Best thermal imaging cameras for hunting (50+ devices in the shop)

Start

Handheld thermal imaging devices

Buy thermal imaging cameras for hunting

Thermal Imaging Cameras (also in general thermal imaging devices called) are handsets or attachments (mounted in front of an optic) for hunting or animal observation. They make the heat signature of animals and the environment visible and heat sources (animals, people, vehicles) are particularly easy to identify with these devices.

Thermal imaging cameras respond to heat sources – they are using it (other than night vision technology) can also be used during the day, or helpful because they make heat sources visible even in daylight.

The terms thermal imaging camera, thermal imaging monocular and thermal imaging device are sometimes used synonymously. Usually "thermal imaging camera" and "thermal imaging monocular" refer to a handheld device that is not mounted on an optic.

Hand tool or attachment?

A distinction is made between hand-held devices (for observing) and attachments (for shooting):
Thermal imaging handheld devices can be found on this page – are thermal imaging cameras for observing, scanning and addressing the animals. As a rule, “thermal imaging monoculars” are used for hunting. Monoculars are devices through which the hunter looks with one eye (unlike thermal imaging binoculars).
Thermal imaging attachments can be found here (click!) – (“put in front of an optic”) are used in connection with a target optic (observe the legal situation). They are mounted on target optics, binoculars or lenses using an adapter. The thermal imaging device captures the thermal signature of the environment, processes the image and then looks through the optics at the display in the thermal imaging device.

Which thermal imaging camera is right for my area?

When choosing the right thermal imaging camera, several factors must be considered in order to find the best device for the respective area.
Composition of the district – Different devices are optimal depending on the size of the field and forest in the area. In field areas, the maximum power of the device is important (“a lot helps a lot”). The hunter would therefore look for the right device, especially in the upper class devices and thus in the higher price segment. In wooded areas and primarily for baiting distances, a beginner's device or a mid-range device is sometimes sufficient.
cone of vision of the device – The composition of the territory influences the optimal cone of vision that the respective device should offer. If you have a mixed area with a lot of forest, a purely forest area or predominantly clumps in the forest, a device with a wide field of vision is helpful, as the hunter can do that Wild change early and can prepare better. Devices with a large lens (usually 50mm diameter, upper class) sometimes have a narrow cone of view. This means that they are well suited for long distances, but less so for forest areas because the image section is too small at short distances.

Entry-level thermal imaging cameras

How much does an entry-level thermal imaging camera for hunting cost? Entry-level devices start at around EUR 700 and cost up to around EUR 1.100. They are usually characterized by the following properties:

Fixed lens focus - Fixed focus with high depth of field, so that there is a good compromise between sharpness in the near and far range. Medium and high-end devices, on the other hand, have an adjustable focus on the device head

Lens diameter between 10mm and 17mm

entry-level sensor – often 256 x 192 pixels

Inexpensive screen – LCOS instead of higher quality OLED display

Mid-range thermal imaging cameras

How much does a mid-range thermal imaging camera for hunting cost? Mid-range devices start at around EUR 1.100 and cost up to around EUR 2.400. They are usually characterized by the following properties:

Adjustable lens focus – Variable focus with less depth of field than in the entry-level segment. The focus can thus be adjusted manually, which helps to achieve the highest possible system performance of the device.

Lens diameter between 18mm and 35mm

mid-range sensor – often 384 x 288 pixels

High quality screen – high-quality OLED display

Top class thermal imaging cameras

How much does a premium thermal imaging camera for hunting cost? Top-class devices start at around EUR 2.400 and cost up to around EUR 3.500 and more (thermal imaging binoculars). They are usually characterized by the following properties:

Adjustable lens focus – Variable focus with less depth of field than in the entry-level segment. The focus can thus be adjusted manually, which helps to achieve the highest possible system performance of the device.

Lens diameter between 35mm and 50mm

Upper class sensor – often 640 x 512 pixels

High quality screen high-quality OLED display