Thermal imaging devices, also called thermal imaging cameras, are now part of many hunters' basic hunting equipment. For many hunters, the small devices have even replaced obilgatory binoculars. Whether hunting wild boar at night, stalking at dusk or sitting in a densely overgrown forest, thermal imaging cameras make it much easier to spot game at an early stage and to approach it safely. Not only to make distance, but also to avoid wrong shooting and to spare the game unnecessary suffering, thermal imaging devices are a tool that convinces even traditional, technical innovations skeptical hunters, once they have tried it. However, thermal imaging devices have one disadvantage in common with other hunting equipment: They are very expensive. As with rifles, optics or binoculars, it is easy to invest 2,000 euros or more for a model that at best meets basic requirements.
When marketing thermal imaging optics, the high resolution of the display is often emphasized, or the diameter of the detector, which, as it increases in size, can detect and visualize less conspicuous heat signatures. The performance of the detector increases proportionally to the diameter. High-performance devices promise to reliably detect and also address game beyond a distance of 1000 meters even in summer, when the temperature difference between game and its surroundings is lower and thus more difficult to detect than in winter. This is an impressive result that far exceeds the requirements and expectations of many hunters. In the darkness it is not only challenging to detect but also to get the detected and safely addressed pieces of game safely into the glass. Without glistening moonlight, bright background against which the dark game body of sows can stand out and without night aiming device (provided this is permitted), the opportunity for a shot often does not present itself despite a safe approach. A night aiming device is another expensive purchase, which suggests to save on the price of the thermal imaging device.
In the following, we present three entry-level models that fulfill the basic purpose of thermal imagers and, most importantly, are very affordable.
HikVision OWL Series 6 (DS-2TS01-06XFW)
The HikVision OWL Series 6 (DS-2TS01-06XFW) is a handy little thermal imager that can be had for an almost unbeatable price of just under 500 Euros. Important parameters are the screen resolution of 160 x 120 and the range of 0-150 meters. Safe response is certainly possible with the device only at very short distances, but the detection of game works even at several hundred meters. The device is ideal for hunters who either want to use it to monitor a hunting ground or hunt at dusk and use binoculars for accurate and safe detection. Real plus points of the device with good price performance are the ease of use and the long battery life of about 10 hours. Although the device cannot compete with the display of larger devices, heat signatures are still always detected.
Our conclusion: Beginners, hobby hunters and especially those hunting at dusk will get their money's worth with this device. Who must acquire above all still other expensive equipment, in order to hunt for example at night sows is well set up with the optics at least for tracking.
Hikmicro Owl OQ35
Liemke Keiler 13 Pro
The Keiler 19 is one of Liemke's entry-level thermal imaging models. The objective lens has a diameter of 19 mm, combined with the screen resolution of 384 x 288, this allows for poaching detection of just under 700 m, responding 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 h make the device a valuable addition to hunting equipment even for more demanding hunters. The price of the thermal imaging camera is around 1000 euros.
Liemke Keiler-13 Pro
FLIR Scout TK Compact
The compact entry-level Scout TK Compact from FLIR is also suitable as an entry-level model for smaller budgets. Weighing in at 170 grams and measuring 15 centimeters in length, the device can be carried in any pocket and can detect game at distances of several hundred meters. According to hunter reports, the compact optics can be used to safely target game at up to 50 meters - a realistic shooting distance in moonlight. The thermal imager with about 5 h battery life is available for about 680 euros.
Flir Scout TK Compact
As new entry-level models, these three thermal imaging cameras are recommended. Those who value higher performance and still 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 stores and marketplaces that you can also search directly through Gunfinder are eGun, the weapons market of the VDB and Auctronia.
Thermal imaging cameras under test:
The best thermal imaging camera reviews are available from our premium partner Geartester. In addition, Geartester provides high-quality video content on the topic on YouTube:
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