Thermal hunting optics can be a daunting topic if you are just trying to get into the game. The wide range of features and cost can quickly become overwhelming, and more than enough to deter someone from purchasing one when it starts to get too complicated. That being said, if you’re interested in thermal optics you don’t have to go at it alone, that’s what we’re here for. This blog will not go into the innermost workings of thermal optics, rather it is a brief introduction for those just getting interested in them.
Thermal vs. night vision
Unlike night vision, which picks up infrared light that can’t be seen with the naked eye but can be seen through optics in a black and white or green tint, thermals, as the name suggests, pick up on temperature variations.
On a night when the temperature dips down into the 80s or below, the heat difference between a mammal and the environment surrounding it is dramatic through a thermal scope. Where the area around a prospective target will be cooler, the heat emitted from the animal will glow bright through the optic. This makes quick target acquisition at ranges up to a mile possible, and target identification at closer, yet still impressive, ranges exceeding 600 yards possible as well. This also makes scouting over vast areas a breeze and allows you to locate targets and position yourself accordingly for an ambush without having to worry about being heard or winded.
What drives the price of a thermal
When purchasing a thermal, the cost is normally directly related to your specific needs. If you’re scanning thousands of acres of agricultural land, you’re probably going to need one of the faster processing models with a lower base magnification. While the features on most thermals are similar, the cost difference is greatly affected by the processor speed and base magnification. In other words, if you need more clarity at a distance for longer shots, or to be able to scan large pieces of property very quickly, you’ll likely need to purchase a more advanced model to meet your needs. On the other hand, if you are hunting just a few hundred acres or smaller you might find a thermal scope that will handle the job for about the price of a nice traditional rifle scope (dependable entry level thermal is typically around a thousand dollars).
Look through one before you buy
In the end, the best solution for deciding on which thermal is going to work for you can really only be done by physically looking through different models. While videos on the internet are fantastic for giving you an idea of what you can expect, nothing accurately represents what you will see like looking through one in person.
Fortunately, demoing thermals here at Circle Star is one of our favorite things to do and we love going through them to find out which one is going to work best for you. We want to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need before you pull “the trigger” on your thermal. As avid night hunters ourselves, we are happy to go through the pros and cons of all the many different models we carry based on our personal experiences. If you’d like more information on thermal optics or have a specific question regarding a particular model give us a call, or swing by the store in Anderson and we’ll happily try to help you with whatever you may need.
Happy hunting!
Already picked one out? Our $50 sight-in covers thermal optics. Still deciding on day glass too? Read the three questions every rifleman should answer before buying a scope.
