Hikmicro
Less than 5 years after Hikmicro has entered the world of sport optics, the company introduces brand new Gryphon devices with fusion technology. The steep advancement of Hikmicro comes as no surprise. The parental company Hikvison is a giant manufacturer of security solutions, including security cameras and thermal detectors.
Hikmicro Gryphon Fusion Thermal & Optical Scope (image source: Optics Info)
Physical Features
- compact, easy-grip design
- lightweight plastic housing
- 3 multi-purpose controls & wheel button
Hikmicro devices from the Gryphon series are surprisingly compact, considering the build has to accommodate for 3 lenses at the front. The biggest, thermal lens is available in 3 different specifications/focal lengths: GH25, GH35, and GQ35. The optical magnification, too, depends on the selected model.
Gryphon scopes were designed for single-handed operation. All must-have functions can be adjusted with three multi-purpose buttons fitted on top of the device. The first one is the ON button with a blue status light that lets you know whether the unit is powered on or in standby mode (which is accessed with a short press of the button).
Hikmicro Gryphon Fusion Thermal & Optical Scope (image source: Optics Info)
A thick plastic ridge separates the ON button from the two buttons that control the image. That ergonomic insert makes no-look adjustments a breeze. LRF button has can be used for distance readings and snapshots.
The last one is the Menu button that switches between color modes. A long press of the button will also activate the menu with advanced features. You’ll be able to browse through the settings with the jog wheel behind the buttons. Mid-action though, the jog wheel is there to control the digital zoom in an intuitive manner. It mimics optical scope.
As far as the build quality is concerned, it’s the hollow plastic housing that disappoints the most. Everything else, from the soft rubber lens caps to the padded hand strap is nicely done. The thread notch under the device means the imager can be mounted on a tripod for added ease of use. In all fairness, these models are only 480 to 510 grams and hand fatigue is minimal. The device is IP67-rated, so heavy rain and fog won’t be an issue.
The easy-grip bayonet cap keeps the battery compartment sealed and protected from water damage. The 3350 mAh removable battery lasts for about 4 hours. You’ll get a Nitecore UM2 charging station with 2 spare batteries included in the box. These batteries are also readily available in any store.
Optical & Thermal Imaging
Hikmicro markets “ground-breaking bi-spectrum“. In lanyard terms, the new Gryphons combine a conventional optical camera with thermal imaging. The result of this fusion is a highly-detailed rendering in all environmental conditions.
The user can switch between 3 imaging modes: fusion, thermal and optical. It’s good that users can use all three since they’ll all come in handy depending on the situation in the field. We found that it’s best to use thermal mode to detect and locate heat-emitting objects. Switching to optical mode then allows you to see the same object in greater detail.
Fusion image does both – shows temperature differences and preserves minor details.
Hikmicro Gryphon Thermal & Optical Fusion Scope (image source: Hikmicro)
Thermal Sensor
The thermal system is manufactured entirely by Hikmicro, including the VOx 12μm sensor. As we already mentioned, the parental company Hikvison is known for producing high-tech thermal devices for the security sector. In-house production from the ground up is good news in the mid-Covid world, where global supply chains have been cut too many times.
The thermal sensor has a resolution of 384×288 pixels. It’s very sensitive to minute temperature differences as it has a NETD factor of below 35 mK. That gives detailed thermal images in all weather conditions. Not only you’ll be able to access the trophy, but finer details like face recognition are also made possible.
The built-in magnification of the thermal sensor is 2x. Digital magnification options are 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x.
Hikmicro Gryphon Fusion Thermal & Optical Scope (image source: Optics Info)
Optical Sensor
The optical sensor captures images day and night. When used in a low-light environment, it operates as a digital night vision camera.
All imaging modes together guarantee a safer identification and responsible hunting than just relying on one view.
Hikmicro Gryphon Thermal & Optical Fusion Scope (image source: Hikmicro)
Screen
- display resolution of 1024x768px
- OLED type
- multiple color modes
- 50Hz frame frequency
The large 1024x768px OLED display shows bright images in sharp detail. There are 4 thermal color palettes to select from like Hot, Black Hot, Red Hot and Fusion.
The frequency of frames is set at 50Hz, the current standard in the private sector.
Advanced Features
- Wi-Fi hot spot
- 16GB internal memory
- video recording, photo capture
- optional built-in LRF
- T-Vision mobile app
Hikmicro Gryphon models with the letter “L” in the name have a built-in laser rangefinder. LRF models available as of 2021 are: GH25L, GH35L, GQ35L.
The LRF measuring range is up to 600 meters.
Hikmicro Gryphon Fusion Thermal & Optical Scope (image source: Optics Info)
Tech-savvy users can take snapshots and film video clips. All models come with 16GB of internal memory. If that’s not plenty of space to store media files, Hikmicro got you covered. The company announced T-Vision App will soon be available in an updated design.
In addition to easy file transfer. the mobile app also enables remote LRF activation and firmware upgrades.
Accessories in the Box
- Nitecore UM2 charging station
- Type-C USB cable
- 3350 mAh battery (2pcs)
- Hikmicro Gryphon quick start guide
Warranty Info
These devices are manufactured in China.
The warranty period on Hikmicro Gryphon devices is 2 years from purchase.
One of the advantages of choosing Hikmicro are repair centers located in the Netherlands and UK.
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