Estimated studying time: 6 minutes
After years of working monocular thermals and glassing lengthy nights with one eye half-blind, I didn’t suppose I’d ever swap to a thermal binocular system. However then the QUEST H50R from NOCPIX / iRayUSA confirmed up. After placing it by its paces, I can confidently say: this is likely one of the most spectacular thermal techniques I’ve ever used.
Quest H50R Video
Should you’re working thermals for predator looking, scouting, or safety, this unit is price your consideration.
Specs That Matter
Decision: 640×512 thermal sensor Base Magnification: 4x optical (with clean digital zoom) Goal Lens: 50mm Refresh Price: 60Hz Pixel Pitch: 12 micron NETD Sensitivity: <15mK (top-tier readability) Show: 1920×1200 full-color AMOLED Rangefinder: Constructed-in, correct to 1,000 yards Energy: Inside battery + hot-swappable 18650 exterior Value: $3,999 Made in China
Optical Efficiency & Actual-World Use
Let’s minimize to the chase—this optic flat-out works. I’ve ID’d animals like skunks by tall grass at 400–500 yards the place different thermals merely couldn’t resolve a transparent picture. The bottom 4x magnification makes an enormous distinction in attain and goal definition with out leaping straight into noisy digital zoom.
And the picture high quality? Beautiful. With a <15mK NETD sensitivity and high-res AMOLED show, you’re getting industry-leading distinction and readability—even on small-bodied targets at lengthy distances. The horses I picked up at practically 1,000 yards regarded apparent, even in poor situations. Do not forget that these all the time look higher in individual than within the video.
The rangefinder is simply as legit. I ran it in steady scan mode and was pulling strong readings out to 750+ yards on vegetation. On extra reflective targets, it is going to vary to a full 1,000 yards. And you’ll toggle scan mode on/off relying on what you’re doing, making it helpful for every little thing from recognizing to lining up a shot.
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Binocular Format: Value It?
I used to suppose I’d all the time favor monoculars to protect my pure night time imaginative and prescient in a single eye. I used to be incorrect.
The binocular format of the QUEST H50R is way simpler in your eyes. Wanting with each eyes eliminates fatigue and complications from extended use, particularly helpful whenever you’re glassing for hours. Every eyepiece has impartial diopter changes, so you will get a really crisp view even when your imaginative and prescient isn’t completely matched. The customers view of the show is one thing that you really want to expertise to completely perceive.
The 2 eyepieces slid out and in for eye width, in contrast to a conventional binocular that hinges and will get narrower. I’ve a bigger face and run it totally collapsed or in it’s narrowest place, however people with narrower faces would possibly discover it doesn’t go tight sufficient for each eyes to align. It’s not a dealbreaker, however one thing to learn about.
Battery Life & Scorching-Swap Design
This is likely one of the smartest energy setups I’ve seen:
Inside rechargeable battery by way of USB-C Scorching-swappable exterior 18650 battery that doesn’t require a restart
Which means in case your 18650 begins dying, you don’t shut the unit off. You simply eject the outdated cell, drop in a brand new one, and hold scanning. It’s seamless, environment friendly, and field-friendly. And 18650s are low-cost—simply hold just a few in your pack.
Person Interface & Controls
Every little thing on the QUEST H50R is intuitive. 4 buttons up high management energy, menus, recording, and ranging. A middle-mounted dial handles your digital zoom, whereas a entrance dial adjusts the principle focus, identical to conventional binoculars. You additionally get:
A number of coloration palettes: white scorching, black scorching, pink, crimson, violet, and extra Image-in-picture zoom mode Adjustable distinction, brightness, and picture element Straightforward video/picture seize Playback mode proper on the unit Wi-Fi/Bluetooth app integration for downloads and streaming
The menu construction is logical, responsive, and doesn’t lag like some older thermal techniques.
Weight & Construct
As a result of there’s no conventional glass inside, these really feel shockingly mild—nearly unreal. However they’re powerful. Ergonomics are glorious, and it ships with a full harness system and padded case for bino-style chest carry. They don’t really feel like low-cost plastic; they really feel like purpose-built instruments.
The one “query mark” is a proximity sensor between the 2 eyepieces that doesn’t presently perform. It looks like it’s there to finally auto-dim or shut off the display screen when not in use, however as of now, that characteristic isn’t energetic. Hopefully, a firmware replace will unlock that.
QUEST H50R Recording & Evaluate Capabilities
The inner recording works nicely, and I used to be shocked how helpful the on-unit playback turned out to be. I shot a coyote one night time and couldn’t discover it at the hours of darkness. Pulled up the footage on the QUEST, re-watched the influence, and used the background terrain to line up a brand new search path. Discovered the canine.
READ MORE HERE: InfiRay Out of doors RH25 V2 Thermal Evaluate
QUEST H50R Ultimate Verdict:
Should you’re severe about thermal, whether or not it’s for predators, hogs, safety, or simply dominating the night time, the QUEST H50R is a reputable powerhouse.
Execs:
Stellar picture high quality and magnification Rock-solid rangefinder to 1,000 yards Intuitive controls and quick boot-up Inside battery + hot-swappable 18650s Light-weight and comfy to make use of Playback and app connectivity
Minor Cons:
Interpupillary distance may be broad for some customers The proximity sensor is presently non-functional Made in China (if that issues to you)
For $3,999, this unit punches nicely above its worth level. It outperforms many thermals I’ve used at considerably larger costs, and it’s one of many best on the eyes for prolonged night time missions.
Study extra: irayusa.com/quest-h50r
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I’m a U.S. Air Drive veteran, an avid hunter and fisherman, and a passionate videographer and photographer. I’ve the privilege of being the videographer for GunsAmerica, the place I get to mix my love for firearms, videography and the outside into one unimaginable profession.
After I’m not behind the digital camera, you’ll discover me on the vary competing in USPSA pistol matches and 2-Gun, or out within the discipline chasing the following nice hunt or fishing spot.
