7 best thermal imagers for hunting

Thermal imagers respond to body heat emitted in the form of infrared radiation. It is not visible to the human eye, and thanks to optics with germanium coating is captured and fed to the matrix to draw the silhouette of a living being. This allows you to notice moving and static objects that generate heat. Unlike night vision devices, they are not blinded by the sudden appearance of light. Our experts studied various models and ranked the best thermal imagers for hunting, with optimal performance and positive feedback.

The best thermal imagers for hunting

On a hunt in the conditions of rain, fog, snow or twilight, it is quite difficult to detect the prey without additional funds. Even during a hunt, one often has to overcome long distances, climb on a hill or lie down, therefore the instruments used must be strong and enduring. Here is a rating of such thermal imagers with which not only you can travel or watch your cattle in the pasture at night, but also to hunt.


Nomination a place Name of product price
The best thermal imagers for hunting      1 Pulsar Trail XQ50          298 500 ₽
     2 Dipol tg1          400 000 ₽
     3 ATN OTS-HD 384 4.5-18X          311 000 ₽
     4 GUIDE IR510P          79 000 ₽
     5 FLIR Scout TK          60 000 ₽
     6 Seek Thermal Compact PRO          49 900 ₽
     7 FORTUNA GENERAL GOGGLES 40S3          351 000 ₽

Pulsar Trail XQ50

Rating: 4.9

Pulsar Trail XQ50

Expensive thermal imager in a sealed enclosure, optimally suitable for use in hunting. The device has a high resolution of 384x288 pixels, providing a clear picture. To calibrate the sensor, you can use manual, semi-automatic or automatic mode. For viewing objects at a great distance, a digital zoom of up to 10.8 is provided. You can use the sight at temperatures from -20 to + 50 degrees. Owners in the reviews confirm that all connectors on the case are protected by rubber plugs and it withstands shocks up to 6000 J, including shots.

Experts added this model to the rating as the best thermal imager for dynamic hunting. Thanks to the design of the sight with fixation to the rifle, it will be easy to fix it on the weapon in order not only to search, but also to carry out shots. The refresh rate of a 50 Hz frame will allow you to see the image without a “freeze” and not to lose sight of a fast moving target, for example, a running deer.

Virtues

  • wide rubber eye, covering the glare;
  • the lens has its own flap;
  • perfect picture;
  • detects objects at a distance of 1350 m.

disadvantages

  • recharge the battery before each hunt;
  • adds 620 g to the rifle, so you need to get used to the platoon;
  • there must be enough time between the purchase and the first hunt in order to understand the many settings (“Frame in frame”, “Memory of the points of sight”, etc.).

Dipol tg1

Rating: 4.8

Dipol tg1

This product is of Belarusian origin with a high-aperture lens with a diameter of 75 mm. On the side there is a video output to connect the monitor and see the search results on it. Users have noted in the reviews the excellent dynamics of the transfer of pictures thanks to the update of 50 Hz. The resolution of the matrix 384x288 pixels gives a clear and sharp image. The performance of the imager in the form of binoculars allows you to immerse yourself in the search and look with two eyes.The imager is powered by three batteries, and when discharged, it signals an indicator.

Experts recommend this thermal imager from the rating as the best for long ambushes in one place and conducting surveillance in order to identify the places for sleeping or watering animals. With it you can hunt at temperatures up to -40 degrees. If the hunter has poor eyesight, then the imager can be adjusted in diopters from -4 to +4. The device is well suited for static observation from one place on the hunt due to the detection range of 1700 m.

Virtues

  • possibility of increase by 5x;
  • provided with a tripod socket;
  • color screen with a resolution of 800x600;
  • when the battery is low, you can connect an external power supply (portable battery).

disadvantages

  • cumbersome and inconvenient with frequent change of ambush due to dimensions of 241x139x87 mm;
  • high price;
  • weighs 1.1 kg due to the aluminum case;
  • people with different visual acuity on each eye will not be comfortable (it is impossible to adjust each eyepiece separately).

ATN OTS-HD 384 4.5-18X

Rating: 4.7

ATN OTS-HD 384 4.5-18X

British thermal imager with a 50 mm lens. It has a front protective cover with an elastic band, frame definition adjustment and a powerful Obsidian T II processor. The smart hunting gadget is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can watch not only in the eyepiece, but also broadcast the data on the screen of your phone or tablet. For this purpose, an application has been developed for all operating systems. The sensor has a resolution of 384x288 pixels for high definition image transmission.

Our experts liked this thermal imager for hunting at once in several positions. The device has a zoom that allows you to bring the object up to 18 times, which helps to more accurately view it. The left side of the screen shows the distance to the target, crucial for the shot to make corrections. The electronic module is connected to the GPS satellite, so the route of movement is kept in memory and it is possible to track where herds of animals were seen, indicating places on the map. All this gave him a well-deserved place in the ranking of the best.

Virtues

  • image stabilization;
  • the ability to customize from the remote d / y without touching the device;
  • detection up to 1500 m;
  • video recording with sound.

disadvantages

  • can not be mounted on a rifle - need a separate sight;
  • exorbitant price;
  • black and white image.

GUIDE IR510P

Rating: 4.7

GUIDE IR510P

Another British thermal imager with a small lens of 19 mm and a weight of 305 g. Allows you to recognize large animals, such as boars, from a distance of 500 m. For better visibility, there is the Isotherm function, highlighting the warmest areas in red. The model is equipped with a video output for a wired connection to the monitor, as well as the presence of a Wi-Fi module for wireless data transmission. If you wish, you can shoot a video or take a photo in JPG format. Despite the small lens, the imager is able to bring the image up to 2 and 4 times. According to reviews, it is especially pleasant to consider the picture on it thanks to the latest generation of an LCD display with silicon crystals.

We have placed the thermal imager in the ranking of the best ones thanks to its robust, thick-walled casing that is well tolerated in shocks. The manufacturer conducted its own tests, dropping the device from a height of 1 m. He also has a laser pointer that can be used for hunting as an alternative to the sight at close distances.

Virtues

  • protective cap on the lens;
  • comfortable rubber eyepiece;
  • cord for hanging on the wrist;
  • the buttons are arranged in a row and, having remembered their sequence, you can, without looking, enter settings.

disadvantages

  • small storage bag does not have a loop for fixing on the belt;
  • not for long distances;
  • only 5 hours autonomously;
  • one USB connector does not allow charging the battery and transmitting data via cable at the same time.

FLIR Scout TK

Rating: 4.6

FLIR Scout TK

One of the cheapest thermal imagers used for hunting. The display has a resolution of 640x480 pixels, and the lens is 14 mm in diameter. Matrix Vox Lepton detects any heat at a distance of 150 m, and on the case there is a button for adjusting the brightness and changing the backlight to improve the perception of the picture.USB data can be transferred to a laptop. This connector also serves to charge the battery with a capacity of 3500 mA / h.

This is the most compact monocle for hunting in the ranking with a function of the imager. It is barely larger than a squeezed palm and weighs only 170 g. A rubberized body can be dropped into water and onto solid surfaces from a height of 120 cm (this has been tested by the manufacturer). But the recognition range is only 150 m, and the frame rate is 9 Hz, so we recommend this product for beginners to get basic skills when hunting at night.

Virtues

  • neat cap on the lens;
  • wide eyepiece;
  • picture or video with one keystroke;
  • water protected USB connector.

disadvantages

  • modest matrix of 160x120 pixels;
  • poor picture quality with blurry outlines;
  • narrow viewing angle of 20 degrees;
  • sold without power adapter.

Seek Thermal Compact PRO

Rating: 4.5

Seek Thermal Compact PRO

This is a product of American origin, made in the form of a small camera. The device contains a thermal imaging camera with a matrix, and the picture is immediately transmitted to the screen of another device, since the thermal imager does not have its own monitor. This design has significantly reduced the price, but affected the ease of use. The model comes in a sturdy case, convenient for transportation to the place of hunting. Matrix temperature is detected in the range from -40 to +330 degrees.

Our experts have identified this imager as the cheapest in the rating. If you really want to hunt in twilight or thick fog, but the budget is limited, then this is the best choice for the price. But the frame rate of 15 Hz allows you to use it for searching and observing only calmly grazing animals, but not moving ones.

Virtues

  • Lightweight 14 g;
  • viewing angle of 32 degrees;
  • compact dimensions 44x25x25x mm;
  • video recording and adjustable focus.

disadvantages

  • no own eyepiece - you only need to connect to the monitor;
  • impossible to aim - the device will only help to detect prey;
  • USB connector is open and not protected from dirt in hunting conditions;
  • Only compatible with the Android operating system.

FORTUNA GENERAL GOGGLES 40S3

Rating: 4.5

FORTUNA GENERAL GOGGLES 40S3

Thermal imager in the form of glasses with two eyepieces and one common lens. Inside it is equipped with an Amoled display with a resolution of 800x600 pixels with a high-quality picture. Crystals work well even in frosty weather. The feedback traces the convenience of a quick adjustment of clarity and the possibility of both optical (3.3x) and digital zoom (2x, 4x). The frame rate of 50 Hz is suitable for observing fast moving animals.

In contrast to the bulky thermal imaging binoculars, this model was included in the rating due to the performance in the form of glasses. The imager is attached to the head of the hunter with a rubber band and allows you to have free hands for dynamic hunting (pursuit of prey, climbing on obstacles, quick change of dislocation). A wide lens of 40 mm and a resolution of 384x228 mm allow you to see everything around you clearly and widely.

Virtues

  • high-aperture lens with aperture F / 1.0;
  • completely free hands during the hunt;
  • durable aluminum housing;
  • silent calibration.

disadvantages

  • high price;
  • autonomous work no more than 5 hours;
  • weight 500 g felt on the face;
  • The case is waterproof IP66, but glasses cannot be dropped into the water.


Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.
Comments
Loading comments ...

Product Ratings

Tips for choosing

Comparisons