Home Hunting Gear InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source Infiray)

Thermal imaging is more popular than ever. As the competition heightens, market players are coming up with innovative products to stand out from the rest. Infiray released ZH38, the first thermal monocular with mechanical zoom. In addition to the dual FOV, the new release promises excellent 1440×1080 display resolution and shutterless calibration. Infiray ZH38 is the introduction to the ZOOM series, a premium range of thermal optics from the Chinese brand.

MORE ABOUT INFIRAY ZH38

Challenges of Zoom Optics

Creating a high-quality optical device with multiple fields of view has been an ambition of many manufacturers. We’ve seen the biggest results in the category of classic binoculars. Affordable zoom binos are a dime a dozen but their performance is undoubtedly compromised. Manufacturers have to compensate for many challenges of zoom optics: desynchronization of the focusing systempoor light transmission rate, and exorbitant production costs without a real payoff.

The optical system of thermal imagers is better suited for the incorporation of mechanical zoom. The trouble with classic optics is that every time light hits an optical component – such as a prism or lens, some light is lost due to dispersed reflection. This is less of an issue with a microbolometer at the heart of thermal devices.InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

Often you’ll find that the surrounding area of the observed object is also of great importance. The dual field of view gives Infiray ZH38 unmatched versatility among thermal monoculars. The larger FOV enables fast target acquisition, while the smaller one will help you safely identify the target. Basic optical magnification is set at 3.2x, which is a good compromise between image steadiness and a detailed view.InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

Super-Sensitive ≤25mk Sensor

Infiray ZH38 is equipped with a 640×512 detector made of uncooled vanadium oxide. The thermal sensor is super-sensitive, with NETD  below 25 mK – better than the current industry standard. Able to distinguish between minute temperature differences, the device produces a high-quality image in sharp detail.

The device operation is made easier and quieter with the shutterless core module. In addition to that, shutterless optics save on energy consumption.InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

Frames move 50Hz per second, resulting in a smooth image viewing. The manufacturer designed a built-in Ultra Clear function to minimize the effects of humidity in the air. This viewing mode ensures smooth, grain-free observation in all weather conditions, including misty evenings and heavy downpours.InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

Luxurious 1440×1080 Display

Infiray ZH38 thermal monocular sports a sizeable display, powered with OLED technology. The display resolution is 1440×1080 pixels, making the observation a truly pleasurable experience.InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

The user can switch between 5 color palettes:

  1. White Hot
  2. Black Hot
  3. Red Hot
  4. Color
  5. Hot Target Highlight

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

The picture-in-picture (PiP) mode is a popular additional feature.  The user is able to inspect the target up-close in at the top of the display, while also retaining the wider image on the rest of the display for distance estimation. The magnification of the zoomed-in image is 2x.

Technical Specs of InfiRay ZH38

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular
Sensor:640×512 vOX
Sensitivity / NETD:≤25mk
Objective Lens:38mm
Magnification:1.6x-12.8x
Display:1440×1080 OLED, 0.4 inch
Eye Relief: 20mm
Built-In Memory:32GB
Battery:4400 mAh battery (x2), up to 20 hours
Operating temperature range:-20°C to +50°C
Weight:580 g (20 oz.)
Warranty:3 years

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

InfiRay Zoom ZH38 Thermal Imaging Monocular (image source: InfiRay)

The device connects to Wi-Fi.  Manufacturer also included 32GB of internal memory; plenty of space to store all your photos and video clips.

InfiRay ZH38 is available for €3,239.00 with VAT.

Author and source: Polona Kraner, www.optics-info.com