Hey Guys,
I have been a long time lurker on here - I'm wanting to get some opinions on current offerings for a thermal spotting scope. The top of my possible budget would be in the $3,000-$3,500 range. The primary use would be game detection for hunting so lightweight options are a plus. I have been looking at lot at the Flir Scout III 640 or LS-XR thermal monoculars. These seem to have really great advertised detection ranges (1,000+ yards), but I am a little worried about the internal battery and not being able to replace that if it on my own when it dies out. I was looking at some of the EOtech offerings but to get similar resolution and detection ranges (the X640 model) would cost another $1,500 which currently would be a deal breaker.
Are there other lightweight options out there with decent resolution and high detection ranges in the sub $3,500 ballpark? Does anyone have any hand on experience with the Flir units that can comment on the accuracy of their advertised detection ranges? Has anyone ever sent in a unit for an internal battery replacement, and if so, what was the turnaround time and cost? I saw the "Which Thermal" thread, but many of the posts are several years old, I figured there may be some newer options that have no been discussed. This would be my first thermal / Night vision style device so any feedback would be appreciated.
I have been a long time lurker on here - I'm wanting to get some opinions on current offerings for a thermal spotting scope. The top of my possible budget would be in the $3,000-$3,500 range. The primary use would be game detection for hunting so lightweight options are a plus. I have been looking at lot at the Flir Scout III 640 or LS-XR thermal monoculars. These seem to have really great advertised detection ranges (1,000+ yards), but I am a little worried about the internal battery and not being able to replace that if it on my own when it dies out. I was looking at some of the EOtech offerings but to get similar resolution and detection ranges (the X640 model) would cost another $1,500 which currently would be a deal breaker.
Are there other lightweight options out there with decent resolution and high detection ranges in the sub $3,500 ballpark? Does anyone have any hand on experience with the Flir units that can comment on the accuracy of their advertised detection ranges? Has anyone ever sent in a unit for an internal battery replacement, and if so, what was the turnaround time and cost? I saw the "Which Thermal" thread, but many of the posts are several years old, I figured there may be some newer options that have no been discussed. This would be my first thermal / Night vision style device so any feedback would be appreciated.
