Thermal Monocular Recommendations - Best Performance & Value - Higher End of Market

[UpNorthMI]

I'm going to buy my first thermal monocular, I'm interested in some input from people here that have experience using them. I'm trying to balance the normal factors of:

Performance
Price
Weight / Size
Usability
Reliability
Rangefinder ?

I'm certainly not on a budget and expect to buy something at the higher level of the market but would like to balance overall value. My main use will be fox / rabbit, boar and deer watching.

I look forward to hearing some of your practical experiences with what's out their today.

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

If budget is no issue...

• Zero Lag when panning from a vehicle
• Large super crisp display
• Rugged rubberised build
• Upgrade ability coming soon (Sensor-LRF)
• Integrated LRF
• Excellent terrain and target detail
• Smooth Zoom Wheel
• 10hr battery life
• Built to last

Well if budget is no issue buy a Merger XL50 , next level .....

 

[camodog]

I have been using a Pulsar XD 38 S for 6 + years and found it flawless. I am considering an upgrade and have had a Pulsar TelosXP 50 LRF on loan for 3 weeks and cannot fault it.....so far.

 

[UpNorthMI]

I have been using a Pulsar XD 38 S for 6 + years and found it flawless. I am considering an upgrade and have had a Pulsar TelosXP 50 LRF on loan for 3 weeks and cannot fault it.....so far.

Do you think a LRF is a requirement on a thermal monocular? It's $500 extra on the Telos. I can see that it's nice to have for foxing.

 

[Gunner223]

I bought the Hik Gryphon, small enough to fit into a pocket ( Harkila coat ) plus its got the rangefinder built in,
and I found shooting with a thermal scope the LRF is a must, IMO.

 

[camodog]

Do you think a LRF is a requirement on a thermal monocular? It's $500 extra on the Telos. I can see that it's nice to have for foxing.

Speaking from my own perspective then no, however, each to their own, others will differ in their opinions. I know my own ground intimately and therefore my distances.

 

[UpNorthMI]

I bought the Hik Gryphon, small enough to fit into a pocket ( Harkila coat ) plus its got the rangefinder built in,
and I found shooting with a thermal scope the LRF is a must, IMO.

I like the idea about a thermal monocular fitting in a large pocket. Personally I'm not too worried about a LRF in the monocular as my thermal rifle scope has a LRF but if it comes for an extra £100 and is not too large then I guess it may help if I resell or upgrade at some point.

 

[UpNorthMI]

If budget is no issue...

• Zero Lag when panning from a vehicle
• Large super crisp display
• Rugged rubberised build
• Upgrade ability coming soon (Sensor-LRF)
• Integrated LRF
• Excellent terrain and target detail
• Smooth Zoom Wheel
• 10hr battery life
• Built to last

Well if budget is no issue buy a Merger XL50 , next level .....

The Telos looks a little large based on the review videos that I've seen, I understand that you get a lot in the package but I also like the look of the smaller hand held units. I need to get out and take a look and feel of a few models. I do have a Thermion 2 XL50 Pro LRF rifle scope and have been happy with Pulsar.

I did not understand the future upgradeability, is this just to add a LRF or are there other possible upgrades?

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

Do you think a LRF is a requirement on a thermal monocular? It's $500 extra on the Telos. I can see that it's nice to have for foxing.

You can buy the standard Telos and if at a later date you require an LRF you can send this to Thomas Jacks (when an ETA has been announced ) to get the LRF module added.

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

The Telos looks a little large based on the review videos that I've seen, I understand that you get a lot in the package but I also like the look of the smaller hand held units. I need to get out and take a look and feel of a few models. I do have a Thermion 2 XL50 Pro LRF rifle scope and have been happy with Pulsar.

I did not understand the future upgradeability, is this just to add a LRF or are there other possible upgrades?

You can add an LRF module if you don't have it, also upgrade the sensor for example to an XL sensor...

The build quality is exceptional , I was driving scanning from a vehicle last night and compared a range of models. The Telos was definitely the best, zero lag when driving and panning, much larger screen display, just nicer...Yes it's the most expensive model out there, but it's also the best... you pay a premium for it...as with everything in life..

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

I have been using a Pulsar XD 38 S for 6 + years and found it flawless. I am considering an upgrade and have had a Pulsar TelosXP 50 LRF on loan for 3 weeks and cannot fault it.....so far.

Yes I dismissed the Telos because I had the Merger XL and to be honest nothing is as good as a Merger XL50 in white or black hot.....it's really is so detailed and sharp, this week thermal conditions are great and wow, they really are good... but the Telos are good too, all the little touches that make it an allround product, this will last the duration just like the Quantum and Helions have, but it has a better finish for harder work... A lot of people drive and scan and some of the thermal models I tested, made me feel sick, they were no good, the Telos refresh rate is fast so there is no delay, the screen is top end too... battery life, well it lasts all night... you see where I'm going it costs a wedge, because it's worth it...

 

[jb7x57]

Hik falcon fq 35 used on now for 12 months good value and is as good as the best I’ve tried

 

[camodog]

Yes I dismissed the Telos because I had the Merger XL and to be honest nothing is as good as a Merger XL50 in white or black hot.....it's really is so detailed and sharp, this week thermal conditions are great and wow, they really are good... but the Telos are good too, all the little touches that make it an allround product, this will last the duration just like the Quantum and Helions have, but it has a better finish for harder work... A lot of people drive and scan and some of the thermal models I tested, made me feel sick, they were no good, the Telos refresh rate is fast so there is no delay, the screen is top end too... battery life, well it lasts all night... you see where I'm going it costs a wedge, because it's worth it...

Definitely of robust construction, built to last ! As 'BO' mentioned, the battery life is excellent too. I was getting between 10 - 12 hours run time out of mine.