The new flagship of the Habrock thermal imaging binoculars family from HIKMICRO, which is characterised by its combination of day and night vision channel, is now represented by the new and even more powerful HIKMICRO Habrok Pro model series. The new Habrok Pro series starts with the four models: Habrok HQ50L, HQ50 LN, HX60L and HX60 LN.
Most HIKMICRO fans and many attentive all4hunters.com readers will know by now that, in addition to the "H" for Habrok, the model designation also contains information on the lens size, the resolution of the thermal imaging sensor and the wavelength of the IR emitter. The Q models have a 640x512 px and the X models a 1280x1024 px thermal image sensor, each with a pixel pitch of 12 µm. The numerical values 50 or 60 stand for the lens diameter in millimeters and the L for the integrated laser rangefinder, which has a maximum range of 1,000 m, as with all previous Habrok devices. If there is no further letter after the "L", the infrared emitter works with a wavelength of 850 nm; if there is an "N" after it, the IR emitter uses a wavelength of 940 nm.
Depending on the sensor size, the thermal imaging channel has a different NETD value, which would be <15 mK for the 640 sensor of the Q models and <18 mK for the large 1280 detector of the X models. The NETD value (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) is specified in mK. It indicates the smallest possible temperature difference that can be displayed by a thermal imaging camera. The maximum detection range for the Q variant is 2,600 meters and for the HX60L(N) it is an impressive 3,100 meters.
The day and night vision channel offers 4K resolution on all nine HIKMICRO Habrok Pro models and uses a 1.88-inch 3840x2160 px CMOS sensor in conjunction with a lens with a focal length of 60 mm and an aperture of F2.2. The range here is up to 400 meters during the day and up to 350 metres at night. The integrated IR LED emitter can be replaced if necessary and can be exchanged for a more powerful laser illuminator.
The eyepieces display the images of the relevant channels via user-selectable round 0.49 inch or 1920x1080 OLED displays. The eyecups can be folded down to suit spectacle wearers and the eyepieces can be adjusted sideways to the appropriate interpupillary distance. The new Habrok Pro models also have a replaceable battery pack which, according to HIKMICRO, can be changed silently and should provide an operating time of up to 7 hours (up to 5 hours in continuous operation with the laser rangefinder activated). Two battery packs are included in the scope of delivery.
Operation of the optronic components is just as intuitive as with the previous Habrok models and is carried out using the same six buttons located on the top of the housing. Focussing is performed on the lens and the diopter is adjusted via the eyepiece. The whole thing is housed in a robust magnesium housing with black rubber armor. The Habrok HQ50L and HQ50LN measure around 143x80x230 mm and weigh just 975 g. The HX60L and HX60 LN models are also very compact with dimensions of around 153x82x231 mm and weigh just 1,050 g, which is lighter than many conventional 8x42 binoculars with integrated laser rangefinder that are comparable with the new Habrok.
HIKMICRO HabroK Pro - Prices, availability and range of applications of the new thermal imaging binoculars with day and night vision channel
HIKMICRO lists the Habrok HQ50L and HQ50LN with a non-binding recommended retail price of €3,999 each. The flagship models HX60L and HX60LN are listed at 5,999 euros each. All new models should be available from specialist retailers in the course of October 2024. If you are interested, please ask your dealer.
New HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 thermal imaging riflescopes
With the new HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 thermal riflescope series thermal imaging specialist HIKMICRO is once again demonstrating what is currently technically possible in this area and where the journey is heading. The new HIKMICRO thermal imaging riflescope series includes the models Stellar SH35 3.0, SH35L 3.0, SH50L 3.0 (each with 384x288px@12µm sensor), SQ35L 3.0 and SQ50L 3.0 (each with 640x512px@12µm sensor), all of which have a NETD of <15mk, and SX60L 3.0 (1280x1024px@12µm sensor), which has a NETD value of <18mk. New features of the 3.0 series include the green image mode, which is also available on the new HIKMICRO Thunder 3.0 attachment, and an improved red hot palette as well as the Image Pro 2.0 image algorithm, which has also been optimised, and the shutterless image system (HSIS), which enables continuous observation even during calibration.
While the SH35 is also available without an integrated laser rangefinder, all other models in the Stellar 3.0 series have one. From the models with 50-mm objective lens onwards, the laser rangefinder is now also integrated into the objective lens, so that the attachment still found on the eyepiece of the SH35L is now omitted on the other devices in the Stellar 3.0 series, giving them the appearance of traditional riflescopes with a 30-mm main tube. In addition to the rangefinder, the Stellar 3.0 devices also have a ballistics calculator that takes the bullet drop into account when showing the customisable reticle on the display. With a value of 1.3 cm per click at a distance of 100 m, the reticle can be set more precisely than many previous thermal imaging riflescopes. The image is reproduced on a round 1.03 inch OLED display in the eyepiece with a resolution of 2560x2560 px. HIKMICRO states that the shock resistance is up to 1,000 g / 0.4 ms, which means that the new Stellar 3.0 can also be used without a muzzle brake or silencer on rifles in calibers up to .375 Holland & Holland.
The Stellar 3.0 thermal scopes have an internal storage for photo and video recordings. The video recording can also be activated by the recoil so that the location of the hit and any important shot marks can be traced using the video footage during any follow-up searches. In addition to a USB-C interface, the new HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 also has a Wi-Fi function, which can be used to provide firmware updates and download stored images and videos using the HIKMICRO Sight app. Two internal rechargeable batteries are installed in the device for power supply, which are supplemented by a replaceable 18650 battery accessible via the left-hand turret and are intended to ensure continuous operation of up to 9 hours, even when the integrated laser rangefinder is used. The menu navigation of the Stellar 3.0 and the operation of the laser rangefinder are carried out operating control buttons on the eyepiece. When firing or changing colour palettes, the settings are made on the center turret on the main tube.
Prices, availability and range of applications of the new HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 thermal imaging riflescopes
The new HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0 thermal imaging riflescopes prices range from €2,299 (RRP) for the SH35 3.0 to the flagship model Stellar SX60L 3.0, which the manufacturer is launching on the market with a recommended retail price of €6,199. The first models in the new Stellar 3.0 range are already available.
Further information on the new HIKMICRO devices presented here can be found on the Habrok Pro and Stellar 3.0 product websites.
