Guide TD210 is a small, ergonomic, entry-level thermal monocular. Although there are some other models on the market which might be smaller, this device is priced very competitively at 539 Euros. With this price point, Guide is targeting first-time buyers who may be looking for the cheapest option available. This makes the TD210 an attractive option for those looking to get the most for their money.
Without much competition in the 500-euro price range, Guide decided to start manufacturing products at this level. The TD210, with its ten-millimeter lens, is designed to compete directly against the Hikmicro LC06 which has a smaller 6-millimeter lens.
Guide thermal imaging
Guide was one of the first brands of thermal optics from China to be sold in Europe. A few years ago, I remember seeing their products at IWA affairs. At that time, Infiray and Hikmicro were not yet present on the European market.
Since that, Guide wasn’t active in Europe in the field of marketing. However, they came out with quite a few new products in 2022, which are very interesting. They released new Thermo binoculars and the TD series of thermal monoculars.
There are four models in the TD series:
Physical properties of TD210
The TD210’s housing is made from plastic, as you would expect given its 500-euro price tag. This thermal monocular is approximately 14 centimeters long and about four and a half centimeters wide and seven and a half centimeters high.
Battery
The device is powered by one 18650 battery. The 18650 quickly interchangeable battery is what gives Guide the edge over its competition. Pulsar utilized this same approach with their Axions, which are much more costly, indicating that this is the correct approach. There’s no need for an external power bank or anything else of the sort. With one extra battery in your pocket, you’ll never run out of power.
The TD210 also has a handy power indicator located at the top of the device. For me, this is an important feature. According to Guide, the TD210 has a battery life of eight hours.
The startup time is approximately five seconds. Ready-to-use time is around eight seconds.
The device can also be powered by a type C external power bank, even though I don’t think that’s necessary. With the device, you get a battery charger, so there’s no need to use the power bank.
Sensor
The sensor is a highly sensitive Vanadium oxide sensor with a resolution of 256×192 and a 12-micron pixel pitch. Its main downside is that it has a somewhat slow refresh rate at 25 hertz.
The display at the rear of the device is an OLED screen, with a resolution of 1280×960. So, the screen is large and also very easy to use even if you wear glasses, which is a great feature for a device that only costs 500 euros.
TD210 thermal monocular also has an automatic calibration mode.
Menu
The TD210 has a button for each menu option:
- brightness,
- sensor modes, and
- magnification.
The latter begins at 1.8 times, but it also has four times digital zoom. Additionally, there is an on/off button. As far as color modes go, the TD210 has five different settings.
The bottom line is that the TD210 thermal monocular was created for those with basic needs. It feature a Wi-Fi to send real-time video to your smartphone, but you can’t record videos or take images with it. Despite this lack of features, Guide did manage to put a high-quality sensor and screen inside the device at the lowest costs possible so that it would be affordable for all users.
Optical performance
The TD210 has a 10-millimeter lens with a fast aperture of F1. When you look through it, the image quality is not as good as what you would get from more expensive monoculars on the market, but it is still decent. Additionally, the monocular doesn’t have adjustable focus, but there is a special button next to the eyepiece that allows you to set the diopter which works well. For 500 euros, this product offers more than just an average experience.
The field of view is around 300 meters at 100 meters, and it can detect objects from 400 meters away.
Scope of delivery
With the TD210 you’re getting:
- a manual,
- a nice carrying pouch made from neoprene,
- charging cables,
- one 18650 battery,
- the charger for the battery and
- an additional eyepiece (The additional eyepiece is better for those not wearing glasses.)
Guide TD210 price and warranty
The TD210 thermal monocular, as I mentioned before, is manufactured in China. It has a two-year warranty and retails for 529 euros.
Pros
I appreciate the interchangeable battery in the TD210–it’s a rare feature to find on devices that cost 500 euros.
I also appreciate the type of battery they chose because it provides the device with eight hours of battery life, as per their claim. We will put it to the test, but from what I’ve seen so far, I don’t think that’s too far from the truth.
I also appreciate the display; it is much superior to any other device in its price range. Furthermore, the form factor is excellent.
In this class, you are getting the best sensor and screen for your money. If you want something equal or better, be prepared to spend at least 200-300 euros more.
Pros summary:
- interchangeable battery
- the display is excellent and superior to other devices in its price range
- the sensor is high quality and provides great value for the money
Cons
The device’s size and lack of adjustable focus are both shortcomings. Although, it might not be reasonable to have an adjustable focus on a 10-millimeter lens.
TD210 doesn’t have image-taking and video-recording capabilities, which Guide should include in this device. They cut costs by omitting these features.
While plastic housing isn’t as good as magnesium, it’s understandable given that this product only costs 500 euros.
The TD210 has a refresh rate of 25 hertz, which causes issues when trying to pan the scene. A better way would be 50 hertz.
Cons summary:
- no adjustable focus
- only 25-hertz refresh rate
- no image–taking or video–recording capabilities
- plastic housing
Guide TD210 vs Hikmicro Lynx LC06
The Hikmicro Lynx LC06 and Guide LD210 are both priced around the same, with the LC06 being 60 euros cheaper. The Lynx has a smaller six-millimeter objective lens, a smaller sensor, and a display. I believe that the TD2010 is a much better product–especially when you consider factors such as a better sensor and display along with interchangeable batteries–all for only 60 euros more. For first-time buyers, I would say TD210 is the device to go for.
Guide TD210 vs Hikmicro Lynx LE10
Hikmicro also has a device called Lynx LE10, which is very similar to the TD210. Though it has the same sensor, similar lens, and similar internal display, LE10 costs 200 euros more; retailing at 700 euros. LE10 is a little bit smaller and more compact than TD210 but it doesn’t have an interchangeable battery. The TD210 device is a better choice in this category, but it cannot capture videos or images like the Hikmicro LE10 does.
If you need video capabilities, go with a LE10. If not, opt for the TD210; you get the same image quality but save 200 euros. Plus, you get the device with an interchangeable battery.
Guide TD210 vs Flir Scout TK
The Flir TK is an older device, and the TD210 completely surpasses it in every way imaginable with a better sensor, lens, display, and interchangeable battery.
Guide TD210 vs Dali S1
Dali S1 is a thermal device that costs more than TD210, has a worse sensor, and has an internal display with a lower resolution. S1 is a different device with a different form factor. I don’t think Dali S1 thermal monocular is worth 680 euros.
Final Thoughts
The TD210 is a great option if you’re looking to buy your first thermal monocular and don’t want to spend too much money.
Normally, you shouldn’t compare the image quality to the models, which are double in price or more. TD210 performs well for picking up on movement at close to medium range. The 10-millimeter objective lens, 256×190 pixel sensor, and especially the 1280×960 pixel display with an interchangeable battery are all impressive features for such a low price point. If you’re looking to spend around five hundred euros, the TD210 is a great option.
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