Thermal vs night vision

[CATI1836]

Like the title says, thermal optics or night vision? I'm looking at getting into the game of being able to see in the dark. What are some pros and cons of each? Budget would be about 1k for the initial setup. Context here would be pig hunting and ranch defense from predator regardless of how many legs they have. TIA

 

[BeatTheTunaUp]

I have both and thermal hands down. IR is more defined and clear, but range is limited to your ir light strength. I can see 200 yards, but only really see details to about 75yards. My thermal can see radio towers a mile away. Objects stand out on thermal against the background as well and that's huge. I've moved my ir to a 22lr 10.5 suppressed setup and keep my thermal on the center fires.

 

[Younggun]

For 1k I’d say the best option is digital night vision with a good IR light. Something like the X-sight.

I have a Rod S3 Thermal and while I’m very happy with it, it’s $1800 and I don’t think I would be happy with any lower resolution.

My S3 and X-Sight Pro 4K have about the same useful range. The disadvantage of the X-Sight is that it works like a camera so it you have brush directly ahead of you it can cause the background to darken. But with clear line of sight it’s easily useful to 250 yards with my Wicked IR light. Downside my S3 is lower resolution, so by 250 yards you need to know what’s in the field your hunting and be able to identify the animal based on more factors like movement. Identification with thermal is…kind of different.

But for 1k budget I’d choose my X-sight again over thermal.

 

[Younggun]

I have both and thermal hands down. IR is more defined and clear, but range is limited to your ir light strength. I can see 200 yards, but only really see details to about 75yards. My thermal can see radio towers a mile away. Objects stand out on thermal against the background as well and that's huge. I've moved my ir to a 22lr 10.5 suppressed setup and keep my thermal on the center fires.

What thermal and Digital NV are you comparing?

 

[Renegade]

For huntng thermal.

For navigation (hiking, etc), Night Vision.

Neither offers a $1k price point. But the digitial units work fine for pig hunting and are priced lower, though maybe not under $1k.

 

[cycleguy2300]

For huntng thermal.

For navigation (hiking, etc), Night Vision.

Neither offers a $1k price point. But the digitial units work fine for pig hunting and are priced lower, though maybe not under $1k.

AGM's 19x256 and 25x256 Rattler thermal scope isnt bad.

Priced around $800 (Amazon has a "used VG" opened box 19MM for $675 and A 25mm for $676 right now...)

I have the 50x640 Rattler and am very happy with it.

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[BeatTheTunaUp]

What thermal and Digital NV are you comparing?

Both budget scopes, The NV is an old Sightmark wraith hd from 2015ish and the thermal is an AGM Rattler ts25-256

 

[The Narrator]

Both have unique uses, and both seriously depend on price point/quality.

I personally like NV for short range hog/coyote/varmint on nights that have a little ambient light.

A top shelf thermal is hard to beat, but research options, battery life, ease of use, etc. carefully. I carry battery banks for both in case I'm out longer than expected.

 

[easy rider]

How much money do want to spend? I have both and thermal, to me anyway, is like cheating. But for a good thermal, you will be paying thousands as compared to hundreds for a good IR. Advantages of a thermal, in my estimation, clearly outweigh that of an IR. Even though the image may be clearer in the IR, the fact that you can see the heat of a live target makes it easier to define.

 

[Lead Belly]

They are combining them now. No idea if this one is any good, but they are out there. As mentioned, each has it's place.

 

[Younggun]

They are combining them now. No idea if this one is any good, but they are out there. As mentioned, each has it's place.

View attachment 471449

I’d be extremely surprised if that isn’t complete junk at that price point.

 

[Younggun]

OP said $1k budget. I just don’t see getting thermal that will allow for positive target ID at any kind of real distance at that price point.

A low res scanner is fine, but when you’re about to pull the trigger you have to be able to know exactly what you’re about to shoot. Just don’t see getting that ability at the same distances as digital NV in this price point. And “real” NV is gonna be a long shot as well.

 

[V-Tach]

While we're on the subject........my needs are 25 yards or less for suppressed 22LR.......I need lower power and nothing really seems to fill the need.....

 

[cycleguy2300]

While we're on the subject........my needs are 25 yards or less for suppressed 22LR.......I need lower power and nothing really seems to fill the need.....

The 25-256 AGM would be awesome imo

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[V-Tach]

The 25-256 AGM would be awesome imo

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Thank you Sir...............

 

[tacticalgunreview]

thermal rules. end of discussion for hunting
I run a Burrist BTS35 on my 6.8SPC