Looking for a high-end thermal spotter or thermal binocular? Pulsar keep pushing out new models with higher specifications and those looking for top performance should now be on the lookout for the word “Pro Series“. Two new models join the line-up: the Accolade LRF XP50 Pro (thermal binoculars with Laser Range Finder) and the Helion 2 XP50 Pro (thermal monocular).

Both these Pro series share a 640×480 pixel thermal sensor with a pixel pitch of 17 µm. The NETD is under 25mK, which will be very interesting to have a look at. The lower value the better and the previous Accolade 2 had <40mK, so the difference should be substantial. A lot of people think that high magnification is what to look for, but for thermal spotters I prefer as low as possible. The units work between 2.5 to 20 power magnification, and you will most likely use the lower range mainly. The field of view is more important, in my opinion.

The new Accolade LRF XP50 Pro looks very similar in shape to the existing one, but I notice it has blue buttons.

The Accolade 2 LRF XP50 Pro will replace the Accolade LRF and will cost the same as before 4490€, in Europe. The current Helion 2 XP50 will still be manufactured and sold in parallel, but it gets a significant price reduction (2990€). The new Helion 2 XP50 Pro has a price of (3450€).

Here you can find Pulsar’s double-announcement below:

HELION 2 XP50 AND ACCOLADE 2 LRF XP50 PRO SERIES: NEW FLAGSHIPS IN THE PULSAR THERMAL IMAGING PRODUCT RANGE!

The new standards of quality, which are set today by Helion 2 XP50 Pro thermal monoculars and thermal imaging binoculars with a built-in Accolade 2 LRF XP50 Pro laser rangefinder are the following: record-breaking temperature sensitivity (NETD less than 25 mK), high sensor resolution and the best image detail in severe observation conditions.

Rain, snow, fog, early morning after a cold night – a highly sensitive sensor with a resolution of 640×480 pixels captures the smallest temperature differences when observing scenarios with low temperature contrast, providing confident identification of the target as well as qualitatively capturing important anatomical features of an animal in hunting and the smallest details of the landscape.

Particular attention should be given to Helion 2 XP50 Pro thermal imager. In addition to a high sensor sensitivity, the device differs from the previous model in a number of important improvements. They are as follows:

• High-power objective lens F50/1.0. The characteristics of thermal imaging optics have a decisive influence on a thermal imagers ability to capture even the lowest radiation levels. Ultimate detection efficiency is achieved with the fast lens of the Helion 2 XP50 Pro (F50/1.0) thermal imager in combination with highly sensitive thermal sensor. The Helion 2 XP50 Pro gives users the best quality, most detailed & high-contrast, informative imagery every time, even during rain or fog, when the temperature contrast of the observed scene is minimal.
• Lightweight, ultra-high-strength magnesium alloy housing standsout due to a high structural strength and resistance to external mechanical and climatic loads. The housing material effectively removes and dissipates the heat generated by the electronics, ensuring the operational stability of the thermal imager and maintains a high quality image during prolonged observation.
• Full colour HD AMOLED display with a resolution of 1024×768 pixels has improved colour rendering, is power saving, offers high contrast imagery and a quick-response, as well as providing clear & smooth images when observing on-the-move or in cold conditions.
• New electronic platform that enables quicker switching on (under 5 sec.) as well as video recording in .mp4 format

Eight colour imaging palettes, preset observation modes, fine customs brightness and contrast adjustments, built-in photo and video recorder, wireless integration with iOS and Android devices, software upgradeability, best-in-class power system, full waterproof and wide operating range temperatures – new Pulsar thermal imaging devices have a top-end functionality and operating performance.

Below you can find the main technical specs for both models:

For more information check Pulsar’s website: www.pulsar-vision.com

Below: Helion 2 XP50 Pro

A thermal spotter can be very useful in day-time as well. For more information about the NETD value you can check out this article where we explained it.

Seeing is believing: Here’s a video of White Hot on the new Helion 2 XP50 Pro, and it looks pretty amazing. In my opinion white hot is the best in most cases, and especially if you want to see details.

(The filming conditions were November 2020, temperature: +3 – +5C, drizzle, no sun or wind.)

Check out the review TFB did on the Pulsar Accolade 2 LRF XP50 Thermal Binoculars. For thermal monoculars check Pulsar’s Thermal Spotters – Axion XQ38 and XQ38 LRF or the Thermal  Front Attachment called Krypton. If you need a high-end LRF, without thermal capabilities, check our review of the Safran Vectronix Terrapin X Laser Rangefinder.

As usual please let us know what you think of the new products we write about.