Thermal Binoculars: Everything You Need To Know

Thermal binoculars and other forms of thermal imaging technology have taken massive leaps forward in recent years. This ever-developing piece of equipment has plenty to offer consumers from a range of backgrounds, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, avid hunter, security professional, game ranger, electrician, etc. – thermal imaging technology offers a glimpse into an otherwise unseen world.

In this brief guide, we will delve into a few commonly asked questions about thermal binoculars and other similar devices, including how they work, the limits of their functionality, and the differences between night vision and thermal imaging. Additionally, we will unpack a few options from our Futurama online store to give you an idea of the products available to you.

If these topics appeal to you, we encourage you to read along with us and find out more.

What Do Thermal Binoculars Do?

In basic terms, these devices employ game-changing technology to detect the heat signatures of animals, people, and objects, to allow the user to see in low-light situations and even complete darkness. They are capable of detecting these signatures through environmental obstructions like dust, fog, smoke, and light brush – making them invaluable tools for observation, detection, and pursuit.

What’s The Difference Between Night Vision And Thermal?

Night vision devices work by amplifying the ambient light in the environment, and they relay this information via– a green- or white-tinted image, which is determined based on the phosphor plate used on the inside to convert electrons back to photons. Alternatively, thermal devices make use of a microbolometer to detect slight changes in temperature between objects, wildlife, and people in contrast to the background of the scene you are viewing.

Which Is Better Night Vision Or Thermal Binoculars?

As we touched on earlier, thermal devices are capable of providing visuals in zero-light environments, while night vision requires a small amount of light to be effective. Understanding this, if you intend to head into complete darkness, thermal binoculars will serve you better than other forms of night vision technology. Beyond that, neither is “better” than the other, as they both fulfil distinct roles and excel in different settings – it’s a matter of application.

For example, thermals can detect at very long ranges – all the way up to 2.6km on some handhelds, whereas night vision is much better for identification applications as you can easily determine not only what, but whom you are looking at – albeit the limiting factor is a range of 300m maximum.

On top of that, we recommend night vision for any applications where you will be walking or driving at night time, as thermals have two downsides when it comes to to these activities: Thermals can’t see through glass, meaning you cannot use them for driving and thermals make an image that is very flat, which takes away your depth perception – resulting in the user tripping over branches when walking or not being able to drive on narrow roads and over bridges, for example.

Why Are Thermal Binoculars So Expensive?

There is a substantial difference between high-end and entry-level thermal binoculars and not all of these devices are extremely costly. However, the biggest reason for the pricing of thermal binoculars comes down to the rarity of germanium metal, which is used in the advanced lenses found in these devices. This, along with the complicated nature of the technology and quality of materials, is what contributes to the price of a set of these high-tech binoculars.

Can You Use Thermal Binoculars During The Day?

Unlike most traditional night vision devices, which rely on the presence of ambient light, thermal imaging technology does not display any adverse effects when used during the day. Thermal imaging binoculars and other similar devices pinpoint the heat emitted by the surrounding environment and animals, which is possible during nighttime and in broad daylight. We do however recommend that you not point your thermal device directly at the sun, as this can result in burn-in of your sensor.

Can Thermal Binoculars See Through Walls?

While this would be incredibly useful, thermal technology cannot “see” through walls. This is the case because a wall blocks most of the detectable heat, meaning thermal devices are incapable of pinpointing signatures on the other side. That being said, if an individual or animal is directly against a wall or object, the device may be able to detect the temperature difference – giving you an idea of what is beyond the barrier.

Thermal imaging devices, when pointed at a building, can still provide information about the ongoings within; for example, the heat emitted by lightbulbs, warm water passing through pipes, heaters, and other similar information involving temperature changes.

Can Thermal Binoculars See Through Trees?

Thermal imaging technology cannot detect animals or people on the other side of solid objects, like a tree trunk or stump. However, they are capable of detecting heat signatures through the leaves of trees and other forms of foliage – making them exceedingly useful in forested regions and similar locations.

Can Thermal Binoculars See Through Windows?

The answer to this question could surprise you. As we touched on earlier, thermal imaging uses microbolometer sensors to pick up signatures, specifically Mid-Wave and Long-Wave infrared. These particular wavelengths are blocked by most glass, meaning the sensors are not able to penetrate the surface and provide information. To summarise, thermal binoculars are not able to see through glass, despite what many movies may portray.

Thermal Binoculars For Sale: A Few Products From Our Online Store

At Futurama, we are incredibly specific about the brands and products we choose to stock. We understand that our customers choose us based on the premise that we supply the finest technology and expert advice. With that in mind, we have carefully curated our selection to meet every need and application without compromising on quality. Let’s explore some of our recommendations:

Thermal Binoculars Price: Pulsar Merger LRF XL50 HD Binoculars

If you are the sort of person who never settles for anything other than the best, the Pulsar Merger LRF XL50 might be ideal for you. This offering from Pulsar, one of the most well-regarded optics brands in the industry, embodies high-end functionality and quality. The XL50 is the first HD thermal from Pulsar - offering users a fantastic 1024x768 sensor for excellent long range viewing.

It includes 3 levels of sensitivity amplification, an ultra-durable magnesium alloy housing, a choice of 8 colour palettes, Wi-Fi integration, proximity sensors, and so much more. Head into any environment confidently, knowing you have the equipment to succeed. At R138,499.00, this incredible device may redefine the way you perceive the world around you.

Hikmicro Habrok HH35LN LRF Multi-Spectrum Binocular

The Hikmicro Habrok HH35LN LRF is a unique all-in-one design binocular that comes with an impressive number of features, including round 0.49” OLED displays, a 35mm objective lens diameter, simple and quick menu navigation, an integrated hotspot module, a Smart IR to avoid overexposure, and more.

Hikmicro Raptor RQ50L Handheld Thermal Fusion Optical Binoculars

If you are looking for a highly detailed, precise, and rugged thermal imaging device, you can’t go wrong with the Hikmicro Raptor RQ50L. With a detection range of up to 2,600 metres and a built-in rangefinder that enhances viewing accuracy, it is unlikely that anything in the near vicinity will be able to escape detection, should you opt for a device of this quality. It comes standard with GPS and DMC, a full-colour 1024x768 HD OLED display, a 20mK high-sensitivity thermal camera, and just about everything else you might expect from a Hikmicro device.

Thermal Binoculars: Noteworthy Performance Indicators

In light of our mission to assist our customers in making informed purchases, let’s explore some of the most critical performance-based indicators to look out for. Thermal imaging devices, like most other products, come with certain upsides and characteristics, as they are developed to fulfil distinct applications. However, there are a few general indicators one should pay attention to, let’s get into them:

Resolution: The resolution of the sensor will directly impact the detail that you are able to see and also the distance that you are able to reach before losing too much quality. You have to keep in mind that these devices are digital, meaning that everytime you double your magnification, you lose about half of your resolution.

So, starting from a higher resolution means you can zoom in much further before the image starts pixelating so much that you cannot determine what you are looking at. For security purposes in particular, we recommend getting the highest resolution that will fit your budget as it will enable you to identify objects at a longer distance and be sure of what you are looking at.

Temperature Sensitivity And Range: This refers to the device’s ability to pick up minute temperature differences, which are measured in milliKelvins (mK). When you are deciding on the product you believe is best suited to your needs, focus on the thermal sensitivity, as this allows for finer distinctions between temperatures – meaning you will be able to more effectively detect animals and objects in your environment. Generally, a thermal sensitivity of 50 mK or less should be sufficient for most viewing and detection needs (The lower this number, the better).

Field Of View (FoV): Equally as important in terms of features is the field of view, which can have major implications for one’s situational awareness. Thermal devices with a wider FoV will enable the user to scan larger areas without needing to move the device too much – perfect for tracking moving objects and broadly scanning landscapes. Some devices have a variable FoV and some do not; take note of the specifications of the binoculars you are considering.

Image Enhancement And Processing: These features tend to be reserved for higher-end devices, but they can make a huge difference to the usability of the binoculars. Features like colour palettes, as seen with the Pulsar Merger LRF, as well as image enhancement algorithms, can effectively sharpen images and reduce background interference. These sorts of features can make the user’s life considerably easier and improve the effectiveness of the device.

Power Management: Across the many binocular options, battery life varies considerably. It makes sense to think about how long you intend to use the device, as this should help to avoid mid-activity power problems. A good benchmark is eight hours of battery life, which most devices are capable of accommodating.

If you think you may need longer than this, search for a model with replaceable batteries, as they are convenient for longer viewing sessions or when there is no access to power. If you know you are embarking on a multi-day hike, battery life is a crucial consideration.

Thermal Binoculars: Maintenance Tips To Ensure Longevity

Thermal devices are an investment, and it makes sense to look after them to ensure longevity and maintain image quality. Firstly, it is crucial to carry out regular cleaning using specialised solutions and a microfibre cloth. This removes any dirt or debris and protects the sensitive lenses from damage. Secondly, as is the case with most devices, avoid storing in a humid or warm environment, as this can cause damage to the internal components over time.

To add to this, we recommend checking the batteries semi-regularly because prolonged storage without use could eventually result in battery damage . Lastly, stick to the manufacturer’s specified temperature range, as if the binoculars are exposed to conditions beyond this range, it can begin to reduce performance and hinder longevity. Following these simple practices, you can guarantee long-term use and protect your device from avoidable damage.

Best Thermal Binoculars: The Importance Of Build Quality

We understand that most of our customers will be using their thermal imaging binoculars outdoors, and this necessitates a level of durability. When choosing your binoculars, turn your attention to the Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which indicates the level of water and dust resistance.

With these IP ratings, the first number represents protection from solid particles, like dust or dirt, and the second indicates liquid resistance. If you expect to head into harsh environments where your equipment may take a beating, it makes sense to invest in a product with a higher IP rating.

With that, we come to the end of the guide. Hopefully, armed with this information, you feel prepared to make the best purchase to suit your needs. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us – our friendly experts are only too happy to help.