www.nightvisionforumuk.com

I just came across some new (to me) guide TI's on Uttings's site. They were a fair bit more expensive than the original 518's being around 8-10 grand. The only real difference seemed to be a bigger lens so has anyone tried them to see how they compare in actual use? They have a further detection rate but would they be any clearer or show more heat out of less? (As in a head or ears in cover at extended range) Would they really be worth paying the extra?

If it's the 516 range you're referring to, they're more expensive because they are a binocular, First and foremost.

They do have larger lenses than the 518 series (several options), so this will account for greater cost, and they will enable you to detect quarry at greater distances. However, because it looks to be the same sensor, it won't really do you any more good, as the image quality doesn't get better.

That's how I see it For our use, I would say that 50-60mm front lens is ample, it's a higher quality sensor we should strive for. But, that comes at an even greater price.

George

Binocular, ah, I didn't really look and read up properly, I was just twiddling my thumbs on my phone. Sounds about right though George, thank you for the reply.
So whats the difference in sensor between the 518 and the pulsar hd38?
I still haven't looked through the pulsar and whilst the guide I looked through was certainly impressive I've been hanging off hoping they'd either come down in price or perhaps come across something 'special'. I've got to get one at some point, again the other night I needed one because the fern was so high I just couldn't see the fox moving through it with Nv and got me thinking of the thermal road again..

The Guide 518C has a larger lens (50mm against 38mm) and a higher resolution OLED screen (852x600 against 640x480).

Refresh rate is higher on the Guide, but you wouldn't notice the difference, and the sensor is the same on both. Guide has built-in SD card recording, whereas I believe that the Pulsar has a record out facility.

In real terms, I doubt you would notice a great deal of difference between them, though the Guide will have longer legs. I haven't used a Pulsar.

George

Fox Hunter wrote:Binocular, ah, I didn't really look and read up properly, I was just twiddling my thumbs on my phone. Sounds about right though George, thank you for the reply.
So whats the difference in sensor between the 518 and the pulsar hd38?
I still haven't looked through the pulsar and whilst the guide I looked through was certainly impressive I've been hanging off hoping they'd either come down in price or perhaps come across something 'special'. I've got to get one at some point, again the other night I needed one because the fern was so high I just couldn't see the fox moving through it with Nv and got me thinking of the thermal road again..

Looks like I may need to come and visit again

It would be interesting to compare the guide and the pulsar side by side but as you say it doesn't sound like there would be much difference.
George, you linked to other thermals a while back, did they have 'better' sensors? What exactly should we be looking for regarding sensors?
I can't really justify the purchase but with the amount it involves I'm wanting to make the right choice and not wish I'd gone for the next model up and later regretted it.

Gloop, you are more than welcome to call in anytime
It certainly would be a good test for the thermal with all the cover about this time of year.

The boy to have is the 640x480 sensor. I've looked through a couple of units that are fitted with the large format microbolometer and the difference in resolution is immense. Don't get the sensor size mixed up with the screen size.

Downside, as per usual, is that they come at a hefty price, especially here in the UK, where they're thin on the ground.

George

PESCA wrote:The boy to have is the 640x480 sensor. I've looked through a couple of units that are fitted with the large format microbolometer and the difference in resolution is immense. Don't get the sensor size mixed up with the screen size.

Downside, as per usual, is that they come at a hefty price, especially here in the UK, where they're thin on the ground.

George

£43,000! Seems a bit excessive for fox control

I'm struggling to find reputable dealers or sites to compare or even find the thermal imagers suitable for shooting. The guide's and pulsar's come up everywhere along with ISS though. I keep coming across ATN thermal imagers and some look great being the size of a small nv monocular's but everything seems to be in the US. Thomas Jack's looks like they've got some decent kit but I'm guessing the ones I like the look of are military only and never no prices (apart from dealers) with them

Rest assured, the ones that look the business, will be crazy money.

George

Just to bring this back up, what's the thought's on this below for our uses..

http://www.ticameras.co.uk/hs-307-hs-se ... l-9hz.html

Or would this be better..

http://www.ticameras.co.uk/ls-64-compac ... m-9hz.html

I like the 1650m detection range with the 307 but in reality I'm doubting it'll be any better than the Guide or Pulsar, anybody had first hand experience of them?