Night vision and thermal imaging specialist Pulsar has launched new top-of-the-range thermal imaging binoculars, the Merger LRF XL50, at the 2023 Shot Show in Las Vegas.
The company say the new binoculars are true all-rounders. They feature a wide field of view for scanning and target acquisition, and high image quality and detail across the full range of variable magnification from 2.5x up to 20x, retaining enhanced detail, clarity and contrast throughout.
The Merger LRF XL50 uses a high definition sensor with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels at 12 µm, giving superb detail and a detection range of 2,300m. That’s a considerably higher resolution, and longer detection range, than Pulsar’s Merger LRF XP50 thermal binoculars, which were tested by professional deer manager Tom Davies on Fieldtester – see below.
The design follows the classic binoculars format, making them comfortable and easy to use, and the six function buttons fall under your fingertips.
The new binoculars have a built-in laser rangefinder with a 1,000m range, accurate to plus or minus the nearest metre.
They are powered by two rechargeable batteries and have a rugged magnesium alloy housing. They are waterproof to the IPX7 standard, which requires them to work flawlessly after submersion in 1m of water for 30 minutes.
Features include built-in photo and video recording, wi-fi streaming, and a choice of eight colour palettes for viewing.
Price is yet to be announced.
Find out more about the Merger LRF XL50 at the Pulsar website.
How do they compare with existing Pulsar thermals?
Pulsar Merger LRF XP50
Professional deer manager Tom Davies of Dartmoor Deer Services tested the Merger LRF XP50 thermal binoculars and was very impressed – watch the video for details.
He said: “I can easily identify prickets at 200 metres with this. You can even see the top of the pedicles.”
The XP50 model has a 640 x 480 pixel sensor, compared to the XL50’s 1024 x 768 pixels, which Pulsar say offers the next level of thermal imaging.
Like the XL50 model, these binoculars offer photo and video recording, and wi-fi streaming with iOS and Android devices. They are equally robust, with a reinforced magnesium alloy housing, and are IPX7 waterproof rated.
Pulsar Accolade 2 LRF XP50 Pro
The Accolade 2 LRF XP50 Pro has proved popular with deer managers, gamekeepers and pest controllers. It is held up to both eyes like binoculars, but has a single objective lens.
It uses a 640 x 480 sensor, providing similar performance to the Merger LRF XP50, with a detection range of 1,800m compared to the new XL50 binoculars’ 2,300m.
Phil Taylor from distributors Thomas Jacks was particularly impressed with the picture quality which he described as “phenomenal,” adding “I wouldn’t be without them.”
No doubt he’ll be even more impressed with the upgraded performance of the Merger XL50s.
