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Hikmicro thermal imaging cameras and thermal imaging devices for hunting

Hikmicro develops thermal imaging technology for hunters, nature observers and professional use. The brand is particularly appealing to hunters because it offers a wide range of products across all price points: from affordable entry-level thermal imaging devices to high-resolution professional models with laser rangefinders. Compared to many competitors, Hikmicro is considered to offer particularly good value for money.

In the Pirscher shop, you’ll find Hikmicro thermal imaging devices for observation (handheld units), thermal imaging attachments for mounting in front of a rifle scope, thermal imaging binoculars and digital night-vision devices. This means that Hikmicro covers the three key hunting tasks: locating and targeting game, estimating distances and – where legally permitted – assisting with night-time shooting of wild boars. The following sections explain which device type and series are best suited to your hunting needs.

Which Hikmicro device is right for your hunting?

Before choosing a model, you need to decide on the type of device. A thermal imaging device for observation is no substitute for an attachment when shooting, and a rifle-mounted thermal imaging device is no substitute for a handy observation device for patrolling the hunting grounds. First clarify the intended use, then consider the sensor, lens and range. The following overview will help you get started:

* Use depends on the applicable legal situation in your federal state. For more information, see Legal situation regarding fire-starting devices.

Hikmicro Series at a glance

Hikmicro Lynx: your introduction to thermal imaging

The Lynx series comprises handheld thermal imaging devices offering good value for money and the easiest way to get started with thermal observation. They are suitable for locating and approaching game, monitoring game populations and finding your way around your hunting ground at night. Models with a smaller objective lens and a wider field of view are practical for use in woodland and when stalking, whilst larger objective lenses provide greater range for open terrain.

Hikmicro Falcon: lightweight all-round handheld device for mobile hunting

The Falcon series is a lightweight, straightforward handheld device for mobile hunting and patrolling hunting grounds. It is priced above the Lynx series and, depending on the model, offers greater range and image quality. The Falcon with a 50 mm lens is designed for long detection ranges, making it a sensible choice for extensive hunting grounds.

Hikmicro Condor: Professional device with long range and rangefinder

The Condor series is aimed at hunters seeking maximum range, high image quality and modern features. Models such as the Condor, with its 50 mm objective lens and laserrangefinder offer well-designed features such as a zoom mode and a flexible battery replacement system. For short-range hunting in woodland alone, such a scope is over-specified; it really comes into its own in open country.

Hikmicro Thunder: Thermal imaging attachments for rifle scopes

The Thunder series comprises thermal imaging attachments that are mounted in front of the existing rifle scope. They do not have their own reticle, but instead use the reticle of the rifle scope. When used with a suitable adapter, the existing daytime scope is thus made suitable for night-time use.* Before using the device for hunting, you must check the applicable legal requirements in your federal state (see section below).

Hikmicro Habrok 4K: Thermal imaging binoculars with day and night vision

The Habrok 4K combines a thermal imaging device, a high-resolution day vision camera and a laser rangefinder in a binocular device. The binocular view is less tiring during long observation sessions than a monocular. The Habrok is particularly suitable if you wish to locate wildlife using thermal imaging, then identify it in the visible image and measure the distance directly.

Hikmicro Cheetah: digital night vision for day and night

The Cheetah series comprises digital night-vision devices. Unlike a thermal imaging device, they do not display a pure thermal signal, but rather a low-light-amplified image showing structures and contours, supported where necessary by an IR illuminator (around 850 nm, which is visibly weaker; 940 nm, which is almost invisible). They are useful if you wish to distinguish details and the background and are not relying solely on the thermal signature.

What to look out for when buying a Hikmicro thermal imaging device

The model name alone says little about the device’s suitability for your hunting needs. The following specifications are particularly important:

• Sensor resolution: Common resolutions are 256, 384 and 640 sensors (for Hikmicro depending on the series). More pixels mean a more detailed image and, generally speaking, a greater usable range. However, resolution alone does not determine image quality.
• Thermal sensitivity (NETD): The NETD value in millikelvins (mK) describes how small a temperature difference the device can still distinguish. Lower values (e.g. below 20 mK) result in a higher-contrast image, particularly in humid conditions, fog or small temperature differences.
• Lens focal length: A shorter lens (e.g. 35 mm) provides a wider field of view for woodland and stalking, whilst a longer one (e.g. 50 mm) offers greater range and higher base magnification for open country.
• Detection range: Manufacturers’ specifications (in some cases over 2,000 m) refer to the detection of a heat source, not to a reliable trigger response. The usable distance for triggering is significantly shorter.
• Laser rangefinder: Useful for long-range shots and in the field. Generally not essential for short-range hunting in woodland.
• Battery & operation: A replaceable or built-in battery, battery life, weight and a button layout that’s easy to use in the dark are often more important in practical use than that last bit of resolution.

A good rule of thumb: for woodland, stalking and short distances, a lightweight device with a 35-mm lens and a wide field of view is advantageous. For hunting and over wide open country, a 50-mm objective lens with higher base magnification and, where appropriate, a rangefinder is recommended. You can find an overview of all thermal imaging and night vision devices – including those from other brands – in our category night-vision devices and in the section Hunting Optics.

Thermal imaging attachments: legal information for hunting

The use of thermal imagingand night-vision technology whilst hunting is governed by firearms legislation and the hunting laws of the federal states. Devices used purely for observation and the use of attachments to assist with shooting are treated differently. What is permitted in individual cases depends on the federal state, the species of game and the type of device, and changes from time to time.

Before purchasing or using the product, please familiarise yourself with the regulations currently in force in your federal state, for example by contacting the relevant authority or your state hunting association. This information does not constitute legal advice.

* Note on the legal situation:
Statements marked with * depend on the hunting and firearms legislation in your federal state and are subject to change. Please check the currently applicable regulations before use. This information does not constitute legal advice.

Advice:
Not sure which Hikmicro thermal imaging device is right for your hunting – Lynx, Falcon, Condor, a Thunder attachment or the Habrok? Our AI hunting advisor helps you choose based on application, sensor and range. Or give us a call: 08271 4246750 (Mon–Fri 10 am–5 pm), email us at service@pirschershop.de or visit our hunting shop in Genderkingen.

Frequently asked questions about Hikmicro

Is Hikmicro a good brand for thermal imaging devices?

Hikmicro is one of the most widely used thermal imaging brands in hunting and is particularly renowned for its excellent value for money. The range extends from affordable entry-level handheld devices and attachment-style devices right through to high-resolution professional models with laser rangefinders, ensuring that there is a suitable device available for most hunting scenarios.

What is the difference between Hikmicro Lynx, Falcon and Condor?

The three series are technically similar, but differ in terms of features and price. The Lynx series is the affordable entry-level option for observation. The Falcon series is a lightweight, all-round handheld device for mobile hunting with greater range. The Condorseries is the professional-grade device offering the greatest range, high image quality and features such as a laser rangefinder and a battery-swap system.

What does the NETD value mean for a thermal imaging device?

NETD stands for thermal sensitivity and is expressed in millikelvins (mK). The value describes how small a temperature difference a device can still make visible. The lower the NETD value, the higher the contrast of the image – particularly in fog, humid air or when temperature differences are small. Low values are therefore often more important than the sensor resolution alone.

384 or 640 sensor – which resolution do I need?

A 640 sensor provides a more detailed image and generally offers greater usable range than a 384sensor and is suitable for large hunting grounds and challenging detection scenarios. For beginners, woodland and short to medium distances, a 384 sensor is often sufficient in practice. Image quality also depends on NETD and image processing, not just on the resolution.

Which Hikmicro lens is best suited to my hunting – 35 mm or 50 mm?

A 35 mm lens offers a wider field of view and is ideal for woodland, stalking and fast-moving situations. A 50-mm lens provides greater range and higher base magnification, and is suitable for hunting and extensive hunting grounds. Those who hunt predominantly in open country are better off with 50 mm, whilst in woodland 35 mm is usually preferable.

What is the difference between a thermal imaging device and an attachment?

A handheld thermal imaging device is used for observation: locating game, targeting it and monitoring the hunting ground. A thermal imaging attachment such as the Hikmicro Thunder, is mounted in front of the rifle scope and converts the existing daytime optics for night use; it does not have its own reticle, but uses that of the rifle scope. Both types of device complement each other, but do not replace one another.

Are Hikmicro thermal imaging attachments permitted for hunting?

This depends on the federal state, the type of game and the type of device, and is subject to change. The purchase, possession and use of night-vision technology are governed by the federal states’ firearms legislation and hunting laws. Before purchasing or using such equipment, please check the regulations currently in force in your federal state. This does not constitute legal advice.

What distinguishes a thermal imaging device from a digital night-vision device such as the Cheetah?

A thermal imaging device displays temperature differences and detects game even through light cover based on its heat signature. A digital night-vision device such as the Hikmicro Cheetah generates a low-light-amplified image showing structures and contours, often supported by an IR illuminator. Thermal imaging is generally superior for simply locating wildlife, whilst digital night vision can offer advantages when it comes to recognising details and the background.

Which Hikmicro device is suitable for wild boar hunting?

For locating and observing wild boars, a handheld thermal imaging device from the Lynx, Falcon or Condor series is suitable. To assist with the shot, – where legally permitted – a thermal imaging attachment from the Thunder series can be fitted in front of the rifle scope. Which combination is appropriate depends on the hunting ground, the distance and the legal situation in the federal state.

What is the Hikmicro Habrok 4K thermal imaging binoculars?

The Habrok 4K combines thermal imaging, a high-resolution daytimecamera and a laser rangefinder in a binocular device. It is particularly suitable for long observation sessions, as the binocular view is less tiring, and for situations where you want to locate wildlife using thermal imaging, identify it in the visible image and measure the distance directly.

What is the range of a Hikmicro thermal imaging camera?

The detection range specified by the manufacturer (in some cases over 2,000 m) refers to the detection of a heat source, not to the reliable triggering of game. The distance usable for triggering is significantly shorter and depends on the sensor, lens, NETD and the conditions. You should base your expectations on the usable detection distance, not the maximum detection range.

How quickly will my Hikmicro device be delivered?

We usually dispatch items in stock within 1–2 working days. If you have any questions regarding the availability of a specific model, you can contact our team of active hunters by telephone on 08271 4246750 (Mon–Fri 10 am–5 pm) or by email at service@pirschershop.de.

Pirscher Shop — By hunters, for hunters, based in Genderkingen, Bavaria, since 2010.