Night Vision The new Pulsar TELOS LRF XP50 is pretty awesome

[Night Vision Viking]

I recently got the new Pulsar TELOS LRF XP50 thermal monocular. It replaces the Helions, and this is supposed to be an upgradeable thermal monocular which means you can buy a low-end version and upgrade it with LRF, new sensors etc as they become available.

Some sample videos to show the image quality.

640x sensor
NETD <18mK - this really makes a huge difference in how crisp the image becomes.

I think I might prefer low NETD above the XL sensor 1080x of the Merger XL binos.






vs.

Merger XL - HD thermal

 

[DRWilson]

Great! Do you have any long range shots?

 

[Capitol5868]

Yeah almost all decent thermals look great up close,but we dont really know how close those animals are are in the videos.

Wish there was something available to tell us how far away those critters are.

What about the LRF!!

LRF = Laser Range Finder

 

[ST42]

I have one on order through Eurooptic. I’m definitely interested in the “upgradable” aspect of it.

 

[68w]

I also have one on order. Does anyone know of an expected ETA?

 

[Capitol5868]

I also have one on order. Does anyone know of an expected ETA?

I was told Pulsar is shipping them to the dealers August 1st and when that didnt happen its now late August.

 

[bmicek]

Any updates on the ETA of these?

 

[DRWilson]

I was told sept/Oct for mine now.

 

[68w]

I was told sept/Oct for mine now.

Sucks that it keeps getting pushed. Who did you order from?

 

[DRWilson]

Sucks that it keeps getting pushed. Who did you order from?

Eurooptic. Supposedly they were only getting two thermals and I got one of them…. Supposedly.

 

[Kino]

Yeah almost all decent thermals look great up close,but we dont really know how close those animals are are in the videos.

Wish there was something available to tell us how far away those critters are.

What about the LRF!!

LRF = Laser Range Finder

Thats the problem, all these videos of new products that only show it on base mag is a scam. Most everything in 640 or better looks good at base mag, show us what it looks like maxed out! Show us what it looks like on a rainy hot night!

I see videos from product specialist and prostaff all the time posting videos of hunts at base mag, maybe 2x at the most shooting hogs and coyotes at 50 yards because thats what looks the best, hiding the pixelation at the higher magnification because the image looks like shit in the real world.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

I also have one on order. Does anyone know of an expected ETA?

In Europe they have just reached the stores. Donät know about the US but they usually get models later.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

Thats the problem, all these videos of new products that only show it on base mag is a scam. Most everything in 640 or better looks good at base mag, show us what it looks like maxed out! Show us what it looks like on a rainy hot night!

I see videos from product specialist and prostaff all the time posting videos of hunts at base mag, maybe 2x at the most shooting hogs and coyotes at 50 yards because thats what looks the best, hiding the pixelation at the higher magnification because the image looks like shit in the real world.

Here is a video I did. I was driving to a feeder to do some more of these "fake" videos and I passed a field with a massive amount of fallow deer.

I kept the car running and grabbed the Telos and filmed this free handed, so my excuses for not using a tripod.
To make things worse the farmer didn't recognize my new car, so he was approaching as well (I have permission).

It was raining as well.

I think the distance to the pigs in the forest is about 180 meters, I think you can still see them pretty well. Could not see them with the eye.

The Telos has a smooth zoom, and the zoom ring reminds me of my Canon EOS high-end objective lenses. Only thing I had wanted to change it the travel length of the zoom, but it's a minor detail as it's only about 4-5 cm anyway.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

And here's my review after using it a few months (pre-production):

TFB Review: Pulsar Telos LRF XP50 - New Upgradeable Thermal Monocular -

Full Review Pulsar Telos LRF XP50. Lots of images and videos. Lynred thermal sensor with a 640×480 pixel resolution at 17 microns pixel pitch. NETD 18 mK...

www.thefirearmblog.com

I did some comparison images with device like these new devices:

Pulsar Merger XL thermal binoculars with HD 1024×768

Pulsar Krypton 2 FXG50 Thermal Clip-On
Pulsar Talion XQ35 Pro thermal rifle sight


There are also some images with the Telos in foggy conditions, with base magnification and maximum zoom, as well as an iPhone image so you see what it looked like for me.

Unfortunately the images and videos don't look as good on a computer screen as when you see them live, but you knew that already?

 

[DRWilson]

And here's my review after using it a few months (pre-production):

TFB Review: Pulsar Telos LRF XP50 - New Upgradeable Thermal Monocular -

Full Review Pulsar Telos LRF XP50. Lots of images and videos. Lynred thermal sensor with a 640×480 pixel resolution at 17 microns pixel pitch. NETD 18 mK...

www.thefirearmblog.com

I did some comparison images with device like these new devices:

Pulsar Merger XL thermal binoculars with HD 1024×768

Pulsar Krypton 2 FXG50 Thermal Clip-On
Pulsar Talion XQ35 Pro thermal rifle sight


There are also some images with the Telos in foggy conditions, with base magnification and maximum zoom, as well as an iPhone image so you see what it looked like for me.

Unfortunately the images and videos don't look as good on a computer screen as when you see them live, but you knew that already?

Finally!! An image at distance. Thank you for posting this. Did you happen to take more at distance?

 

[stemikel]

Tagging to follow

 

[Capitol5868]

Here is a video I did. I was driving to a feeder to do some more of these "fake" videos and I passed a field with a massive amount of fallow deer.

I kept the car running and grabbed the Telos and filmed this free handed, so my excuses for not using a tripod.
To make things worse the farmer didn't recognize my new car, so he was approaching as well (I have permission).

It was raining as well.

I think the distance to the pigs in the forest is about 180 meters, I think you can still see them pretty well. Could not see them with the eye.

The Telos has a smooth zoom, and the zoom ring reminds me of my Canon EOS high-end objective lenses. Only thing I had wanted to change it the travel length of the zoom, but it's a minor detail as it's only about 4-5 cm anyway.

I will ask politely. Can you please tell us why your showing us video of pigs that you “think” are about 180 meters? Does your Telos have the LRF on it?

So fucking stupid!

 

[ST42]

He might have been using the version without a LRF.

 

[Capitol5868]

He might have been using the version without a LRF.

He is using the the LRF model. He even did a review on it.

 

[bmicek]

I was told sept/Oct for mine now.

I asked EuroOptic the end of last week and they told me “early September”. Wonder if it makes a difference what model you ordered as well.

 

[DRWilson]

Oh! I am going to call on Monday/Tuesday and see if my timeline has changed. Fingers crossed.

 

[bmicek]

Oh! I am going to call on Monday/Tuesday and see if my timeline has changed. Fingers crossed.

Did you order the LRF model? I ordered the model with no LRF. So maybe that plays a roll? I know importing lasers in general adds many days

 

[DRWilson]

Did you order the LRF model? I ordered the model with no LRF. So maybe that plays a roll? I know importing lasers in general adds many days

I ordered the LRF Model. But my eta was told to me august 15th ish or so. I will call for an update and respond.

 

[bmicek]

I ordered the LRF Model. But my eta was told to me august 15th ish or so. I will call for an update and respond.

Sweet keep us posted

 

[DRWilson]

Eurooptic does not have an update for me.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

I will ask politely. Can you please tell us why your showing us video of pigs that you “think” are about 180 meters? Does your Telos have the LRF on it?

So fucking stupid!

The only thing stupid here is your attitude, and you inability to read and understand.

It was raining so much when I did that video, so the LRF wasn't working. I test my gear in all weathers.
I know for a fact, because I know the area very well, that the distance is about 180 meters.

And, if you care to read the review in detail, there are more than one image of animals at distance, out to several hundreds of meters.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

Finally!! An image at distance. Thank you for posting this. Did you happen to take more at distance?

Please check the review again. There are several images of animals at distance.

 

[DRWilson]

Please check the review again. There are several images of animals at distance.

Yup! Saw the 500-600yds dots (insert thumbs up). Is the photo a good representation or is it clearer via the lens? Have you ever picked up heat signatures past 1000yds with the Telos? Thx for the review.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

Yup! Saw the 500-600yds dots (insert thumbs up). Is the photo a good representation or is it clearer via the lens? Have you ever picked up heat signatures past 1000yds with the Telos? Thx for the review.

Most of the fields where I "belong" are shorter than that, but far cheaper and less sensitive Pulsars have picked up signals way beyond that distance.

I'll see if I can find an example and record it sometime, someday, but don't hold your breath as I have a few other things on my top 10 list to do at the moment.

 

[Matthew Chandler]

All suppliers round me in Essex/Camb’s were expecting limited deliveries by end of august which never materialised. No one has an update near me. I’m all paid up waiting so keen as mustard to get my hands on one. My local shops reckon they’ll get three or four in first delivery so only satisfy paid up early orders!

 

[mikefraz]

Anyone get their hands on a production unit yet?

 

[Night Vision Viking]

Anyone get their hands on a production unit yet?

Pulsar had an official European launch on the 15th I think (saw it on Facebook), and I know of dealers in Europe that have them on stock.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

I played around with my camera, the Telos, the Krypton 2 FXG50 and some Concamo Ghosthood the other day.

JP Rifles PCS12 6.5CM. S&B 3-20xPMII Canadian Cerakote version.

 

[mikefraz]

I played around with my camera, the Telos, the Krypton 2 FXG50 and some Concamo Ghosthood the other day.

JP Rifles PCS12 6.5CM. S&B 3-20xPMII Canadian Cerakote version.

Is there a better image for a handheld monocular besides the Telos currently (that is comparable in price) on the market? Looking at picking one up when they become available on the US market and I’m wondering if I should be cross shopping it with anything else.

 

[bmicek]

Is there a better image for a handheld monocular besides the Telos currently (that is comparable in price) on the market? Looking at picking one up when they become available on the US market and I’m wondering if I should be cross shopping it with anything else.

Keep in mind the telos can be upgraded to a 1280 sensor when they become available. If you’re truly after the best image

 

[Night Vision Viking]

Is there a better image for a handheld monocular besides the Telos currently (that is comparable in price) on the market? Looking at picking on up when they become available on the US market and I’m wondering if I should be cross shopping it with anything else.

In my opinion no. Unless you go for the Merger XL binos, but in some cases I'd even rate the Telos higher due to its lower NETD (and resolution).

Have I tried all monoculars? No. But I have a high-end Chinese 640x sensor and a claimed 25 mK NETD one side-by-side and if the sun is out it's good, but as soon as the weather gets bad with humidity, rain etc. it's quite bad unfortunately. And it costs about the same as the Telos!

 

[Night Vision Viking]

Keep in mind the telos can be upgraded to a 1280 sensor when they become available. If you’re truly after the best image

Fair point, I guess they would offer the 1080 HD sensor first, but it's kind of future proof in that sense.

You could probably skip a generation or two and then upgrade the sensor.

 

[mikefraz]

Thank you for your response. The performance and price point make this really attractive to me at the assumed $3.5k USD price (without the LRF). Then to add the fact that I’m not going to have an obsolete unit by this time next year seems like a smart buy.

@Night Vision Viking , any chance you can get some footage in a city or residential area with the Telos? Just curious how it picks up the high contrast environments. I subscribe to your YouTube channel already and your current videos have been very helpful.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

My summer house, perhaps 20 meters. Looked scary real in the ocular, the image had a nice depth to it. Black outside.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

My shed. Probably 30 meters.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

That's 164 meters. Daytime, probably sunshine.

Check out the canoe stored under the balcony.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

40 meters, sunshine.

You can spot the lawn mover in the shed.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

More of the house at 164 meters. Zoomed in.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

and 5 something. You will like the zoom wheel, it's very like my Canon pro lenses.

I think all here are taken free-handed. No tripod.

I noticed that the Chinese high-end I also used quite often gives "shades", as in it has latency.
In a monocular that's not so important (as with a riflescope), but most of the images don't look so sharp.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

A very boring piece of forest, with two bird's nests, one center one 1/3 from the left. Middle of night.

Nothing warm here, but you can still see details.

If there was anything warm here, even a mouse, you would see it.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

And here's a reference from the made in China, the images are compareable to the ones above in terms of objects and time of day. This device has a similar price as the Telos.

I'm not gonna tell the maker or the model, and I've removed any evidence of who that could be.

I'm sure one could tweak both devices to perform better, but I've not made these to look better or worse than I think corresponds to reality.

All I can recommend people is to compare devices side-by-side, preferrably in the worst weather imaginable.

 

[mikefraz]

Fantastic. That’s exactly what I was looking/hoping for. Thank you.

 

[Matthew Chandler]

I’ve been told non lrf are in uk this week and lrf next week.

 

[Night Vision Viking]

This moose calf almost ran us over, then appeared a few minutes later.

Only 25 about meter, free handed and +8C, chilly.

 

[Hyborn0000]

I think at this price one can not go wrong

I am hoping in the future we can upgrade to the new HD sensor found on the Merger and keep the sub 18MK