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Best Thermal Monoculars for Hunting & Scouting | Pulsar Handheld Thermal

Pulsar Thermal Monoculars for Scouting, Night Hunting, and Long-Range Detection

Pulsar’s thermal monoculars give hunters, landowners, and professionals a compact, lightweight way to detect heat signatures in total darkness. Whether you’re scanning for hogs, locating predators, checking property lines, or guiding a rifle-mounted thermal optic, these handheld units deliver clarity, portability, and long-range detection that outperform traditional night vision.

For rifle-mounted thermal capability, explore our thermal riflescopes. For a binocular-style viewing experience, see our Merger thermal binoculars. Hunters wanting to add thermal to an existing scope can browse our thermal clip-ons.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Pulsar Thermal Monocular

Choosing the best thermal monocular depends on how far you need to detect game, how wide a field of view you prefer, and whether a built-in laser rangefinder matters for your style of hunting or scouting.

Sensor Resolution

1280×1024 @ 12 µm (Telos LRF XL50) – Pulsar’s flagship HD sensor for maximum clarity, best identification detail, and superior digital zoom performance. 640×480 @ 12 µm (Oryx series) – Excellent long-range capability with reliable detail and strong magnification. 384×288 @ 17 µm (Axion XQ19) – Lightweight, compact, and efficient for short- to mid-range scanning.

Magnification & Field of View

Wide FOV models like the Axion XQ19 excel for close-range scanning in brush or tight terrain. Higher base magnification models like the Oryx XG35 or Telos XL50 provide finer detail at distance and support long-range wildlife detection.

Laser Rangefinder (LRF)

The Telos LRF XL50 includes a built-in laser rangefinder for instant distance confirmation—ideal for hunters who scout with a monocular before taking a shot with a riflescope. The Oryx line also includes models with LRF capability, allowing precise ranging in a handheld platform.

Size, Weight & Ergonomics

The Axion XQ19 is the most compact and pocketable option, ideal for mobile users. The Oryx XG35 balances size and performance for all-around scouting. The Telos platform is modular and ergonomic, built for extended glassing sessions with maximum clarity.

Functions of Thermal Monoculars

Pulsar thermal monoculars help you detect, observe, and track heat signatures in total darkness. They operate independently of visible light and excel in fog, light brush, or harsh terrain. Whether you’re scanning before a stalk or monitoring land, a monocular offers fast, one-handed detection at any range.

  • Heat-based detection reveals animals, people, and obstacles that blend into the environment.
  • Long-range performance identifies movement well beyond typical night-vision distances.
  • Onboard recording captures scouting footage for review or property documentation.
  • Multiple palettes let you fine-tune contrast depending on temperature and background.
  • Stream Vision 2 app enables live viewing and media transfer to mobile devices.

Thermal Monocular Model Comparison

Model Sensor Resolution Magnification Detection Range LRF Recording / WiFi Best Use
Telos LRF XL50 1280×1024 @ 12 µm 2.5–20x (x8 digital) Up to ~2,515 yds Yes Yes – onboard recording + WiFi Long-range scouting, precision ranging, professional field work
Oryx XG35 640×480 @ 12 µm 2.5–20x Up to ~1,950 yds Yes (LRF models available) Yes – onboard recording + WiFi General hunting, mid- to long-range detection, stable handheld ranging
Axion XQ19 384×288 @ 17 µm 1.5–6x Up to ~950 yds No Yes – onboard recording + WiFi Compact scouting, timber hunting, fast detection in tight terrain

Extended Use Cases

Night Hunting Scouting

  • Locate hogs and predators before setting up a shot.
  • Identify safe backdrops and terrain features in total darkness.
  • Use a monocular to scan wide areas before raising a rifle.

Property Surveillance & Ranch Management

  • Monitor fences, livestock, and distant terrain without visible light.
  • Record movement patterns for security or wildlife studies.
  • Spot animals hidden in brush or dips in the land.

Tracking & Recovery

  • Follow heat signatures after a shot in thick vegetation.
  • Quickly locate wounded game that slipped out of sight.
  • Identify movement that traditional lights would miss.

Tips for Optimizing Your Thermal Monocular

  • Use lower magnification for scanning—higher magnification narrows field of view.
  • Adjust focus frequently: thermal clarity depends heavily on fine focus tuning.
  • Experiment with palettes like White Hot, Black Hot, or Red Hot depending on terrain.
  • Keep lenses clean to maintain maximum contrast and detection range.
  • Use Stream Vision 2 to store and organize scouting footage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the advantage of a thermal monocular over a riflescope?

A monocular lets you scan continuously without pointing your rifle at anything. It’s faster, safer, and uses far less energy while covering more ground.

How far can a thermal monocular detect animals?

Detection ranges vary by model—from around 900 yards on compact units like the Axion XQ19 to over 2,500 yards on the Telos LRF XL50.

Is a laser rangefinder worth it on a monocular?

Yes. Built-in ranging allows you to scout distances before taking a shot with your primary optic, improving precision and reducing guesswork.

Can thermal monoculars be used in daylight?

Absolutely. Thermal works off heat, not visible light, so they function in full sun, shade, or total darkness.

Do all monoculars record video?

Most Pulsar models do. All three listed here—Telos XL50, Oryx XG35, and Axion XQ19—support recording and WiFi connectivity.

Additional Resources & Guides