Thread: Handheld thermal imager

I am interested in a handheld thermal device and not really savvy with the tech.

I used one in the military but it weighed over 10kgs and was on a mount. Was relatively new tech back then but we could see horses and such well over a km away.

I am not interested in a sight as it will be used for other things more than hunting.

What's out there with a decent detection range and most importantly, for me, simple to use?

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@Yukon

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Originally Posted by veitnamcam

@Yukon

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I see he is selling one model on tardme I was advised to look at. But they are being replaced by a newer version.
He still on here?

I haven't seen him post for a while.

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I had a very brief play with one of the Pulsar units while looking for rabbits a couple of weeks back. not sure if it was the 38 or the 50. Overcast, drizzly afternoon/evening.

Most of the spotting was inside 300, where it showed the rabbits up easily. Didn't get much chance to look further out than that, or really have a full scan of any gullies. It was more "let me have a look for a second so I can figure which bush you mean so I can shoot it"

About 1/2 hour before dusk, I spotted a roo through the binos at just over 800 yards. Looking at it in the thermal handheld, we could see it, but probably would have missed it if just scanning with it and not looking closely. It was in a creekbed with some warm rocks still providing a bit of distraction. Although I'm not sure how high the sensitivity was set... I suspect it would have had no problems lighting up on a larger creature though.

Obviously performance will improve at night.

Nice compact lightweight unit, changing batteries looked like a bit of a pain though.

Originally Posted by R93

I see he is selling one model on tardme I was advised to look at. But they are being replaced by a newer version.
He still on here?

I haven't seen him post for a while.

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I dont think he is on here often.

Have you looked threw adams ones?

Of the ones I have used I would buy the 50 if I had the dosh. The 38 isnt far behind and the 15 well yea na.

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Originally Posted by veitnamcam

I dont think he is on here often.

Have you looked threw adams ones?

Of the ones I have used I would buy the 50 if I had the dosh. The 38 isnt far behind and the 15 well yea na.

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Yeah Adam's one is a sight, had a look thru it the other night.
I am after something a bit more compact.
Those numbers mean nothing to me other than the 38 is what he is selling on tardme?

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50 is good long range detection IE scanning a face from the opposite face. 15 is good feild of veiw shit range. 38 is in the middle sort of.
I havent used the scopes only had a quick look.

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I was in at Outdoor Supplies in Carterton during the week and Tim had one he was demoing. It was the size of packet of cigarettes with a screen on top. Looked pretty tech, I didn't get to ask cost though, could be worth calling and getting details?
I had a brief play in the shop and it did what it was meant to, would be pretty effective in the field...

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

50 is good long range detection IE scanning a face from the opposite face. 15 is good feild of veiw shit range. 38 is in the middle sort of.
I havent used the scopes only had a quick look.

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Got ya now. Cheers. I will do some research.

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if your keen I can give you the number of a mate who we went out with trialling 3 thermal scopes 2 hand held and 2 and 3 gen NV.
just last week.
we spent a fare bit of time looking at possums ya wouldn't normally be able to see.
it was well worth it as another mate has bought one of the scopes.
pretty good shit I reckon!

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Originally Posted by andyanimal31

if your keen I can give you the number of a mate who we went out with trialling 3 thermal scopes 2 hand held and 2 and 3 gen NV.
just last week.
we spent a fare bit of time looking at possums ya wouldn't normally be able to see.
it was well worth it as another mate has bought one of the scopes.
pretty good shit I reckon!

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Can you remember the makes n models?

I am looking at the pulsar xd 38 but a 50 might be more what I am after.

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Yeah I have a 38 mate your welcome to borrow it if you've got good insurance.


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Have two mates who are exceptionally good deer hunters who swear by them. They both use the HD19S and say they would replace them tomorrow with 19's if they were to lose them. Even in the early morning light a quick scan of open terrain such as forestry cut over will reveal a deer quickly unless it's out of sight in a dip or such. They reckon it saves valuable time scanning with binos looking for animals that aren't there.

Originally Posted by BRADS

Yeah I have a 38 mate your welcome to borrow it if you've got good insurance.


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Thanks for the awesome offer mate. I have good insurance but not really keen on borrowing something that expensive.
If I get stuck I will keep it in mind tho. Thanks.

I will get off my ass when back home next and go have a look at some.

There is a 50 on tardme now but it is out of warranty.
@sneeze has one and promised to send it down for me to play with 2 months ago. I think some trail cam pics he has of me has put him off sending it for some reason😆


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Originally Posted by R93

Can you remember the makes n models?

I am looking at the pulsar xd 38 but a 50 might be more what I am after.

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the ones from Blenheim or round there somewhere.
three different size scopes and one new and older hand held.
if I was a bit younger I would be getting down in some of that shit!
I like my evenings in front of the fire these days not stumbling around in the murk keeping an eye out for headlights!

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