Re: HS -307 Feedback
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 307 is a great mid-range thermal at a pretty reasonable price. It is often the one I direct guys to when they are looking to be able to identify things past 100 yards. Detection range is about 400 yards for people and I have been able to detect deer at almost 475 yards.
The 65mm lens gets it out there, but I still classify it as a mid range because FLIR also offers a 100mm lens in the BHS-X(R) line. But, as far as the monoculars go, the 307 gives the longest performance. I would echo what has been said about it lacking performance at close range (25-50 yards), but that is not what this unit is really for. Thermals are great for detection, but I prefer image intensifiers for observation and engaging. From a professional standpoint, you can actually recognize who it is you are going to possibly be shooting at. Thermal does not really offer you that option. Recognition and identification come from observing the activities of those you are watching. It is next to impossible to recognize facial features (at least on a 320 x 240 detector.
From a hunting perspective, I can identify the difference between a coyote and a dog from about 75-90 yards based on how the animal moves. So hopefully that gives you some idea of the performance.
The digital zoom is junk (as expected). Digital zoom is best used to help determine movement at distance, but does nothing for identification. Basically, digital zoom is just that: digital. It zooms in on the pixels you are being presented in the FOV. Every time you zoom in, the image resolution is halved. So, things start looking like an 8-bit Nintendo game from 1986. The best way to magnify with thermal is with a separate germanium lens. Some thermals have various lens attachments you can purchase which gives you (usually 3x) magnification without loss of resolution. But, these are generally expensive.
FLIR's BHS line has QD lenses that you can interchange on the same housing. I think this is pretty novel and the lenses are extremely well-made. But, the 100mm lens is about 6K (so again; spendy).
Using the HS307 is very easy. The body is durable and has a designer's touch (someone was thinking about ergonomics rather than an engineer making blocks in CAD). The controls are intuitive and my fingers tend to find the button I am looking for naturally.
Basically, the 307 is great under 500 yards. It's a good value for the price point. I tend to recommend the Patrol version because it is 1K less and all you are really losing is the removable SD card for downloading images and video.</div></div>
I've picked up pigs over a mile off with mine on huge rice farms.(using google earth for range) Also, A pipeline I hunt is 1546 yards and I have no problem picking up pigs crossing it. I can't tell you what it is, but I can see the signature. A good friend of mine Scott also has one hunting 20,000 acres of farm land, and he has had the same results in the same conditions. I can usually I'd a pig in the 6-700 yard range by the way they move with the 307. It is great for hunting rice fields, and corn crops. Also, it works great on big pastures and pipelines or Sanderos in s.texas. Up close, not so good with the narrow fov. Of course outside conditions will play a role in range. The best nights for viewing down here are when a good front blows threw and temps start falling. Days when the sun is out then its cool at night will give you a very good image.