Night Vision Best used thermal clip on $4K-6K

[db2000]

Didn’t find this topic specifically discussed. Looking for first-hand experience. Is there a clip on that’s going to have considerably or noticeably better resolution or picture at distances past 200 yards than my Super Yoter C? It’s the version from 3 years ago without video or WiFi or whatever was upgraded. I use it rarely for yotes, pigs and other nocturnal critters in front of a PA PL-x 1-8. I scan with it sometimes when not looking to immediately or quickly shoot anything. I see older used BAE core clipons in the PX, 384 and sometimes 640. Just wondering if there’s older USA technology that outshines newer Chinesium. I’m not concerned with video, pics and those type features really. Bonus if they exist but don’t need em.
Spare me the “spend a couple grand more and get this”recommendations lol
Thanks.

 

[5RWill]

Been going down this road searching a minute now. My experience thus far is limited to what i own which is a dnt hydra 640 and a guide tb630lrf. I just got behind the guide and its shockingly good for what i paid in comparison to the dnt as far as clip on is concerned.

I think in that range if you’re willing to outsource a mount the TB1250lrf would probably be my go to.

I took this tonight with my phone 371yds 75% humidity Steiner 2-12 is at 6x. Thus far I’m extremely impressed

As to the USA vs chinesium i think the older bae stuff still looks way better just based on footage I’ve seen via YouTube. However one my limiting factors is i really want a laser rangefinder.

My goal is to run what i have now and get the halo C when it launches.

 

[db2000]

I’m gonna tag some folks that seem to have a fair amount of thermal knowledge
@rlsmith1 @BigSkyRF @SkyScrapin @TheHorta @YotaEer
@tam4511

 

[Cynical]

TigIr 6z isn’t USA made, but not Chinese either, and is in that 5-6k price range used.

 

[Waddles0931]

Been going down this road searching a minute now. My experience thus far is limited to what i own which is a dnt hydra 640 and a guide tb630lrf. I just got behind the guide and its shockingly good for what i paid in comparison to the dnt as far as clip on is concerned.

I think in that range if you’re willing to outsource a mount the TB1250lrf would probably be my go to.

I took this tonight with my phone 371yds 75% humidity Steiner 2-12 is at 6x. Thus far I’m extremely impressed
View attachment 8757012

As to the USA vs chinesium i think the older bae stuff still looks way better just based on footage I’ve seen via YouTube. However one my limiting factors is i really want a laser rangefinder.

My goal is to run what i have now and get the halo C when it launches.

@5RWill this is behind the Guide TB630?

 

[5RWill]

@5RWill this is behind the Guide TB630?

Yessir

 

[Waddles0931]

Yessir

It looks pretty good! I'm still waiting to see the new Nocpix clip on and the Halo-C before I pull the trigger

 

[Evolution 9]

You said used, and used, BAE UTM-X fits your price criteria and is hands down (by a mile) the best clip-on in that price range. Not only does it have the coveted BAE image, it’s actually collimated (unlike every other 640 option in your price range *).

* LWTS is also in your budget and is collimated, but the image is substantially inferior to the UTM-X even though the stats show that they should be very similar. I’d still choose the LWTS over anything but the UTM-X because it’s a real (collimated) clip-on, but just be aware that image isn’t as good as modern models from any country.

At least 3 UTM-X have sold this year for under 6K, but it will take some looking. There are different generations (each with improved collimation technology), so if you find one for sale, post a photo of the eye piece here and a few of us can help you know which generation you’re looking at.

 

[db2000]

You said used, and used, BAE UTM-X fits your price criteria and is hands down (by a mile) the best clip-on in that price range. Not only does it have the coveted BAE image, it’s actually collimated (unlike every other 640 option in your price range *).

* LWTS is also in your budget and is collimated, but the image is substantially inferior to the UTM-X even though the stats show that they should be very similar. I’d still choose the LWTS over anything but the UTM-X because it’s a real (collimated) clip-on, but just be aware that image isn’t as good as modern models from any country.

At least 3 UTM-X have sold this year for under 6K, but it will take some looking. There are different generations (each with improved collimation technology), so if you find one for sale, post a photo of the eye piece here and a few of us can help you know which generation you’re looking at.

Thanks. This is the kind of info I’m looking for. I rarely use mine and don’t have experience with BAE units. That being said, open to learn and potentially buy something to see for myself.
Could you elaborate on the advantage of the collimation but then also saying the image still won’t be as good as “modern” units from any country? Does this include my SYC that’s 3 years old? Thanks for the clarification. I’m mainly just looking for the best image > 200 yards. Mine seems awesome inside 200. Just curious what I’m missing > 200

 

[Evolution 9]

That was regarding the LWTS and was primarily for clarification. Stick with a UTM-X and you can ignore that issue.

Search “thermal collimation” or “thermal collimated” to get an understanding of what it is and why it matters. For some people’s needs, it’s absolutely essential. For others it’s not worth the cost. It largely breaks along the lines of tactical vs predator hunting use, but has many other implications.

If image really is your primary concern, get away from clip-ons and get a stand alone thermal scope. You usually get way more image for your $$.

 

[SkyScrapin]

I’m gonna tag some folks that seem to have a fair amount of thermal knowledge
@rlsmith1 @BigSkyRF @SkyScrapin @TheHorta @YotaEer
@tam4511

Give me a call on Tuesday,

It’s extremely nuanced with trade offs and worth a voice call.

Preston

 

[Vace9089]

there is no such thing as a cheap clip on. I'm using a RH25, which is a "budget" option, that set me back $6k. There's a Canadian version that costs $4k. I have the worst luck in the world and the gamble going the Canadian rout scared me away from it.

 

[rlsmith1]

Give Preston a ring, he's got all the knowledge on these things and can help you source some pretty awesome stuff. They also have some killer deals on some clip ons right now.

Having owned a Yoter C, I would probably opt for something with more field of view of you are really only shooting 200y and less. If PID is important past 200y then the Yoter C is probably a great unit to hold on to.

If you want to spend more money (doesn't sound like you have an issue with the Yoter C) then you have found the right hobby in thermal / night vision!

There is no replacement for a good ole made in the USA unit but the Chinese stuff is muddying the waters a bit for those who don't demand perfection

 

[Night Vision Viking]

Did you have a look at Pulsar's Thermal Clip-ons? (Made in Europe, no Chinese)

Or Nocpix's? (ex-iRay / Chinese)