Originally Posted By mpatch:
Looking for a handheld thermal. The Telos XL50 is the one I keep coming back to. It's a newer model so not a ton of info out there.
Should I be considering any other makes/models?
View Quote
I hope to test a Telos XL50 very soon. They were only available in Europe and are just now making their way to the US. As far as other models, it depends. Give me a list of your needs and requirements and budget. Some considerations include:
Typical usage (coyotes, hogs, surveillance, etc)
PID Range Need
FOV Needs
Weight
Ability to Use As a Scope and Scanner
Maximum runtime needs
Budget
to name a few items that can help get us started.
There are some compact thermal scopes that are small enough to be used effectively as scanners such as Hogsters, Yoters, Rattlers, NOXs, etc. However, for use as a scanner a lot, I would not personally use larger scopes like Thermions or Halos, etc. Can they be used in a pinch, yes, but how many people walk around with daytime rifles scopes and use them as handheld scanners? Their shape makes them awkward to use as scanners. You don't have to believe me, but I harvested 552 coyotes in 48 nights of hunting last hunting season. I am not a casual user of thermals. One of my roles is to test thermals so feel free to start a PM with me if you wish to drill down into this farther as I have used and tested lots of different brands and models.