Pulsar Axion XQ30 Pro vs Axion 2 XQ35 Pro

[sy247]

I am thinking about purchasing my first thermal and am interested in these two models.

The XQ30 Pro and XQ35 Pro look quite similar in terms of specs.

The focal length of the lens and aperture is different (F30/1.2 vs F35/1.0) presumably giving a wider field of view and better detection range (850m vs 1300m).
The battery life is different (7 hours vs 11 hours).

And the price is different! Is the XQ35 Pro really worth £600 more?

 

[mealiejimmy]

Any reason why you are only considering Pulsar
There are other makes and models available for less money with better specs

Cheers

Bruce

 

[sy247]

I've borrowed a couple of different Pulsar units from other stalkers and they seem well built and well supported. What other options do you think I should consider?

 

[Cyres]

Suggest you look through a comparable Hik micro and Pixfar before you commit to a Pulsar unit.
D

 

[sy247]

Suggest you look through a comparable Hik micro and Pixfar before you commit to a Pulsar unit.
D

Thanks, I will do.

 

[mealiejimmy]

If you look through a HIK thermal alongside the equivalent specification Pulsar thermal, I bet you prefer the image on the HIK thermal -and the HIK will be cheaper
HIK have arguably better back up and service than Pulsar.
Anything other than the most basic of repairs on a Pulsar will require a return to the factory in Lithuania - which will take 2-3 months minimum.
HIK have a service centre in Leicester and I understand that if a thermal still within warranty goes there and cannot be repaired within 4 weeks a new replacement is supplied FOC
The comparable models in the HIK range are the Falcon FH35 (12 micron 384 sensor and 35mm f1.0 lens) and the Falcon FQ35 (12micron 640 sensor and 35mm f1.0 lens)
The Pixfra thermals look interesting and are supported by the same importer as Pulsar (Thomas Jacks)
However, they have not been on sale for very long in the UK so the user base is small and there's not much feedback on performance and reliability yet
Having said that, the Arc 635 has an excellent spec and a very attractive price
I should note that I'm familiar with, and have used both the Pulsar and HIK thermals mentioned in this thread, but have not yet used any of the Pixfra thermals

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

I am thinking about purchasing my first thermal and am interested in these two models.

The XQ30 Pro and XQ35 Pro look quite similar in terms of specs.

The focal length of the lens and aperture is different (F30/1.2 vs F35/1.0) presumably giving a wider field of view and better detection range (850m vs 1300m).
The battery life is different (7 hours vs 11 hours).

And the price is different! Is the XQ35 Pro really worth £600 more?

At the price point of the Axion XQ30 Pro, they offer good genuine sensitivity for the money. In a compact well made body. Definitely not getting ripped off with this model.

They are due next week.

Pulsar Axion XQ30 Pro Thermal

The Pulsar Axion XQ30 Pro thermal monocular features a 17 micron, 25mk netD, 384 pixel sensor, with a compact magnesium alloy waterproof body.

www.blackwoodoutdoors.co.uk

 

[Cyres]

Recently I had opportunity to try in the field a Telos 35mm LRF My Quantum XQ38, Helion XQ38 and a Pixfra 50 mm.
Let's say I decided not to upgrade to the Telos.
The image on the Pixfra is stunning and unbelievable for v long range stuff. It's image is v similar to the Hik Falcon/Condor.
D

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

Recently I had opportunity to try in the field a Telos 35mm LRF My Quantum XQ38, Helion XQ38 and a Pixfra 50 mm.
Let's say I decided not to upgrade to the Telos.
The image on the Pixfra is stunning and unbelievable for v long range stuff. It's image is v similar to the Hik Falcon/Condor.
D

The Pixfra is 640 against the rest of them at 384 ?

 

[sy247]

If you look through a HIK thermal alongside the equivalent specification Pulsar thermal, I bet you prefer the image on the HIK thermal -and the HIK will be cheaper
HIK have arguably better back up and service than Pulsar.
Anything other than the most basic of repairs on a Pulsar will require a return to the factory in Lithuania - which will take 2-3 months minimum.
HIK have a service centre in Leicester and I understand that if a thermal still within warranty goes there and cannot be repaired within 4 weeks a new replacement is supplied FOC
The comparable models in the HIK range are the Falcon FH35 (12 micron 384 sensor and 35mm f1.0 lens) and the Falcon FQ35 (12micron 640 sensor and 35mm f1.0 lens)
The Pixfra thermals look interesting and are supported by the same importer as Pulsar (Thomas Jacks)
However, they have not been on sale for very long in the UK so the user base is small and there's not much feedback on performance and reliability yet
Having said that, the Arc 635 has an excellent spec and a very attractive price
I should note that I'm familiar with, and have used both the Pulsar and HIK thermals mentioned in this thread, but have not yet used any of the Pixfra thermals

Cheers

Bruce

Thanks for such detailed info Bruce, that's really useful and much appreciated.

 

[sy247]

Recently I had opportunity to try in the field a Telos 35mm LRF My Quantum XQ38, Helion XQ38 and a Pixfra 50 mm.
Let's say I decided not to upgrade to the Telos.
The image on the Pixfra is stunning and unbelievable for v long range stuff. It's image is v similar to the Hik Falcon/Condor.
D

Will definitely check out the Pixfra range, thanks.

 

[Omega]

I have Axion 2 LRF XG35. Definitely great piece of kit. However, if I was buying now, I would probably go for a cheaper brand like HIK - Pulsar thermal optics lose a lot of value very quickly and I do not see much difference in performance when I compared my Pulsar to 5-6 years old Pulsar of my guide
It will definitely last for many years and I kind of suspect there be no major breakthroughs soon, so I may keep mine for maybe even 10 years