I've gotten quite a few inquiries about the Apollo that is on sale this month. Being that there was so much information in the sale thread, It got to cluttered to give a good overview of the Apollo.
What is the main reason to go with the Apollo over some of the similar priced thermals out there? Versatility is the glaring answer. It is a clip on that is roughly in the same price range as a lot of the dedicated scopes out there. In addition to being a clip on, it does have a reticle that is adjustable for windage and elevation, so you can use it as a stand alone scope as well, or a hand held observation device. You can also get an optional 3x magnifier with good glass for very reasonable that screws directly into the rear of the Apollo, adding to it's effectiveness as a standalone unit, whether it be weapon's mounted or hand held. The magnifier will also work with Aimpoints, EoTech's, the Armasight MCS (NV compatible micro RDS), and some of the other RDS' out there.
No where else will you get a 640x512 Thermal clip-on of this quality for $7,995 with a free DVR, or a 320 unit with a free DVR for $5,250.
Some of the features that make it stand out are as follows:
+ FLIR Tau 2 core
+ 6 reticles
+ 12 color pallates
+ High end OLED display, as opposed to the cheaper LCD or micro-OLED displays.
+ Solid quick release mount that requires no tools to adjust
+ 4 hours of runtime on two CR123 batteries, which can easily be changed in the field. If you need more runtime, the user can opt to draw power from the included recorder, or use an external battery pack
+ 42mm Germanium Lens
+ Intuitive controls
+ Only 1lbs 11oz. and 8.5" in length
+ Objective lens F stop 1:1
+ 11 degree FOV
+ Focuses from 5' to infinity
+ Waterproof to 33' for up to 30 minutes
+ Rapid startup
+ Comes with SKB hardcase
+ Comes with light shades to compliment various day optics
+Comes with a cable for monitor display
+ Includes a wireless/remote pressure switch that can be mounted anywhere on your weapon
+ Indexable rail that allows mounting of a micro red dot sight for backup and/or rapid target acquisition in close quarters. One of the bonuses of mounting a red dot at the 10-12 o'clock on a thermal unit such as this, is that you can actually acquire a sight picture with helmet mounted NODs. If you don't want said rail there, it is easy to remove.
+ Now, the term "Mil-Spec" grates on me, as the definition of said term can vary wildly, not to mention the degree to which it is over used. However, the Apollo does meet Mil-STD810 requirements, which is not the same thing, but it will give you an idea of the quality, and the abuse it can handle.
+ Warranted for use on calibers up to and including .338 Lapua. .50 BMG rating will be announced at the conclusion of testing.
+Guaranteed less than 1 MOA point of impact shift
And the list goes on....
When Using the Apollo as a clip-on as it was designed, my favorite setup is using it in conjunction with the USO 1.5-6x. In my opinion, they are a perfect team. They are both rugged and have outstanding optics, making a great picture.
I mentioned it can be used as a stand alone weapon sight. You can do this without any magnification and it will work, but it is simply amazing if you use the Armasight 3x magnifier screwed into the back, or even use an EoTech magnifier mounted behind it. It still makes for a pretty compact, lightweight setup with maximum versatility.
Now, it is not ideal by any means, but you can get by using the unit with a red dot sight as well. The display will look tiny, but it will work in a pinch. It works phenomenally though if you throw a G33 behind that EoTech!
I would challenge anyone, to put this unit up against any other manufacturer's unit with the same core and see the difference for yourself, then compare the cost and features. You will be pleasantly surprised.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask. I will try to get some "Through the Core" pictures up tonight.
What is the main reason to go with the Apollo over some of the similar priced thermals out there? Versatility is the glaring answer. It is a clip on that is roughly in the same price range as a lot of the dedicated scopes out there. In addition to being a clip on, it does have a reticle that is adjustable for windage and elevation, so you can use it as a stand alone scope as well, or a hand held observation device. You can also get an optional 3x magnifier with good glass for very reasonable that screws directly into the rear of the Apollo, adding to it's effectiveness as a standalone unit, whether it be weapon's mounted or hand held. The magnifier will also work with Aimpoints, EoTech's, the Armasight MCS (NV compatible micro RDS), and some of the other RDS' out there.
No where else will you get a 640x512 Thermal clip-on of this quality for $7,995 with a free DVR, or a 320 unit with a free DVR for $5,250.
Some of the features that make it stand out are as follows:
+ FLIR Tau 2 core
+ 6 reticles
+ 12 color pallates
+ High end OLED display, as opposed to the cheaper LCD or micro-OLED displays.
+ Solid quick release mount that requires no tools to adjust
+ 4 hours of runtime on two CR123 batteries, which can easily be changed in the field. If you need more runtime, the user can opt to draw power from the included recorder, or use an external battery pack
+ 42mm Germanium Lens
+ Intuitive controls
+ Only 1lbs 11oz. and 8.5" in length
+ Objective lens F stop 1:1
+ 11 degree FOV
+ Focuses from 5' to infinity
+ Waterproof to 33' for up to 30 minutes
+ Rapid startup
+ Comes with SKB hardcase
+ Comes with light shades to compliment various day optics
+Comes with a cable for monitor display
+ Includes a wireless/remote pressure switch that can be mounted anywhere on your weapon
+ Indexable rail that allows mounting of a micro red dot sight for backup and/or rapid target acquisition in close quarters. One of the bonuses of mounting a red dot at the 10-12 o'clock on a thermal unit such as this, is that you can actually acquire a sight picture with helmet mounted NODs. If you don't want said rail there, it is easy to remove.
+ Now, the term "Mil-Spec" grates on me, as the definition of said term can vary wildly, not to mention the degree to which it is over used. However, the Apollo does meet Mil-STD810 requirements, which is not the same thing, but it will give you an idea of the quality, and the abuse it can handle.
+ Warranted for use on calibers up to and including .338 Lapua. .50 BMG rating will be announced at the conclusion of testing.
+Guaranteed less than 1 MOA point of impact shift
And the list goes on....
When Using the Apollo as a clip-on as it was designed, my favorite setup is using it in conjunction with the USO 1.5-6x. In my opinion, they are a perfect team. They are both rugged and have outstanding optics, making a great picture.
I mentioned it can be used as a stand alone weapon sight. You can do this without any magnification and it will work, but it is simply amazing if you use the Armasight 3x magnifier screwed into the back, or even use an EoTech magnifier mounted behind it. It still makes for a pretty compact, lightweight setup with maximum versatility.
Now, it is not ideal by any means, but you can get by using the unit with a red dot sight as well. The display will look tiny, but it will work in a pinch. It works phenomenally though if you throw a G33 behind that EoTech!
I would challenge anyone, to put this unit up against any other manufacturer's unit with the same core and see the difference for yourself, then compare the cost and features. You will be pleasantly surprised.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask. I will try to get some "Through the Core" pictures up tonight.
