Thermal spotter new or old

[moeggesit]

What would you rather go for below £400, little used old pulsar like quantum xd50s or a new Hikmicro Lynx Pro LE10S?

Anyone compared them for clarity and range (for instance spotting on an opposite hill 2-3 miles away which the Pulsar seems to do well enough)?

I’m only using it as an aid to find stuff, not too bothered about super high resolution.

 

[Cyres]

I am still using a Pulsar Quantum XQ38. The Helion was the next model and can be had for £500 SH on here.
The 50 pro was considered to be the dogs dangalies. Old Pulsar stuff appears v reliable and will do what you want. I haven't seen or used the latest Hik in the field. I had a Telos on loan for a week and decided not to purchase one.
I expect other users will advise.
D

 

[tarponhead]

I’m still using Pulsar XM30S, but not sure it would pick up much 2-3 miles away other than a faint blob. It’s fine out to 800m to tell between sheep, cattle, deer and fox. I watching the market too.

 

[moeggesit]

I’m still using Pulsar XM30S, but not sure it would pick up much 2-3 miles away other than a faint blob. It’s fine out to 800m to tell between sheep, cattle, deer and fox. I watching the market too.

2-3miles is a wild guess, would have to look at maps to confirm actual distances, certainly well over a mile in all instances.

Blob at those distances is fine. I know where sheep and cattle are and use binoculars for identification so it’s not an issue.

I suppose there’s two questions,
1) most important, how well does the lower end thermals perform and what are their limitations, specifically the LE10s? Is there other, better budget models available?
2) with the older Pulsars running on borrowed time, what is the likelihood of getting any value for money as opposed to £1000 for a much newer used top end?