Already have a Photon XT I like, looking for an entry level thermal device to make finding pigs easier. Don't need a whole lot of range so I'm leaning towards the Leuopold LTO. Wondering if anybody has used one or has a better idea?

https://www.amazon.com/Leupold-172830-Tr...pf_rd_i=desktop

Flir has an entry level one.


No experience with either as I am in the sameboat as you

Buy it and leverage Amazon's return policy and tell us what you think. Everyone comes on asking, but no one has bought one.

It's not going to be like the high $ thermal scope videos you see on here. I have a NV and a Thermal monocular and can guarantee even without testing it, you will see things with it, you wouldn't know were there with your Photon. Thermal stuff is easy... the more money you rub it on, the better you see. The Leupold is the cheapest option I would recommend, they have a reputation to back it up.

Charlie

Thats about what I was thinking when it boiled down between the Leupold and Flir. Great company, great warranty, replaceable batteries.

Can you use these thermals as scopes? I don't really understand them.

No, you can't use as a weapon sight. They are not rated to handle recoil. One of the cost drivers for the weapon mounts is making it robust enough to handle the recoil.

Ordered the Leupold.

You can't use this as a scope, its primary function will be to help find pigs, coyotes, etc. It should work better than the photon for that for a few reasons. #1 it can pickup heat signature through weeds, brush, etc that I'd miss with the digital nightvision. #2 should be able to pick out critters futher with the thermal. #3 its a lot easier to scan with a monocular than constantly have to look through a rifle scope. #4 longer battery life on the thermal.

Tag

I wish someone was renting them so I could try it.

Let me know what you think

Should have a decent field report in the next couple weeks.

Sounds good

Only viewing pics it looks as though the objective is larger than the FLIR, which is a good thing. Do we know the objective size of FLIR and Leupold?

I borrowed a buddie's little FLIR in September, and found it pretty darn handy, even 300 yards out. On a full recharge it lasted a long time. If the Leupold is better I may have to get one. Looking forward to your findings.

Waiting for reviews, keep us posted chalet. Interesting specs no reviews. Amazon seems to be the cheapest.

Be interested to see what you think. They've got low resolution but should work ok for a short distance spotter. I'm afraid it'll through a lot light back at you and get you busted by coyotes and smart pigs.

The backlight is probably main concern right now. Figure best option is to run it on red or green.

From what I read it's NOT a monocular. You have to hold away from face and eyes to see image.

I see these as more designed for blind hog hunting. You know your distances. You have a digital night vision on your gun.

This would be an easy way to scan for hogs. It would be cool if there is minimal lag on wireless cameras, have it text you, scan with lto, than go

Blind huntimg, wheat fields and river bottom is the plan.

Sucker showed up today, may have to move my time table up. Only complaint so far is there is no case. You think at that price point they could throw in a cheap nylon carry bag or something.

Please keep us updated. How far you have to hold away from face, distance that can recognize animals, easy operation. Thanks

Would love a flir tk vs. Leupold LTO review. Let us know how you like it.

I have ps32...Flir. love it. If it's alive you'll see it. I see all the tree critters, rabbits, racoons, everything. And of course the hogs. That's part of the fun for me while hog hunting seeing everything.

So how do you like it?

Ended up not staying late enough Saturday to try it out at the lease. I have been messing with around the house. Controls are super easy, resolution seems good. Having to hold it away from your head and stare at the silver dollar sized screen I haven't decided if it is or isn't an issue. My eyes suck, readers seem to help. Funny story because earlier in the year I decided that I must be getting old - reading glasses are on my "must have" list to hunt, otherwise I can't see the tag well enough to fill it out.

I have a lot of post oaks in the yard, they seem to retain a lot of heat. Even when I get up early and scan around all the branches and trunks light up. Not sure if this is common with thermals or not. I can pick out squirrels if I know they are there or they are moving as they are darker red.

Have not had a chance to get out in the pasture yet after dark. Hopefully next week or two.

Had a chance to use it this weekend. Pretty easy to see/pic out cows in a wheat field. As far as finding pigs, smaller critters, etc it was more difficult. Resolution is just not there and screen is a little small. Take that with a grain of salt as my eyes are not that good, but I did take along my 1.5 readers to help out. Also the fact that it was 91 freaking degrees Saturday and there was more residual heat in the ground, dirt, trees, etc might have hurt. Not sure if the more expensive thermals have this issue but I would guess trying to find a 100 degree pig in 80 deg surroundings you don't get as much contrast as when it is 30-40 deg outside.

600 yds per Leupold is a stretch if you ask me. I'd say useful range is 150yds, the more familiar/static your environment the better and probably wouldn't be too hard make it usefull further if you have good eyesight. Should work pretty good for stand hunting or maybe small acreage hunting that you are familiar with.

On the fence about whether or not to keep it. Ended up pocketing for the most part and using the photon to scan as I worked the wheat fields. Ended up finding one group and killing three. Thought I found a few more hanging with cows but ended up just being smaller steers behind a terrace or in a dip in the ground - looked like they had short legs compared to everything else when I first found them at a distance. That happened to me twice, morale being don't shoot until you are sure.