milan_92 Sept. 10, 2024, 12:26 p.m.

Any suggestions for a best thermal monocular under $500?

Hey everyone, I’m looking to get a thermal monocular with a budget of around $500. I’ll mostly be using it for wildlife spotting during night hikes and maybe some light hunting. There are so many options out there, and I want to make sure I’m getting good value for the price.

Has anyone tried one in this price range that they’d recommend? I’m especially curious about image quality, detection range, and battery life. Also, are there any brands or models I should steer clear of?

000di Sept. 11, 2024, 10:33 a.m.

Hey, fellow night stalkers! Quick tip: Avoid the Cheapo McNoName Monoculars. Yeah, you know the ones - the ones that promise thermal magic but deliver disappointment. They’re like the fast-food drive-thru of optics. Sure, they’re cheap, but you’ll regret it later. Stick to reputable brands, my friends. Your nocturnal adventures deserve better!

immortal666 Sept. 11, 2024, 7:13 p.m.

Also, just a heads up if you're considering using your thermal monocular for hunting: Make sure to check local regulations. Some areas have restrictions on thermal imaging devices for hunting, especially for certain game animals.

***с Sept. 12, 2024, 8:02 p.m.

Have you considered any models with wi-fi connectivity? Some of the newer thermal monoculars allow you to stream directly to your phone, which can be helpful for reviewing footage or sharing it with others.

online Sept. 13, 2024, 9:31 a.m.

If you’re after affordability and reliability, the Bushnell Equinox Z should be on your list. It’s not strictly a thermal imaging monocular, but it offers infrared night vision at a great price point. However, if you want the best thermal monocular for around $500, I’d say the AGM Asp-Micro TM160 is your best bet for general outdoor use and some light hunting.

shyryn Sept. 13, 2024, 12:34 p.m.

Has anyone else noticed how thermal monoculars have evolved over the years? I remember when you couldn’t get anything decent under $1k. Now, some of the best budget thermal monoculars are packed with features like multiple color palettes and decent ranges for under $500. Crazy how far tech has come!

Lanacher Sept. 14, 2024, 8:34 p.m.

I’ve been thinking about getting a thermal monocular for a while too. Anyone know if prices usually drop during Black Friday or any other sales events?

lun@ Sept. 14, 2024, 10:44 p.m.

Forget the top thermal monocular for the money, just use your phone’s flashlight and squint a little. Who needs fancy tech for night hikes anyway?

procek Sept. 15, 2024, 12:34 p.m.

Hey there! So, you’re on the hunt for the optimal thermal monocular under $500? Well, I’ve got a suggest for you: the Teslong TTS260. It’s like Batman’s utility belt but in monocular form. Seriously, this thing is compact and handy. The image clarity is surprisingly crisp, and it’s great for spotting wildlife during your moonlit hikes. Plus, it won’t break the bank!

jktu23 Sept. 16, 2024, 8:34 a.m.

Try before you buy. Borrow one from your buddy, test it out during your midnight squirrel surveillance, and decide for yourself. Remember, optics are like relationships - sometimes you just click, and other times, it’s a blurry mess.

axel22 Sept. 17, 2024, 12:35 p.m.

Why bother finding a friend with the right gear? Just head to the store and try everything out yourself! That way, you can test it on the spot and see what works best for you.