Thermal imaging devices, also known as thermal cameras, have become essential equipment for many hunters. For many hunters, these small devices have even replaced the obligatory binoculars. Whether hunting wild boar at night, stalking in twilight, or sitting in dense forests, thermal cameras greatly facilitate the early detection of game and ensure safe identification. Not only to make a catch but also to avoid misfires and spare the game unnecessary suffering, thermal imaging devices are a tool that convinces even traditional hunters, who are skeptical of technical innovations, once they have tried it. However, thermal imaging devices come with a disadvantage that they share with other hunting equipment: they are very expensive. Just like rifles, optics, or binoculars, you can easily invest 2000 euros or more for a model that meets only the basic requirements.
In the marketing of thermal optics, the high resolution of the display is often highlighted, or the diameter of the detector, which can detect and visualize less noticeable heat signatures as the size increases. The performance of the detector increases proportionally with the diameter. High-performance devices promise to reliably detect and identify game beyond a distance of 1000 meters even in summer, when the temperature difference between the game and the environment is lower and thus harder to detect than in winter. An impressive result that far exceeds the requirements and expectations of many hunters. In the dark, it is especially challenging to get the detected and safely identified pieces of game into the scope. Without glaring moonlight, a bright background against which the dark body of wild boar can stand out, and without a night vision device (assuming this is allowed), there often isn't an opportunity to take a shot despite safe identification. A night vision device represents another expensive purchase, suggesting that one should save on the price of the thermal imaging device.
Below, we present three entry-level models that fulfill the basic purpose of thermal imaging devices and are especially affordable.
HikVision OWL Series 6 (DS-2TS01-06XFW)
The HikVision OWL Series 6 (DS-2TS01-06XFW) is a compact thermal imaging device that is already available for an almost unbeatable price of just under 500 euros. Important parameters include a screen resolution of 160 x 120 and a range of 0-150 m. Safe identification is certainly only possible at very short distances with this device, but detecting game works even at several hundred meters. The device is ideal for hunters who want to monitor a bait site or hunt in twilight and use binoculars for precise identification. Real advantages of the device with good price-performance are its ease of use and long battery life of about 10 hours. Although the device cannot compete with larger devices in terms of display, heat signatures are still always recognized.
Our conclusion: Beginners, hobby hunters, and especially those hunting in twilight will get their money's worth with this device. Those who still need to acquire other expensive equipment to hunt wild boar at night are at least well-equipped for tracking with this optic.
Hikmicro Owl OQ35
Liemke Keiler 13 Pro
The Keiler 19 is one of the entry-level models in thermal imaging technology from Liemke. The objective lens has a diameter of 19 mm, combined with a screen resolution of 384 x 288, allowing for game detection at nearly 700 m and identification at a distance of about 250 m. Three viewing modes (heat is displayed in either white, black, or red) and a battery life of 5 hours make the device a valuable addition to the hunting equipment of more demanding hunters. The price of the thermal camera is around 1000 euros.
Liemke Keiler-13 Pro
FLIR Scout TK Compact
The compact entry-level device Scout TK Compact from FLIR is also suitable as an entry-level model for smaller budgets. Weighing 170 g and measuring 15 cm in length, the device can be stored in any pocket and allows for the detection of game over several hundred meters. According to hunter reports, the compact optic can reliably identify game up to 50 meters away—a realistic shooting distance in moonlight. The thermal imaging device, with about 5 hours of battery life, is available for around 680 euros.
Flir Scout TK Compact
As new entry-level models, these three thermal cameras are recommended. Those who value higher performance but do not want to invest more can also purchase a used device. The best offers can, of course, be found through our Gunfinder search function; the best shops and marketplaces that you can also search directly through Gunfinder are eGun, the VDB Weapons Market, and Auctronia.
Thermal Cameras in Test:
The best test reports on thermal cameras can be found with our premium partner Geartester. Additionally, Geartester provides high-quality video content on the topic on YouTube:
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