Which Thermal - but with specific questions!

[SSN100]

Hi all,

I know this topic has been done to death, but the options seem to move so quickly and it’s hard to keep track.

I’m looking to invest in a new thermal spotter for deer stalking (woodland and open fields) and would appreciate some real-world feedback from those who’ve actually used different brands and specs.

Budget: Around £1,500 (could stretch a bit if it’s genuinely worth it)
Priorities:

• Image quality
• Integrated LRF
• Replaceable batteries – preferably 18650, but I’m wondering if proprietary packs are as bad as some say
• Practical reliability & build quality for field use

Models I’m considering:

• Infiray Finder FH35R V2 – great spec for price, but uses proprietary battery packs rather than standard 18650s. How big an issue is this in reality?
• Pixfra Arc LRF A635/A650 – 640×512, standard 18650s, very tempting price/spec balance, but less brand history compared to Hik or Pulsar.
• HIKMICRO Condor Pro CQ35L – 640×512, 18650s, strong reputation, but slightly higher price than Pixfra.
• Dropping down to 384x288 to save some pennies.

Questions for those with hands-on experience:

1. For deer stalking ranges (spotting to ID at ~300 m), how noticeable is the jump from 384×288 to 640×512 in real-world conditions? Does the better NETD spec make as much difference as marketing claims? I’m most interested in knowing deer are present rather than needing to do detailed Id with the thermal.
2. Have you used both “premium” brands (Hik, Pulsar) and lower-cost brands How do they compare in terms of image clarity, build quality, and long-term reliability?
3. For those who’ve used the Infiray Finder FH35R V2: do the proprietary battery packs cause any frustration compared to standard 18650s?
4. For anyone who’s owned both Pixfra and Hik devices: how do they compare for image processing, durability, and after-sales support?
5. Is the extra money for a premium brand genuinely worth it for my use case, or are mid-range options now sufficiently good that you’re just paying for a name?

I’m especially interested in side-by-side comparisons from people who’ve used more than one of the above.

Any obvious option I have overlooked?

Thanks in advance for any insights—real-world experience is far more valuable than spec sheets!

 

[20-250]

Buy the Infiray and stop whittling!

 

[SSN100]

Buy the Infiray and stop whittling!

Based on a positive experience or just bored of “which thermal” threads

 

[20-250]

Had a mk 1, now got a mk 2 FH35R. Haven't regretted either for a moment. The 2 batteries supplied will last you a very long night.
Had 3 Pulsar units, including the then flagship Helion XP50 Pro. I much prefer the Infiray.

 

[SSN100]

Had a mk 1, now got a mk 2 FH35R. Haven't regretted either for a moment. The 2 batteries supplied will last you a very long night.
Had 3 Pulsar units, including the then flagship Helion XP50 Pro. I much prefer the Infiray.

Thanks, appreciated

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

The Finder FH35R V2 is an absolute steal for the image quality it provides and inbuilt LRF, nothing comes close at the price point... Although VERY limited stock left and when they're gone, they're gone as the brand moves fully over to NocPix...

 

[The Singing Stalker]

The higher spec is the one to go for. Yes it makes a difference.
Netd is not really measurable. As far as I can remember. Think of it more as marketing blurb. Like saying a car will make girls fancy you. There are lots of things that affect the picture, from software to hardwear.
I have proprietary batteries, they are ok. You can buy good 18650 batteries or bad ones.
Define premium brand. I currently use HIK, it is very good, but I paid through the nose for it.

If I was buying a monocular, I would probably buy a HIK condor. It is truly useable with one hand. Yes it is more money and no I don’t have one.

You are looking at the lower end of the products at the money you are spending and therefore, if I was you, I would grab the unit that Ian recommends.

 

[Freeforester]

Based on experience; my last was a quantum xq38 which I thought I would never part with, the Finder 2 is just great. Two batteries, can be charged either in the dedicated charger or via ask C direct into the unit ( I’ve never bothered, I just pop the battery out when home and leave it on charge for next time. Best value unit on the go, by a mile, and all you’ll ever need, no need to upgrade or buy bigger imho. LRF included, very useful.

 

[20-250]

Should have said, I also had a Hik Condor- the 640 resolution LRF one. Image of the Infiray is superior.

 

[crow killer]

I have a pulsar thermal spotter Helion xq38, bought it used off ebay about 7 years ago, total game changer, paid about £1860 ,
amazing little thing, batteries last a long time. Also have a pard 007 on the scope.

 

[Fowler1990]

Arguably id have the lrf in the optic and get the thermal with the cheapest 640x512

Difference between low and high res is being able to sex antlered species inside 300yds which in my opinion is worth the money.

Digital nv With ballistics (LRF) is worth the money in my view and a second hand arken/dnt at 3 400 pounds is worth every penny and I can say the deer i wouldnt have shot without it exceeds 5 hands within a year.


Or ignore both get a thermal scope with LRF but very much depends on the ground. Thick stuff id stick to NV opposed to thermal optics. Big Arable i would be thermal all day.

 

[wytonpjs]

I have a Telos XP50 LRF as my spotter and an Iray Finder FH35R V2 as a back up. I prefer the Telos but I use it day after day as the go to monocular. The Iray is the same on specs but 35 as opposed to 50, I don’t like it as much but it’s is for the price, a very competent tool. I also prefer the Pulsar menus and navigation as opposed to the Iray. I should also say that I run a pair of Habrok 4K binos, a Hik thunder 3 and a Thermion 2 XP50 Pro ( and 2 Alpex 4k). I shudder to think what I have spent over the years on thermals but honestly, I still prefer the Pulsars

 

[purdey24]

I bought a Nocpix Lumi P13 recently and the results are incredible.
Turns night into day and all for just over £500.
They also do two more expensive ones but I can't see why anyone would need them.

 

[Cyres]

For £750 you can get a very good Pulsar Helion which will do absolutely everything you will ever need to do. X2 in optics ads at present.
D

 

[TimWest308]

I have the HIKMICRO Condor and absolutely love it can’t fault it,