Pulsar Axion XQ30 Pro thermal imaging monocular review

Can this camcorder resembling a monocular that illuminates subjects via their heat signature tempt a first-time purchase of a thermal imaging device?

Pulsar Axion XQ30 PRO night vision monocular on a stone floor next to a toy model of a bird
(Image: © Gavin Stoker / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

With a design and a control layout that makes it closer in looks and handling to a consumer-level camcorder than a regular monocular, this is its maker’s most approachable and affordable thermal imaging solution we’ve tested to date. It’s compact enough to easily slip into a jacket pocket and weighs a point-and-shoot camera like 300g, meaning we’re more likely to take the Pulsar Axion XQ30 Pro out with us than chunkier and heavier devices from the same manufacturer. That said, there are some inevitable compromises when compared to bigger and more expensive alternatives. These include a lower resolution sensor and display, shorter detection range, lack of built-in laser rangefinder plus a smaller objective lens. The positives are that such development choices have resulted in a device that not only still works almost as well, but it’s more accessible and convenient with it.

Pros

  • +

    A good starter option for someone wanting or needing to detect subjects via heat signature alone

  • +

    An almost pocket sized degree of compactness aids portability and usability

  • +

    Fairly priced compared to other thermal imaging devices in the range

Cons

  • -

    Dual use buttons require a period of familiarisation and can prove a little fiddly

  • -

    Still expensive overall compared to a standard analogue monocular without any heat seeking capability

  • -

    No removable media port (an app is required to access and share images)

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At one time, thermal imaging devices were reserved for use by security specialists or the military alone, but now such technology is in the hands of consumers and more affordable with it. That being said, devices including the Pulsar Axion XQ30 Pro thermal imaging monocular we’re examining here are still very much niche, specialist tools. Not everyone wants or needs to observe and identify their subject day or night by their heat signature alone – and so inevitably this thermal imaging monocular is priced at a premium compared with a standard analog monocular or binocular.

If it’s just being able to pick out subjects in the dark you’re after, there are also less expensive alternatives to be found in night vision goggles and scopes. But those don’t possess the ability to ‘see’ and identify skittish creatures via their heat signature, the advantage here being that we can pick out subjects even when they’re partially visually obscured by natural or man-made objects, such as fences, walls, or foliage. That’s a definite advantage.

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Magnification 2-8x
Objective lens 30mm f/1.0
Thermal sensor 384x288
Detection range 1050m
Display 640x400 AMOLED
Built-in memory 16GB
Weight 300g
Dimensions 144 x 41 x 69 mm

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Gavin Stoker

Gavin has over 30 years’ experience of writing about photography and television. He is currently the editor of British Photographic Industry News, and previously served as editor of Which Digital Camera and deputy editor of Total Digital Photography

He has also written for a wide range of publications including T3, BBC Focus, Empire, NME, Radio Times, MacWorld, Computer Active, What Digital Camera and the Rough Guide books.

With his wealth of knowledge, Gavin is well placed to recognize great camera deals and recommend the best products in Digital Camera World’s buying guides. He also writes on a number of specialist subjects including binoculars and monoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, trail cameras, action cameras, body cameras, filters and cameras straps.