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Pulsar Talion Thermal Riflescopes Buyer’s Guide | XQ35 Pro, XG35 & XQ38

Pulsar Talion Thermal Riflescopes for Lightweight, Fast-Handling Night Hunting

The Pulsar Talion line delivers rugged thermal performance in a compact, lightweight riflescope designed for fast handling and all-night carry. Whether you’re running a lightweight predator rifle, climbing in and out of tight blinds, or covering a lot of ground on foot, Talion models like the XQ35 Pro, XG35, and XQ38 give you reliable thermal detection without the bulk of a full-size optic.

If you want maximum range or top-tier sensors, explore the Thermion 2 series. For handheld thermal spotting, visit our thermal monoculars. For adding thermal capability to your daytime glass, explore our thermal attachments.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Talion Thermal Riflescope

The Talion series focuses on mobility, simplicity, and durability. All three models share the same compact magnesium-alloy body and intuitive control layout, but each version is tailored for a different style of hunting—from budget-friendly entry-level thermal to higher-resolution, longer-range performance.

Sensor Resolution and Image Quality

Talion XQ35 Pro – Uses a 384×288 @ 17µm sensor with improved sensitivity for clean imaging in fog, humidity, and cold weather. Talion XQ38 – Also runs a 384×288 sensor but pairs it with a slightly longer lens for more reach. Talion XG35 – Steps up to a 640×480 @ 12µm sensor for sharper identification and better detail at long range.

Magnification and Field of View

XQ35 Pro offers a friendly, fast-acquisition 2–8x range suited for brush, feeders, and typical predator stands. XQ38 pushes base magnification slightly higher at 2.5–10x, giving a bit more reach without sacrificing usability. XG35 runs at 2–16x, making it the most versatile for hunters who need to scan wide and then zoom in for precise shot placement.

Detection Range

Talion XQ35 Pro – Detects heat signatures out to roughly 1,400 yards, plenty for hogs and predators in typical terrain. Talion XQ38 – Extends detection to about 1,500+ yards thanks to its longer focal length. Talion XG35 – Reaches up to 1,900 yards, giving you more time to locate and track animals before they commit to a field.

Weight, Size, and Ergonomics

Talion scopes are built for lightweight rifles and fast handling. Their compact frame keeps the rifle balanced, and the ambidextrous focus ring sits near the front of the scope where your support hand naturally rests. The low-profile button layout makes blind operation easy in the dark, even with gloves on.

Power, Recording, and Connectivity

Talion models use Pulsar’s APS5 battery system for long runtime and quick swaps. All scopes support onboard photo/video recording, internal memory storage, and Wi-Fi through the Stream Vision 2 app for sharing footage and updating firmware.

Functions of Talion Thermal Riflescopes

The Talion series is for hunters who want a thermal scope that’s tough, lightweight, and straightforward. These scopes reveal heat signatures in total darkness, help you identify animals cleanly before committing to a shot, and stay reliable through cold, rain, and rough handling. Their compact size encourages all-night carry without fatigue.

  • Heat detection through darkness, shadows, fog, and brush.
  • Picture-in-Picture aiming for precise shots without losing situational awareness.
  • Zeroing profiles for multiple rifles and loads.
  • Recording & Wi-Fi for capturing hunts and sharing footage.
  • Rugged magnesium housing designed for real field conditions.

Talion Model Comparison

Model Sensor Resolution Magnification Detection Range LRF Recording / WiFi Best Use
Talion XQ35 Pro 384×288 @ 17µm 2.5–10x Up to ~1,400 yds No Yes – onboard recording + Wi-Fi All-purpose thermal hunting, feeders, mixed brush, budget-friendly entry thermal
Talion XG35 640×480 @ 12µm 2–16x Up to ~1,900 yds No Yes – onboard recording + Wi-Fi Longer-range predator hunting, open fields, better identification at distance
Talion XQ38 384×288 @ 17µm 2.5–10x Up to ~1,476+ yds No Yes – onboard recording + Wi-Fi Mid-range hunting, balanced field-of-view and reach, simple reliable performance

Extended Use Cases

Predator and Coyote Hunting

  • The XQ35 Pro is perfect for fast-moving stands and short-notice shots.
  • The XQ38 offers more reach for coyotes that hang up on field edges.
  • The XG35 helps you identify animals cleanly at distance when you’re calling in open country.

Hog Hunting

  • Lightweight Talion models keep your rifle nimble when you’re tracking sounders on foot.
  • Wide FOV at low base magnification helps with multiple-target engagements.
  • Recording allows you to review shot placement or share encounters.

Beginner-Friendly Thermal Scopes

  • Simple controls and intuitive menus make Talion scopes ideal for new thermal users.
  • Light weight helps newer shooters maintain better rifle stability.
  • Picture-in-Picture assists with accurate zeroing and confident nighttime shots.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Talion

  • Zero using Picture-in-Picture to make fine adjustments easier.
  • Keep magnification low while scanning; zoom only when you need detail.
  • Try different color palettes to match your terrain and weather conditions.
  • Carry a spare APS5 battery if you plan to hunt all night.
  • Use the Stream Vision 2 app to update firmware and manage recorded footage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the XQ35 Pro, XG35, and XQ38?

The XQ35 Pro is the lightest, most budget-friendly option with great performance for typical hunting distances. The XQ38 extends detection and magnification for hunters who want a bit more reach. The XG35 uses a higher-resolution 640 sensor, offering better clarity and identification at long range.

Can the Talion handle bad weather?

Yes. Talion scopes have rugged magnesium housings and weather-resistant seals built for rain, cold, humidity, and rough field conditions.

How long does the Talion battery last?

APS5 batteries typically last several hours per charge, and they swap quickly. Many hunters carry a spare for all-night work.

Is the Talion good for beginners?

Absolutely. The controls are simple, the image quality is forgiving, and the light weight helps new shooters hold steady. Many hunters buy a Talion as their first thermal riflescope.

Can it be used in daylight?

Yes. Like all thermal optics, Talion scopes detect heat, not light, so they work in full sunlight as well as complete darkness.

Additional Resources & Guides