When Pulsar released the Oryx LRF thermal monocular, it entered a market already crowded with capable optics. Yet early adopters are reporting that this unit brings together a rare combination of size, endurance, and optical clarity—qualities that directly answer problems hunters face in the field. From the first week of release, it has been used in foggy woodlots, rainy pasture edges, and cold predawn stalks, and the reports have been consistent: the Oryx performs where lesser gear falters.
Built for weather and abuse
The Oryx LRF carries an IP67 rating and a magnesium-alloy chassis. In plain terms: dust stays out, rain is a non-issue, and the housing shrugs off the knocks that come with riding in a pack or bouncing around a UTV. Hunters who run dawn-to-dark days need gear that doesn’t fog, crack, or loosen up after a few hard trips. The Oryx’s sealed body and rigid frame keep the internals protected during fast temperature swings—walking from a warm truck into cold, wet air—and during the inevitable bumps that happen in the dark.
Pocketable size with real glassing reach
The unit is roughly the footprint of a phone in a sturdy case, so it rides clean in a chest rig or cargo pocket. Inside is a 640×480 @ 12 µm sensor feeding an AMOLED display. That resolution isn’t marketing filler; it produces cleaner animal outlines, clearer separation from background heat, and steadier identification at typical predator and big-game distances. If you glass hedgerows, creek bottoms, or pasture edges, that extra definition cuts decision time when an animal steps out for only a few seconds.
Specs and comparison details: Oryx LRF XG35.
Integrated laser rangefinder that keeps pace
The onboard LRF reads out to 1,500 m (≈1,640 yd). Because it’s built into the monocular, you can range without breaking sight picture or juggling a second device. That matters when a coyote clears brush for two steps and pauses, or when you’re sorting targets across a fenceline and need a fast, confident distance before you move a rifle. Readouts are quick enough to track a walk or slow trot without losing the animal in the display.
Power for full days and then some
A dual-battery setup—one internal cell plus a removable APS5—delivers up to 12 hours of continuous use. Swap the APS5 in seconds, or plug in USB-C to sip from a power bank while you keep scanning. No rationing screen time at last light, no dead optic halfway through a long track job.
Controls that work with gloves and tight spaces
The control layout is ambidextrous. The focus wheel sits near the eyepiece where your thumb naturally lands, so you can sharpen the image without shifting your grip. One-hand operation sounds minor until you’re wedged in a blind, working from a vehicle, or keeping the other hand on a rifle or call. The design cuts fumbles and keeps your eye on the scene instead of on the buttons.
Clarity when weather turns against you
Fog, drizzle, and humid air usually flatten thermal images. The Oryx’s processing keeps contrast between animal bodies and background terrain, so antlers, heads, and legs stay defined instead of smearing into a single glowing blob. That helps with fast ID—coyote vs. dog at a couple hundred yards, buck vs. doe slipping through timber, or livestock vs. hogs along a fence.
Eyes stay fresher during long scans
The OLED display automatically adjusts brightness to the scene. That prevents sudden flare when a hot object fills part of the frame and reduces eye strain during long, slow glassing sessions. Less fatigue equals steadier decisions late in the night when mistakes are easy to make.
Field advantages at a glance
| Strength | Why it matters in the field |
|---|---|
| IP67, magnesium housing | Handles rain, dust, and knocks without fogging or flex |
| Compact, carry-everywhere form | Lives on your person; no digging in packs when animals appear |
| 640×480 @ 12 µm sensor | Cleaner outlines and faster, more confident identification |
| LRF to 1,500 m | Accurate, immediate distance without switching tools |
| Up to 12-hour runtime | Start at first light and finish at last without battery anxiety |
| One-hand ergonomics | Glove-friendly controls; fewer fumbles in blinds and vehicles |
| Weather-resilient image processing | Maintains contrast in fog, drizzle, and humid conditions |
Bottom line
The Oryx LRF brings durability, usable rangefinding, and stable image quality to a package you’ll actually carry. It holds up in bad weather, runs all day, and gives fast information when animals don’t give you much time. If your priority is dependable thermal performance without a bulky footprint, this unit does the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Pulsar Oryx LRF XG35 durable for hunting conditions?
The Oryx LRF XG35 features an IP67 rating and a magnesium-alloy housing, protecting it from dust, rain, and impact. Its sealed body prevents fogging and damage during sudden temperature changes or rough handling in the field.
How far can the integrated laser rangefinder measure?
The built-in laser rangefinder can accurately measure distances up to 1,500 meters (approximately 1,640 yards) without requiring you to switch devices or lose sight of your target.
What is the resolution of the Oryx LRF XG35 sensor?
The thermal sensor delivers a resolution of 640×480 at 12 µm, producing sharper outlines and clearer separation between animals and background heat sources for more confident identification.
How long does the battery last, and can it be swapped in the field?
The dual-battery system provides up to 12 hours of continuous use. It includes one internal battery and a removable APS5, which can be swapped quickly. USB-C charging from a power bank is also supported.
Can the Oryx LRF XG35 handle poor weather visibility?
Yes. Its image processing maintains contrast in fog, drizzle, and high humidity, keeping animal shapes and details visible for faster identification in challenging conditions.
