Thermal Optics for Hunting

[Nealgl1985]

None of the thermal scopes or scanners should get damaged using them during the day time unless you are staring into the sun or other high intensity heat signatures. That goes for night as well no fires or other similar hot things. @Ezana4CE have you seen thermals not rated for daytime use?

 

[Ezana4CE]

None of the thermal scopes or scanners should get damaged using them during the day time unless you are staring into the sun or other high intensity heat signatures. That goes for night as well no fires or other similar hot things. @Ezana4CE have you seen thermals not rated for daytime use?

@Nealgl1985 I believe I’ve read about a DNT product not recommended daytime use. Let me see if I can find a link.

 

[Ezana4CE]

None of the thermal scopes or scanners should get damaged using them during the day time unless you are staring into the sun or other high intensity heat signatures. That goes for night as well no fires or other similar hot things. @Ezana4CE have you seen thermals not rated for daytime use?

@Nealgl1985 I cannot find the post at the moment, however I think it was for a multispectral unit. I distinctly recall reading about some users discussing using some sort of lens cover, reducer, or filter for daytime use. I don’t know a lot about it. I’m sure I’ll run across it again when I’m not thinking about it. While searching for the thread I read I did come across this bit of info. Perhaps it’s relative. I can’t say. I’m just going off of what I recall reading others discussing on a forum.

I just know that my Pulsar is advertised as good for use in the daytime and has a good warranty.

 

[delooper]

After using about 4 thermal devices, I have used and appreciated what the Burris BTH50 hand scanner has to offer. I use this hand scanner frequently. I also like the Pulsar Thermion Pro XQ50 LRF thermal rifle scope. What stands out about this scope is that is uses 2 batteries (1 internal and one removable) and that it can be used during the day without damaging the unit. I haven't had the need to shop around for much else. The only other thermal units that look tempting to try at this point are multispectral units.

I have not heard of any thermal devices that couldn't be used during the day.

 

[delooper]

@Nealgl1985 I cannot find the post at the moment, however I think it was for a multispectral unit. I distinctly recall reading about some users discussing using some sort of lens cover, reducer, or filter for daytime use. I don’t know a lot about it. I’m sure I’ll run across it again when I’m not thinking about it. While searching for the thread I read I did come across this bit of info. Perhaps it’s relative. I can’t say. I’m just going off of what I recall reading others discussing on a forum.
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I just know that my Pulsar is advertised as good for use in the daytime and has a good warranty.

That's one of those odd "legal department warnings" like "don't jump off cliff".

Generally people shouldn't look directly at the sun without the appropriate gear, like welder's goggles. Thermal scopes are not welder's goggles.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I have not heard of any thermal devices that couldn't be used during the day.

When I stumble across the thread I’ll post a link.im not claiming that the posters are experts, only that I’ve read of this being discussed. It’s also possible that I misunderstood something that was said.

That's one of those odd "legal department warnings" like "don't jump off cliff".

Generally people shouldn't look directly at the sun without the appropriate gear, like welder's goggles. Thermal scopes are not welder's goggles.

@delooper I didn’t take it that way. I think a sensor may be damaged if a person is walking with a rifle shouldered (muzzle up) with the lens cap open. It can be left open or pop open when passing through some brush. Things happen afield. I’m walking with my rifle shouldered in this fashion and scope caps open right now following hog tracks. If I see one I’m shooting. However, what’s on my rifle right now is a traditional scope.

 

[Ezana4CE]

When I stumble across the thread I’ll post a link.im not claiming that the posters are experts, only that I’ve read of this being discussed. It’s also possible that I misunderstood something that was said.

@delooper I didn’t take it that way. I think a sensor may be damaged if a person is walking with a rifle shouldered (muzzle up) with the lens cap open. It can be left open or pop open when passing through some brush. Things happen afield. I’m walking with my rifle shouldered in this fashion and scope caps open right now following hog tracks. If I see one I’m shooting. However, what’s on my rifle right now is a traditional scope.

I just did everything I said I’d do. Now I have find my dog.

 

[Nealgl1985]

The thermal lens should not be pointed at high intensity heat sources. Its not good for it. So no staring at fires or the sun. I use my thermals about equal day and night. I have had around 40k in thermal fun in my lifetime. Never had any issues. If you are in a position where the sun is beaming directly into the lens of the optic then that is not good. I wouldnt be worried about using it during the day as long as you follow those few rules. I could be wrong on the DNT stuff although they should all be the same. I use mine day and night and I've had 3 thermnights so far. No issues yet but im also in the woods mostly. See if @brawler1588 will pop in and clear it up for us.

 

[Ezana4CE]

When I stumble across the thread I’ll post a link.im not claiming that the posters are experts, only that I’ve read of this being discussed. It’s also possible that I misunderstood something that was said.

@delooper I didn’t take it that way. I think a sensor may be damaged if a person is walking with a rifle shouldered (muzzle up) with the lens cap open. It can be left open or pop open when passing through some brush. Things happen afield. I’m walking with my rifle shouldered in this fashion and scope caps open right now following hog tracks. If I see one I’m shooting. However, what’s on my rifle right now is a traditional scope.

Posts 17 and 21 in the following thread discuss capping the thermal lens while not in use on a DNT multispectral unit.

Others - DNT TNC225R Digital Scope A Few Observations

I recommend capping off the thermal during the day, accidentally getting sunlight into the sensor will destroy it. First, I really enjoy watching your videos. What were your symptoms of damaging the thermal sensor? Was it completely dead or working but degraded? I’m just curious what people...

community.hardairmagazine.com

I don’t think this is the thread I had in mind though.

 

[Nealgl1985]

Posts 17 and 21 in the following thread discuss capping the thermal lens while not in use on a DNT multispectral unit.

Others - DNT TNC225R Digital Scope A Few Observations

I recommend capping off the thermal during the day, accidentally getting sunlight into the sensor will destroy it. First, I really enjoy watching your videos. What were your symptoms of damaging the thermal sensor? Was it completely dead or working but degraded? I’m just curious what people...

community.hardairmagazine.com

I don’t think this is the thread I had in mind though.

I do agree that if the sun beams directly into the lens for extented periods it will damage it. But don't take that comment too seriously. As long as you understand the lens dont like looking at intense heat you'll be fine. If you dont run a cap at all and you shoulder your rifle walking around hunting you can run the risk of exposing the lens to direct sun. So i agree you should have your lens capped when not in use, you just have to be mindful of where your len is pointing and you'll be good to go. It wont instantly destroy it or anything. I've been looking around in the woods on several occasions and saw a heat signature and when I pulled the thermal down it was the sun coming through a open spot in the canopy. My thermal was fine and had no damage. So YMMV but just be mindful of what you're doing and you have nothing to worry about im my experience.