A so-called attachment device is mounted in front of an optic such as a telephoto lens, a reflex camera, or a spotting scope to enable better visibility in the dark. In hunting, attachment devices are naturally mounted in front of a riflescope, allowing for safe shooting in the dark. Possible designs include tube devices or digital devices. In hunting, a distinction is made between the two types of attachment devices: night vision attachment devices and thermal imaging attachment devices.
The former refers to a device that digitally reproduces an artificial image brightening using a sensor and infrared radiation, thus allowing the hunter to perceive and observe their surroundings and potential game even in the absence of natural light. Night vision attachment devices are the most common light amplification devices on the market. There are now a variety of manufacturers and different models in this class. In everyday hunting, night vision attachment devices with image intensifier tubes are usually found.
Thermal imaging attachment devices, also known as thermal cameras for daytime optics, are simply thermal imaging devices that can be mounted in front of an optic. These devices are usually technically more demanding than night vision attachment devices and may need to be adjusted or zeroed for hunting before use. Using a sensor (usually a so-called VOx sensor), they digitally reproduce the thermal radiation of the environment, making surrounding objects visible to the hunter even in complete darkness.
They can also be used during the day, even though the heat from sunlight heats up the surroundings and the contrast between game and environment is less pronounced. Additionally, shots can be taken in absolute darkness. One can say that the thermal imaging attachment device is independent of the surrounding light. A disadvantage is that the representation is often not as detailed as, for example, with night vision technology. Often, only the outlines of the game can be seen, and no details—accurate identification can therefore be challenging. Additionally, small branches in the line of fire may not be detected with the thermal imaging attachment device.
Some manufacturers now offer so-called dual-use devices. These have revolutionized the hunting use of thermal imaging technology, as they can be used both as handheld devices for spotting game and scanning the environment, as well as attachment devices mounted on the weapon for shooting. Thus, one device offers two functions, for which previously two different devices were usually necessary. However, dual-use devices are somewhat more complex to operate and often significantly more expensive than pure attachment devices—let alone handheld devices.
Due to their complex design and expensive sensors, thermal imaging attachment devices are not a cheap affair. Thermal imaging attachment technology starts at around €3,000. For top-end devices like the TigIR 6Z+, one can spend up to €10,000.
It is crucial with thermal imaging attachment devices—similar to any other hunting tool—that one carefully weighs costs and benefits beforehand and checks whether and to what extent this technology is needed for their hunting routine.
You can obtain a thermal imaging attachment device similarly to other hunting equipment either in an online shop, through Frankonia, or from your trusted gunsmith. Various outdoor and bushcraft shops also occasionally offer small thermal cameras—especially for smartphones. However, one should thoroughly research the corresponding product beforehand. These shops may lure with devices at very low prices, but their usability in a hunting context is often equally low.
Due to the current rapid technological advancement in hunting night vision and thermal imaging technology and the constant emergence of new models, there is also a significant market for used night vision and thermal imaging attachment devices.
For (young) hunters with a smaller budget, it is therefore worthwhile to search for the suitable device. You can also quickly find the ideal used thermal imaging attachment device for you on Gunfinder using intelligent filters and clear categories!
In December 2019, the Bundestag and Bundesrat passed amendments to the weapons law that change the handling and use of night vision technology. These changes have been in effect since February 20, 2020.
According to §40 Abs. 3 WaffG, holders of a valid hunting license are allowed to "handle" night vision attachment devices and night vision add-on devices for aiming aids (riflescopes), which includes thermal imaging attachment devices. However, hunting law prohibitions and restrictions on usage remain in place, making it a matter for the states to determine whether and how attachment devices can be used. The exact state laws also regulate which game species (if any) may be hunted using attachment devices. In most states, for example, night hunting for wild boar with attachment devices is allowed, while hunting other ungulates is prohibited.
Additionally, in most federal states, the use of night vision devices is prohibited if they have an image converter or electronic amplification and are intended for firearms—this affects laser aiming devices and infrared illuminators and night vision attachment devices in conjunction with an infrared illuminator.
To protect small game, states may also allow the hunting use of attachment devices for predatory game, but this is regulated separately.
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