Just wondering if anyone is using lower priced thermal imaging monoculars and if they are reliable and have good quality imaging?
Hand held Thermal Monocular
- Thread starter cahil_2
- Start date
What's your budget? If it's under $1800 for a new unit, I would keep saving as most aren't worth getting within that price range unless you just want something like 30yds and in.
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Yeah, there are plenty of low end thermals under $1500, and even under $1000. But you'd be pretty disappointed unless you have really low expectations. You'd be better off getting a day and night scope. What exactly are you wanting to use it for?
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@cahil_2 First off application matters a lot with thermal (distance, animal size, environment). I don’t know which ones you’re looking at, but I have a low priced one and a mid-tiered scanner. The difference in image quality is night and day. The questions are: would you like to see well enough to know that something is there? Or are you attempting to collect or post very clear thermal images for other purposes? Is it important for you to have crystal clear thermal image?
If image quality isn’t so important and you mostly just want to know what’s there, then I can see a 160 or 256 thermal sensor being an adequate entry level unit for close to medium range viewing. Those can be found relatively cheaper than models with higher sensor resolution. Beyond that resolution there’s usually a jump in price.
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@cahil_2 Tree squirrels or ground squirrels? Either way I’d recommend a higher resolution - 384 minimum. Maybe you can swing a 256 for an entry level unit, but eventually you’ll probably want better resolution if you like thermal. What will really be important is the base magnification of the optic. For tree squirrels I recommend a lower base magnification 1x-2x. For ground squirrels no less than 3x, but the average distance you intend to shoot is also a factor in considering a desirable base magnification for a thermal optic.
Keep in mind this is just my opinion based upon my own limited experience.
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I have the Rix K2 and like it....it works 
.. there is also infiray T2 pro may buddy is using it now on wild hogs and is loving it!!!
.. there is also infiray T2 pro may buddy is using it now on wild hogs and is loving it!!! Upvote 0
DNT will have our hound series monoculars but they are still a few months. The entry level will be at a target price for $650 up to $1700 for the top tier as a target goal. Will have LRF I am currently testing the pre production versions and will share what I can. 
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