New Thermal Sight: Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50/XQ38/XQ50

    Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50/XQ38/XQ50

    The new Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50/XQ38/XQ50

    The rapid development in the thermal imaging market doesn’t seem to care about all the difficulties that are happening in the global economy. Pulsar begins the year by releasing the second generation of the Thermion RiflescopesThermion 2 XQ38, Thermion 2 XQ50 and the top model Thermion 2 XP50.

    For mounting the Thermion 2, it is possible to use any type of 30mm ring mounts that can ensure that the objective bell of the riflescope is not in contact with the barrel.

    The heart of the new Thermion 2 XP50 is a thermal imaging sensor from Lynred USA with <25 mK thermal sensitivity and 640×480 pixels resolution (17 µm pixel pitch). There is also a newly-developed fast aperture objective lens with F1.0 from pure germanium, and of course the latest image processing software to match the new improved components.

    UPDATE: New Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 vs. Thermion XP50 Side-by-side comparison on Wild Boar.

    So what is the difference between the new Thermion 2 XQ and the Thermion XQ? The main differences include a better thermal sensitivity <40mk in Thermion 2 XQ versus <50 in Thermion XQ. In XP scopes, the thermal sensitivity is now <25mk in the Thermion 2 XP against <40 in Thermion XP. The objective lenses in all models now have F/1.0 instead of F/1.2. The lower the NETD value the lower temperature difference can be discerned by the sensor, resulting in a better image quality.

    Thermion 2 possesses 10 preset reticle designs out of which 4 reticles with ballistic subtentions. 3 reticles change subtentions according to selected digital zoom value similar to the first focal plane reticles. 11 color combinations are possible for any selected type of reticle.

    By combining a faster aperture lens and a more sensitive sensor it enables the users to see a much clearer and more detailed image. This is especially useful in the worst conditions for thermals.

    THERMION 2 XQ/XP SERIES: NEW FLAGSHIPS IN THE PULSAR THERMAL IMAGING RIFLESCOPE RANGE!

    Pulsar raises performance of thermal imaging riflescopes to the next level by releasing the second generation of Thermion riflescopes – Thermion 2 XQ38, Thermion 2 XQ50, Thermion 2 XP50. The second generation has acquired a number of improvements enhancing significantly performance and quality.

    Thermion 2 XP50 features new top-class 640×480/17µm thermal imaging sensor with ground-breaking temperature sensitivity (NETD lower than 25 mK) which allows to notice the smallest temperature differences. Thermion 2 XQ38 and XQ50 have 384×288/17µm thermal imaging sensor with high temperature sensitivity (NETD lower than 40 mK) offering excellent detail recognition in the most difficult weather conditions.

    All Thermion 2 models have newly developed fast aperture germanium optics F/1.0 with better heat energy transmissivity values. New objective lens optics improves image quality by providing better contrast and lesser noise. In combination with advanced sensors new optics allows Thermion 2 see clearly all small details of observed objects as well as landscape features and small vegetation in the roughest weather conditions.

    Thermion 2 riflescopes possess a number of remarkable features that make them unique on the market. Detection range of the XP50 and XQ50 units reaches 1800 meters and XQ38 can detect hot objects up to 1350 meters. Thermion 2 riflescopes are recoil rated up to 6000 joules of muzzle energy, which covers such calibers as .375 H&H, 12-Gauge and 9.3×64. Digital zoom of Thermion helps to magnify distant targets to better assess and identify them. Zoom can be done using Picture in Picture mode.  Image Detail Boost is a number of proprietary algorithms that help to enhance image detail and make image look sharper.

    Apart from extra-ordinary optic capabilities Thermion 2 units possess a vast set of gun related features such as Multiple zeroing modes (One-shot Zeroing, Zoom Zeroing and Freeze Zeroing) ability to save numerous reticle coordinates in separate zeroing profiles, side tilt indication and a wide range of reticle options in several colours.

    Advanced image settings of Thermion help to optimize viewed picture according to the most rigorous requirements and make the units a truly versatile shooting tool for any situation. The unit has manual brightness and contrast adjustment, 4 observation modes optimized for specific viewing conditions and 8 colour palettes.

    Built-in photo and video recorder with 16 Gb of internal memory allows to save exciting moments of hunting life. Photos and videos can be downloaded to PC via USB connection or to smartphone via Wi-Fi using free Stream Vision mobile application.

    A new Thermion 2 family sets the new standard of performance for thermal imaging riflescopes. It signifies the new stage in development of top-class thermal imaging products with the best thermal sensitivity.

    Here is a compilation of videos with the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50.

    Here is also a picture with the specifications of the different models. As you can see, the Thermion 2 XP50 stands out with the sensor resolution and lower NETD value. A base magnification of only 2x is a nice feature as well, which you can see in the field of view.

    The key things to note:
    Thermion 2 XP50
    New 640×480/17µm (NETD lower than 25 mK) sensor
    New fast aperture germanium lens F/1.0
    Thermion 2 XQ50/XQ38
    384×288/17µm (NETD lower than 40 mK) sensor
    New fast aperture germanium lens F/1.0

    A comparison between the current Thermion XP50 and the new Thermion 2 XP50.

    NETD value characterizes the ability of sensor to feel small temperature differences. The lower NETD value the lower temperature difference can be discerned by the sensor. This plays an important role when all objects in scene have equal or close to equal temperatures

    TFB has one for review

    The second generation of Thermions will be replacing the current Thermion XP/XQ versions and will be priced the same. The new versions are expected to hit the shelves very soon, but because we take thermals seriously here at TFB we were lucky to get one to review already this weekend. It was a cold sunny day when we switched it on, but so far the image quality was breathtakingly good.

    Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50

    I have very little experience with the Thermion platform, but I would say that it is a little more user friendly than the Trail 2 XP50 LRF. Looking forward to investigating deeper.

    The Firearm Blog has the new Pulsar Thermion XP50 up for review.

    Find out more information about the new Thermion 2 at Pulsar’s website: www.pulsar-vision.com

    There is a YouTube Playlist with more videos from the Thermion 2 here.

    For our latest review of a Pulsar Thermal sight, check out the “Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50 Thermal Imaging Riflescope” article.

    Eric B

    Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6×6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.


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