Thermal optics let you see what your eyes can’t: birds roosting quietly in trees, moving through tall reeds, or hiding in dense thickets – even in total darkness or fog. And with Pulsar’s cutting-edge range of thermal devices, birders now have a powerful new way to explore the field.

But which Pulsar thermal is the best fit for your birdwatching style? We will compare the three main product lines – Axion Compact, Telos, and Merger – to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Core features
Before diving into the models, it’s worth highlighting a few main features that make Pulsar thermal devices especially useful for birdwatching:

• Wide field of view – great for scanning open areas, tree lines, or reed beds to quickly catch movement.
• Zoom – helps bring distant birds into focus and reveals subtle details like wing shape or plumage.
• Photo and video recording – lets you document what you see without disturbing wildlife and stream your view in real time.

These features come standard across Pulsar’s wildlife-oriented models and enhance every outing – whether you’re casually observing or recording rare sightings.

Axion Compact: small, fast and always with you

The Axion Compact series is all about portability. These are small, lightweight monoculars that fit easily into your pocket or birding bag. If you’re someone who walks long distances, birds on the move, or just wants a quick thermal check without carrying extra weight – Axion Compact is a great place to start.

Even though they’re small, Axion Compact models deliver a clear view of heat signatures, letting you spot birds hiding in tall grass, perched in trees, or roosting quietly at night.

Who is Axion for?

• Birders who hike or cover a lot of ground
• Beginners to thermal birding
• Those looking for a lightweight, budget-friendly tool

Axion Compact models:

• Axion XQ30 Pro – Wide view, great for scanning fields and forests quickly
• Axion XG30 – Picks up subtle heat changes, ideal for spotting still or hidden birds

These monoculars are perfect for when you want speed, simplicity, and mobility.

Telos: powerful performance for serious birders

If you want more detail, more distance, and more flexibility, then Telos is the step up. These are high-performance monoculars with better zoom, sharper resolution, and even upgradeable components – which means you can improve your device over time instead of buying a new one.

Telos is great for identifying birds far away, like raptors on a cliff or owls during the night. It’s also helpful when you need to see fine features like wing shape or beak details – useful for researchers or anyone who wants to be 100% sure about what they’re seeing.

Who is Telos for?

• Experienced birders who want more range and detail
• Conservationists and field researchers
• Anyone who wants a device they can upgrade and grow with

Telos models:

• Telos XG50 – Strong zoom, great for long-distance birding
• Telos XL50 – Super high resolution, ideal for detailed identification

If Axion is your everyday tool, Telos is the one you bring when you’re serious about spotting something special.

Merger LRF: comfort and clarity for long birding sessions

The Merger LRF stands out because it’s a binocular –  meaning you use both eyes. This makes it more natural and comfortable for long birding sessions, especially if you’re guiding others or working in teams. Looking through both eyes helps reduce fatigue and gives better depth perception, which is useful when tracking flying birds or scanning wide areas.

Who is Merger LRF for?

• Birding tour leaders and educators
• Teams doing conservation work
• Birders who spend hours observing and need all-day comfort

Merger LRF models:

• Merger LRF XP35 – Smaller and easier to carry, great for spotting fast-moving birds
• Merger LRF XL50 – Pulsar’s top-tier binocular, for the sharpest image and longest reach

If you often bird with others or spend long periods in one spot, Merger LRF helps you stay focused and comfortable the entire time.

More discoveries, less disturbance

Thermal imaging doesn’t replace your skills – it adds to them. You’ll still rely on sounds, movements, and knowledge of habitats, but now you can confirm what’s hiding in the shadows or sitting quietly in the canopy.

Pulsar Wildlife thermal devices help you observe wildlife without getting too close. That means less stress for the birds and more unforgettable sightings for you.

Visit our Product page to explore the full range of thermal devices made for birders, nature photographers, and conservationists. Find a local dealer, compare models, and start your thermal birding journey today.