The world of thermal optics, especially for outdoorsmen, is as diverse as that of conventional glass optics. You can get pretty much any footprint of glass optic in a thermal format.

They’re pretty expensive, though, which brings up the question; which should you get? Would a thermal scope that you can mount to your rifle serve you better, or would a monocular offer better overall versatility, or even something else?

Hopefully this short post helps.

Get a Thermal Scope If…

• You need a thermal optic for a gun that has effectively all the same functionality of a standard riflescope, with thermal vision. Equipped with a reticle and adjustable for windage and elevation, thermal scopes enable hunters to take a shot in the field. Some are also equipped with onboard ballistic calculators.
• You like the form factor of a conventional optical scope. Thermal scopes are meant to mimic this, not just in how they are used, but in their controls.
• You already have a thermal optic for scanning, or you don’t need one.
• You commonly hunt at night for hogs or predators and need an optic that will enable you to take confident, accurate shots even in complete darkness.

Get Thermal Binoculars If…

• You need a thermal optic for scanning, scouting or tracking.
• You don’t like the use of optics that only let you view with one eye, like a scope or a monocular.
• You’ve gotten headaches from using a type of thermal optic that only lets you see with one eye.
• You have no need to mount a thermal optic to a firearm.
• You want a separate thermal optic from your scope for scanning.
• You can afford the extra cost as compared to a monocular.
• You prefer the form factor of binoculars.

Get a Thermal Monocular If…

• You want a smaller, more compact thermal optic for scanning or scouting, and binoculars seem too bulky for you.
• You don’t necessarily need to mount the optic to a firearm.
• You want the same basic functionality as a pair of thermal binoculars but are more price sensitive.
• You want a thermal optic that will let you only use one eye so that you can keep your night vision in the other eye.

Get a Thermal Clip-on If…

• You want a smaller, yet more versatile thermal optic. Some clip-on thermal optics come with different types of mounts and can be used for scouting, scanning and multiple other applications.
• You don’t want to remove or replace your current rifle scope. Clip-on thermal optics are designed to let you use your existing scope with thermal functionality, without the need to buy a dedicated thermal scope.
• You don’t want to carry a dedicated monocular or a pair of binoculars but still want a thermal optic that can be used to fill that role.

Where to Learn More About These and Other Thermal Optics?

At the end of the day, thermal scopes, monoculars, binoculars, and even clip-ons play important roles. It’s not that one is better than the other. It’s that each does slightly different things and offers slightly different value and performance from the others.

The best thermal optic for you is that one that will meet your needs and budget. If you’re looking for recommendations or want to start looking into scopes and other thermal optics, visit Dark Night Outdoors or contact them directly at 309-781-8421.

They represent numerous leading thermal brands, including Nocpix, iRay USA, PULSAR and others, and carry a broad array of different thermal optics as well as accessories and equipment for night hunters.

For more information about Iray Rh25 and Thermal Monocular Please visit: Dark Night Outdoors LLC.