Thermal imaging cameras and night vision devices are becoming increasingly popular and widespread among hunters. On the one hand, they are unbeatable when it comes to tracking game, on the other hand, they can provide valuable support in identifying game without any doubt - especially when hunting wild boar at night, this can help to avoid missed shots.

In the following, we would like to explain the most important features of thermal imaging cameras and present the most popular ones on the German market - with their advantages and disadvantages.

The most important features of thermal imagers are:

• Resolution of the detector. The higher the better, but unfortunately the more expensive.
• Diameter of the objective lens. Here, too, "a lot helps a lot".

Range of application:

The greater the distance of the game, the more powerful the thermal imaging device must be - i.e. equipped with a high resolution and the largest possible objective lens. The reason for this is that it is possible to detect and address game even at long distances. In the forest, visibility is limited, so less power may suffice in wooded areas.

Manufacturer:

The most common manufacturers in Germany are Pulsar and Liemke. Although both make excellent optics there are differences that may be relevant to the user: Pulsar equips its thermal imagers with external batteries, while the batteries are built into Liemke.

In addition, the devices differ in their design. The Liemke devices are round, cylindrical and are held like a spotting scope. Pulsar devices are more like camcorder designs and are more right-handed. Liemke devices can be held equally well by both hands.

Both manufacturers offer devices in the entry-level as well as in the professional segment.

Pulsar: Axion Key (from 1300 €), Accolade XP50 LRF

Liemke: Keiler 19 Lite (from 1000 €) , Challenger 35, Keiler 35 Pro