Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF Review- Optics Trade Reviews

About the PARD

PARD, a Chinese company specializing in optoelectronics, has been conducting research in the field since 2010. Officially established as a brand in 2017, PARD introduced its first night vision clip-on device, which quickly became popular due to its impressive optical performance and affordability.

Since then, PARD has expanded its product lineup to include a range of innovative devices, particularly excelling in thermal imaging technology. These advancements have positioned PARD as a leader in accessible, cutting-edge imaging solutions.

Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF Review

Pantera: A New Standard in Thermal Riflescopes

At the 2024 IWA Fair, PARD introduced the Pantera 640 thermal riflescope with an integrated laser rangefinder, marking a significant step forward in their product lineup. As the successor to the TS series, the Pantera retains the robust design of its predecessor while introducing key enhancements.

One of the standout upgrades is the new objective lens design. While the TS series featured options with 25mm, 35mm, and 45mm lenses, the Pantera debuts with a 50mm lens. The larger lens will provide greater base magnification, making it particularly suited for long-range hunting and detailed observation.

Equipped with advanced technology, the thermal riflescope features a 640 x 512-pixel sensor for sharper images and an improved NETD of 20 millikelvins, ensuring heightened sensitivity and performance in thermal detection.

Build and Physical Properties

The Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF is a thermal riflescope crafted from durable aluminum alloy. The only plastic component is the flip-up lens cover, which is easily replaceable if damaged. Its European-style eyepiece features a rubberized diopter adjustment for comfort and practicality.

The device accommodates users wearing glasses and includes a convenient rubber eyepiece..

The Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF is impressively lightweight for its class, especially considering its 50mm objective lens. The device’s dimensions are as follows:

Length: 364mm
Height: 93mm
Width: 82mm
Weight: 680 grams

With an IP67 rating, the Pantera is dustproof, waterproof (submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), and built to operate in extreme temperatures from -30°C to 55°C. It’s also shockproof, handling recoil energy up to 6,000 joules, equivalent to a .300 Holland Magnum caliber.

The scope features a 30mm main tube with a compatible mount included in the box.

Focusing

The focusing mechanism on the Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF is controlled by a focusing ring located at the front of the device. A throw lever is attached directly to the scope to assist with adjustments.

While the focusing ring works well in most situations, its current design presents some challenges when the device is mounted on a rifle:

Lever Placement: The large throw lever can interfere with focusing at very close ranges because it extends under the scope.
Mounting Height: To avoid interference, a higher mount is required, which may not be ideal for all users or rifles.

Buttons and Controls

The Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF is designed with ease of use in mind, offering intuitive controls through strategically placed buttons. While the buttons provide access to the most essential settings, additional adjustments are made via the menu.

Buttons located at the top of the device:

Left Button:
- Single press: Changes color palettes.
- Hold: Switches scenes.
Right Button:
- Single press: Captures photos.
- Hold: Starts video recording.
- Double press: Opens the file menu.
Center Button:
- Single press: Activates the laser rangefinder.
- Hold: Toggles WiFi connectivity.
- In menu: Acts as a back button.

Power Button:
Located on the left side of the device, it powers the device on and off.

Some advanced settings like laser rangefinder configurations and WiFi password changes require external devices for customization. For instance, the default WiFi password must be changed via a smartphone connection.

Ports and Connectivity

On the right side of the device, you’ll find a compartment housing:

A micro SD card slot (necessary for storing photos and videos; card not included).
A USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
A micro HDMI port to connect the scope to external displays.

The Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF offers versatile connectivity options, enhancing its functionality and making it ideal for collaborative or solo use in the field.

The device can connect wirelessly to external devices such as smartphones or tablets via WiFi. To utilize this feature, users need the PARD Vision 2 App, which is available for free download.

Features of the PARD Vision 2 App:

Live View:
- Stream a live feed from the device to your smartphone or tablet.
- Ideal for hunting in pairs, where one person uses the scope while the other monitors the live view on a connected device.
Settings Adjustment:
- Modify various device settings remotely through the app.

Mechanical and Shutterless Modes

The Pantera 640 features a mechanical shutter, offering two modes for calibration:

Automatic Shutter: Default mode for self-calibration.
Shutterless Mode: Eliminates noticeable calibration interruptions.

Turrets

The Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF features three turrets:

Left Turret

The left turret is fixed and does not have any operational functionality.

Upper Turret

The upper turret is multifunctional, combining a pressable button with rotational functionality:

Button Press: Engages specific features such as activating the menu or other settings.
Rotational Adjustment: Controls magnification and is also used for scrolling through the menu options.

Right Turret (Battery Compartment)

The right turret serves as the battery compartment and houses one 18650-type battery, ensuring convenient power management.

Laser Range Finder (LRF): Accuracy Up to 1000 Meters

The Laser Range Finder (LRF) is located on the upper front side of the scope and offers:

Maximum Range: 1000 meters
Minimum Range: As close as 2 meters
Accuracy: ±1 meter

To activate the rangefinder:

Press the designated button briefly.
The device will begin continuous measurements until the button is pressed again.

The LRF works extremely fast, particularly for closer objects, providing multiple readings per second. Once a measurement is taken, the ballistic calculator factors in the distance to compute bullet drop. The reticle displays a small circle or “X” indicating the ideal point of impact for precise shot placement.

Ballistic Calculator

The integrated ballistic calculator is user-friendly and doesn’t require external devices for configuration. Adjustments are made directly on the scope via the menu:

Navigate to the Ballistic Software Parameters.
Input your ammunition data.

Features of the Ballistic Software

Supports five different ammunition types for quick switching.
Allows five reticle configurations, each with a unique zero setting for different loads or rifles.
Easily swap between rifles and maintain accuracy with pre-set configurations.

The ballistic calculator provides immediate bullet drop compensation, enabling long-range accuracy.
With a double-click on the upper turret button, users can activate the Picture-in-Picture mode for easier parameter adjustments and precise aiming.

Optical Properties

The Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF impresses with its advanced optical specifications, delivering excellent image quality and functionality, but with some design trade-offs.

Magnification and Field of View

Focal Length: 50 mm
Base Magnification: 2.5x
Digital Zoom: Up to 8x, resulting in a total magnification range of 2.5x to 20x.
Field of View:
- Narrow, measuring 12.2 meters at 100 meters, which can feel limiting, particularly during nighttime use.
- Close focus capability of approximately 3 meters, though achieving this requires fully rotating the focusing ring, necessitating a high scope mount to avoid interference with the rifle.

The Pantera 640 is equipped with a cutting-edge uncooled VOx sensor with impressive specs:

Resolution: 640 x 512 pixels
Pixel Pitch: 12 microns
Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference): <20 mK
- This ensures exceptional sensitivity, allowing the device to detect subtle temperature differences and produce high-quality thermal images.

The detection range extends up to 2600 meters, making it suitable for long-distance observation.

Display and Viewing Experience

Display Type: IPS with 800 x 800 pixels resolution.
Unique Round Display:
- Mimics the viewing experience of a traditional daytime riflescope.
- Comfortable for extended use and delivers a clean, obstruction-free view.
- However, the smaller field of view can be a drawback during nighttime use, limiting peripheral vision in the dark.

Despite the smaller screen, the image quality remains excellent, with no pixelation and clear details even at the edges of the display.

Photo and Video Capabilities

The Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF includes photo and video recording features, making it an excellent tool for capturing and reviewing your observations.

Recording Specifications

Photo Resolution: 1536 x 1536 pixels
Video Resolution: 768 x 768 pixels

These features, combined with the high-quality sensor, enable users to produce clear and detailed recordings, perfect for documenting outdoor experiences.

Storage Requirements

The device does not include internal storage, requiring a micro SD card for storing photos and videos.

Maximal SD Card Capacity: 128 GB
SD Card Not Included: Users must purchase a compatible SD card separately.

Including a basic SD card with the device would be a welcome addition, especially for a premium product. This would allow users to start capturing videos and images immediately without the need to purchase additional accessories. Similarly, including a charger would reduce the inconvenience of sourcing these items separately.

Video Features: Adjustable Image Modes and Color Palettes

The Pantera 640 offers versatile image customization options to optimize video and photo quality:

Scene Modes:
- City: Ideal for urban environments.
- Rain: Adjusts settings for wet and foggy conditions.
- Forest: Enhances visibility in wooded areas.

Switching between these modes allows users to achieve the best possible image quality based on their surroundings.

Color Palettes:
- White Hot: Highlights warm objects in white.
- Black Hot: Displays warm objects in black for easier contrast.
- Edge: Enhances the edges of objects for better definition.
- Red Hot: Highlights heat in shades of red.
- Iron Hot: Uses an iron-color spectrum for improved visibility.
- Sky: Optimized for viewing in brighter conditions.

Battery

The Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF is powered by a standard, interchangeable 18650-type battery with a capacity of 3,200 mAh, offering reliable performance and convenience.

Battery Compartment: Located under the right turret for easy access.
Charging: The battery can be charged directly within the device via the USB-C port.
Battery Life: Under optimal conditions, the device operates for approximately 6 hours on a single charge.
- However, heavy use of the laser rangefinder or operation in very cold environments can reduce battery life.
Wide Availability: 18650 batteries are affordable and widely available in most electronic stores. Their compact size makes it easy to carry spares, ensuring you’re prepared for extended use during long hunts.

Power-Saving Features

The device includes thoughtful features to maximize battery efficiency:

Sleep Mode: Automatically turns off the display when not in use, conserving power.
Power Indicators:
- Top Power Indicator: Located between the buttons on the top of the device, providing a visual cue during charging.
- On-Screen Battery Indicator: Displays the remaining battery life in real time, ensuring you’re always aware of your power levels during use.

Price

The Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF is available at two price points:

Without Laser Rangefinder: €2,700
With Laser Rangefinder: €2,900

For an additional €200, the laser rangefinder provides substantial value by including:

A highly accurate Laser Rangefinder for distance measurements.
A Ballistic Calculator that determines the exact point of impact based on programmed settings.

This added functionality greatly enhances the device’s utility for long-range shooting, making it a worthwhile investment for most users.

Manufacturing and Warranty

The device is manufactured entirely in China at PARD’s own facility. It comes with a 3-year warranty. Repairs and service are handled within the European Union, significantly reducing turnaround times in case of issues.

What’s Included in the Box?

The Pard Pantera 640 PA6-50 LRF comes with a comprehensive set of accessories to get you started:

Neoprene Scope Cover: Protects the device during transport and storage.
Aluminum Mounts: Designed for the Picatinny rail, ensuring compatibility with most rifles.
Hex Wrenches: Two wrenches are provided for securing the mounts.
USB Charging Cable: Allows for convenient charging of the device’s battery.
Eyepiece Rubber Cover: Prevents external light interference during use, enhancing viewing comfort.
Cleaning Cloth: Keeps the lens and display spotless for optimal clarity.
Warranty Card: Ensures peace of mind with the 3-year warranty.
Quick Start Guide: Available in multiple languages for ease of use.

Pros

The device is predominantly constructed from aluminum, ensuring durability and lightweight design. The only plastic component is the flip-up cover on the front, which is easily replaceable and practical.

At only 680 grams, it is one of the lightest 50mm objective lens thermal riflescopes on the market. Competing devices typically weigh around 1 kg or more, making the Pantera a standout option for hunters who value portability.
The controls are intuitive, and adjusting basic settings is straightforward.
Available in two configurations: with or without the laser rangefinder. The version with the rangefinder is highly recommended, as it includes the ballistics calculator with a bullet drop indicator, enhancing long-range shooting precision.
The device uses standard 18650 batteries, which are widely available, affordable, and easy to carry. The 6-hour battery life is impressive, even under normal operating conditions.
The integrated ballistics calculator with bullet drop compensation is invaluable, particularly for hunters using subsonic loads where precise distance measurement is crucial.

Cons

The included mounts are of mediocre quality, featuring strips inside that suggest lower-grade construction. The mount height is not adjustable or customizable for different rifle types:
- High mounts are necessary for rifles with flat Picatinny rails.
- Lower mounts are better suited for traditional hunting rifles with shorter rails or different mounting systems.
Suggested Improvement: Instead of including a mount that may not fit all rifles, PARD could provide a charging adapter and a micro SD card, both of which are inexpensive yet universally useful.
The current throw lever on the focusing ring is bulky and interferes with the rifle setup at close ranges.
Suggested Improvement: A smaller, low-profile lever placed further forward (near the laser rangefinder) would resolve this issue.
With a field of view of only 12.2 meters at 100 meters, the scope’s viewing area is narrow for a thermal device. This is particularly limiting in nighttime conditions when situational awareness is critical.
The Pantera 640 is priced at €2,700 (without laser rangefinder) and €2,900 (with laser rangefinder). While the device offers advanced features, PARD traditionally provided more competitive pricing, making this model feel relatively expensive.