Thermal Helion xq38f or xq50f

[DCG]

I’ve been looking at thermals for a while and boiled it down to Pulsars Helion Xq38f. However having taken the plunge to commit, I’ve also been offered the xq50f at a very good price. Now I’ve got a quandary.
The stalking I do is mainly Roe over clear fell which has been replanted, viewing out to about 500m max. Stalking in mixed woodland with plenty of ground cover, viewing out to about 100m max and closer in. Finally two or three times a year we get up onto highland hinds. Mix in with that lot, a bit of foxing etc over open fields.
Can anyone, who’s got some real-time experience, give me a bit of guidance as to which one to go for please.
dcg

 

[Woodmister]

I’m in the same dilemma mate

 

[OJL1991]

Also having the same dilemma. Was going to get a Key but think I’ll spend a few more pennies after looking at the reviews.

 

[splash]

I was going to buy an xq38 after trying in the field against a quantum light 50.
I bought a xq50f.
The xq38 is good but the 50 is better for identifying things at a further distance, for example my friend was two fields away.
I could easily see him moving with the 38
I could identify his hands waving with the 50
If you can buy the 50

 

[Bramble]

I have a 50 so can not compair the two, but over large open fields i think the 50 gives far better detail

 

[Freeforester]

Detail is good, for sure, but you are getting it at the expense of field of view, which is wider on the 38; for picking up the signal or heatsource for a start, a wider field of view is no bad thing, most will confirm what they see with binocs thereafter, and final confirmation in the scope. The wider the field of view the better, if you want detail plus fov, go xp50, but "Holy Capital outlay batman!"

 

[zambezi]

field of view, which is wider on the 38; for picking up the signal or heatsource for a start, a wider field of view is no bad thing

+1

 

[mealiejimmy]

For animals as large as deer, field of view is more important than magnification.
Just get the XQ38

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

Both good units, I used a Helion XQ50F around a farm yard ratting and shooting feral pigeons, for a long time and I got on fine with it. Benefit of the XQ50F is nearly a 1/3rd more detection range and better detail vs the XQ38F sacrificing that bit of field of view and some more cash, just personal choice when taking the plunge..

 

[DCG]

Thanks so far for the replies guys, seems in the majority of case to be down to personal preference. Must admit it was the reduction in field of view which was concerning me if going for the 50

 

[Deker72]

thanks for posting this, I was about to ask for thermal recommendations

 

[A J]

I personally like the extra field of view that the XQ38F offers, but there's no doubt that the XQ50F offers greater detail. I think the 38 offers the best all-round performance, but it really does come down to personal preference. 243Hunter on here (Blackwood Outdoors) has always been incredibly good to deal with if you're ready to buy.