Initially, thermal imaging devices were used in the military but in the recent past, these devices have become accessible to ordinary people. When they first become available, they were very expensive and not many people could afford. However, thermal imaging technology is developing rapidly, and prices are coming down.
Right now, you can get an affordable monocular with impressive features for your needs. In this article, were are going to look at some of the best thermal imaging for hunting and surveillance. Also, we will provide a detailed buying guide to enable you to choose the right device.
Here are the six best thermal imaging monocular
i. ATN OTS-HD 384 9-36x
The ATN OTS-HD thermal imaging monocular comes with impressive features which makes it applicable for hunting and surveillance. For instance, it has an inbuilt e-compass to assist in navigation, especially at night. This makes it an important tool to have in the field.
On top of that, this monocular also features a built-in gyroscope. This feature helps in steading shaky hands to produce high quality images.
It has an incorporated smart rangefinder that will enable you to get an accurate reading of the distance between you and the object. If you are a hunter, this feature will enable you to know the precise position of the target to take a shot.
Another prominent feature in this binocular is the e-zoom option. It will help you to get clear images of faraway objects. Also, it is fully equipped with video taking and streaming capabilities to enable you record for e Features
Main features
- 384×288 sensor resolution
- 2-8x magnification
- E-zoom
- Inbuilt gyroscope
- E-compass
- HD display evidence purposes.
Pros
- Excellent clarity
- Stream, record and take photographs
- Built-in compass
Cons
- Large and heavy
ii. Pulsar Helion XP50
This is a formidable device with impressive features and capabilities that separate it from competitors. For instance, it can take pictures and record and stream videos. Also, it is Wi-Fi enable to enable you connect the device with your mobile devices.
This monocular is capable of detecting objects that are up to 2000 yards away. The resolution is sufficient to give high quality images. Everything in the field of view is nicely rendered to identify targets easily.
It comes with a storage of 8 GB that can store more than 4000 images and almost 10hour video. In addition, it has an impressive battery life of 8hours of continuous use.
Furthermore, this monocular is waterproof and dustproof, which makes it ideal for hunting and other outdoor purposes. It is also fog proof, so that lens stays clear even in adverse weather conditions.
A 50Hz refresh rate will ensure that you get crisp images even when the target is moving. Additionally, it features the best colour palette capabilities to provide high quality images.
Features
- 5-20x magnification
- 2000 detection range
- 384×288 thermal sensor resolution
- 3D gyroscope and E-compass
- E-zoom
- Wi-Fi streaming
- Video recording capabilities
Pros
- Antifogging
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Dustproof
- Impressive resolution
- Sufficient storage
Cons
- Slightly expensive
iii. ATN OTS-HD 384 Thermal Smart HD Monocular 1.25-5x
This is a smaller brother to the first device in this article. Nonetheless, it retains the gyroscope, which is a handy feature when using the monocular in the field. Also, you will still get the e-compass to enable you to navigate even in unfamiliar territories.
The e-zoom capability will help you to get clear images of objects at longer distances. In addition, apart from taking great photos in the field, this monocular is also capable of video recording and streaming.
Features
- 384 x 288 thermal sensor resolution
- 25-5x magnification
- Inbuilt gyroscope and compass
- Rangefinder
- Wi-Fi module
- Smooth Zoom Technology
Pros
- Video recording and streaming
- High definition resolution
- SD card storage
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited detection range for smaller objects
Factors to consider when choosing thermal imaging monoculars
- Thermal sensor resolution
Sensor resolution is perhaps the most important thing to consider when buying thermal imaging monoculars. This is the component that detects the infrared radiation emitted by objects. The higher the sensor resolution, the clearer the image.
- Display resolution
This is a major consideration if you intend to use the monocular for longer ranges. Resolution is a cost-adding feature, and in cheaper devices, the resolution is likely to be lesser. So, when setting your budget, be careful of how low you can go.
- Magnification
Magnification is another factor that influences the cost of thermal imaging monoculars. This is because the technology involved in increasing the magnification level is very expensive.
So, before you rush to buying a monocular, you need first to understand how you intend to use the device. For instance, if you are only going to use the device for shorter distances, there is no need of getting monoculars with high magnification level.
- Eye relief and field of view
The reason why most hunters prefer a thermal monocular is that it provides a wider field of view compared to other devices like night vision scopes. So, when buying a monocular, ensure that it has sufficient viewing angle.
- Modes and colour palettes options
Numerous colour palettes will enable you to use the thermal imaging camera in a variety of settings and light conditions. Monocular with a better range of colour mode is likely to be expensive, although it will provide a greater user experience.
If you want to identify and surveil targets at longer distances, you should look out for more options colour palette. For example, the sepia option is the best colour palette to use at night.
Conclusion
We have looked at some of the top three monoculars that are perfect for hunting and surveillance. If you love hunting, you should consider adding a monocular to your hunting equipment. Apart from providing a wider field of view, a monocular will help you to stay safe when hunting at night. Our top pick is the ATN OTS-HD 384 9-36x because of its amazing features and everything a hunter would need in the field.
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