I've been testing two units of the IR Hunter for the past month or so. Both are the MarkII units with the 12 micron core. Here is my thoughts on these units. Prior to getting these I had none to very little experience with thermal. I always preferred NV due to the clarity of the units.
My first impression is that both units are very clear. Target identification is made very easy due to the 12 micron core versus the 17 micron. This is one of the first thermal units that I would actually use due to the clarity.
Both units are of a great size mounted on the weapon. They are actually smaller than the 3x9 scope I removed to mount them.
The controls are very user friendly and consist of three knobs mounted around the scope just like most people are used to with a day scope. The left knob scrolls through the menu. The top knob adjust whatever is listed on top and the right knob adjust whatever is listed on that side. Very straight forward.
So far I'm getting about 4-5 hours off battery life from two CR123 batteries. Both are mounted on the left side of the unit and are easy to change in the dark. Just keep both positives pointed out and you are good to go.
Sighting in is very easy. Just make up a throw down target using a small square of aluminum foil and have at it. Keep in mind that you move the cross hairs to the point of impact of the bullet. I can see the heat from the bullet as it passes through a thin piece of cardboard and adjust to that.
I have used the smaller scope as a clip on and it performs as advertised. Just don't put it behind a 3x9 or higher scope. You need to use a 1x4 or a 2x7 class optic for the best picture.
Both are of a very fair price point and I believe the will serve most folks who are looking to upgrade to thermal for their night time hunting. BTW you can use them during the day. This is not NV we are talking here.
Price point is good for a unit with a 12 micron core. I can't say here as the dealer I'm testing these for has not become a vendor. LOL
The only negative I can find so far is if you want to video your hunt. Right now it is time consuming. You have to set the menu on number 8 to user. Change to 60hz and save these by turning the unit off and on. Every time you fire up the unit you have to go back to number 8 and select video on. Now you can record. I've been told the recommendation is to turn on the unit, set all of your setting and leave it on. We will see if this can be corrected.
So far I would recommend either of these units to the good folks here on Lone Star Boars. Hopefully I will get some video of these in action. This is a learning curve for me and it is one I'm trying to accomplish.
Rick
My first impression is that both units are very clear. Target identification is made very easy due to the 12 micron core versus the 17 micron. This is one of the first thermal units that I would actually use due to the clarity.
Both units are of a great size mounted on the weapon. They are actually smaller than the 3x9 scope I removed to mount them.
The controls are very user friendly and consist of three knobs mounted around the scope just like most people are used to with a day scope. The left knob scrolls through the menu. The top knob adjust whatever is listed on top and the right knob adjust whatever is listed on that side. Very straight forward.
So far I'm getting about 4-5 hours off battery life from two CR123 batteries. Both are mounted on the left side of the unit and are easy to change in the dark. Just keep both positives pointed out and you are good to go.
Sighting in is very easy. Just make up a throw down target using a small square of aluminum foil and have at it. Keep in mind that you move the cross hairs to the point of impact of the bullet. I can see the heat from the bullet as it passes through a thin piece of cardboard and adjust to that.
I have used the smaller scope as a clip on and it performs as advertised. Just don't put it behind a 3x9 or higher scope. You need to use a 1x4 or a 2x7 class optic for the best picture.
Both are of a very fair price point and I believe the will serve most folks who are looking to upgrade to thermal for their night time hunting. BTW you can use them during the day. This is not NV we are talking here.
Price point is good for a unit with a 12 micron core. I can't say here as the dealer I'm testing these for has not become a vendor. LOL
The only negative I can find so far is if you want to video your hunt. Right now it is time consuming. You have to set the menu on number 8 to user. Change to 60hz and save these by turning the unit off and on. Every time you fire up the unit you have to go back to number 8 and select video on. Now you can record. I've been told the recommendation is to turn on the unit, set all of your setting and leave it on. We will see if this can be corrected.
So far I would recommend either of these units to the good folks here on Lone Star Boars. Hopefully I will get some video of these in action. This is a learning curve for me and it is one I'm trying to accomplish.
Rick