Recently, HIKMICRO introduced the second generation of their thermal imaging attachment Thunder 2.0. Similar to the first generation in the Thunder series, in the second generation HIKMICRO offers a wide range of devices with various sensor sizes, lens focal lengths, thermal sensitivities, different ways of focusing, and detection ranges. The entire series of Thunder 2.0 thermal imaging attachments includes 8 different devices, allowing each hunter to find something that suits their hunting style and budget.
In our recent test, we evaluated a model positioned in the middle of the range. The Thunder 2.0 TH35 features a sensor and lens focal length that are mid-range both in terms of performance and price. It incorporates all technical solutions at the same level as the more expensive TQ35/TQ50 models. That’s why it is reasonable to assume that most customers will opt for this model.
Interested in Hikmicro Thunder 2.0 TH35?
Like many other thermal imaging attachment manufacturers, HIKMICRO also markets the Thunder 2.0 series as devices with dual-purpose use. For this purpose, you can purchase the Thunder 2.0 Eyepiece monocular attachment, which transforms the attachment into a thermal imaging monocular for observation. This feature works well, and when the monocular attachment is installed, the device can indeed be used in this role. Furthermore, unlike other manufacturers, the Thunder 2.0 series allows you to select an option in the settings that changes certain functions specific to the attachment or monocular version. Thus, the device enables dual use, and its sophistication allows switching between both variants seamlessly during hunting, similar to the Pulsar Krypton 2 series, which we aimed to confirm in our test.
Tehnical data of Thunder 2.0 TH35
| Sensor | 384×288 pix. 12 µm NETD <20 mK |
| Objective lens | F35/1.0 |
| Magnification | Optical magnification 1x |
| Field of view | 13,1 m/100 m 7,5° |
| Detection range | 1800 m |
| Display | OLED 1024×768 |
| Power supply | Li-ion battery Operating time up to 10.5 h USB – C connector |
| Dimensions | 186x68x67 mm 538 g |
| Working temperature range | IP67 -30° do +55° |
| Video/photo | Resolution: 720×576 Format: mp4 / .jpg 16 GB internal memory |
Image quality
The image quality of Thunder 2.0 TH35 is very good. Of course, it cannot be compared to devices with a 50 mm focal length lenses. However, the combination of a 35mm focal length lens, a 384×288 resolution sensor, 12 µm pixel pitch, and NETD <20mK provides a picture that allows us to recognize and assess all types of game that can be hunted at night in our area.
We estimate that we could reliably assess the sex of wild boars at distances typical for hunting at bait sites, and even further under good weather conditions. The quality of the thermal imaging display plays a significant role in displaying a high-quality image. This is especially important in thermal imaging attachments, as increasing the optical magnification of the rifle scope brings the image on the screen closer, inevitably resulting in a somewhat “pixelated image.” The Thunder 2.0 TH35 has a 1024×768 pixel resolution screen, and during shooting, we could use the rifle scope magnification up to about 6x, but at higher magnifications, the image became noticeably “stretched.”
The image on HIKMICRO devices appears quite different compared to Pulsar’s, at first glance seeming more contrasted, with warm objects standing out more aggressively against the background, almost as if outlined. However, we felt that the image didn’t provide as much detail of the target itself and somewhat resembled an animated film rather than a live image of an animal.
THUNDER 2.0 TH35 accurately depicts objects such as trees, bushes, high stands, field paths, hay bales, and other elements found in the hunting area, allowing reliable orientation and distance estimation based on prior knowledge of the terrain.
Even under challenging conditions for thermal imaging devices (fog, rain, high humidity), the Thunder 2.0 TH35 effectively displayed warm objects in the environment. Detail in the surroundings was slightly reduced, as was the detection range. However, at shooting distances up to 100 m, live animals could still be distinguished well enough to identify the species and ensure a safe shot.
The thermal image display on the screen can be set to four different colors: White Hot, Black Hot, Red Hot, and Fusion. While having only four color options might seem limited, during testing, we did not feel this was a drawback. We primarily used White Hot to clearly see the reticle in our riflescope when aiming at targets. Occasionally, when using the device as a monocular, we switched to Black Hot mode, which sometimes offered more detail on the target itself.
Battery
With the second generation of Thunder attachments, HIKMICRO has addressed one of the major limitations of the first series, which was the relatively low-capacity batteries that significantly restricted usage time.
For the 2.0 series, they have introduced a completely new battery pack that is installed on the side of the device. The battery replacement system is straightforward, and once familiarized with it, batteries can be changed even in complete darkness. Some may have been surprised that HIKMICRO did not opt for using traditional 18650 batteries, as used in nearly all their other devices. While these are inexpensive and widely available, the Thunder 2.0 attachments come with 2 batteries in the package, providing a total of more than 20 hours of usage.
In need of an additional battery?
The batteries can be charged via the USB-C port on the attachment or with the included charger. The device can also operate without a battery when connected to an external portable USB power bank.
Ergonomics and Device Operation
When it comes to ergonomics for use as a thermal imaging attachment, the Thunder 2.0 TH35 meets expectations. The arrangement of command buttons and focus adjustment rings on the top of the device allows for use by both left-handed and right-handed individuals. The button functions are standard and well-known from most thermal imaging devices. We may have missed the option to reduce the menu size, which would have been useful when using higher magnification on the rifle scope. While adjusting X and Y values during screen calibration, we encountered a challenge because despite the slight magnification of 2.5x on the rifle scope, we couldn’t see the Y values. We solved this issue by connecting the device to a smartphone and adjusting the values through the phone. This is a completely adequate solution but slightly more complicated and requires a user with some technical proficiency.
During use, we never encountered any errors. The HIKMICRO Sight application also worked flawlessly.
In operational mode as a thermal imaging monocular, the Thunder 2.0 TH35 is more difficult to operate. It is evident that it was not developed for such use, and HIKMICRO has developed several significantly better dedicated monoculars for this purpose.
Using Hikmicro Thunder 2.0 TH35 as a thermal attachment
The primary purpose of the Thunder 2.0 TH35 is having it attached on the objective lens of a riflescope, transforming our daytime optics into a thermal imaging riflescope.
HIKMICRO does not specify the exact magnifications of rifle scopes that should be used with the attachment. During testing, we experimented extensively and usually did not go over 6x magnification. At higher magnifications, the image became increasingly pixelated and blurry, while the field of view significantly narrowed. Although it is possible to shoot at higher magnifications, it would be essentially shooting at a more or less indistinct silhouette, with very limited visibility of what is happening around the target. Neither of these scenarios aligns with hunting safety. Magnifications greater than 6x are usually unnecessary for hunting wild boars at night, as the targets are quite large and the distances are short.
With the second generation of Thunder 2.0 thermal attachments, HIKMICRO has also changed the adapters for mounting on the rifle scope’s objective lens. Unlike the adapters from the first generation of Thunder thermal attachments, which included inserts to adjust to various outer dimensions of the rifle scope’s objective lens, the adapters for Thunder 2.0 are made for a specific objective size and cannot be adjusted to different rifle scopes. This likely contributes to the precision and repeatability of the point of impact when removing and reattaching, but it is not as versatile as the first generation, where one adapter could be used for multiple rifle scopes on several rifles. When searching for a suitable adapter for our test rifle scope, we were unpleasantly surprised to find that HIKMICRO does not offer adapter sizes for all types of rifle scopes, but only for those with objective outer dimensions of (30, 40, 42, 44, 50, 56, 58, and 62 mm). Note that the designation in the adapter’s name (e.g., 50A) actually refers to the exact outer dimension of the rifle scope’s objective lens and not to a group of scopes with a 50mm objective lens that can be adjusted by a few millimeters.
In such a situation, we turned to a proven and reliable solution in the form of an adapter from the Slovenian company SMARTCLIP, which offers adapters in various sizes with 1mm increments. This allows for the selection of an adapter that will fit the exact outer dimensions of the objective lens on our rifle scope, ensuring uncompromised accuracy and repeatability of shots when removing and reattaching the thermal attachment. Since HIKMICRO has transitioned to standard M52*0.75mm threads with the Thunder 2.0 generation, we did not need a reducing ring for installing the SMARTCLIP adapter. The adapter installation was quick, and with the included key, we securely attached the adapter to the device. Mounting onto the rifle scope’s objective lens was straightforward, fast, and due to the thoughtful design of the SMARTCLIP adapters, no parts protruded from the combination that could catch on anything.
The thermal attachments of the Thunder 2.0 series are, according to the manufacturer, already properly calibrated and do not require additional alignment with the axis of the rifle scope. However, it is the moral duty of every hunter to check before use whether the shots with the thermal attachment installed actually hit the same aiming point as when shooting without the attachment.
If, for any reason, the shot group deviates from the aiming point after installing the thermal attachment, the Thunder 2.0 allows for adjustments in elevation and windage, with a click value of approximately 25mm for each changed value on the X or Y axis.
Adjustments are made using the commands in the “Calibrate Image” menu. In this menu, you can set values for five profiles (A, B, C, D, and E), or five different rifles on which the attachment will be used. If it happens that the shots are not on the desired spot for the selected profile after a test shoot, you change the X and Y values until the point of impact is moved to the desired position. It is important to save each change in the X and Y values with the command “Save the parameters YES” as the values are not saved automatically when exiting the menu.
Increasing the X value will move the shots to the right, while increasing the Y value will move the shots up.
The menu also allows for a correction system of the point of impact using the image freeze method. After shooting a control group, you need to freeze the image while aiming at the target, then adjust the X and Y coordinates to move the crosshair on the attachment display to the center of the control group. Upon confirming the new settings, the attachment will automatically adjust so that future shots hit the desired point.
When using thermal and digital night vision devices, it is wise to record the X and Y values once the device is sighted to the desired point of impact. This allows for periodic checks to ensure that the settings are correct or to identify any unwanted changes that might affect your shots. These recorded values will also be useful if the settings are automatically reset to factory defaults due to software updates.
Just as it is important to have the thermal attachment properly calibrated, it is equally important that the adapter used to attach it to the riflescope’s objective lens prevents any movement of the attachment. With some attachments, movement can cause a shift in the point of impact. Although our previous testing at the shooting range has shown that a properly calibrated attachment (like the Pulsar Krypton 2) can be mounted off-axis on the riflescope’s objective without changing the point of impact, the attachment must be securely mounted for practical reasons, such as preventing it from falling off. A poorly secured attachment can fall off during field use or when shooting larger calibers, where the recoil gradually causes the attachment to slide forward on the objective and eventually fall off the rifle.
In our case, the Smartclip adapter performed flawlessly as usual. We regularly removed and reattached the device to the riflescope’s objective without any changes in the point of impact. Since we used the Thunder 2.0 TH35 in both roles, as an attachment and a monocular, we had to frequently switch between the Smartclip adapter and the HIKMICRO Thunder 2.0 Eyepiece monocular attachment. We ensured that each time we reattached the adapter, we tightened it similarly and applied the same force when securing the lock nut.
Based on our tests at the range and in the field, we can assert that the HIKMICRO Thunder 2.0 TH35 is an excellent thermal attachment, allowing for ethical and safe hunting at distances typical for wild boar hunting and, where permitted, for foxes, jackals, martens, and badgers.
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Using Hikmicro Thunder 2.0 TH35 as a monocular
During testing, we also intensively tested the HIKMICRO Thunder 2.0 TH35 as a monocular for observation. We wanted to see how quickly and easily the device could be used in both modes—first for observing the surroundings and then, if needed, swiftly and quietly mounting it on the riflescope for shooting. Theoretically, this would allow us to use one device for night hunting almost as effectively as having two separate thermal imaging devices for observation and shooting.
All devices in the Thunder 2.0 series use the Thunder 2.0 Eyepiece monocular attachment, which needs to be screwed onto the device in the same way as the adapter. This means that both cannot be used simultaneously, unlike with the Pulsar Krypton 2 attachments.
To convert the Thunder 2.0 from a monocular to a scope attachment, you first need to unscrew the Thunder 2.0 Eyepiece, then screw on the Smartclip adapter, secure it with the lock nut, and attach it to the riflescope’s objective. This procedure is certainly not easy to perform in the dark, especially from a high hunting stand, even with practice. It might be feasible when waiting for wild boar in a stand, as they do not move much while feeding and could likely be quickly relocated in the field of view after mounting the device on the riflescope. However, even in such cases, the metallic sounds of unscrewing and screwing attachments would quickly scare off these always alert animals. There is even less chance of successfully performing this procedure and then capturing the target in the field of view when hunting jackals, foxes, and other constantly moving predators.
We can say that Thunder 2.0 cannot be used simultaneously in two roles in this way. However, during testing and while searching for some improvised solutions, we found that for observing the surroundings, the Thunder 2.0 Eyepiece monocular attachment is not necessarily needed. Thunder 2.0 offers an option in the menu to select the mode in which we want to use the device. In the attachment mode (Clip on), only a small portion of the screen is active, which is magnified and enlarged as we zoom in on the riflescope. In monocular mode, the entire screen activates, allowing us to see the image well enough for observing the surroundings even without the Thunder 2.0 Eyepiece attached.
This allowed us to have the Smartclip adapter attached to the device and observe the surroundings in monocular mode. When needed, we could quickly mount the device on the riflescope’s objective and secure it with the lever, which can be done quickly and, importantly, quietly. It’s important to note, however, that without the Thunder 2.0 Eyepiece attached, we cannot adjust the diopter, and if we have poor near vision, this option for using Thunder 2.0 is not suitable, as the image on the screen will be too blurry.
During the change of operating mode of the device (monocular or add on) it is important to make the mode selection switch in the menu while the device is still in the previous mode of operation. Transitioning from add on mode to monocular mode should be done while the device is still mounted on the riflescope’s objective, as otherwise, with the naked eye, we won’t see the text in the main menu well enough and could potentially mix up the settings. Similarly, it is necessary to switch the device from monocular mode to add on mode before mounting it on the riflescope’s objective, as the screen, already magnified due to the riflescope’s optical zoom, will be further enlarged otherwise.
Despite some improvisation finding a way to use the Thunder 2.0 in both roles, it is important to emphasize that its use as a monocular is quite limited for the following reasons:
- The device’s field of view is only 7.5° or 13m, which is not bothersome when measuring through a rifle scope, but every meter of the field of view matters significantly when surveying the surroundings.
- With the Thunder 2.0 Eyepiece monocular attachment installed, the device is quite long and cumbersome to carry in a pocket. Especially when compared to some HIKMICRO dedicated thermal monoculars, which are much more ergonomically designed.
- The device’s housing is not at all constructed for use as a monocular. For instance, there is no place on the housing to attach a strap for carrying the device around the neck. It would again require improvisation, such as screwing a bolt with a loop into one of the three 1/4″ threads located on the bottom of the device. However, this is another improvisation that indicates that the engineers did not consider monocular use when developing the Thunder 2.0 series.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we would like to highlight some technical solutions that we found very useful during testing.
- The image focusing button on the top of the device is equally accessible to both left-handed and right-handed users.
- The new battery compartment is powerful and thoughtfully designed, making battery management hassle-free.
- The ability to store shooting parameters in five different profiles (A, B, C, D, and E) allows for the use of different rifles, ammunition, or adjustments for shooting at various distances.
- The use of a standard M52*0.75mm thread eliminates the need for a reduction ring to attach to the adapter.
- The capability of automatic recording 7 seconds before and 7 seconds after the shot.
We would also like to commend the device’s resistance to weather conditions. Rain and high humidity did not harm the device. We used the device in quite cold environments around -14°C on a few outings, which did not significantly reduce battery life nor affect the device’s operating speed.
We can confidently recommend the HIKMICRO Thunder 2.0 TH35 thermal imaging attachment to customers looking for a thermal attachment for a rifle scope. With its excellent and detailed image quality, it allows for the final assessment of game before shooting without difficulty, and it provides a sufficiently precise view of the surroundings and background for a safe shot.
The Thunder 2.0 was somewhat less impressive in its role as a thermal monocular. Although HIKMICRO’s offering is technically feasible, it is implemented in such a way that it does not allow simultaneous use in both modes during hunting without improvisation.
Therefore, we mainly recommend the purchase to hunters who already have a standalone thermal monocular for observing the surroundings and wish to convert their daytime optics into a thermal rifle scope with the Thunder 2.0 TH35.
Interested in Hikmicro Thunder 2.0 TH35?
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