2022 Thermal and Night Vision thread.

[Jethro]

Came here looking for the Thermal and Night Vision thread for the new year but y'all been slacking. 5 days in and no new thread. I guess since nobody is stepping up I will get the ball rolling. Just a quick little coyote video from last night. Got hasty and clipped him a bit low with the first shot and he did the helicopter, slinging a little blood. As soon as he paused I put the finisher on him.

16" 6.5 Grendel with Sierra 85 HP, SiCo Omega, and Thermion XQ50 from Outdoor Legacy Gear (Thermion is 1 1/2 years old and has put over 150 hogs and coyotes on the ground). As you can see Jason it has been working out great for me.

https://youtu.be/mCBGBrsLI88

[jfk47]

My BIL just purchased a XQ50. got to play with it this past weekend at the ranch. Now I've got to get serious about getting a thermal!!!!!!!

[ATI]

Trying to save some money for one, but something keeps coming up and I have to spend the money...

Post up some videos for motivation, maybe I'll sell a kidney or something and get one.... SMDH!!!

[Jethro]

Couple of boars from last month.

https://youtu.be/UzmwguLjvUA

https://youtu.be/q18vd_sttsE

[ATI]

Anyone got any videos using an AGM Rattle ts35,
1. How do you like it
2. If you can, Please post distance and other details about the video.

Thanks!

[static99899]

I've been considering a thermion 2 xp50 as my next thermal. For those that own one, how does the image look at night when the humidity is above 80%? Pictures?

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[BTLowry]

Originally Posted by Jethro

Couple of boars from last month.

https://youtu.be/UzmwguLjvUA

https://youtu.be/q18vd_sttsE

What optic is that?
Never seen one with that reticle

[Jethro]

Originally Posted by BTLowry

What optic is that?
Never seen one with that reticle

That is a Thermion XQ50. I have started pretty much running red monochrome (instead of white hot/black hot) because it is easier on my old eyes when I come off the scope to stalk. Doesn't kill my night vision as bad, I can still kind of see. It doesn't give quite as much detail but it works for me.

The Pulsars have quite a few reticles to choose from in the options. Most are 2nd focal plane style reticles. However they do have several reticles in there that are what they call "scaleable" and function the same way as a first focal plane reticle. A couple of those are MIL based. The one I am using though is the X51Fi-300. It is designed to basically be used as a manual style rangefinder by fitting animals of known sizes in the brackets. Actually set up for European game, fox, roe deer, and boar. However, I did some math using a 9" body depth for a coyote and the numbers came up as 135 yards if the coyotes body fills to the bottom subtension, 200 yards for the middle, and 300 yards for the top one. It really helps me judge range since my Thermion does not have a rangefinder. I have tested those numbers of mine against a full size coyote decoy and they are pretty spot on. Over the last year of shooting coyotes in the field I trust it.

Play that first video I posted with the coyote, and pause it at 4 seconds. Even though the crosshairs are not overlaid exactly where they would be while judging distance you can see his body depth pretty much covers all 3 marks on the crosshair. He is right at 135 yards, +/-. That one happened fast and I did not have time to get a good focus, I just had to put it on him and shoot. Also notice it is the same on both the main image and PIP. Being a scaleable reticle it is true and accurate at all magnifications.

[dustoffer]

Originally Posted by static99899

I've been considering a thermion 2 xp50 as my next thermal. For those that own one, how does the image look at night when the humidity is above 80%? Pictures?

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Can't say about humidity, but I do know that it doesn't perform well in even light fog--

[Jethro]

Been using a Hogster 35R as a scanner and backup scope for about a year now. It doesn't have recording but it does have video out. I remembered that I have a MDVR from back in my old digital night vision days and decided to try and see if I could record with it off the Hogster. I ordered the Pulsar Apex adaptor cable from Jason because it looked like it would work (and it did). Got it in the other day and hooked everything up. Did a quick test inside the house just to make sure I was getting a video feed and when that looked OK I walked out in the front yard to make a test video on the MDVR. I was wearing pajama pants, a T shirt, and house shoes.

Ended up getting a really cool test video when a fox came trotting down the street towards me. My house is in the city limits but my barn across the street where my daughter keeps her show goats is not. Basically the street the fox was on is the city limits. Initial sighting was around 110-120 yards, it came less than 40 from me, then angled past the goat pens and disappears out there 100+ yards again. No mag in the rifle so I just had to watch.

https://youtu.be/hs4DBvIjzRs

[gingib]

Originally Posted by ATI

Anyone got any videos using an AGM Rattle ts35,
1. How do you like it
2. If you can, Please post distance and other details about the video.

Thanks!

Look up reviews online or youtube

[McClain]

Cool vid Jethro, was that a red fox? Body shape looked more like a red than grey.

[Take em]

Originally Posted by dustoffer

Can't say about humidity, but I do know that it doesn't perform well in even light fog--

The rain will distort the clarity of the image you have. You will be able to see there is something there but you won’t be able to focus the image. Heavy fog does the same and harder to “look” through

https://youtu.be/-hGQ9gD7gjM


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[Jethro]

Originally Posted by McClain

Cool vid Jethro, was that a red fox? Body shape looked more like a red than grey.

I really don't know for sure. We have both here. Couple years ago was seeing reds, but now mostly seeing greys. I think it was a grey, but maybe not.

[ATI]

Originally Posted by gingib

Look up reviews online or youtube

Thanks, I'm hoping to hear from people who have it on here and see what they think...

Online and YouTube were the first things I looked at.

[gingib]

I heard 5 companies are coming out with new thermals next Tuesday. Curious to see

[russ_wit91084]

Do you have more details on the companies?

[gingib]

Originally Posted by russ_wit91084

Do you have more details on the companies?

No my buddy I hunt with just told me he heard it on a podcast this morning

I do know, in the past new thermals come out about this time.

[Fordnandez]

Originally Posted by gingib

I heard 5 companies are coming out with new thermals next Tuesday. Curious to see

Shot show starts this weekend which is when most drop their new products. Pulsar already announced they are going to have a LRF on some of the Thermions. Super excited to see what else comes out.

[Jethro]

I have a Thermion and like it, but it is heavy. I would also like a LRF on it. But dang, I bet that thing would be a brick. Looks like they added it above the objective from the picture I saw (if legit).

[Fordnandez]

Originally Posted by Jethro

I have a Thermion and like it, but it is heavy. I would also like a LRF on it. But dang, I bet that thing would be a brick. Looks like they added it above the objective from the picture I saw (if legit).

It looks funny for sure lol. I have no need for an LRF, I hope they have some other fun stuff to anounce.

[TX03RUBI]

Originally Posted by Fordnandez

It looks funny for sure lol. I have no need for an LRF, I hope they have some other fun stuff to anounce.

They’re bringing the FXG50 clip on to the Us market as well.

[Clay C]

Just a poor boy with a PVS14 and a dream .

But plan on participating in this thread.




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[gingib]

Originally Posted by Fordnandez

It looks funny for sure lol. I have no need for an LRF, I hope they have some other fun stuff to anounce.

Yea LRF does nothing for me! Just another worthless add on to raise price

[static99899]

Originally Posted by dustoffer

Can't say about humidity, but I do know that it doesn't perform well in even light fog--

Next time you have an opportunity, would you mind sharing a picture of what you mean?

I have the Thor 4 4-40x and it's a beautiful picture on days and nights below say 70%, but above that, and the picture gets hazy.

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[static99899]

Originally Posted by Take em

The rain will distort the clarity of the image you have. You will be able to see there is something there but you won’t be able to focus the image. Heavy fog does the same and harder to “look” through

https://youtu.be/-hGQ9gD7gjM


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It looks like about what mine does when it's raining, (Thor 4 4-40x) just when the humidity gets high that it starts to get hazy and hard to make out different things in the background. Anything alive is still very obvious.

My Dad has the trijicon Mark 3 and a Halo LR. The trijicon looks identical to the ATN in the high humidity conditions but the halo with the contrast enhancement can see through the humidity until it hits about 90 to 95%.

So I was just trying to decide whether to sell my ATN and buy a pulsar. But if the image is no better I don't want to go through all that hassle and time.

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[Fordnandez]

Originally Posted by gingib

Yea LRF does nothing for me! Just another worthless add on to raise price

I think that very few people actually need it, they just want it because it is cool or like the idea of it which I get since none of us really need any of this stuff we drop thousands of dollars on but it sure is fun lol.

[static99899]

Originally Posted by Fordnandez

I think that very few people actually need it, they just want it because it is cool or like the idea of it which I get since none of us really need any of this stuff we drop thousands of dollars on but it sure is fun lol.

Does the laser rangefinder on the pulsar not update the impact point of the crosshair?

I have the laser range finder for my ATN Thor 4 and when you range a target, the ballistic calculator in the scope updates the crosshair.

If the pulsar does not do this, it's going to be even harder for me to go to a pulsar versus what I have...

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[Whale]

Originally Posted by ATI

Anyone got any videos using an AGM Rattle ts35,
1. How do you like it
2. If you can, Please post distance and other details about the video.

Thanks!

No videos, but I purchased one last year and really like it! Got it from Outdoor Legacy sponsors on here. Called them and discussed recommendations and suggestions. Very helpful and very quick shipping. I would recommend the scope and seller again.

[Fordnandez]

Originally Posted by static99899

Does the laser rangefinder on the pulsar not update the impact point of the crosshair?

I have the laser range finder for my ATN Thor 4 and when you range a target, the ballistic calculator in the scope updates the crosshair.

If the pulsar does not do this, it's going to be even harder for me to go to a pulsar versus what I have...

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From what I understand the answer is no. Also from what I understand is the ATN feature is not very accurate. I have no personal experience with it but I am not sure how it could be accurate because you never enter in your caliber, bullet weight, bullet coefficient, barrel length, etc.

Edit: It appears I was misinformed and on some models you can enter in this information. With that said I still read that the function is not dependable.

[ATI]

Originally Posted by Whale

No videos, but I purchased one last year and really like it! Got it from Outdoor Legacy sponsors on here. Called them and discussed recommendations and suggestions. Very helpful and very quick shipping. I would recommend the scope and seller again.

Thank you!

Quick question, once it’s zeroed in can it be taken off the gun and put back on the same gun (or a different gun same platform) and it still holds zeroed in?

[static99899]

The LTs don't have the ballistic calculator but all of the $2400+ scopes do. I've personally got 4 weapon and caliber profiles on mine for when I want to take a different gun for the occasion.

The LRF is actually very accurate in open terrain, but if your trying to use it through thick brush or tall grass, you just get to laze the target a few times to be sure and you're set.

If there's any fog or it's raining, it's useless.

This has been my personal experience so far.

I like all of the features of my ATN, but ultimately, I want the best image I can get and retain as many of the features as I can. That's why I was looking at the thermion 2 xp50. Or I could sell my whole rig and buy a used HaloLR but then I loose the video recording unless I want the ungangly cable and DVR, not to mention, I currently can hunt 2 nights on a single charge on my ATN vs my dad's HaloLR eats CR123s like it owns stock in the battery company...


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[dustoffer]

Originally Posted by static99899

Next time you have an opportunity, would you mind sharing a picture of what you mean?

I have the Thor 4 4-40x and it's a beautiful picture on days and nights below say 70%, but above that, and the picture gets hazy.

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I have not taken any shots thru the scope---will be out next week and will see if I can get some if it is foggy.

[static99899]

Originally Posted by dustoffer

I have not taken any shots thru the scope---will be out next week and will see if I can get some if it is foggy.

That would be awesome. Thanks.

[Whale]

Originally Posted by ATI

Thank you!

Quick question, once it’s zeroed in can it be taken off the gun and put back on the same gun (or a different gun same platform) and it still holds zeroed in?

Yes, my son uses it more than me. I take it off and utilize it as a hand-held and he replaces it back for more hunting situations. No issues so far. He has also switched guns and zeroed to a different caliber on a different reticle.

[Old Bald Guy]

Just put a Thermion XM50 on my Bergara to snipe coyotes and hogs out on my oats. Should have some video soon.

[Eastexhunt]

Just ordered a AGM Rattler TS35. Any tips or info I should know about?


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[westtexducks]

Anyone know what that new talion xq 38 site is going to come in at price wise? Or any details on it yet?

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[ATI]

Originally Posted by Whale

Yes, my son uses it more than me. I take it off and utilize it as a hand-held and he replaces it back for more hunting situations. No issues so far. He has also switched guns and zeroed to a different caliber on a different reticle.

Thank you sir!

[ATI]

Originally Posted by Eastexhunt

Just ordered a AGM Rattler TS35. Any tips or info I should know about?


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I'm saving funds for it. Let us know what you think once you got it and played with it.

[gingib]

I am looking hard at a Iray RIKO 640 3x and Nvsion X35.

Just need to sell my Reap and Iray 384 if I do

[Bazo]

Lets talk Thermal Monocular.

I've been kicking the idea around about getting one because scanning through my scope on my rifle gets tiring after a while.

The 2 budget friendly option I have been looking at are the PULSAR AXION KEY XM30 2.5-10X THERMAL MONOCULAR or the AGM TAIPAN TM19-384 1.9-15.2X THERMAL MONOCULAR.

Who has which and how do you like them?

[ATI]

Originally Posted by Bazo

Lets talk Thermal Monocular.

I've been kicking the idea around about getting one because scanning through my scope on my rifle gets tiring after a while.

The 2 budget friendly option I have been looking at are the PULSAR AXION KEY XM30 2.5-10X THERMAL MONOCULAR or the AGM TAIPAN TM19-384 1.9-15.2X THERMAL MONOCULAR.

Who has which and how do you like them?

how much are those?

[Bazo]

Originally Posted by ati

how much are those?

$1595-$1599.

[ATI]

Originally Posted by Bazo

$1595-$1599.

wow!

[static99899]

What would be awesome, is if a group of us with all different brands, models of thermals could get together one day some weekend in some semi-central location(Waco?) so everyone could compare and make some decisions. Just a thought...

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[gingib]

I would not waste my money on a monocular, especially in that price point

Your ability to ID animals will be suspect at that price point. Buy another scope and scan with it and you can shoot with it

[rferg84]

What are y'all's opinions on ATN Thor 4?

I've gone the 1.25-4x sitting in a box on my desk, I bought it and started reading reviews. It just came in today so I can send back pretty easily.

I was reading some pretty negative reviews but was wondering if anyone here has experience?

[kkp005]

Originally Posted by rferg84

What are y'all's opinions on ATN Thor 4?

I've gone the 1.25-4x sitting in a box on my desk, I bought it and started reading reviews. It just came in today so I can send back pretty easily.

I was reading some pretty negative reviews but was wondering if anyone here has experience?

Send it back and buy something different.. There’s a reason why you hear so much horrible stuff.. Reputable dealers like Jason @ outdoor legacy do not even carry ATN products

[ATI]

Originally Posted by kkp005

Send it back and buy something different.. There’s a reason why you hear so much horrible stuff.. Reputable dealers like Jason @ outdoor legacy do not even carry ATN products