I'm not familiar with digital scope, what is the benefit of using this vs a regular optic? Just ability to capture video and pictures?
So ordinarily folks buy what they can afford and use these devices separately . There are some advantages to digital scopes versus thermal optics such as:
1) inside of 100 yards a 4K model digital scope will provide the hunter with superior ID capabilities - color of animal, orientation of animal, other objects such as feeder legs - farming implements etc - whereas thermal simply registers white / black / or color palette
2) depending on humidity , rain, environmental , digital may be less impacted than thermal
3) COST - 4K digital scope $700. Thermal starts around $ 2200 for decent tech
Here is a video that shows digital performance under 100 yards and at extended range:
Using digital past 100 yards or when scanning in heavy brush is problematic - this is typically the reason behind folks “upgrading to thermal”. Nothing wrong with this but it doesn’t change the benefits of digital as outlined above.
Where this really could be useful (clip on thermal AND digital scope)
Is for folks on limited budgets who perhaps can’t afford both thermal scanners and thermal weapon sights
You can easily drop 12k on quality scanner and weapon thermal sight combos
If a user wanted to buy a thermal clip on and primarily use it as a monocular this would be effective to get them into a hunting / shooting situation to them use their digital scope for the shot
IF the needed to engage at longer distance they COULD adapt the clip on to the rifle (rail mount) and use the digital scope without dealing with IR light problems (added cost for extended IR models and focusing beams etc).
A combo of quality scanner and 4K digital optic runs 5.7k
Just my 2 cents