HIKMICRO Habrok Pro HX60L multi-spectrum binoculars with flagship 1280 resolution Thermal Imaging sensor

Winter has come, and HIKMICRO brought two flagship 1280 pixel Thermal Imaging resolution devices to the market, one of which I had the chance to evaluate today, and will be the subject of a in-depth full test in the field in an upcoming article: the impressive Habrok Pro HX60L multi-spectrum binoculars, with thermal and digital visible channels.

This concentration of technology built by the Asian manufacturer packs two different electro-optical channels in one device, for true all-situation, all-weather and all-illumination environment capability. 

Specs include a high-end 1280×1024, 19,67 mm diagonal uncooled Vanadium Oxide (VOx) 12μm Focal Plane Array thermal detector, coupled with a large 60mm, F1.0 front objective Germanium lens; thanks to a very aggressive, powerful and advanced Image processing engine, the Habok Pro’s NETD sensitivity is declared to an astounding <15mk! 

This value is even more impressive if we compare it to the sensor’s resolution, as normally, a detector’s sensitivity decreases as its resolution increases due to its smaller pixel pitch… Native resolution of the thermal channel of the Habrok Pro HX60L is 2,6x and thanks to a 7.7x digital zoom ratio, maximum magnification is 20x. 

The daytime/night vision optical module sports a 1/1.8'' Progressive Scan CMOS image sensor, with a UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels; the objective has a focal length of 60 mm, with an F2.2 aperture. The native magnification of the day/night module is 5.5x, with a digital zoom ratio of 4x, so maximum magnification is 22x. 

It is worth noting that the 4K sensor resolution allows for an interesting quality feature, due to the eyepiece 0.49” color OLED, micro display’s FHD resolution of 1920×1080: from 5.5x to 11x magnification there’s no loss in the displayed resolution, and at 4x zoom/20x the displayed definition is still 960 pixels wide.

The Habrok Pro HX60 is available in two versions, the HX60L and HX60LN, absolutely identical save for the IR illuminator fitted: the 60L uses a more powerful but also faintly visible to the naked eye LED IR light source with a wavelength of 850 nm, while the 60LN features a completely invisible 940 nm IR light source. Illuminator throw is 400m for the 60L and 350m for the 60LN. 

Both versions of the IR emitter sport an adjustable beam for wide angle flood, or long range, tight-beam spot illumination. I received the Habrok Pro HX60L, however – in case I’d needed a totally invisible IR illuminator… this is removable and replaceable, and either IR emitter can be purchased as an option.

Last but not least, the LRF module is nested between the front objective bells, in a position that is unconventional and also quite clever as the hands are very unlikely to cover the laser and return detector windows, leading to hassle free and reliable distance finding. 

The LRF capabilities are aligned to industry standard, measuring up to 1,000 m.

The easily replaceable battery powers the Habrok Pro HX60L up to 7 hours of continuous use – literature states these figures are achieved with LRF on and at a temp of -20C°.

A few mentions should be made of the interesting software that features a lot of proprietary technology and algorithms. The Habrok Pro HX60L integrates HIKMICRO’s Image Pro 2.0 Algorithm that claims to improve detail, background definition, and less noise. The day/night channel also features the new WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) Technology, to improve performance based on the light conditions, with three pre-programmed image styles: Daylight, Twilight and Night Light, to ensure a comfortable level of brightness and contrast during hunting. An interesting Image Stabilization Algorithm is also due soon, for improved viewing comfort, especially in high zoom and low-light conditions.

On the design side of things, the Habrok Pro HX60L is built out of lightweight and robust magnesium alloy and composite polymers, and weighs just above 1 kg with the battery pack. The housing of this electro-optic is reasonably compact, offers a good grip thanks to the rubber panels and the controls are ergonomically placed, although to operate fully the Habrok Pro the user needs to hold it with both hands at the same time. 

Clearly, the Habrok is usable one handed, however depending on which hand holds it, half of the controls are not going to be reachable. The focus controls are obviously independent, with the Thermal Imaging channel focus identified by a red ring. Lenses are protected with detachable rubber snap covers.

Eyepieces are adjustable for interpupillary distance, from 60 to 74mm, and diopters are adjustable from -5 to +3D, with a 15 mm eye relief.

Handling the Habrok feels good, a lot of work has gone into the design, however, it is a "basic design up" with some choices that could be improved – the very thin rubber covering the six control buttons in two rows at each side of the binoculars gives an impression of fragility, and some controls also need to be updated. Mind you, I’ve noticed all this in my sample of the Habrok. 

The day/night visible channel focus is absolutely perfect – smooth and with great feedback – however, the thermal imaging focus ring tends to “stick” a bit and is not so smooth. The eyepieces are great, but the interpupillary distance feels sort of “springy” as the eyepieces do not seem to want to stay put and need a couple touches to have then where I want them to be. Last but not least, and again, this can be a quirk of the sample I have, the Illuminator beam knob is noisy! In a hunting situation and silent twilight, it can be clearly heard unless it’s operated very slowly. I also want to mention the included excellent padded Nylon chest harness case, that allows the Habrok Pro to always be ready for use. The harness also has space for accessories and even features two rows of MOLLE webbing.

I opened this article mentioning that two 1280x1024 thermal imaging optics have been recently introduced by HIKMICRO… what about the “other one”? well, it’s the Thunder 3.0 SX60L hunting riflescope, that will be featured in my next review.

I have indeed tested the performance of the HIKMICRO Habrok Pro HX60L multispectral binoculars, and I am impressed. Want to know more? Stand by for a full-featured, real life hunting field test, with video too!

So, stay tuned and follow all4hunters.com, for a lot of exciting field and practical tests are coming – and merry Christmas!

HIKMICRO Habrok Pro HX60L technical specifications and price

For more information: https://www.hikmicrotech.com/en/