Which Thermal Imaging Scope or Night Vision Scope to choose?
Thermal Imaging Scopes and Night Vision
We are big fans of thermal imaging scopes and night vision. Most Night Vision, whether Gen 2+, Gen 3, Digital, etc can be enhanced by the use of a good IR (Infra Red) torch, usually offering 70% plus more range than without the torch. Most of our Night Vision Scopes offers the chance of being packaged with an IR torch for that reason. We suggest 850 nm (nanometre) IR infra red for most night vision use, the higher wavelengths are slightly less visible to someone look at you but are also way less visible to your own night vision device! For Police and Law Enforcement work digital is the big favourite, as it allows you to record for evidentiary purposes. For this reason digital is also the favourite for academics, herd management, etc.
Most hunters or those involved in vermin control usually use a night vision scope mounted (because using a night vision monocular would still leave you having to aim somehow) and use a thermal monocular to locate game or vermin and then the night vision scope for accurate target identification. Many professionals or well equipped enthusiasts use thermal for both. Using thermal for both your monocular and scope means you have the same style of vision for both and also no searching which can sometimes happen when changing to night vision as it doesn't highlight well camouflaged animals.
Thermal imaging scopes (or monoculars) or thermal scopes work by reading heat signatures - or put another way the thermal energy emitted by an object or body. They will find every breathing thing in a paddock and will see vermin hidden behind bushes, etc. This feature is also very handy for Law Enforcement, locating known and unknown individuals within an area - they can see people behind bushes, etc. Of course marijuana growing houses have huge heat signatures. The Helion thermal imaging scope models with automatic recording and wifi make an attractive package for Police and Law Enforcement use offering thermal vision and evidence recording. A thermal imaging scope will do things a night vision scope can't, such as see an animal through long grass which is fully concealed - if you couldn't see it in the middle of the day a night vision scope wont help, but a thermal imaging scope will highlight the animal due to its heat signature. Also a well camouflaged animal may not stand out or be visible during the daytime or with night vision due to its succesful camouflage even if standing in clear terrain. A thermal imaging scope will clearly highlight an animal or person in that situation, the thermal vision highlighting them with a contrasting colour to the background.
Our favourite close range night vision scope is the Pulsar Sightline scopes in either N450, N455, N470 or N475 depending on how much magnification is required and also if you prefer the 850nm InfraRed illuminator which provides more range or the 940nm IR illuminator which provides less range but is more stealth and harder to see. The Pulsar Digex C50 in colour is a great longer distance night vision scope which is nicely packaged into a conventional metal scope body, nice looking and a great high quality scope. Any of these units would be well combined with the Pulsar Axion thermal monocular, a great low priced thermal monocular which is pocket sized with detection ranges from 800 to 1200 metres.
In thermal imaging scopes the Pulsar Helion thermal imaging scopes with wifi are our pick, offering very good performance, the ability to record and transmit wirelessly to a screen or tablet. All this applies equally to the XQ or XP series, the XP series as well as having higher quality have the ability to change lenses, just like a high end camera. The Pulsar Thermion2 thermal scope offers wifi and recording like the Helions but also, being a scope, offers a reticle, as well as a Laser Range Finder on some versions. The Pulsar Thermion2 thermal scope series just look great. From a couple of metres away they look like normal scopes but inside beats a thermal heart.
In Thermal Binoculars, the Pulsar Accolade2 XP50 LRF provides absolutely amazing image quality, the best we have seen at this pricepoint and quite some way above. It really is a big step forward. You have the benefit of looking with two eyes over a monocular which helps many see better.
Night Vision Scopes
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| The Pulsar Sightline is our favourite Night Vision Scope for closer work. Good to 300 to 400 metres without an IR torch but 400+ metres with. Details Pulsar Sighline | The Pulsar Digex is our first choice for longer distance Night Vision Scopes. Good for 300m to 400m without an IR torch and 400m + with an IR torch. Details Pulsar Digex | The Pulsar Axion is a great low cost, small thermal monocular. Performance which is far better than other similar sized units and very compact. Details: Pulsar Axion |
Thermal Scopes
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| The Pulsar Helion thermal imaging scope has remote operation and allows wifi streaming in real time - as well as all expected thermal vision scope functions. Details Pulsar Helion Thermal Imaging Scope | The Pulsar Trail thermal scopes range of thermal imaging scopes with wifi allow far reaching detection of heat sources including behind bushes, foliage,etc Details Pulsar Trail Thermal Imaging Scope | The Pulsar Thermion thermal scope is a great choice as a high performing, good looking thermal scope. Details Pulsar Thermion Thermal scope |
Pulsar Premier Partner
It is a big investment when purchasing a thermal imaging scope or night vision scope. You deserve peace of mind. That is why we are Australia's only Pulsar Premier Partner, to give you that peace of mind. You have the full resources of our company and the full resources of the Australian importer working together to support you. Full sales support, full service. Both companies familiar with the Pulsar thermal imaging product and dealing with thermal imaging and night vision daily.
Someone supplying one thermal scope every month or two has to work hard to keep up to date to properly advise you. It is also a big ask to understand any service concerns if you aren't familiar. This is not a product you want to buy from Ebay, but rather somewhere were you can ring the company and ask questions and know and trust the vendor. Buying a thermal scope in Australia, or any thermal imaging scope is a large investment and you deserve to be treated with respect by your supplier and be assured of the best possible service, before and after purchase. You local gunsmith can't fix this!
