Night Vision Upgrade from pulsar helion xq30f

264win

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  • Oct 15, 2008
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    whidbey island wa.
    I’ve been using my xq30f monocular for predator hunting and like it, but would like to upgrade. Looking for something with better resolution and good fov.
    What is the best value under 5k ?
     
    I haven't held or tried one yet, but I have friends overseas that have been using a different branded unit for awhile and they've been very happy with it.
    The 35-640 has the biggest FOV.
    The DNV aspect doesn't really work well without an added IR illuminator, but most buy it for the LRF and 18650 battery features.
    I would have one, but I have three spotters and was in need of a backup scope.
    I've Inquired with AGM about coming out with just a Thermal ,LRF and 18650 battery unit without the DNV, but was told it isn't in the works, but you never know.
     
    Spoke with my Burris Rep:
    "The Burris BTH50 is a direct competitor to this model from Pulsar, and outperforms it in sensor resolution and magnification for a lower price, but I imagine if this guy’s looking for an upgrade, he’s probably thinking about bumping up to the next level- at which point I’d suggest the Steiner Nighthunter H35, but it’s 640x480 sensor resolution commands a significantly higher price.

    For his weapon mounted thermal, the BTS50 is similar in performance to the BTH50, but lacks the recording capability. As a potential solution, the BTC35 and BTC50 are a hybrid design that can be attached/removed from a weapon system and used as either a handheld scanner or to imbue a day scope with thermal imaging capabilities"

    As well as my Pulsar Rep:
    "I’d recommend a Helion 2 XP50 or Helion 2 XP50 Pro based on his budget. Almost double the resolution and a lower base magnification for wider field of view and much better clarity. Or thermal binos like the Accolade Pro’s which will be better on eye fatigue at night."
     
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    Bering Optics Phenom 640 or Pulsar Helion 2 XP50. Both under 4K and will do everything you need as a handheld scanner. I would include the NOX but it is over your price range. H35 is close image-wise but 2-year warranty, come on. It is also higher priced than the Phenom and is bulkier. As a product specialist for Night Goggles, I get to use a lot of different thermals. If you want to talk, send me a message and we can discuss via phone.
     
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    As well as my Pulsar Rep:
    "I’d recommend a Helion 2 XP50 or Helion 2 XP50 Pro based on his budget. Almost double the resolution and a lower base magnification for wider field of view and much better clarity. Or thermal binos like the Accolade Pro’s which will be better on eye fatigue at night."
    No need to go for the Helion 2 XP50 without the Pro. It's the best spotter I've tried so far.

    The difference is huge in my opinion, but the price was / is the same.
     
    I have had a xp50 helion for several years. It’s awesome. Comfortable in the hand with a long battery life. Even after all these years the picture is still good. My dad bought the xp50 pro helion this summer. Holy crap the pro is an amazing picture. The edges are much more crisp. I was out one foggy night and the pro was still usable. I’d recommend the pro based on the image quality and all night battery life.
     
    You all with manufacturer contacts….please pass along us folk with glasses need a bare minimum 20mm of eye relief….higher is better.

    All these scanners with 10-15mm are awful for us. I run a Helion XP50 and cannot see the entire screen thru the eye piece. A buddy of mine has the AGM Fuzion and it may be better but I have yet to look through it to confirm.
     
    No need to go for the Helion 2 XP50 without the Pro. It's the best spotter I've tried so far.

    The difference is huge in my opinion, but the price was / is the same.
    Agreed, I should be careful when I write it as Helion 2 but I am referring to the Pro model..

    You all with manufacturer contacts….please pass along us folk with glasses need a bare minimum 20mm of eye relief….higher is better.

    All these scanners with 10-15mm are awful for us. I run a Helion XP50 and cannot see the entire screen thru the eye piece. A buddy of mine has the AGM Fuzion and it may be better but I have yet to look through it to confirm.
    Understand what you are saying. For situations like this, a recommendation would be to use a compact scope such as a Hogster Vibe 25 works very well because it has a 40mm eye relief and is small enough to be used as a scanner and has a wide FOV. It is one of the first questions I ask people who contact me about scanners is if they wear glasses while scanning. You can also take your glasses off as you can adjust the diopter focus as long as you can at least stand or sit while scanning and not have to move around a lot. I understand it is a pain to have to take them off and put them back on if you need them immediately after being done scanning. And there are those that don't mind smashing the eyecup against their glasses but that is not everyone.
     
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