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People often ask, how to get out of monocular mode
Let’s find out!
How to Get Out of Monocular Mode?
To get out of monocular mode press the right mouse button and move your cursor around.
If you see a red circle appear in front of your cursor, then it means that you are in monocular mode.
You can also use this trick if you want to change your camera angle or zoom level.
For example, when you have a wide-angle lens on your camera, you will be able to see more objects than usual.
Top Thermal Monoculars
Thermal cameras are similar to night-time scopes in that they both improve the quality of images when used at longer distances. However, unlike night-time scopes, thermal cameras are relatively new.
They’re not as popular as they used to be, so they’re usually more expensive than their competitors. You may want to consider saving up for one before buying.
Burris Thermal Handheld Monocular
The Burris Thermal Monocular has long-ranging thermal imaging and that excellent Burris optics, but it’s on an expensive end for its upgrades and is designed for fast usage for hunting and limited professional uses like searching and rescuing.
Pros
- Five palettes
- Hot Track
- 750-yard range
- WiFi compatible
- Great glass/optical performance
Cons
- Price
- Battery life
FLIR LS-X 60 Hz
It’s one of FLIR’s best thermal imaging cameras. It’s expensive, so it’s not cheap, but it’s specifically made for law enforcement with the reliability and quality they need to be able to use it safely.
Pros
- Price
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Lightweight
- Laser pointer
- Selectable polarity
Cons
- Battery life
ATN OTS LT
The OTS LT160 series of handheld monoculars from ATN are popular and easy to operate, but they’re not the most powerful models available.
If you need something longer range, the ATN OTS LT3206 12x is the best choice for maximum power out to one kilometer.
Pros
- High-performance sensors
- Extreme long-range
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Long battery life
- Multiple features
Cons
- Built-in battery
AGM Taipan TM15-384
For everything from hogs to coyotes, the AGM Taipan has been highly recommended by hunters who’ve used it. At an affordable price, it offers a 384×288 detector and a high-resolution screen for excellent viewing in total darkness.
Pros
- 384 sensor
- Long-range
- Hot Spot Mark
- Digital zoom
- WiFi Hotspot
Cons
- Not for helmet mounting
ATN OTS-XLT 160
As the cheapest thermal monocular ATN has basic ‘smart’ features such as a rangefinder, video/photos, and heat tracking, it’s about as smart as you can get at this price point.
Today’s expectations for an affordable thermal monocular include features such as image stabilization.
Pros
- 2-8x
- Smart features
- Heat tracking
- Four palette modes
- Tripod screw
Cons
- Built-in battery
Infiray DV DP09
These InfraRed (IR) cameras are incredibly small and light. They’re designed to be carried by hand, in pockets, or to smartphones, and they’re ready for thermal imaging at any time. They’re not just small; they’re less than $500 each.
Pros
- Price
- Uncooled 256 12 µm sensor
- Connect to phone
- External power source
- Easy to use
Cons
- No brand recognition
- Battery life
- Not shockproof
AGM Asp-Micro TM160
Overall, the Aspen Micro is an affordable thermal monocle with just enough useful functions to suit hunters who want something they can rely on when out hunting.
It has a low price point which makes it attractive to people who want thermal but don’t want to spend too much money.
Pros
- Price
- 4 palette modes
- Close-range
- Wi-Fi
- Digital zoom
Cons
- Built-in battery
FLIR Breach PTQ136
Do you work in law enforcement? Do you need a monocular that covers tactical basics? The Breach PTQ136 by FLIR was made for you.
It’s one of the most expensive options out there, but it has some cool features that could be worth the price tag.
Pros
- Mini-rail
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Video recording
- 1-4x zoom
- Lightweight
Cons
- Price
ATN Odin LT 320 2-4x
Despite not being the most affordable thermal monocular on the market, the Odin LT 320 has some impressive features including 320 resolution, a helmet mount, and an external battery pack.
If the acquisition of smart features is the main objective, then Odin is not for you. However, if you want high-quality images at any time, then Odin is definitely for you.
Pros
- 320 resolution
- Easy to use
- 1x CR123A battery
- Head/helmet mounting
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor battery life
How to Get Out of Monocular Mode?
What to Look For in a Thermal Monocular
Thermal Sensor Resolution
Thermal imaging has become quite advanced, but it’s still not perfect. It’s still not good enough for law enforcement agencies to positively identify someone from a distance.
A 640×480 pixel resolution is quite excellent for a thermal camera. However, the higher resolution, the more it costs. You need to evaluate whether your needs justify the additional expense.
Display Resolution
This is different from the thermal sensing capability of the screen. It indicates the resolution of the screen, but it may not function at this level if the thermal sensors aren’t as good.
Refresh Rate (Hz)
When displaying images, the faster the refresh rate, the smoother the transition between frames. A high refresh rate makes for a more fluid experience.
You typically see 30Hz or 60 Hz. Users don’t usually notice the difference between 30Hz and 60Hz devices, but if you’re using a device on a mobile phone or tablet, 30Hz might not be fast enough for smooth movement.
Detection Range
This is a cost factor because the cost is indicative of the product’s overall performance. The better the product, the longer its detection range.
Detection ranges allow for positive heat signature acquisition at distances ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet depending on the device used.
However, being able not only to distinguish between animals but also between people, pigs, and coyotes is another factor to take into account.
Operating Temperature
Most of the time your monocular will be just fine to operate. It’s still important to know what the maximum temperature range is for your device so you don’t damage it by using it outside its normal temperature range.
You want to be able to use your monocular even when it’s hot outside or during the coldest nights.
Battery Life
8 hours is pretty significant for a user who wants to make the most of their time. Be on the lookout since a monocular with an hour battery life may not cut it.
If you’re considering buying rechargeable batteries or an external battery pack, think about whether they might be worth investing in.
Color Palettes
Monoculars usually come with a color palette mode which allows you to choose from various monochrome colors. These can help you see better when there’s not enough light available.
Zoom/Magnification
Thermal cameras usually come with two types of zoom: optical and digital, which both directly affect image quality. Optically magnified images will be less effective at increasing image quality than digitally magnified ones.
Digital zoom can reduce image quality at high magnification unless the monocular has special software to help minimize the effects and sharpen the image.
Warranty Protection
These are not cheap devices. Be brand-specific or buy a very good warranty to protect your investment. If customer service is important to you, be sure to look into this before choosing a brand or monocular.
Conclusion
It’s natural to lump night vision and thermal imaging into the same category. We tend to think that they’re just night devices to help see when it’s pitch black outside.
While this is true of thermal imaging monoculars, it’s not limited to just nighttime use.
If you have any questions feel free to comment below.
