This month’s article is written onboard a boat named Mystie, in the majestic Marlbourough Sounds, on a fishing trip targeting carpet sharks and spiney dogs, with a few edible species thrown into the mix as a bonus. In the span of two days, we have experienced all four seasons with a combination of cold lashing rain, mist, gale force winds and bright sunshine; ideal conditions for testing out the new Pulsar Merger LRF XP35 thermal binocular.
Pulsar Merger overview
Pulsar Merger thermal binoculars have a proven track record amongst professional users, including Coastguard New Zealand, Department of Conservation and New Zealand Police. Quality conscious recreational hunters choose Merger in the knowledge that they are investing in the very best.
All Merger LRF binoculars are fully waterproof, fitted with 1000m laser rangefinder (I’ve measured up to 1400m against a tree canopy in clear conditions), dual AMOLED displays, precision ground Germanium optics and European made Lynred sensor that is acredited to MIL-STD-883 / MIL-STD-810 / TWS Qualified for proven performance, durability and shock resistance.
Optics
This is the first Merger XP to offer a wider angle 35mm f1.0 lens. The new lens produces an image with a lower magnification and a wider field-of-view than its 50mm stablemate. The Merger LRF XP35 35mm is ideal for general purpose use, and especially useful for rapid scanning in bush, forestry and from a moving boat in rough seas due to its high image stability.
Sensor
The Merger LRF XP35 is fitted with the same 17μm Lynred a-Si sensor as the highly popular XP50 Merger. These sensors offer the best NETD on the market, providing the user with outstanding fog, rain, smoke and foliage penetration. 17μm sensors are more sensitive than 12μm sensors due to having a larger surface area for gathering more heat (LWIR).
Lynred pioneered a-Si (Amorphous Silicon) technology, becoming a leading supplier for defence and aerospace applications around the World, because their a-Si technology outperforms the older technology Vanadium Oxide (VOx) sensors, that the Chinese copied for use in static security cameras. Lynred sensors are classified as Dual-Use Goods (Military/Civilian) and strictly controlled under several international arms treaties due to their high-end pedigree.
What its good for
I have used the Pulsar Merger LRF XP35 for a few weeks now, walking and scanning as well as onboard a moving boat. Its wide field-of-view makes scanning very easy, especially when using only one hand. It is smaller and lighter than its 50mm stablemates, yet retains all the same functionality. I was particulalrly impressed when viewing in poor weather from a moving boat in rough seas. Its lower magnification is a real bonus, though due to its advanced sensor, zooming in to a higher magnification still provided a good image.
imaging performance in adverse conditions.
What it’s not so good for
If long distance clarity is more important than having a wide field-of-view, the Merger LRF XP50 is a better option, especially when scanning distant hills and mountains at 2km or more.
Conclusion
The new Merger LRF XP35 is a welcome addition to the range. Its combination of detail and field-of-view makes it a very good ‘General Purpose’ optic that will find favour with hunters, Coastguard and Search and Rescue.
