Choosing a thermal imager is a rather serious undertaking that requires knowledge of information, a certain amount of experience, and a clear understanding of your needs. This article will help you decide on the choice of an inexpensive, efficient device. Among the main parameters that should be taken into account are the following: size, weight, material, and body tightness; the ability to add accessories; additional opportunities in the form of photo and video shooting, streaming video signal transmission; manufacturer reliability and after-sales service; guarantee period; reviews of professionals. Among the technical information worth your attention when choosing a monocular, you can single out: screen resolution, frame refresh rate; scalability; the ability to determine the range; battery life; expansion of memory; image stabilization technologies; the ability to connect additional equipment, and other pleasant additional functions. Before making a final choice, you need to familiarize yourself with the top of the best models at affordable prices. There is no need to rush here. The technique is acquired for many years to come and requires a rational approach.
What is thermal monocular?
The monocular looks like a small telescope. However, it works in a completely different way. The operating principle of the thermal imager is based on the black body principle. All bodies with temperatures above absolute zero emit heat waves. Thermal imagers capture them and transform them into a three-dimensional color picture. As the surface temperature changes, the picture will change in real-time. It is compact in size and weight. The infrared monocular can be attached to a weapon as an accessory, attached to a helmet or head, or mounted on a tripod. It is possible to take photos and videos, saving data to an SD card or via Wi-Fi to a third-party media. Charging is done via a USB cable. The case is shockproof, protected from water and dust. The infrared monocular works in any adverse weather conditions, at any temperature, and any degree of illumination. It can function in absolute darkness and see heat trails hidden by dense vegetation and rock debris. The monocular is not disturbed by a bright light source and sun glare. As you can see, the infrared monocular is a multifunctional gadget with a compact size and extensive capabilities.
The best thermal monoculars
AGM Global Vision has the most attractive offers among the products competing in the market in terms of price-quality ratio. It’s easy to find the best deals for infrared monoculars in the product line for under $ 2,000.
For the simplest purposes, there is a reliable, compact, and inexpensive device – the Asp-Micro monocular. 160 × 120 resolution, high sensitivity detector, adaptive AGC, DDE, 3D DNR, 720 × 540 pixel LCD, more than 7 hours continuous operation, Wi-Fi hotspot, Type-C interface, 3-year warranty, digital zoom 1 *, 2 *, 4 *, 8 GB memory, detection range from 25-50 yards. Price $ 419.
High-resolution gadget – Taipan TM10-256 thermal imaging monocular. Price $ 838. 256×192 resolution, high sensitivity detector, adaptive AGC, DDE, 3D DNR, 720×540 LCD, 8 hour battery, 458 sqm detection range, Wi-Fi hotspot, 1x, 2x zoom, 4 ×, 8 ×, Type-C interface, 3-year warranty. IP67 protection.
Next up is the Taipan TM15-256 thermal monocular, priced at $ 1,049. It is equipped with a 256 × 192 infrared detector and an LCOS 720 × 540 display. Supports the functions of surveillance, target tracking with the highest temperature, distance measurement, Wi-Fi hotspot. Detection range 708 sq.m. Digital zoom 1, 2, 4, and 8 times. Built-in 8 GB memory. 8 hours of continuous work. Protection level – IP67.
Let’s go one step up in resolution – thermal imaging monocular AGM TAIPAN TM15-384, price 1359 dollars. It is equipped with an infrared detector 384 × 288 and an LCOS display with a resolution of 1280 × 960. Digital zoom 2 ×, 4 ×, 8 ×. Supports surveillance functions, tracking the highest temperature target, distance measurement, Wi-Fi hotspots, the detection range of 708 square meters, 8GB memory, and 7.5 hours continuous operation IP67 protection level.
Next up is the Taipan TM15-256 thermal monocular, priced at $ 1,049. It is equipped with a 256 × 192 infrared detector and an LCOS 720 × 540 display. Supports the functions of surveillance, target tracking with the highest temperature, distance measurement, Wi-Fi hotspot. Detection range 708 sq.m. Digital zoom 1, 2, 4, and 8 times. Built-in 8 GB memory. 8 hours of continuous work. Protection level – IP67.
Let’s go one step up in resolution – thermal imaging monocular AGM TAIPAN TM15-384, price 1359 dollars. It is equipped with an infrared detector 384 × 288 and an LCOS display with a resolution of 1280 × 960. Digital zoom 2 ×, 4 ×, 8 ×. Supports surveillance functions, tracking the highest temperature target, distance measurement, Wi-Fi hotspots, the detection range of 708 square meters, 8GB memory, and 7.5 hours continuous operation IP67 protection level.
The next leader is AGM Taipan TM19-384. Price $ 1,674. It is equipped with an infrared detector 384 × 288 and an LCOS display with a resolution of 1280 × 960. It supports the functions of observation, target tracking with the highest temperature, distance measurement, Wi-Fi hotspot, detection range 897 sqm, digital zoom 2 *, 4 *, 8 *. Continuous work for 7.5 hours, 8 GB of memory, IP67 protection.
A very decent model – AGM ASP TM25-384. Price $ 1884. Equipped with 384 × 288 infrared detector and 1024 × 768 OLED display. 5 hours of continuous operation. Wi-Fi hotspot. Detection range 803-2466 yards. Optical zoom 1.7 times. Digital up to 2 *. 5 hours of work. IP67 protection.
On the top line is AGM Taipan TM25-384, with a price of $ 1,989. Equipped with an infrared detector 384 × 288 and LCOS display with a resolution of 1280 × 960. More than 7.5 hours of continuous operation. Wi-Fi hotspot. Type-C interface. Detection range 1180 sq.m—zoom 2 ×, 4 ×, 8 ×. Memory 8 GB. IP67 protection.
Different goals and conditions will lead to different models and modifications. Perhaps, with a careful analysis of your goals, you may come to the unexpected conclusion that a model can cover your needs with a completely democratic price. As you can see, it is possible to pick up a very decent infrared monocular for a reasonable price.