Thermal Optics basics explained

Tips and Tactics

Thermal Scope basics

The Thermal market is changing super fast and it can be very challenging to keep up with the current options.  

Shot Show is this week and it will bring a whole new line of products to the market.  Integrated rangefinders, ballistic calculation, custom reticles, optic zoom and more have been a few things that have been added to the game lately.

If you’re not sure what unit is right for you here is some basics on what all the details mean when looking at specs on any unit.

Resolution- 196, 256, 384, 640, 1024, 1280.  Simplified the higher the number the better image quality and clarity the unit should have 

Refresh Rate- Thermal refresh rate is the number of times per second that a thermal imaging device updates its image. It's measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate means a smoother image with less blur. 

Thermal sensitivity in milliKelvins (mK) is a measure of the smallest temperature difference that a thermal imaging camera can detect. It's also known as Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD)
The lower the mk the better in most cases 

Base mag- this can vary a lot in different units.  A lower base mag yields a bigger field of view and a higher base mag gives a cleaner picture and closer view of distant targets.  Some hog hunters are liking lower base mag to have a larger field of view for running targets where as coyote hunters typically use a higher base mag for longer shots.  

Optic zoom- this is one of my favorite upgrades to thermals.  Optic zoom allows you to zoom in on the screen of your scope while not losing any clarity of image.  When using digital zoom your image quality is cut in half every time you double your zoom.  

Laser range finders- some units now come with range finders built in to the units and some have the option to have them added.  Hunting at night it can be very difficult to estimate ranges depending on where your hunting.  Lrfs are a huge advantage in my experience.

Along with the range finders some units are now capable of using ballistic calculations to give you your holds for long distance shots.  Also you can build custom reticles that can be designed to your exact needs.  

Humidity and dew point- environment conditions play a big role in thermal imaging.  High humidity and dew point along with fog, snow, rain, etc.  This is where your resolution really comes into play.  256 vs 640 in rough conditions and you will see a huge difference in image quality.  

When buying a thermal you need to take a lot of factors into consideration.  Budget, what you expect to shoot distance wise, your typical environment conditions, base mag for your needs, lrf needed, etc