A thermal imager is a special optical device with which you can track living objects; they use a special device that paints the object against the general background. It is often used for dark days or bad weather to improve visibility. The device is widely used in hunting. With such a device, you can see the target even through fog, grass, bushes and other interference. The device is protected from bright light, so it does not “fade”, unlike models for night vision. The range of work can be very large, ranging from 10 meters to several hundred. The image is displayed in monochrome or color. The article describes the best thermal imagers in 2020 in terms of value for money.
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The best thermal imagers for hunting
Depending on the needs, financial capabilities, the hunter may need different models to track the object. The rating will determine which thermal imager is best for hunting different animals under certain conditions.
FLIR Scout TK
Pocket model for tracking living objects, characterized by simple use, the presence of a visualization function using video or photos. The device can easily identify large animals at a distance of up to 100 meters. Several colors with different shades are used to display the picture. Can be used for night time.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Small size.
- Convenient for hunting or traveling.
- Convenient for large animals and hunting in the forest or field.
- Creates high-quality photos, videos.
Minuses:
- The minimum number of electronic options.
- Cannot be mounted on a tripod.
SEEK THERMAL REVEAL XR (CAMO)
This device is characterized by its technical parameters and the presence of various functions. It uses a small camera to take photos or videos. The device is not exposed to sunlight and daylight, and can also be used at any time of the day. The operating range reaches 275 meters, and the field of view is very wide. The screen is color-coded and includes a wide range of shades.
Pros:
- Small size and weight.
- Affordable cost with a large number of options and functions.
- You can take a photo or video.
- The case of increased strength, sealed, which means it is suitable not only for hunting, but also for fishing.
- The presence of a flashlight.
Minuses:
- There is no Russian language in the menu.
Seek Thermal Reveal
This option is characterized by low cost and is considered a pocket model. A special feature is its small size, weight, and visually the device is in the form of a small mobile phone. An apparatus has been created to detect an object at a distance of up to 150 meters. With the help of the screen, you can see the temperature of the object.
The picture is displayed on a color monitor or a photo is created and saved on a memory card. In addition, the unit can sync with many smartphones. It has a protected case that is not afraid of shocks and the manufacturer has implemented in addition a diode flashlight.
Pros:
- Compact size with light weight, making it easy to hold in the hand and carry in a pocket.
- Can take photos.
- The model is one of the cheapest on the market.
- Flashlight.
- At a distance of 100 meters, you can clearly see a dog, a person who are moving.
Minuses:
- In winter, it may display the temperature incorrectly.
- Accurate data is only possible on surfaces that do not reflect light.
GUIDE IR510P
Model 2 in 1, since it is not just a thermal imager, but also a monocular. The visibility is very good regardless of the time of day and weather conditions, high-quality magnification is used. The manufacturer has made a slot for a memory card where you can save photos or videos. Objects are well fixed at a distance of up to 500 meters. There is a place for a tripod. The product is in demand among hunters, forest conservationists and naturalists.
pros:
- Large field of view.
- Suitable as a classic monocular for daytime hunting and acts as a thermal imager for the night.
- Work in several thermal modes.
- The ability to take photos and videos.
- There is a slot for a memory card.
Minuses:
- Creates loud sounds when calibrated that can frighten animals.
- It is almost impossible to see birds or small animals, especially behind the reeds.
Read also: 9 most powerful flashlights for hunting and other purposes
ATN OTS-HD 384 4.5-18X
Perhaps this is the best thermal imager in terms of quality, availability of functions and other parameters. It is recommended for use by hunters and naturalists. It can easily identify a person or large animals at a distance of up to 1.5 km, but clear recognition starts from 600 meters. The exact identification of the object occurs from 350 meters.
The model can work with other devices via Bluetooth or WiFi. It is possible to take high-quality photos or videos, regardless of the time of day. The device has an electronic barometer, a compass, a rangefinder and a gyroscope, which helps to achieve a clear picture.
pros:
- High build quality.
- Nice picture.
- There is a possibility of communication with other equipment using a wireless connection.
- Good for hunting.
The only drawback is the cost of the product.
PULSAR HELION XQ50F
Model 2 in 1 - thermal imager and monocular, which makes it possible to apply high-quality optical zoom. A plus can be considered a zoom lens, the option to determine the distance to an animal or other object using a special scale. A passive heat removal mechanism is also implemented. The technician can take photos or videos, there is a microUSB port and remote control.
pros:
- Find thermal objects at a great distance.
- Quickly stabilizes the image if sunlight enters the lens.
- Works well in frost and any weather.
The disadvantages include the high cost of equipment.
DALI S240
Among its counterparts, the model is the most compact and convenient to use with minimal weight. The case fits comfortably in the hand, and thanks to its weight, you can track objects for a long time. The magnification can be adjusted, video or photo can be taken.
The manufacturer made a connector for connecting the thermal imager to other gadgets, which allows you to configure, control and monitor animals remotely. The definition of thermal objects is carried out at a distance of up to 750 meters, and accurate detection will be up to 150 meters. Impact, weatherproof housing.
pros:
- Compact size and low weight, which increases ease of use.
- A modern model that allows you to track animals and control the thermal imager via your phone.
- Optimal cost.
- The presence of a camera for photos or videos.
Users refer to the disadvantages of long-term image recovery in case of device displacement, and the image itself will be blurry.
ELECTROOPTIC STRIX-3F40
The device is made in Belarus, which includes a thermal imager and a monocular. Designed and created so that the body and all its elements are not influenced by the weather conditions of the Russian Federation. It works great in frost, heat, snow or rain. The company has made focusing of 2 types, which can be digital or manual, there is the possibility of photo and video. The body itself is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, characterized by increased strength, not subject to shocks, falls. It is recommended to buy for finding animals in the area and hunting.
pros:
- Good build quality.
- Simple to use.
- The optimal visibility of the figures is up to 1.3 km.
- High quality photos and videos, even at night.
Minuses:
- It works with batteries, so when going hunting, you need to buy spare or install batteries.
- There is no way to put the thermal imager on a tripod.
ATN BINOX-THD 640 2.5-25X
A digital thermal imager and an optical instrument, which is considered professional and allows you to see people or animals at a distance of up to 1.5 km, while identification occurs from 600 meters, and accurate recognition from 350 m. It is possible to fix objects in a photo or video.
Suitable for use at any time of the year, day or night. The manufacturer has implemented high-quality image stabilization. With the help of GPS-location, hunters can restore the path using the marks. There is also a mid-mounted compass and accelerometer.
pros:
- High build quality.
- Great to keep track of objects that are standing or moving.
- Photos and videos are saved in internal memory for later transfer to a PC.
- Convenient to use in forest areas.
No shortcomings have been established, but only experienced hunters buy such a device.
FORTUNA GENERAL GOGGLES 40S3
An optical device that allows you to free your hands while tracking animals. Visually looks like electronic glasses, is attached to the hunter's head and is characterized by a high degree of light power. Image focusing manual or digital to choose from. The body can be fixed at a distance of 2.4 km. The lenses can be changed at will, the glasses themselves are suitable for any climate and weather.
pros:
- A very convenient device in terms of operation.
- A universal model that will replace glasses, thermal imaging or binoculars.
- Excellent image quality.
- The ability to work at a great distance.
The main disadvantage is the very high cost.
When deciding which thermal imager is better to buy, you should understand that you need to pay attention to lenses and optics. The cost, image quality and other parameters that are important for hunting depend on them. Based on the needs, you should also select the product by functionality and other parameters. The presented rating is made for the opportunity to get acquainted with the best devices in different pricing policies, and the choice is individual. The article does not force you to buy one or another product.
