How to choose a thermal imaging monocular?

What is a thermal imaging monocular?

A thermal imaging monocular is an optical device that allows you to see the thermal features of an object. To use a more scientific term, a thermal imager is a device that converts infrared radiation into a spectrum visible to the human eye.

The main advantage of a thermal imaging monocular is that there is no need to place the device in the environment or make physical contact with the object to measure the temperature. The temperature can be measured at a distance and over the entire area of the object.

Why do you need a monocular?

Thermal imaging monoculars are becoming the most popular optics on the market, they have occupied a certain niche and are used in various fields:

• Security and law enforcement. They are used for searching for missing persons, surveillance, and tactical operations.
• Medical field. Used to detect high body temperature, in the diagnosis of diseases.
• Industry and construction. Thermal imaging monoculars are used to effectively detect overheating, heat leakage, and other similar problems.
• Fire safety. The devices allow you to inspect smoky rooms, quickly find people, which affects the effectiveness of their rescue.
• Hunting. The device is used for tracking wild animals, you can see them even in a dense forest or grass.

Thermal imaging monoculars PATRIOT 2 will become an indispensable assistant for successful hunting in difficult weather conditions.

What monocular to choose?

To begin with, let's define why you need a thermal imager. When choosing a monocular, you should consider the purpose of use, dimensions (size, weight) and built-in functionality. With the help of a monocular, you can see day and night, at dusk and in the rain, and tall grass or bushes will not get in the way. In addition, you need to consider whether the device will be mounted on a weapon or used in manual mode. Having decided on the purpose, the second issue is the need for functionality, since not all the proposed options may be needed in practice.

• Size of the device. The size of the device must be considered, as bulkiness can affect the purpose of use. Also, keep in mind that large monoculars provide a more powerful view than small ones, and small ones are more portable. Before choosing a device, ask yourself if size matters.
• Weight. How much does the thermal imager weigh? Most devices are usually lightweight, except for larger, more powerful monoculars. In such cases, users will have to accept the heaviness if functionality is more important to them. If you don't like to load equipment, we recommend compact models.
• Body material. The type of housing material determines the durability and physical stability of the devices during impacts and damage in the field. Most thermal imagers are made of metal or plastic, sometimes covered with rubber to absorb shock.

• Matrix resolution. When choosing a thermal imager, you need to pay attention to the resolution. Usually, the resolution of the matrix is 384×288 or 640×512 pixels, the higher the resolution, the clearer the picture. For example, the PATRIOT H50 and PATRIOT 2 H50 models have a resolution of 640×512 pixels, providing high quality images, it becomes possible to capture more information in the field of view, which allows for better analysis and interpretation.
• Lens diameter.  The greater the distance, the larger the thermal imager lens. The larger the lens of the thermal imager, the smaller the viewing angle of the shooter. Therefore, you should not chase the size of the lens if you are shooting in the forest at a distance of up to 100 meters. For short distances, it is better to choose a 19-35 lens, for long distances 50, or if you are not sure how you will use it, choose a PRO with two lenses.
• Sensitivity range. NETD is a parameter used to evaluate sensitivity. The lower the NETD, the more sensitive the thermal imaging monocular is.
• Detection range. The range of detection and recognition of an object is usually mentioned in the specifications of the device. The range depends on the quality of the optics and the resolution of the sensor.
• Battery capacity. The greater the battery capacity, the longer the device operates. The battery life is affected by the presence of additional devices, such as a rangefinder or recorder, and additional functions such as WI-FI.

It is also worth noting that a good thermal imaging monocular attracts the user's attention at first sight. Those for whom image quality is the main factor when choosing a device pay attention to such parameters as lens size, focal length, sensitivity, and display resolution. For users who prefer functional operations and user experience, internal menu options such as built-in memory, colour palette, Wi-Fi and battery are no less important than those that determine image clarity.

Where to buy a thermal imager in Ukraine?

By visiting our online store, you will receive expert advice, a wide range of products, and affordable prices. Our experts will help you choose a premium NVECTECH thermal imager. And let your thermal imager become your reliable assistant for many years.