Alpen Optics Apex Thermal 54

• 54 mm objective with 1,800 m detection range: the larger front lens and long detection distance help pick up heat signatures earlier, giving more time to identify movement across open ground or large fields.
• 384 x 288 thermal sensor with 17 mK NETD: high thermal sensitivity improves separation between subtle temperature differences, which helps reveal animals, people, and background detail in difficult weather and low-contrast scenes.
• HD AMOLED display: the 1280x960 screen presents a crisp, high-contrast image that is easier to interpret during long observation sessions, especially when scanning in darkness.
• WiFi, photo and video recording: built-in connectivity and onboard capture make it easier to document sightings, review observations later, or share the live view through a mobile device.
• Compact weather-resistant housing: at 185 x 53 x 80 mm and 511 g, the monocular stays portable for handheld use while waterproof, fogproof construction supports reliable operation in rain, mist, and cold conditions.

About the Alpen Optics Apex Thermal Series

The Alpen Optics Apex Thermal series is a family of handheld thermal-imaging monoculars built for users who need fast heat detection in the field without the bulk of a larger observation system. Within the Alpen Optics lineup, the series covers practical outdoor and professional applications such as hunting, wildlife viewing, camping, security, and search and rescue. The concept is straightforward: compact handheld thermals that remain easy to carry while still offering the core functions needed for real observation work.

Apex Thermal models are designed to detect heat signatures in darkness, rain, and fog, where conventional optics lose effectiveness. The series also incorporates Clear+ image processing to improve edge definition and fine detail, helping the user separate animals or people from cluttered backgrounds. WiFi connectivity, photo and video recording, picture-in-picture, and heat-detection functions add practical versatility for both field use and later review. In the current series, Alpen Optics offers 35 mm and 54 mm variants, giving users a choice between a more compact setup and a configuration better suited to longer-distance observation.

About the Alpen Optics Apex Thermal 54

The Alpen Optics Apex Thermal 54 is the longer-reaching model in the series, built around a 3x base magnification, a 54 mm objective lens, and a stated 1,800 m detection range. That combination makes it particularly well suited to scanning open terrain, field edges, woodland clearings, and other areas where early detection matters more than extreme close-range coverage. The fixed optical magnification gives a stable starting image, while the available digital zoom steps extend observation when more detail is needed for follow-up viewing.

Its thermal core combines a 384 x 288 sensor with 17 µm pixel pitch and NETD below 40 mK, while the product data also lists 17 mK sensitivity. In practice, this level of thermal sensitivity helps the monocular show smaller temperature differences more clearly, which is useful when targets blend into damp vegetation, uneven ground, or changing weather. The 1280x960 AMOLED display supports a clean, high-contrast viewing image that remains comfortable to read during extended handheld use.

For field practicality, the unit records photos and video, offers 16 GB internal memory, and supports WiFi live streaming for connection with a mobile device. The housing remains compact at 185 x 53 x 80 mm and weighs 511 g, so it carries easily on foot. Waterproof construction rated IPX6, fogproof performance, operation from -25°C to 50°C, and a replaceable APP-3500 battery with up to 6 hours of runtime make it a practical thermal monocular for demanding outdoor observation.

About Alpen Optics

Alpen Optics was founded by Tim Gardner in December 1996, and the company’s history places its headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga, California. It introduced its first products in 1997 and has focused on sporting optics across several categories, including binoculars, spotting scopes, riflescopes, and thermal optics. That broad product mix gives the brand a strong presence in observation and shooting-related equipment rather than in a single niche.

The company is also known for distinct optical lines within its binocular range, including Apex XP, Teton, and Rainier. Across those families, Alpen Optics has used technologies such as BaK-4 prisms, PXA phase coating, HR metallic coatings, and ED glass with UBX multilayer coating. In 2018, Explore Scientific acquired Alpen Optics’ trademarks and designs, linking the brand’s established optics identity with a larger outdoor and observation-equipment business.

Main Features

• Product type: Thermal monocular
• Series: Alpen Optics Apex Thermal
• Magnification: 3.00 x
• Objective lens diameter: 54.00 mm
• Detection range: 1800.00 m
• Thermal sensitivity: 17.00 mK
• Display type: AMOLED
• Display resolution: 1280x960
• Image capture: Yes
• Video recording: Yes
• Video output: Yes
• Connectivity: Wifi
• Battery: Alpen battery AAP-3500
• Battery life: 6.00 h
• Operating temperature: - 25°C / + 50°C
• Length: 185.00 mm
• Width: 53.00 mm
• Height: 80.00 mm
• Weight: 511.00 g
• Waterproof: Yes
• Fogproof: Yes
• Built-in rangefinder: No
• Image stabilizer: No

Warranty

Alpen Optics covers electronic products for 5 years from the original purchase date. As a thermal device, the Alpen Optics Apex Thermal 54 falls under this 5-year warranty period.

In the Box

• 2 batteries
• Bag with storage compartment made of extremely durable 900D sail fabric
• Hand strap
• Charger for APP-3500 battery pack