Hikmicro Thunder TH35C Thermal Imaging Review | Optics Trade Reviews

By Maja Pahič Oct 18, 2022

The Hikmicro Thunder TH35C is a thermal clip-on device, one of the five models available in the Thunder series.

Other clip-on models in the Thunder series are:

Hikmicro or Hikvision?

Hikmicro was formerly known as Hikvision and is a large manufacturer of security technology, including CCTV and similar systems. With their thermal optics, they’ve expanded into the outdoor and hunting markets as well. They began with thermal monoculars before eventually developing clip-on and thermal riflescopes.

The Thunder TH35C made quite a splash when it was released in 2020. Hikmicro’s first generation of thermal monoculars, called Owl, was not very good. But since 2018, when they were renamed from Hikvision to Hikmicro, they have been improving steadily and are now much better quality. The Thunder clip-on devices were the first indicators that they are a major player.

You can buy Thunder devices either as a clip-on or as a standalone riflescope.

Hikmicro also produces thermal devices for a variety of other manufacturers. As a result, you may get the same device under several names.

Physical Properties of Hikmicro Thunder 35C

First, let’s discuss the physical attributes. Thunder TH35C thermal clip-on is large, nearly 18 centimeters long, and six centimeters wide. Additionally, it is quite hefty, weighing more than 300 grams without batteries.

It has two tripod threads, which may be used to mount it on a Picatinny rail or any other mounting surface since Thunder TH35C can also be found as a standalone riflescope. As a result, this mounting mechanism is required.

The objective lens of the Thunder 35C has a diameter of 35 millimeters, with an aperture of f/1 and a smooth focusing ring. The magnesium casing is well made. It’s also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about any damage if it gets wet.

Battery

The Thunder TH35C is powered by two CR123A batteries, similar to the old Core models made by Pulsar. However, this is not the best option available, and I will write more about this later in this review.

The startup time of this device is approximately seven seconds. Ready-to-use time is a little bit longer.

Please check our real start-up time article

Check out the real start up time of this device

Read our blog post for more information on real start-up times for thermal devices. Our data may differ from what the manufacturers claim, but it’s worth investigating.

Please check our battery life article

Check out the real battery life of this device

Hikmicro claims the battery on the Thunder TH35C lasts four hours.

Recording capabilities

The Thunder 35C thermal clip-on camera has both image and video recording capabilities. It also connects to your phone via Wi-Fi, so you can see what’s going on in real-time.

Sensor

The sensor is a vanadium oxide sensor with 384×288 resolution. The Hikmicro Thunder TH35C model has a pixel pitch of 17 microns, whereas the Hikmicro Thunder Pro TH35PC model’s pixel pitch is 12 microns. It’s tough to decide which is better because there are pros and cons to both, and a clear winner isn’t evident. The refresh rate on the Thunder TH35C is 50 Hz.

NETD

Hikmicro states that Thunder TH35C NETD is lower than 35 mK. For those who don’t know, NETD stands for how sensitive the sensor is and how well details will be seen.

Hikmicro produces its thermal cores independently, which is special in this industry because most other companies need to buy cores from another supplier.

Display

The display is an OLED one that can function in temperatures as low as minus 20°C and as high as 50°C. Its resolution is 1024×768, which meets industry standards. It might not be the best on the market, but it’s more than satisfactory.

In terms of menus, everything may be adjusted, from the contrast to color schemes. You can either calibrate your equipment manually or automatically – I suggest you go for the automatic option. It’s easier, but you have to be careful and not take the shot when calibration is in the process because then the image will be frozen, and you won’t be able to see anything.

Using Thunder TH35C as a Monocular or Clip-on

You may utilize Thunder TH35C as a monocular or clip-on, but it performs best as a clip-on. This isn’t the greatest example of how to implement this dual-function system, so if you’re going to buy one of these devices, I’d advise buying it only to use it as a clip-on.

Optical performance

Hikmicro Thunder TH35C features an adjustable focus. As previously stated, the magnification is one because it is a clip-on device. It has a field of view of 175 meters at 1000 meters and can detect targets up to 1,200 meters away.

In a monocular mode, you may also utilize four times digital zoom, but not when it’s in the clip-on mode because it wouldn’t work well with your riflescope.

If you’re using TH35C with a riflescope, I would avoid going above five times magnification. Four-times magnification is already pushing it. For the best results, two to three times magnification is probably ideal.

Thunder TH35C price and warranty

The Thunder TH35C is priced at 2200 euros. For this price, you’re likely getting the best image quality available.

The device is made in China, and it comes with a two years warranty.

Scope of delivery

You’ll receive the following items with the device:

big soft bag
charging cable type C
instruction manual in multiple languages
Two CR123A batteries
cleaning cloth
strap for the carry case

You may also purchase the following accessories for this clip-on:

Pros

What is it about the Thunder TH35C that I like? So, first and foremost, for 2200 euros, this device offers the highest image quality possible with a fast aperture 35-millimeter lens.

A key selling point for this product is the excellent build quality. The magnesium housing gives it a luxurious feel, and the focus works beautifully. Every detail has been carefully considered in the design of this product.

Another thing I appreciate is that you can connect it to your smartphone and use it to take images and record videos. I find it convenient that this clip-on can be attached to a Picatinny rail.

Overall, I’m very pleased with the device and appreciate its overall design. The bag that comes with the device is also full of accessories and is well-made. If the internal battery dies, you may connect this clip-on to an external power bank as well. This is something I’ll address in the sour section.

Pros summary:

high image quality
price
adjustable focus
great build quality
can be attached to your smartphone

Cons

There are a few things I don’t like about the Thunder TH35C. Anyone who’s ever used a thermal clip-on like Pulsar Core or anything similar knows that two CR123A batteries solution isn’t ideal. You’ll be replacing the batteries regularly. You can connect an additional power bank to it, but again, this isn’t the best solution.

Hikmicro could use fast interchangeable batteries as Pulsar does. They are already using this solution with their Gryphon series of fusion thermal and digital night vision monoculars, and I hope they will extend it to other devices soon.

I believe that even despite its well-finished design, Thunder TH35C is still rather hefty and lengthy.

I’m also not a fan of the adapters option. It works, and it doesn’t break, but it’s an overly complicated solution. It has all of these notches and a thread that goes in the counterclockwise direction, which is just too difficult and delicate. There would be no need for such a complicated system; instead, I believe that using a standard thread of 52 millimeters with an of 0.75 thread rate would be ideal.

The reducing rings that Rusan and Smartclip produce can be used with TH35C. Even though all these issues may be resolved, things might have been done better.

Other than that, I like the device. The battery and connection system of the adapters could be better, but for 2000 euros it’s a great deal.

Cons summary:

The battery system is not ideal, as it uses two CR123A batteries
The adapter system could be better, as it is overly complicated
The device is hefty and lengthy

Hikmicro Thunder TH35C vs Thunder TH35PC

The Thunder TH35C and the Thunder TH35PC are often compared, with people saying that the PC model is newer and therefore better. This isn’t necessarily true; while the PC model does have a different sensor, resulting in a slightly different field of view and working mode, it isn’t inherently better than the C model.

Although the PC is more expensive by 120 euros, it isn’t replacing the C model. It’s depends on what you need. For example, if you’re hunting foxes at a longer range, then Thunder TH35PC is better suited for that task. However, if your quarry are wild boars at close range while they’re feeding, then Thunder TH35C would be a wiser choice in that situation.

With that being said, you have to decide which one is better for your needs. A PC model isn’t necessarily always the better choice.

thunder th35pc — Hikmicro Thunder TH35PC thermal clip-on

Hikmicro Thunder TH35C vs Pulsar Proton

Let’s discuss the competition. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Thunder TH35C against its competitors?

The main rival of the Thunder TH35C is the Pulsar Proton. The first drawback of the Thunder device is that it is produced in China, whereas the Proton model is made in Europe – more particularly, Lithuania.

Disadvantage number two is that the Proton device is both smaller and lighter than the Hikmicro Thunder. Furthermore, Pulsar’s build quality appears to be better. Both devices come with a three-year warranty, but only Pulsar has service in Europe.

What are the benefits of choosing the Thunder TH35C? Because the Hikmicro has a larger lens with adjustable focus, you’ll have more image details than with Pulsar. Users who require greater image quality will go for the Hikmicro despite its weight, size, and not-so-good battery solution.

If you want to shoot a fox at 150 meters, then the Thunder device will offer you some advantages. This is something that many buyers consider before making their purchase.

Hikmicro Thunder TH35C vs Nitehog Viper

The Nitehog Viper is the second contender. This small, lightweight, and compact device is comparable to Pulsar in terms of size and weight. Like TH35C it features an adjustable focus, but it has a different sensor (320×240, 12-micron pixel pitch).

The TH35C and the Nitehog Viper are two completely different thermal devices. The TH35C is considerably less expensive than the Nitehog Viper, which costs around 800 euros more. The Viper is produced in Europe, but it lacks Wi-Fi capabilities. It’s orientated toward classic and conventional hunters.

Hikmicro Thunder TH35C vs Night Pearl Seer 35

The third competitor, the Night Pearl Seer 35, is very similar to the TH35C. In fact, it’s difficult to choose between the two because they’re both good products. However, do keep in mind that the Night Pearl costs almost 1,000 euros more than TH35C.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, the Thunder’s greatest appeal is its price, which is €2,200. In terms of image quality, few rivals can match it.

Overall, I believe that Hikmicro will become one of the leading companies in this field, based on their current progress. I’m confident that future generations of their devices will resolve issues with adapters and batteries, which will make them even more attractive to customers. Even now, this is probably one of the best buys in the 2000 euros price class, especially if you’re just looking at the image quality.