Pulsar goes platinum Introducing Pulsar’s new Merger LRF XT50 thermal binocular with 1280×1024 resolution.
Pulsar Merger thermal binoculars are a favourite amongst Kiwi hunters as well as professional users like Coastguard, NZ Police, D.o.C. and pest control firms. The latest addition to the range features a Lynred 1280×1024 sensor that provides a very clear image with a wide field-of-view and ability to zoom to higher magnifications.
A bit about sensors
A thermal imager’s sensor is a principal component that determines performance and longevity of the device. Each pixel in a sensor converts the image that is formed by the device’s lens, into an electronic signal that is then processed by the devices on-board computer. The processed data is then sent to the display screen for viewing.
The physical size of the sensor array, number of pixels and the size of each pixel in the array influence the thermal’s performance characteristics. Larger sensors have a wider field-of-view than smaller sensors. Pixels size is another factor, small pixels form a finer image but are less sensitive due to having a smaller surface area. A correctly matched display screen also determines the overall characteristics of the final image.
The new Merger LRF XT50’s 1280×1024 sensor has 425% more pixels than a 640×480 thermal, which is a significant advantage of having a considerably wider field-of-view and greater image clarity when zooming in to higher magnification. It will perform equally well at short distance and long distance.
Unlike a Chinese made thermal that uses an adapted sensor designed for fixed security cameras, all Pulsar Mergers are fitted with a high quality, Defence Accredited Lynred sensor. This accreditation guarantees performance in harsh environmental conditions, high shock resistance, reliability and other tests, but places Pulsar thermals into the Dual-Use (Military/Civilian) category with strict import and export controls.
Other features
Operationally, all Merger LRFs are the same, but the XT50 has three noticeable differences:
1. Image stabilisation.
This helps enormously at higher magnifications, providing a steady image when zooming in to 8x magnification or higher. I found that 8x magnification provides a very clear image with the XT’s large sensor, so stabilisation is beneficial. Image stabilisation can be turned on or off in the main menu.
2. 1500 metre laser rangefinder.
This is 50% better than other Merger LRF thermals. Though 1500m is stated by Pulsar, we ranged a bush at over 1800m. As a matter of interest, I had ranged distances of nearly 1400m off bushes with other Merger’s that are fitted with a 1000m rangefinder. This is typical of products made in the EU that are subject to strong consumer protection laws. With all laser rangefinders, performance is subject to conditions, such as ambient heat, sunlight and humidity.
3. New platinum body.
Though cosmetic, it really makes this Merger stand-out from others in the range. Though I only spent a couple of hours with the Pulsar Merger LRF XT50, I’m very impressed with it thus far. The field-of-view is massive, and image quality is mind blowing, even zoomed to high magnifications, when the image stabilisation is useful. It’s 1500m laser rangefinder in normal conditions may seem a bit overkill, but the extra distance potential will still provide 50% better performance in poor weather.
Is it the right thermal for you?
As regular readers know, I’m a great fan of Pulsar’s Merger range, especially liking the immersive both eye viewing experience and ease of use. My current go-to thermal is the Pulsar Merger LRF XP35, which takes a lot of beating with its compactness, outstanding sensitivity and great all-round image performance.
The Merger LRF XT50 is a significant performance upgrade, but this comes at a higher cost as Lynred Pro-grade sensors aren’t cheap. This new thermal is particularly suitable for rendering fine detail at long distance and has a large field-of-view, which are specifications where usually one is chosen over the other. Its 12μm pixel size really delivers resolution, and while its NETD will be higher due t the smaller pixel size, I haven’t really noticed this. I need more time out with the new device so that I can fully appreciate its benefits and idiosyncrasies.
Look out for a field test in a future Fishing Paper and Hunting News. In the meantime, visit www.advancedoptics.nz for more information.
