When it comes to hunting in Australia, whether you're in the dense bush, traversing the open plains, or scouting your patch of land, having the right gear can make all the difference. Thermal monoculars are slowly becoming an essential tool for Aussie hunters, especially for those hunting in low-light or completely dark conditions.
Many factors come into play when choosing a thermal monocular. However, we’ve narrowed this down to the 5 critical factors and have made recommendations to cover most general hunting situations.
Our 5 Critical Assessment Factors -
Resolution:
Resolution refers to the number of pixels in the thermal image, typically expressed in terms like 384x288 or 640x512. Higher resolution results in sharper and more detailed thermal imagery, allowing hunters to identify game more accurately at greater distances. For hunting in varying light conditions, clearer resolution helps to distinguish animals from the background, improving decision-making.
Thermal Sensitivity (NETD):
Thermal sensitivity, measured by NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference), indicates the monocular’s ability to detect small temperature differences. A lower NETD (measured in mK) means better sensitivity to slight temperature variations, which is crucial for detecting subtle heat signatures in cold or ambient environments. For hunters, this can mean being able to spot game at longer distances or in difficult conditions like fog or dense foliage.
Field of View (F.O.V) and Base Magnification:
When choosing a thermal monocular for hunting, field of view (FOV) and base magnification are two key specs that should match your hunting environment. FOV determines how much of the scene you can see at once—wider FOVs are ideal for scanning large areas quickly and maintaining situational awareness, especially in close-range scenarios like hog hunting in thick brush. In these conditions, a lower base magnification also helps keep your view broad and steady. For open terrain and long-range spotting, like coyote hunting in fields, prioritize higher base magnification for better target identification at distance, even though it comes with a narrower FOV.
Depiction of an extremely wide FOV (bottom right) and an extremely narrow FOV (top left)
If you hunt in mixed environments, a balanced setup—moderate FOV with a base magnification around 1.5x to 2x—offers versatility without sacrificing too much range or awareness. Matching FOV and magnification to your typical hunting style ensures you get the right blend of reach, clarity, and coverage in the field.
Field Usability:
Field usability refers to how easy and practical the thermal monocular is to operate in real-world conditions. Features such as lightweight design, simple controls, long battery life, weather resistance and laser rangefinder capabilities make the monocular more functional in the field. Hunters need equipment that can withstand the rugged Australian terrain, work well in unpredictable weather, and be easily handled during extended hunting sessions, ensuring the best hunting experience.
Price:
Price is an important consideration as it directly correlates with the features, resolution, and build quality of the monocular. While higher-end models offer better performance, such as higher resolution, longer detection range, and advanced features, it’s essential to balance your budget with the capabilities you need. A good price-to-performance ratio ensures you get the most value for your investment, matching your specific hunting needs without overspending.
Whether you’re after pigs, deer, or just exploring the outback at night - here’s a breakdown of our picks for the best thermal monoculars for Aussie hunters at different price points, featuring top brands like Hikmicro, Guide, Conotech, Pard, and FLIR.
Remember - we always encourage you to give us a hoy before you purchase, so we can determine the best thermal monocular suited for your specific needs and budget!
Our Pick - Hikmicro Lynx LE15S Thermal Monocular
Aussie hunters love the HIKMICRO Lynx S LE15S Thermal Monocular because it offers exceptional value for those looking to dip their toes into the thermal market.
When paired with a solid digital day/night scope like the PARD DS35-70 or Hikmicro Alpex 4K A50EL you become unstoppable in short - medium ranges.
A good digital day/night scope makes up for what the LE15S (and most entry level thermals) lack - which is identification of targets at mid-longer ranges.
Customers who have purchased the LE15S generally use it to detect thermal signatures in the field - then scope in with a digital day/night vision scope to identify the target before taking a shot.
The Hikmicro LE15S’s compact and durable design is perfect for navigating the rugged Australian terrain, while the 750-meter detection range allows hunters to spot game in low light with ease.
Similar to any other Hikmicro product, the LE15S can be controlled via the mobile app and is capable of video/audio recording, so you can capture all the highlights from your hunting adventure.
Hikmicro Lynx S LE15S Assessment Criteria -
Resolution:
With a 256x192px resolution, the LE15S ‘gets the job done’ in most hunting scenarios. You can expect to detect targets up to 750m and be able to identify targets up to 150m.
Thermal Sensitivity (NETD):
The LE15S has a <35mK thermal sensor, pretty standard for most entry level thermal monoculars. This provides sufficient detail and contrast for the short-mid range applications the LE15S is designed for.
Field of View (F.O.V) and Base Magnification:
FOV & Magnification - Offers a 20.5m horizontal field of view at 100m and a base magnification of 2.2×, extendable up to 17.6×.
Ideal hunting Scenarios - Ideal for close-range hunting in dense bushland or forests, such as feral pig or deer hunting. The wide FOV aids in quick scanning, while the variable magnification allows for detailed identification when needed.
Field Useability:
Weighing in at only 280g, this unit is lightweight and ideal for hunters who trek long distances. The LE15S has a battery life of 6-8 hours, though this can be extended by having a simple power bank on hand. As with all Hikmicro products, the LE15S is supported by the Hikmicro App - this allows you to control and record video/audio from the LE15S to your mobile device
Price:
Coming in at a budget friendly price of $999.00 this unit is a no-brainer for anyone new to the thermal game and on the fence with purchasing a thermal monocular
Take a Look for Yourself
Our Pick - Guide TJ430 LRF Thermal Monocular
The Guide TJ430 LRF Thermal Monocular is the ideal choice for Aussie hunters who are looking to move past entry level thermal devices and level up their thermal game, without breaking the bank for top of the range thermal monoculars
Featuring a 400x300px resolution and a detection range of 1800m, the TJ430LRF also boasts a laser range finder that gives hunters the upper hand from long range by accurately measuring distances up to 1,000 meters, helping you track game or feral animals at long ranges.
This image quality is leagues above most entry level monoculars. And in fact other mid-level thermal monoculars from other competing brands can struggle to offer a laser rangefinder at this price point.
This is why the TJ430LRF is an excellent choice for Aussie hunters striving for better image quality and clarity at medium/long ranges.
Guide TJ430LRF Assessment Criteria-
Resolution:
The TJ430LRF offers a 400x300pc resolution, ensuring sharp, clear thermal images in daytime, low-light or nighttime conditions. For Aussie hunters, this means better target identification at mid ranges, whether you're tracking feral animals or scouting for game in thick bushland or on the coast.
Thermal Sensitivity:
With a thermal sensitivity of <25mK, the TJ430LRF is capable of detecting small heat signatures - where entry level thermals may struggle. This is especially useful for hunting in Australia’s diverse environments, allowing you to identify heat sources, like hidden animals in dense foliage or at a distance in cold mornings, where other devices might miss them.
Field of View (F.O.V) and Base Magnification:
FOV & Magnification - Features a 14m horizontal FOV at 100m with a base magnification of 4.25×, zoomable up to 17×.
Hunting Scenarios - Suited for spot-and-stalk hunting in open terrains like plains or farmland, such as for goats or wild dogs. The moderate FOV balances situational awareness with the ability to identify targets at medium to long ranges.
Field Usability:
The TJ430LRF has a battery life of 12 hours, though this can be extended by having a few spare 18650 rechargeable batteries on hand. The ergonomic design and simple menu navigation is intuitive. As with all Guide products, the TJ430LRF is supported by the GuideApp - which allows you to control and record your hunting highlights from the TJ430LRF to your mobile device
Price:
Sitting at $2799.00, when compared to other mid-tier thermal devices - the TJ430LRF delivers superior value. Advanced features, like precise distance measurement via built-in LRF (Laser Range Finder) sets it apart from its counterparts.
Here’s some footage of the Guide TJ430 LRF at various distances, so that you can judge the image quality for yourself!
Our Pick - HIKMICRO Falcon FQ50L 2.0 Thermal Monocular
The new HIKMICRO Falcon FQ50L 2.0 Thermal Monocular is a top-tier choice for Aussie hunters who demand the very best in thermal imaging.
With a high-resolution 640x512px sensor and a powerful 50mm lens, it provides incredibly detailed images, capable of detecting thermal signatures up to 2,600 meters, it is also capable of clear identification of targets up to 600m away.
The ultra-clear thermal display and advanced image processing features ensure unmatched clarity, helping you spot game in all lighting conditions, from dense bushland to wide-open plains.
Its shutterless image system provides an unrivalled viewing experience and eliminates thermal imaging freezing. Paired with the integrated laser rangefinder, it is easy to see why many Aussie hunters have labelled the FQ50L 2.0 as the current king of thermal monoculars.
HIKMICRO Falcon FQ50L 2.0 Thermal Monocular Assessment Criteria-
Resolution:
The Falcon FQ50L 2.0 offers a 640x512px resolution, delivering crisp, detailed thermal images. This allows Aussie hunters to easily spot targets at longer distances, even in challenging environments like dense scrub or during twilight hunts, enhancing precision and success rates.
Thermal Sensitivity:
With a thermal sensitivity of <15mK, the Falcon FQ50L 2.0 detects every subtle temperature difference. This helps Aussie hunters spot heat sources, like animals hidden in thick vegetation or at longer distances, making it easier to track game in diverse weather and terrain.
Field of View (F.O.V) and Base Magnification:
FOV & Magnification: Provides a 15.2m horizontal FOV at 100m with a base magnification of 2.7×, extendable up to 21.6×.
Hunting Scenarios: Perfect for long-range hunting in open fields or elevated terrains, such as for kangaroos or large game. The high magnification and narrow FOV facilitate precise target identification at extended distances.
Field Usability:
The Falcon FQ50L 2.0 has a battery life of 6+ hours, though this can be extended by having a few spare 21700 rechargeable batteries on hand. The ergonomic design and simple menu navigation is intuitive. As with all Hikmicro products, the FQ50L 2.0 is supported by the Hikmicro App - which allows you to control and record your hunting highlights from the FQ50L 2.0 to your mobile device
Price:
Sitting at $4299.00 the Falcon FQ50L 2.0 is indeed a significant investment. However, the old saying “buy once, cry once” rings true - as the performance between a high level vs an intermdiate/entry level thermal monocular is light and day. Thermal monoculars like the FQ50L 2.0 end up paying for themselves through unrivalled results on the field.
Don’t just take our word for it - have a look at footage of the Falcon FQ50L 2.0 for yourself!
Conclusion -
Choosing the right thermal monocular comes down to aligning key specs—like resolution, thermal sensitivity, FOV, and magnification—with your specific hunting needs and environment. From budget-friendly entry-level options like the Hikmicro Lynx S LE15S, to mid-tier performers like the Guide TJ430 LRF, and premium picks such as the, HIKMICRO Falcon FQ50L 2.0 there’s a thermal solution for every Aussie hunter. Whether you're chasing pigs in the bush or glassing distant game across open country, the right monocular can enhance your detection, tracking, and overall success in the field.
At Primal Hunter, we carry the best thermal monoculars from trusted brands like Hikmicro, Guide, Conotech, Pard, and FLIR – so no matter where you’re hunting across Australia, you’ll find the perfect thermal monocular for your needs.
Check out our complete range of thermal monoculars today and if you're stuck, contact us today for tailored advice to make sure your investment hits the mark.
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