FLIR Command 640
Next is another top performance product from the FLIR Command series – the Command 640. This bi-ocular also comes with a great feature set and gives you many application options. What differentiates the 336 from the 640 is the resolution of their thermal sensors, which stands at 336 x 256 pixels for the Command 336 and 640 x 512 pixels for the Command 640.
This bi-ocular is equipped with a detector pitch of 17 microns to give the best possible images in terms of brightness and clarity. A thermal image has two dots that determine how great the results you get are, and the shorter the difference between those dots, the better images. The Command 640 has three makes that vary based on their objective focal lengths:
- The 4-32×100 that comes with 4x magnification
- The 3-24×75 that comes with 3x magnification
- The 2-16×50 comes with 1.5x magnification
The Command 640 comes with a refresh rate of 30Hz to guarantee you images with great contrast and quality each time. All you need is 3 seconds to start up this thermal imaging device, and you get a range of color patterns such as hot, as well as black and white. Depending on where you are and how much light you have, you can alter these settings to suit your needs. This device offers you as much as 24x zoom to help you see your targets better, making it one of the most preferred products in the hunting business. You will find a 75 mm long objective lens that contributes to the visibility and clarity of images. There are also digital magnifications ranging from 1x-8x, making your outdoor activity even more enjoyable.
We also like the user-friendly and intuitive interface to allow even rookies to access every function with very minimal challenges. We are sure that you’ll love the external look of the Command 640 built with machined aluminum that provides water-resistant qualities to the device and makes it reliable in any condition.
PROS
- High refresh rate
- Different magnifications
- Long objective lens
CONS
- Battery life could be better
Pulsar Accolade XQ38
We’ve come to the Pulsar XQ38 earlier mentioned when reviewing the XP50 above. Remember, we said there isn’t much difference between these two devices in terms of specs and features. One of the major differences lies in their costs, and if you want something basic that’ll help you enjoy outdoor activities, we recommend the Pulsar XQ38.
Created in 1991, Pulsar is backed by Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide, dedicated to developing a wide range of thermal imaging and night vision optics. In the Accolade series, the XQ38 happens to be the first model. This model comes with the top-quality AMOLED display that features a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, and that’s one spec that makes this product popular on the market. We also like the build and display made with water-resistant materials. With the frost-resistant capabilities, rest assured this bi-ocular device will work in any weather situation.
The Pulsar XQ38 has a 384 x 288 thermal sensor resolution to give you better image clarity while allowing you to zoom smoothly, thanks to the 3.1x to 12.4x magnification range. This means you have a device that helps you identify very far objects, even up to 1,350m away. The XQ38 has a refresh rate of 50Hz, and we consider this to be quite high because many brands on the market at a similar price do not offer this refresh rate. With that, targeting fast-moving objects shouldn’t be a problem.
There aren’t too many drawbacks to this bi-ocular. The battery life is one of its limitations, if not the major drawback, among others. This device has what it takes to be the best on our list but for some of these limitations. Also, we noticed that it lacks some extra features like image enhancements and a built-in compass.
PROS:
- Lightweight
- 384 x 288 sensor resolution
- 38 mm aperture
- 4x zoom
CONS:
- Relatively shorter battery life
