HIKMICRO Thunder 3.0 Thermal imaging attachment - First presentation of the new clip-on in 4 variants | all4shooters

Oct 14, 2024

Thermal imaging specialist HIKMICRO is launching the third iteration of the Thunder thermal imaging clip-on series. The four Thunder 3.0 devices come with a 384 or 640 sensor with a pixel pitch of 12 μm. Another new feature is a sensitivity (NETD) of the sensors of all devices of less than 15 mK. We have taken a first look at the Thunder 3.0.

With the Thunder 2.0, HIKMICRO currently has a very popular and frequently used thermal imaging attachment on the market. Now they want to go one better with the Thunder 3.0. Both in technical and haptic terms. We took a closer look at the new Thunder 3.0 attachment, which is now available in four different versions, and some of its features.

There are basically four devices available in the new Thunder 3.0 series: the TH35C 3.0, the TQ35C 3.0, the TQ50C 3.0 and the TQ50CL 3.0. The TH comes with a sensor resolution of 384x288, while the three TQ models have a 640x512 sensor. The pixel interval is 12 μm on all devices. The sensitivity is also identical, which is less than 15 mK in all devices in the third iteration.

Another difference is, of course, the lens. In this series too, HIKMICRO provides a choice of focal lengths to suit your needs. The TH35C 3.0 and TQ35C 3.0 models are named after the 35-mm lens, while the TQ50C 3.0 and the top model TQ50CL 3.0 come with a 50-mm lens. As usual, the range of applications and the associated magnification and field of view requirements are decisive in the selection process. Due to the smaller sensor, the Hikmicro TH35C 3.0 has a field of view of 13 meters at 100 metres, while the two 50 mm models have a field of view of 15 meters. The combination of large sensor and 35-mm lens naturally offers the largest field of view: the TQ35C 3.0 offers the hunter a 22-meter field of view at 100 meters. That is remarkable.

The Image Pro 2.0 algorithm and HIKMICRO's well-known shutterless image system (HSIS) ensure smooth image reproduction in all devices. A 0.49" OLED display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels is used for immersive image reproduction. To compare how finely the pixels display the image here, the same number is accommodated on a standard computer monitor, but often on a diagonal of 27" or more.

The top model also has a laser rangefinder as an additional feature. This is not located at the top or side of the device, but directly in the lens. This does not make the device any less handy. It comes with a wavelength of 905 nm and allows measurements up to 1,000 meters.

The technology of all four Thunder 3.0 variants comes in a magnesium housing, and the lens is protected by a magnetic lens cap when not in use. When the device is ready for use, it folds away safely to the side and does not interfere. The weight of the "smallest" device is 460 g, while the top model is naturally somewhat heavier at 540 g.

The three buttons for menu navigation are located on the top of the Thunder 3.0, with a button on the side as an on/off switch and a focus button on the front, directly behind the lens. This allows particularly easy and intuitive focussing without having to make any particularly far-reaching movements. A USB port is located on the side, as is usual with other devices from the manufacturer. This allows the hunter to copy the videos stored in the device to a computer, for example.

The necessary power is provided by a battery pack housed on the side underneath a hinged lid. This can be charged either in the device or in a charging cradle and supplies the device with power for up to 6 hours in continuous operation. The running time of the TQ50CL 3.0 is slightly shorter at 5 hours. For a particularly long operating time, HIKMICRO has equipped the devices with a tilt sensor. This means that if you place the gun with the optics and Thunder 3.0 mounted in a safe direction (towards the sky), the display in the device switches off automatically. If you then bring it back into firing position, your setup is immediately ready for use.

Field of View (HxV),

Degrees/m @100 m:

7.5° × 5.7°

13.2 m × 9.9 m

12.5° × 8.0°

21.9 m × 14.0 m

8.8° × 7.0°

15.4 m × 12.3 m

8.8° × 7.0°

15.4 m × 12.3 m

Laser Rangefinder:

-

-

-

Wavelength: 905 nm, measuring range: up to 1,000 m, accuracy: ± 1 m

Work temperature /

Humidity:

149.4×76×74.6 mm

150.3×83×78.1 mm

All four devices in the new Thunder 3.0 series will be available from well-stocked specialist retailers from mid/end September 2024. Prices start with a recommended retail price of €2,099 for the TH35C 3.0, while the TQ35C 3.0 comes with an RRP of €2,699 and the TQ50C 3.0 €2,999. The top model, the TQ50CL 3.0, costs 3,499 euros. (All RRPs in Germany.)

We at all4hunters.com are already looking forward to our test devices and will publish a detailed test report from the field as soon as possible. Then we will also be able to answer the question posed at the beginning about the newly defined image quality. In any case, the technical specs and optical requirements are very promising and the prices are absolutely reasonable.

Further information on the Thunder 3.0 can be found on the HIKMICRO website.