A handheld thermal binocular is an advanced electro-optical observation device that combines dual-eyepiece binocular viewing with thermal imaging technology. Instead of relying on visible light, it detects infrared radiation (heat signatures) emitted by objects and converts them into a thermal image, enabling clear visibility in total darkness, smoke, fog, or adverse weather conditions.
Compared with monocular thermal devices, binocular thermal systems provide a more natural and comfortable viewing experience, significantly reducing eye strain during long-duration surveillance and reconnaissance tasks.
Critical Specifications of Handheld Thermal Binoculars
- Thermal Sensor Resolution: Higher pixel resolution improves image detail, target recognition, and situational awareness.
- Magnification: Determines how close distant targets appear. Higher magnification supports long-range observation but may narrow the field of view.
- Field of View (FOV): Wider FOV is ideal for scanning large areas, while narrower FOV enables precise long-range identification.
- Refresh Rate: Higher refresh rates deliver smoother imaging, especially when tracking moving targets.
- Detection Range: Maximum distance at which heat signatures can be detected, recognized, or identified.
- Battery Life: Critical for extended missions and field operations.
- Durability & Environmental Resistance: Waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant designs ensure reliable operation in harsh environments.
Applications of Handheld Thermal Binoculars
Handheld thermal binoculars are widely used across professional and operational fields:
- Military & Security – Night patrols, surveillance, reconnaissance, and border monitoring
- Law Enforcement – Covert operations and nighttime observation
- Wildlife Observation & Hunting – Tracking animals through darkness or dense vegetation
- Search & Rescue – Locating people in smoke, fog, forests, or disaster zones
- Maritime Operations – Night navigation and detection of vessels or obstacles on water
How to Select Handheld Thermal Binoculars
When choosing a handheld thermal binocular, consider the following factors:
- Intended Use: Military-grade surveillance, law enforcement, hunting, or recreational observation will determine required performance levels.
- Sensor Performance: Resolution, NETD, and detection range directly impact image quality and target recognition.
- Weight & Ergonomics: Balanced, ergonomic designs reduce fatigue during prolonged handheld use.
- Integrated Features: GPS, laser rangefinder, electronic compass, recording, and wireless transmission can significantly enhance operational efficiency.
- Budget vs Capability: Balance performance requirements with cost, especially for multi-sensor systems.
SOTTC Series Handheld Thermal Binocular
The SOTTC series is a high-performance handheld thermal binocular that integrates thermal imaging, visible-light imaging, laser ranging, and satellite positioning into a single rugged platform. Designed for professional use, it delivers multi-spectral observation and precise target acquisition in nighttime and no-light environments.
Equipped with a long-range laser rangefinder, GPS/BeiDou dual-positioning, and a high-accuracy electronic compass, the SOTTC series enables users to accurately detect, identify, measure, and locate targets under demanding operational conditions.
Key Features of SOTTC Thermal Binocular
- High-resolution 640×512 thermal detector (12 μm)
- Integrated visible-light camera for multispectral fusion
- Long-range 1535 nm eye-safe laser rangefinder
- GPS & BeiDou dual-satellite positioning
- High-sensitivity electronic compass
- Binocular viewing for enhanced comfort and depth perception
- Built-in recording, WiFi transmission, and onboard storage
- IP67 waterproof design for harsh environments
Technical Specifications – SOTTC-640-55
Imaging Performance
| Parameter | Thermal | Visible Light |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 640 × 512 / 12 μm | 2592 × 1944 / 2.0 μm |
| Objective Lens | 55 mm F1.0 | 25 mm F1.8 |
| Field of View | 7.94° × 6.37° | 11.8° × 8.9° |
| Frame Rate | 25 Hz | 30 Hz |
| NETD | ≤ 50 mK @ 300 K | — |
Detection Range (Human)
- Identification: 650 m (thermal) / 900 m (visible)
- Recognition: 1300 m (thermal) / 1800 m (visible)
- Detection: 5200 m (thermal) / 7100 m (visible)
Laser Ranging & Navigation
- Laser Wavelength: 1535 nm (eye-safe)
- Max Measuring Range: Human 2300 m / Vehicle 5000 m
- Measuring Accuracy: ±0.5 m to ±2 m
- Positioning: GPS & BeiDou dual positioning
- Electronic Compass: Supported
System & Environment
- Display: 0.39″ OLED, 1024 × 768
- Observation Mode: Binocular
- Eye Relief: 30 mm
- Battery: Four 18650 batteries
- Standby Time: ≥ 6 h
- Storage: 64 GB onboard memory
- Interfaces: USB-C / HDMI
- Transmission: WiFi
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
- Weight: ≤ 1350 g
- Operating Temperature: −25 °C to +55 °C