for escaped livestock and possible trespassers, search-and-rescue and other first responders, as well as home and property owners in need of an extra layer of security.
Controls
My initial take on the Veil 400 was how securely my hand gripped the housing’s rubberized armor coating. Second realization: how easy it really was to use the unit.
The ease of use begins with the convenient three control buttons located atop the unit. As I became more familiar with the Veil, I even began to operate it with only one hand.
A quick press of the rear button, located closest to the ocular lens, takes a photo while a long press starts/stops a video. Within the menu, a press of this button moves your selection choice down the list of functions, while a long press exits you from the menu.
Press and hold the middle button to enter the menu. Once in the menu, pressing the middle button allows the user to toggle within the menu options; a long press makes an exit from the menu.
Main screen brightness is adjusted with a press of the front button, while a press and hold initiates a manual Non-Uniformity Correction or NUC. In the menu, a front button press moves the user up in the selection list, and a press and hold creates an exit from the menu.
Clear Images
The unit features 1x base magnification and digital zoom ability to 2x and 4x. The magnification is operated by quick pressing the middle button.
Images were quite sharp and outlined out to 200 yards or so in 1x and 2x. I not only spotted a rabbit in the grass at 150 or so yards, but I also clearly saw its two ears sticking up.
The 4x images were good, though not as clean edged, especially one night when the humidity was quite high. Which was to be expected, high humidity being no friend to thermal in general.
I could and did can choose between three viewing modes that Vortex designed to fit the environmental conditions, the terrain being hunted, and amount of background clutter. The three modes:
Balanced Mode, which Vortex rates as best for fair weather, balanced backgrounds, and open ground.
Contrast Mode, which brings out images better for backlit conditions and for targets in shadows or behind foliage.
And, the Brush Mode, the choice for use in dense cover and humid conditions.
I used the Balanced Mode most of my viewing time. But the Contrast and Brush Modes, I discovered, did bring images into better view when humidity and vegetation cover were issues.
Power
The Veil 400 is powered by a single, rechargeable 18650 Li-ion battery, which fits in a compartment right below the front objective lens. A pair of 18650s are included with the Veil, along with a battery charging station and USB-to-USB-C cord.
The battery can be charged within the device via the USB-C port or outside of the unit using the included battery charger. The unit can also run on a power bank by accessing the USB-C port.
The Vortex owner’s manual notes that the Veil won’t work with 18650 batteries with integrated USB charging ports due to the larger size.
To preserve battery life, the unit’s sleep mode puts it into a low power state. Sleep mode is launched by toggling the power button below the ocular lens. Pressing any button then cancels the sleep mode setting.
I easily secured the neck lanyard to the utility clip mounted on the right side of the unit. A tripod adapter socket at the bottom rear thermal provides attachment to a tripod.
I took a good number of photos and videos with my test unit Veil, and both were good quality. The unit allows the user to view media within the Veil by accessing the Gallery; media can also be downloaded onto a laptop or tablet by connecting to the USB-C port.
Included with the Veil 400 are a pair of the 18650 rechargeable batteries, a battery charging station and charger cable, a hard storage case, neck lanyard, lens cloth, and a 2mm Hex wrench.
“The Veil is for hunters that never clock out, that want to see more, hunt longer, and make the most of every night in the field,” said Tom Leatherberry, senior sales advisor for Vortex. “Counter staff should stress that the Veil is a versatile thermal and not overly complicated to use.”
Once the ease of use is stated, Leatherberry noted that the next step for sales staff was to put the unit in the hands of potential customers.
“We feel it is important to demonstrate how to toggle through the menus and displays so that the customer can find the settings that resonate most with them,” he explained. “Simply put, we find that users’ preferences vary based on their individual use.”
To help interest your customer base in the Veil, Vortex can provide its dealers with Veil pricing cards, a Veil counter mat, table tent and brochures. Sales staff can educate themselves on the unit with the Veil informational booklet Vortex sales reps will provide.
“We have field representatives that frequent our dealer network as well as dealer engagement specialists that can help with staff trainings,” Leatherberry noted. “Training can take place at their store and, in some cases, here on-site at the Vortex facility [in Barneveld, Wisconsin]. We are happy to have remote conversations and calls as well.”
Vortex products are not available through any form of distribution.
“All our relationships are managed directly with our dealers,” Leatherberry explained. “We also protect our existing dealer network.”
The best way to find out about being a Vortex dealer? Start is by completing the prospective dealer questionnaire at vortexoptics.com.
“This information will be passed on to our field representatives to determine if there is an open opportunity in their retailer’s area of operation,” Leatherberry said.
Early on, Vortex generated a number of traditional media pushes on the Veil in print and digital formats across the hunting and shooting space. Throughout 2026, more coverage will roll out focused on predator hunters and hunters in general.
Promise
In case your customers have any doubts, the Veil 400 Thermal Monocular is covered by the same unlimited, unconditional, lifetime warranty that Vortex provides for all its optics.
“The VIP Warranty is the foundation of who we are,” said Leatherberry. “All products, including the Veil, are covered by this Very Important Promise, the VIP Warranty. If your Vortex product—whether a riflescope, red dot, rangefinder, thermal, apparel, or accessory — becomes damaged or defective, we'll repair or replace it at no charge to you.”
He continued, “It doesn't matter how it happened, whose fault it was, or where you purchased it. If you have a problem, we promise to take care of you.”
