A good thermal spotter is pretty much essential for any gamekeeper or pest controller nowadays. The iRay E3 and E6 series covers most requirements, with four models in the range, all offering excellent performance in a convenient shape that fits neatly in the palm of your hand.
The basic E3 model has a 384×288 12 micron pixel sensor and 50Hz refresh rate. The 25mm objective lens offers 2.5-10x magnification, with 2-4x digital zoom on top. Battery life is 7 hours and it has a detection range just a whisker under 1,300 metres – all for a retail price of £1,719.95.
Then there’s the E3 Max, with a 35mm objective lens, offering greater magnification and a longer detection range of over 1,800 metres. That one is priced at £1,889.95.
Ryan Charlton of distributors Highland Outdoors points out that both models are ideal for the gamekeeper who doesn’t want to leave the comfort of his truck on a freezing cold night. “They are IPX7 waterproof rated, so you can put them on the gimbal on the roof, and sit inside watching the picture through the built-in wifi,” he says.
“There’s also a laser pointer, so once your designated shooter has shot the fox, you can point him to retrieve it while you stay in your nice heated seat!” he laughs.
Ryan points out some of the other features of the E3 models, such as the focus adjustment at the front, and the ocular adjustment that has clicks so it stays in position once you’ve got a nice crisp picture.
The E6 is the bigger brother to the E3, with a larger 640×512 12 micron sensor, 35mm objective lens, and 2.1-8.4x optical magnification. The E6 Pro has a larger 50mm objective lens, magnification of 3-12x, and a greater detection range of 2,600 metres.
“It’s stunning,” says Ryan. “Like all the iRay products, it has a highlight mode as well as the traditional colour palettes. That keeps the background at a fairly low brightness level, and the hottest objects in the image really pop out. It makes it very easy to spot your quarry and get a positive ID.”
Prices for the E3 and E6 spotters range from £1,719.95 to £2,749.95. Find out more at the Highland Outdoors website.
Have you used the iRay E3 or E6 thermal spotters? Join in the conversation – share your experience in the comments on YouTube.
See more thermal gear at FieldsportsChannel.tv.
