This blog post focuses on the new thermal monocular from Pard, the Leopard 640, which comes equipped with an integrated laser rangefinder and a 35 mm objective lens.
Pard Leopard 640 LE6-35 LRF Thermal Monocular Review
Pard Leopard Series
Pard, a Chinese company, began its journey in optoelectronics research in 2010. In 2017, the official Pard trademark was registered, marking the launch of their night vision clip-on device. This product quickly gained popularity due to its commendable optical performance offered at a highly affordable price point.
Pard has significantly expanded its product range over the years, including a strong focus on thermal imaging technology in recent years. The Leopard series, introduced at the 2024 IWA Fair in Germany, represents the company’s latest and most advanced thermal monoculars.
The series offers six different models, featuring either a 480×360-pixel sensor or a higher-resolution 640×512-pixel sensor. Models with the lower-resolution sensor are available with 25 mm or 35 mm lenses, while the higher-resolution variant is currently offered exclusively with a 35 mm lens. Both resolutions are available with or without an integrated laser rangefinder, resulting in a total of six distinct configurations:
- Pard Leopard 480 LE4-25
- Pard Leopard 480 LE4-25 LRF
- Pard Leopard 480 LE4-35
- Pard Leopard 480 LE4-35 LRF
- Pard Leopard 640 LE6-35
- Pard Leopard 640 LE6-35 LRF
Physical Properties of the Pard Leopard
The Pard Leopard series stands out with its excellent ergonomics and compact design. The device is particularly slim, especially in the upper part, making it comfortable to hold and use. Without the integrated laser rangefinder, it is exceptionally lightweight and slim. The addition of the laser rangefinder slightly increases the width, but the device remains compact and fits well in the hand.
The button layout is thoughtfully designed, with four buttons positioned on the top of the device for easy and intuitive operation.
The Pard Leopard is built to perform in extreme conditions, with an operating temperature range from -30°C to 55°C. The device measures 169 mm in length, 58 mm in width, and 48 mm in height, maintaining its compact profile even with the laser rangefinder.
Another notable feature is its low weight. At just 360 grams (including the battery), it is only 10 grams heavier than the latest Pulsar Compact devices equipped with a 35 mm lens. This weight difference is impressive, especially considering the addition of the integrated laser rangefinder, showcasing the Leopard’s efficient design.
Housing and Build Quality
The Pard Leopard is constructed from a combination of durable aluminum alloy and composite materials, ensuring robustness and longevity. The buttons are made of hard rubber, providing both durability and a comfortable tactile feel. The device is rated with an IP67 protection standard, making it completely dustproof and capable of withstanding immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for at least 30 minutes.
The ocular features soft rubber construction, offering a comfortable and secure fit. This design effectively blocks external light when observing through the device and prevents light from emitting outward, making it ideal for night use.
The diopter adjustment is crafted from aluminum with a textured surface for a secure grip. Its stiffness ensures the settings remain unchanged during transport, minimizing the risk of accidental adjustments.
On the right side, the device includes a practical carrying strap for ease of use. For models equipped with the laser rangefinder (LRF), the LRF is also located on the right side. The non-LRF versions lack this feature, resulting in a slimmer and more pocket-friendly design.
The front of the device includes a focusing ring, enabling precise adjustments for objects at varying distances. Additionally, the 35 mm objective lens is protected by a hard rubber cover, enhancing durability and ease of maintenance.
On the left side of the device are the battery compartment button, power button, micro SD card slot for photo and video storage, USB-C port for charging and wired connections, and an HDMI output for connecting to external devices.
Battery and charging
The Pard Leopard uses a standard interchangeable 18650 battery with a 3200 mAh capacity, providing up to six hours of runtime under optimal conditions. The battery compartment, located on the left side, opens easily with a button, and the battery can be removed using a strap. The device supports direct charging via a USB-C port. While a charging adapter is not included, there is one original Pard battery included. Additional batteries are affordable and widely available, making it easy to carry spares for extended use.
The device features a power indicator, both on the display and with LED lights—green for power and red during charging, flashing until fully charged. A sleep mode allows users to conserve battery life by turning off the display when not in use, extending runtime beyond six hours.
Buttons and menu
The button placement on the Pard Leopard is designed for comfort and ease of use. The four buttons on top perform multiple functions, which may feel overwhelming at first, particularly for new or older users. However, the menu is intuitive, supporting quick clicks, long presses, and double-clicks for various operations, making it user-friendly once accustomed to the controls.
Optical Properties of the Pard Leopard
The Pard Leopard features a 35 mm objective lens with a base magnification of 2.2x and a digital zoom of up to 8x, providing a total magnification range from 2.2x to 17.6x. At the lowest magnification, the field of view is 21.8 x 17.4 meters at 100 meters, making it suitable for short to medium ranges and even some longer distances.
The close focus capability ranges from 3 meters to infinity, ensuring versatility across various observation scenarios. Additionally, the device is designed for comfortable use with glasses, accommodating a wide range of users.
Sensor and Performance
The Pard Leopard is equipped with an uncooled VOX sensor with a resolution of 640×512 pixels, a 12μm pixel pitch, and a 50Hz refresh rate. With a NETD of less than 20mK, the device delivers excellent detail and clarity, even in challenging thermal imaging conditions.
The device features a mechanical shutter for sensor calibration, which can be set to automatic or shutterless mode in the settings. In shutterless mode, calibration occurs seamlessly and quickly, likely handled by integrated software, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
Display and Recording Features
The Pard Leopard features an HD AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals. While the device allows for video and photo recording, it lacks internal storage and requires a micro SD card for saving content. This is a notable downside, as most devices in this category come with built-in storage. Though micro SD cards are affordable and widely available, their omission from the package means users must purchase one separately. Including an SD card would allow immediate use upon purchase.
The device records photos and videos in 1440×1080 pixels resolution. Additional features include scene modes, such as city, rain, and forest, which optimize image quality for different environments.
In the field testing with Pard Leopard 640 LE6-35 LRF
Additional Features
- Six color modes/palettes: white hot, black hot, edge, red hot, iron hot, and sky.
- Large display for comfortable viewing with high detail and resolution.
- Wi-Fi connectivity with settings managed through the Pard Vision 2 app (you can change and view the password through the app, but not on the device)
- Quick startup time of approximately six seconds.
- Can connect to smartphones via Wi-Fi, USB Type-C cable, or micro HDMI port.
Laser Rangefinder (LRF)
The Pard Leopard’s laser rangefinder has a maximum range of 1000 meters and a minimum range of 5 meters, with an accuracy of ± 1 meter. When activated, the laser continuously provides measurements every 1 to 2 seconds until deactivated. However, this feature can drain the battery quickly if left on. A useful improvement would be the option to set a timer (e.g., 5, 10, or 15 seconds) for automatic shutdown, but this feature is not currently available. The measurement speed is typically fast, taking about one second, although it slows slightly for distances over 600 meters. For larger reflective objects, the speed remains at approximately one second. Additionally, while the device displays inclination (upwards or downwards), it does not calculate the horizontal distance for precise shot placement, which could be particularly useful in mountainous terrain.
Price and warranty
The Pard Leopard 640 LE6-35 LRF has an MSRP of approximately 1799 €, with the version without a laser rangefinder priced at around 1699 €. Manufactured entirely in China at Pard’s own facility, the device comes with a three-year warranty. A notable advantage is that the service department is located in the EU, ensuring quicker turnaround times for any necessary repairs.
What’s Included in the Box?
- Pard Leopard thermal monocular
- Carrying strap for the device
- Charging and data cable
- Warranty card
- Quick start guide in multiple languages
Positives
One of the standout features of this device is its form factor and weight, especially the non-laser rangefinder model. Its compact design allows it to fit easily into most pockets and comfortably into the hand. The build quality is also impressive, with a solid construction using high-quality aluminum alloy. The buttons are well-made, contributing to the overall premium feel of the device. Additionally, the option to choose between models with or without the laser rangefinder provides flexibility, allowing users to opt for a more compact device if the rangefinder is not needed, while also saving a bit of cost. The battery life is another positive aspect, with the device offering up to six hours of use. The batteries are widely available and easy to replace, ensuring that users can continue using the device without much hassle.
Room for Improvement
At a price of 2,000€ without the laser rangefinder and 2,300€ with it, this device competes directly with the Pulsar Axion Compact XG35. A slightly lower price point would make it more competitive in the market.
The buttons with their the numerous functions can be overwhelming, especially for new users. The laser rangefinder could also benefit from additional settings, such as the option to set a specific measurement duration or to take a single measurement rather than continuous ones. Finally, the device lacks internal storage, requiring users to purchase a microSD card separately.
Final Thoughts
The Pard Leopard 640 LE6-35 LRF Thermal Monocular is a solid option for those seeking a compact, high-performance device with an integrated laser rangefinder. Its lightweight design, excellent build quality, and impressive battery life make it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts. While the price, button complexity, and lack of internal storage are areas for improvement, the overall performance and features make it a competitive offering in its class.
