Specialized rankings

Thermal observation and hunting device ranking

These devices detect and identify heat sources but generally do not produce temperature measurements. Their scores are never comparable with radiometric instruments.

Scores shown here are comparable only within this ranking. As in the main comparator, an unpublished specification is excluded from the calculation. Weighted confidence controls display: a full score from 75%, an ≈ estimate from 55 to 74%, and no score below 55%.

Read the scoring method

45 %Sensor, sensitivity and smoothness

30 %Detection and angular resolution

20 %Battery life and ruggedness

5 %Rangefinder and recording

Hunting use: this is a technical ranking only. Rules depend on device type, mounting and jurisdiction. Check the applicable law before purchase or use.

#	Device	Score	Confidence	Sensor	NETD	Detection	Rangefinder	Indicative budget
1	Pulsar Telos LRF XL50Technical sources Price source	84	100 %	1024 × 768	40 mK	2300 m	yes	€3,900–4,500
2	Pulsar Merger LRF XL50 discontinuedTechnical sources Price source	83	95 %	1024 × 768	40 mK	2300 m	yes	Discontinued / used
3	HIKMICRO Habrok HQ35LTechnical sources 1 Technical sources 2 Price source	78	100 %	640 × 512	20 mK	1800 m	yes	≈€3,500 (RRP)
4	Leica Calonox 2 ViewTechnical sources Price source	76	100 %	640 × 480	40 mK	2210 m	no	≈€4,700 (launch price)
5	HIKMICRO Condor CQ35LTechnical sources 1 Technical sources 2 Price source	76	100 %	640 × 512	20 mK	1800 m	yes	€2,150–2,400
6	Pulsar Axion 2 LRF XG35Technical sources Price source	72	95 %	640 × 480	40 mK	1750 m	yes	≈€2,900
7	Pulsar Merger LRF XP35Technical sources Price source	72	95 %	640 × 480	25 mK	1350 m	yes	≈£2,980–3,580 (UK price)
8	Swarovski Optik tM 35+Technical sources Price source	≈72	63 %	640 × 512	N/A	N/A	no	≈€4,100
9	ZEISS DTI 6/40Technical sources Price source	70	95 %	640 × 480	35 mK	2000 m	no	≈$3,000 (US price)
10	Leica Calonox 2 View LRFTechnical sources Price source	69	80 %	640 × 480	40 mK	N/A	yes	≈€5,700 (launch price)
11	HIKMICRO Falcon FH25Technical sources Price source	66	100 %	384 × 288	20 mK	1200 m	no	€1,200–1,700
12	Hikvision DS-2TR03-50UF/W discontinuedTechnical sources Price source	≈54	65 %	384 × 288	35 mK	N/A	no	Discontinued / used
13	HIKMICRO Explorer E20 PlusTechnical sources Price source	38	85 %	256 × 192	50 mK	970 m	no	€350–500
—	Pixfra Mile 2 M625Technical sources Price source	not scored	40 %	640 × 512	25 mK	N/A	no	€900–1,500
—	TOPDON TS001Technical sources Price source	not scored	35 %	256 × 192	N/A	N/A	no	€250–350

Indicative VAT-inclusive budgets where a public European price is available; otherwise an international range, used-market range or price on request. Budgets never affect scores.

Data last updated: September 2026. Specifications and prices may change; check the linked sources.