Choosing a thermal imager for hunting

Increasingly, thermal imagers are becoming an important tool for hunters, providing the ability to detect animals in any conditions, whether it is absolute darkness, dense vegetation or fog. Today, there are many models of thermal imagers that differ in design, functionality, and available features. In order to choose the right device for hunting, you need to accurately determine the purpose of use, as well as the operating conditions, paying attention to a number of key parameters.

Types of thermal imagers for hunting

• Binoculars. It is a device that combines the functions of a thermal imager and binoculars.
• Monocular. It is widely used for search and surveillance, without attachment to weapons.
• Nozzle. Mounted on the lens of a daytime device, thus turning it into a full-fledged thermal imaging device.
• Sight. It is a type of monocular supplemented with a reticle and an adapter for mounting on a standard weapon seat.

Main parameters of the thermal imager

Matrix resolution

Thermal imagers are usually available with three main matrix resolutions: 320x240, 384x288 and 640x480. The more pixels, the better the image quality. Higher resolution provides better image detail, making it easier to see the desired object.

Lens diameter

The choice of lens diameter depends on the hunter's tasks:

– In low light conditions, a lens with a larger diameter will be more effective because it can capture more light.

– Smaller diameter lenses are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for active hunting.

Most often, thermal imagers have lens diameters from 20 mm to 50 mm.

Frame refresh rate

The frame refresh rate of a thermal imager is one of its key parameters. The higher it is, the smoother and more realistic the display of moving objects will be. Typically, thermal imaging devices have a frame refresh rate in the range of 30 to 50 Hertz..

Detecting and recognizing living objects

1. Detection range. This is the distance at which the device can detect the thermal radiation of an object.
2. Recognition range. This distance allows you to determine the main characteristics of the object, such as its size, shape and type, but without detailing the objects.
3. Range of identification. This is the distance at which you can both detect an object and clearly recognize its features.

For example, when hunting wild boar, it is necessary to use thermal imaging devices with a detection range of at least 1800 meters and a recognition range of about 1500 meters.

Review angle

The viewing angle determines the width of space that the hunter can see through the thermal imaging device. The greater the distance, the narrower the angle should be, and vice versa.

Color palette modes

Color modes help to improve object recognition. Here are the main color palette modes of the thermal imager:

• “White hot” - ‘Hot white’, objects with a high temperature are visible in bright white, and those with a low temperature are visible in black (universal mode).
• “Black hot” - ‘Hot black’, objects with a high temperature are displayed dark, and those with a low temperature are displayed light (effective in low visibility conditions).
• “Red hot” - ‘Hot red’, black and white colors are used at low temperatures, and red at high temperatures, which allows you to quickly find a target with a high temperature at night (emphasis on the target).

In addition to the basic palettes, some thermal imagers have additional modes that can be useful.

Optical and digital zoom

Optical zoom provides real magnification without loss of quality. The higher the magnification, the closer the object appears. Typically, thermal imaging devices have an optical magnification of 2x-4x.

Digital - increases the size of the pixels on the display, which results in a larger object. However, this causes a loss of detail, and the image becomes less clear. Its value can be 2x, 4x, 8x.

Recording photos and videos

The photo and video recording function will help you capture the highlights of your hunt.

Autonomy and battery life

The average operating time of thermal imaging devices is 4-8 hours. It is desirable that the thermal imager supports a replaceable battery.

Laser rangefinder

The built-in laser rangefinder makes it easy to measure the distance to the target.

Additionally, the thermal imagers can be equipped with a laser targeting device, GPS navigation, electronic compass, Wi-Fi, and other functions.

In addition, there are a number of other functional features that you should pay attention to when choosing a thermal imager for hunting:

• Replaceable battery.
• Sensitivity of the matrix.
• Protection from external factors, etc.

Popular models of thermal imagers for hunting

In 2025, hunters prefer the following models:

Thermal imaging device Defender 335

• Lens: 35 мм (F0.8)
• Resolution of the matrix: 384x288

Thermal imaging device Defender 360L

• Lens: 20/60  мм (F1.0)
• Resolution of the matrix: 384x288

Thermal imaging monocular PATRIOT 2 PRO L50

• Lens: 25/50 мм (F0.9)
• Resolution of the matrix: 384x288

Thermal imaging monocular PATRIOT 2 H50

• Lens: 50 мм (F0.9)
• Resolution of the matrix: 640x512