New Binoculars, range finder or thermal????

[NullMac]

Keep your binos and get a thermal monocular with a LRF.

I think that is right.

For me LRF is essential, it is one of the biggest improvements in shooting ever. It also helps work out where to go for a shooting position that will give me the range I want. Thermal does most of the work but sometimes I want to have a look with the binos.

I will leave the binos sometimes but I always want the thermal and the LRF.

 

[Everlong]

So here is my conundrum and situation.

I have Vortex Diamondback 8X42 binoculars that I personally think are more than adequate however I am about to be without a range finder anymore. I do't use it a huge amount but I do find it useful when I do need it.

I was contemplating splashing out on some Vortex Fury 5000 LRF Binos (only interested in Vortex due to the warranty) but then I started to wonder if I would be better off for stalking purposes to get a thermal spotter (similar price range maybe spend a bit more) instead of the LRF Binos as I definitely can't afford and justify both. I generally stalk open fields and hedgerows bordering large woods and often go in the woods for a stalk or sit up. I also love going after squirrels in the woods too and know that a thermal would be great for these outings.

What are the general opinions of people who have gone through a similar situation? Did you choose a thermal and regret it or is it invaluable?

I went through the same thought process recently and decided to purchase a pair of HIK Habrok HQ35L which have an outstanding thermal, great day vision, incredible night vision including integral IR illuminator AND a 1000m LRF. All in one piece of kit that feels just like a pair of binos in terms of form factor and weight.

I subsequently sold my Pulsar thermal spotter and Delta LRF Binos AND ended up putting a HIK Alpex 4K LRF scope on the rifles.

 

[jackblack56]

Recently got the Hik Condor CQ35L. I was torn between that and the Falcon FQ35 (same image processor but non-LRF) and I'm so glad I went for the Condor.

The image quality is outstanding, and the field of view is great for woodland or open hill stalking. One scan around to locate quarry, one press to range it, then a swap to the cheap-o binos to identify species and sex (but most of the time I can identify if it's a buck or doe via the Condor, the image is that good).

The Condor had battery life issues at launch, but these have all been rectified in latest models and firmware updates. Comes with 3 batteries, I can get 3-4 hours use out of each one.

 

[GBR66]

Recently got the Hik Condor CQ35L. I was torn between that and the Falcon FQ35 (same image processor but non-LRF) and I'm so glad I went for the Condor.

The image quality is outstanding, and the field of view is great for woodland or open hill stalking. One scan around to locate quarry, one press to range it, then a swap to the cheap-o binos to identify species and sex (but most of the time I can identify if it's a buck or doe via the Condor, the image is that good).

The Condor had battery life issues at launch, but these have all been rectified in latest models and firmware updates. Comes with 3 batteries, I can get 3-4 hours use out of each one.

Its brilliant - cant believe the tech for the price

 

[GBR66]

I went through the same thought process recently and decided to purchase a pair of HIK Habrok HQ35L which have an outstanding thermal, great day vision, incredible night vision including integral IR illuminator AND a 1000m LRF. All in one piece of kit that feels just like a pair of binos in terms of form factor and weight.

I subsequently sold my Pulsar thermal spotter and Delta LRF Binos AND ended up putting a HIK Alpex 4K LRF scope on the rifles.

Was going to buy the Habroks's (which are superb) but then had a think about night vision and went for a Condor which I think is same tech but monocular.....its bloody brilliant - when that matters use it on left eye and keep right eye for scope.