Thermal

How to choose a thermal monocular or scope

The products in this range differ mainly in sensor resolution, lens size, mounting style and extra features like laser rangefinders. Matching these to how far and how often you need to spot will save you money and frustration.

• Sensor and lens: models like the HIKMICRO Lynx LE10 3.0 or Lynx LH35 3.0 use larger lenses and higher resolutions for longer detection range, while smaller units such as the HIKMICRO NEOS NE25 suit closer work around the farm or camp.
• Monocular vs scope: a monocular such as the HIKMICRO Falcon FQ50 2.0 is handheld for spotting, while a scope like the HIKMICRO Thunder TE25 2.0 or Guide TU650S mounts to a rifle for aiming.
• Rangefinder: units with LRF in the name, such as the HIKMICRO Falcon FQ50L 2.0 or Guide TU650LS, give you a laser distance reading alongside the thermal image, useful for judging shot distance.
• Clip-on and multispectral: the HIKMICRO Thunder TE19CR clips on in front of an existing day scope, and the Guide TN650M Multispectral Binoculars blend thermal with normal optical video for daytime use too.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a thermal monocular and a thermal scope?

A monocular, such as the HIKMICRO Lynx range, is for handheld spotting and observation. A scope, such as the Guide TU series, is built to mount on a rifle for aiming, and its use for hunting depends on the firearms licence rules in your state.

Can thermal optics be used for both hunting and farm work?

Yes. Many customers use a monocular like the HIKMICRO Condor CQ35L 2.0 for checking stock, spotting predators or search work, then use a dedicated scope only where they hold the right licence for hunting.

Do these work in fog, smoke or complete darkness?

Thermal imaging reads heat rather than light, so it keeps working in total darkness, light fog, smoke and light rain where normal night vision struggles.

See our night vision range for light based optics, or read Thermal vs Night Vision Scopes and The Secret to Selecting your Perfect Hunting Scope to help choose.