Test of the Hikmicro Falcon 2 FQ50V 2.0 Thermal Monocular: Revolutionary Night Vision
The Hikmicro Falcon 2 FQ50V 2.0 Thermal Monocular is a real nugget for enthusiasts of night observation, hunting or surveillance. Designed by Hikmicro, a brand renowned for its innovations in thermal imaging, this monocular excels in a variety of scenarios: hunting at twilight, observing wildlife in the dark, or even surveillance in the dead of night. Tested during a multi-day night hiking and wildlife-watching expedition, we were impressed by the monocular's performance and reliability. Here's our full review to help you discover this technological gem!
Unpacking and first impressions
Opening the box of the Hikmicro Falcon 2 FQ50V 2.0 Thermal Monocular, we discover a well-thought-out set of contents: the monocular, a rechargeable battery, a USB-C cable for recharging, a handy wrist strap, a sturdy protective case and a lens cleaning cloth. The design is elegant, with a matt black magnesium casing that inspires confidence. Weighing 636 g, it remains relatively compact (190 x 60 x 60 mm) and slips easily into a backpack pocket. The non-slip surface makes for a pleasant grip, and the ambidextrous buttons are intuitive, even in the dark. From the very first touch, you can feel the premium build quality, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Optical quality
The Hikmicro Falcon 2 FQ50V 2.0 Thermal Monocular shines with exceptional thermal imaging quality. Equipped with a high-resolution 640 x 512 pixel infrared sensor and a 1024 x 768 pixel OLED display, it offers impressive clarity, even in total darkness. With magnification ranging from 1x to 8x (via digital zoom), it can spot details at great distances. In our test, we detected a deer over 2000 meters away in a dense forest, thanks to its maximum detection range of 2600 meters. Thermal sensitivity (NETD < 20 mK) guarantees a sharp image, capturing the slightest temperature differences. The 8.8° x 7° field of view is ideal for scanning large areas, whether fornight observation or thermal hunting.
Ease of use
This monocular is a pleasure to use, even over long periods. The focus ring, located on the lens, is fluid and allows precise adjustment in seconds. The eyepieces are comfortable to wear, with diopter adjustment to suit your eyesight - a plus for spectacle wearers. During a twilightwildlife-watching session, we were able to watch owls for over an hour without experiencing eye fatigue. The well-placed buttons make it easy to navigate between modes (color palette, zoom, photo/video capture), even when wearing gloves. The HIKMICRO SIGHT app is a welcome bonus: it lets you connect the monocular to your smartphone to view or record your observations in real time.
Robustness and practicality
The Hikmicro Falcon 2 FQ50V 2.0 Thermal Monocular is designed to cope with the most demanding conditions. IP67 certified, it is totally waterproof and dustproof, making it perfect for use in the rain or in humid environments. It also operates in extreme temperatures, from -30°C to 55°C, ideal for mountain hikes or cold winter nights. The supplied case offers extra protection, and the hand strap keeps it within easy reach without the risk of falling. The practical screw thread allows you to attach it to a tripod, perfect for prolongedstatic observation sessions.
Technical specifications
| Magnification | 1x to 8x (digital zoom) |
|---|---|
| Lens diameter | 50 mm |
| Maximum viewing distance | 2600 m |
| Field of view | 8.8° x 7° (15.3 m at 100 m) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 5 m |
| Weight | 636 g |
| Dimensions | 190 x 60 x 60 mm |
| Waterproofing | Yes (IP67) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Comparison with other models
Compared with the Hikmicro Falcon FH35 Thermal Monocular, also available on binoculars.com, the Falcon 2 FQ50V 2.0 boasts higher resolution (640 x 512 pixels vs. 384 x 288 pixels) and a longer detection range (2600 m vs. 1800 m). The FH35 is an excellent choice for beginners or medium-range observation, but the FQ50V 2.0 is the ideal choice for demanding users, particularly for night hunting or long-distance thermal surveillance.
Highlights
- Exceptional thermal image quality thanks to a 640 x 512 pixel sensor and NETD sensitivity < 20 mK.
- Impressive detection range of 2600 m, perfect for long-distancewildlife observation.
- Rugged, waterproof construction (IP67), ideal for all weather conditions.
- 5-hour battery life, extendable via an interchangeable battery, for extended sessions.
- Connectivity with the HIKMICRO SIGHT app, for easy sharing and recording of your observations.
Points to note
- A weight of 636 g, slightly heavier than some models, but this reflects its solidity and build quality.
- The minimum focusing distance of 5 m may be a little long for observing very close subjects, but this is rare in night-time use.
Verdict
The Hikmicro Falcon 2 FQ50V 2.0 Thermal Monocular is a must-have for enthusiasts of night vision andthermal imaging. Its image quality, robustness and ease of use make it an ideal companion for hunting, surveillance or observing wildlife in the dark. Whether you're a hunter stalking game at dusk, or a hiker exploring nature at night, this monocular will provide you with an outstanding visual experience. A must-have for technology and nature enthusiasts!
