Hi all - looking for an entry level thermal spotter - something like the Hik15mm or similar - if any of you are selling I would be very interested -
Application will be stalking
Best wishes
Wanted entry level thermal spotter
Re: Wanted entry level thermal spotter
Frankly, don't expect to get a used thermal for much less than a new one.
Thermals that came onto the market 5 years ago are still selling used for big bucks
Because the technology is not improving very rapidly, people tend to hold onto them, which means that people entering the market for the first time either get a used thermal that's out of warranty and may not be economically repairable if it goes wrong, or bite the bullet and buy a new one (and get a full warranty)
Thermals with smaller lenses, like the HIK15mm have only been on the market for less than a year so I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for one to come up second hand.
You may get lucky, but it might be a good idea to save enough to buy something new
Cheers
Bruce
Thermals that came onto the market 5 years ago are still selling used for big bucks
Because the technology is not improving very rapidly, people tend to hold onto them, which means that people entering the market for the first time either get a used thermal that's out of warranty and may not be economically repairable if it goes wrong, or bite the bullet and buy a new one (and get a full warranty)
Thermals with smaller lenses, like the HIK15mm have only been on the market for less than a year so I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for one to come up second hand.
You may get lucky, but it might be a good idea to save enough to buy something new
Cheers
Bruce
LAND ROVER - THE WORLD'S WORST 4X4 BY FAR
Re: Wanted entry level thermal spotter
Hi, the Night Vision Facebook crew had some new units from £699 upwards that a lot of people are saying are good for the money.
You mention stalking as the use so the basic hik6 or even 15mm may not be enough for your needs? Don't know the lay of your land so can't tell.
If I was just in woodland and after foxes for example then the 15mm would be fine but wanting to make out it might be a fox over the length of a golf course would likely mean I'd need the 35mm or higher.
There's loads of options and lots of them have different technical specs that I know sod all about but there are at least 2 guys on here that really know their stuff, so you may get better advice.
Also, what features do you want or need too, wifi, recording, stad..... rangefinder or laser rangefinder, Picture in Picture or are you just wanting something to pick up, look through and move on?
Battery usage too is important, lots of new ones coming with internal batteries that say they last 5hrs but if it dies in the field then you are stuffed (unless you take the lead and an external battery pack) whereas the pulsars for example use external batteries.
You mention stalking as the use so the basic hik6 or even 15mm may not be enough for your needs? Don't know the lay of your land so can't tell.
If I was just in woodland and after foxes for example then the 15mm would be fine but wanting to make out it might be a fox over the length of a golf course would likely mean I'd need the 35mm or higher.
There's loads of options and lots of them have different technical specs that I know sod all about but there are at least 2 guys on here that really know their stuff, so you may get better advice.
Also, what features do you want or need too, wifi, recording, stad..... rangefinder or laser rangefinder, Picture in Picture or are you just wanting something to pick up, look through and move on?
Battery usage too is important, lots of new ones coming with internal batteries that say they last 5hrs but if it dies in the field then you are stuffed (unless you take the lead and an external battery pack) whereas the pulsars for example use external batteries.
Re: Wanted entry level thermal spotter
That is a question we get asked quite often. Bruce has summed it up well. Our response the question is to suggest that they save and buy something worthwhile. Yes we do explain why which is too long to go into here. Should they insist that basic is what they want, then we suggest they seek out another supplier. We have a reputation of NOT selling poor equipment and will not bend. What few dollars we lose on the deal is more than made up with many satisfied customers.
Re: Wanted entry level thermal spotter
Bruce is pretty spot on with this. I'm still using my Pulsar Quantum HD38S that I've had 6 years . Cost me about £2500 back then and still does everything I want it to.
Have you had a look at the Night Vision Store WT35 for just under £1400 . Looks a nice bit of kit and is the one I'd be looking at if mine fails.
Clive usually supports members & I've found his after sales support 100%.
If you look after these things you can get many years of service which makes the initial outlay worthwhile. The downside is that once you've used one you wonder how you ever managed without one...
Have you had a look at the Night Vision Store WT35 for just under £1400 . Looks a nice bit of kit and is the one I'd be looking at if mine fails.
Clive usually supports members & I've found his after sales support 100%.
If you look after these things you can get many years of service which makes the initial outlay worthwhile. The downside is that once you've used one you wonder how you ever managed without one...
Re: Wanted entry level thermal spotter
I'd also echo this ^^
I have Accolades for the LRF but still also have my 4 year old 17 micron Quantum XQ50; having looked through a fair number and variety of the current thermals I wouldn't bother upgrading from the Quantum if it was all I had. And I wouldn't consider selling it now for less than a grand even though its long out of warranty. I still pick it up every night when I take the dog out
Save up or get a decent new one on the never never, chances are if its going to shit itself it will probably do it within the warranty period. Buy the right one and in 5 years chances are you will still have a perfectly useful spotter. May even still have reasonable residual value, although the market being flooded by HIK and other brands lately may change that I guess.
Re: Wanted entry level thermal spotter
I've sent you an e-mail about something that should suit, before it gets listed on the website as ex-demo.
Cheers
Clive