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Description
Manufacturer warranty information
The Pulsar Axion 2 Thermal Monocular range offers professionals enhanced capabilities for low-light monitoring, building on the proven design of the original Axion series. Incorporating upgraded thermal sensors, longer battery life, and improved display resolution, Axion 2 units are well-suited to nocturnal wildlife observation.
Compared to traditional optics, which rely on visible light and struggle in poor visibility, thermal monoculars detect heat signatures, ensuring consistent performance in complete darkness, fog, and where the view is partially obstructed. The Axion 2 range further improves upon first-generation models with refined NETD ratings, a new AMOLED display (up to 1024×768), extended operating time, and Stream Vision 2 integration for efficient data handling.
All models offer IPX7-rated waterproofing and operate from –25°C to +40°C, making them appropriate for use in adverse weather.
The Axion 2 is available in both XQ (384×288 resolution), with or without integrated laser rangefinding (LRF), and XG (640×480 resolution) configurations, with integrated laser rangefinding (LRF). This allows ecological professionals to select the model best suited to their detection range and resolution requirements without compromising on portability.
Specifications
| Model | XQ35 | LRF XQ35 Pro | LRF XG35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor type | Uncooled microbolometer | Uncooled microbolometer | Uncooled microbolometer |
| Resolution | 384 × 288 | 384 × 288 | 640 × 480 |
| Pixel pitch | 17 μm | 17 μm | 12 μm |
| Sensor NETD | <40 mK | <25 mK | <40 mK |
| System NETD | <20 mK | <18 mK | <20 mK |
| Frame rate | 50 Hz | 50 Hz | 50 Hz |
| Magnification (optical) | 2× | 2× | 2.5× |
| Digital zoom | x1 / x2 / x4 | x1 / x2 / x4 | x1 / x2 / x4 / x8 |
| Smooth zoom range | 2–8× | 2–8× | 2.5–20× |
| Field of view (H × V) | 10.7° × 8° | 10.7° × 8° | 12.5° × 9.4° |
| Linear FOV @ 100 m | 18.2 m | 18.2 m | 21.9 m |
| Detection distance (deer) | 1300 m | 1300 m | 1750 m |
| Display type | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Display resolution | 640 × 400 | 640 × 400 | 1024 × 768 |
| Battery type | APS5 Li-ion | APS5 Li-ion | APS5 Li-ion |
| Battery capacity | 4900 mAh | 4900 mAh | 4900 mAh |
| Battery life (at 22°C) | Up to 11 h | Up to 11 h | Up to 7 h |
| External power | USB Type-C, 5V/9V | USB Type-C, 5V/9V | USB Type-C, 5V/9V |
| Internal memory | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Video resolution | 528 × 400 | 528 × 400 | 1024 × 768 |
| Video format | .mp4 / .jpg | .mp4 / .jpg | .mp4 / .jpg |
| Wi-Fi frequency | 2.4 / 5 GHz | 2.4 / 5 GHz | 2.4 / 5 GHz |
| Wi-Fi standard | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Waterproof rating | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Operating temp range | –25°C to +40°C | –25°C to +40°C | –25°C to +40°C |
| Dimensions (mm) | 152 × 50 × 74 | 152 × 75 × 74 | 152 × 75 × 74 |
| Weight (with battery) | 380 g | 470 g | 470 g |
Features
- Thermal sensors ranging from 384 × 288 to 640 × 480 resolution support detection across open ground or dense undergrowth.
- NETD values as low as <18 mK improve image clarity in humid or high-background environments.
- Detection distances up to 1,750m allow for effective surveying of distant targets without disturbing natural activity.
- AMOLED displays with improved resolution provide sharp image rendering and detailed contrast for heat signature differentiation.
- Digital zoom up to 20x (XG35) allows for subject tracking and examination at multiple distances, useful in behavioural monitoring and target confirmation.
- Compact, rugged magnesium alloy housing with IPX7 protection ensures consistent performance in field conditions.
- Built-in video, still image capture, and time-stamps assist in documentation for survey reporting and species identification.
- Stream Vision 2 compatibility allows remote image sharing, control, and geotagging for team-based projects.
- Battery runtime of up to 11 hours supports long surveys with reduced need for recharging.
Comparison to Original Axion
The Axion 2 builds on the original Axion platform by introducing improved thermal sensitivity, longer operating times, and higher display resolution. System NETD values have been reduced across the range for enhanced image quality in variable conditions. The new models support dual-band Wi-Fi and faster data transfer via the updated Stream Vision 2 app. Battery capacity has increased through the use of APS5 Li-ion packs, extending field usability across survey sessions. Optical performance and usability remain consistent, while build quality has been refined to maintain reliability under demanding use.
Additional Information
The Pulsar Axion 2 Thermal Monocular is suitable for a wide range of ecological survey scenarios, including monitoring nocturnal species, confirming presence/absence in pre-development assessments, and scanning inaccessible terrain for thermal signatures. Whether detecting movement in tree canopy edges or across open heathland, the Axion 2 offers clarity and operational resilience.
Its compact form factor allows for integration with other survey tools and data collection systems. High image refresh rates and accurate zoom functions ensure smooth subject tracking during rapid behavioural events, such as roost exit flights or foraging activity.
Supporting equipment such as field chargers, weatherproof transport cases, and tripod mounts are recommended for extended use or fixed-point observation.
Please see the Thermal Imaging: Bat Survey Guidelines published by the Bat Conservation Trust for more advice on how to choose your thermal imaging equipment for bat surveys.