Full test of HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN thermal binoculars: multispectral performance for hunting
HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN thermal binoculars, launched in 2024 by HIKMICRO, leader in thermal imaging, redefine night observation for stalking,birding, and rescue missions.
Featuring a 640x512 thermal sensor with NETD <15 mK, a 50 mm F1.0 lens, a 4K optical sensor and a laser rangefinder, these multispectral binoculars combine thermal, optical and infrared vision. Tested in October 2024 over 7 days in dense forests and open plains, this review explores why HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN rank among the best thermal binoculars on the market.
Unpacking and installing HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN thermal binoculars
The HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN box contains the thermal binoculars, rechargeable Li-ion battery, USB-C cable, hard carrying case, cleaning cloth and multilingual manual. Weighing 975 g (including battery) and measuring 142.9 x 79.7 x 230.5 mm, they feature an ergonomic magnesium alloy design with matte black finishes. Installation is intuitive: charge the battery via USB-C or insert a charged battery, and the hunting binoculars are ready. The folding eyecups and adjustable interpupillary distance (60-74 mm) adapt easily, even for eyeglass wearers, making these thermal binoculars ideal for a quick set-up.
Multispectral binocularsapp-based configuration
HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN connect to the HIKMICRO Sight app via Wi-Fi, enabling you to configure image modes (day, twilight, night), record videos, and adjust settings. Setup is simple: connect the binoculars to the app, choose a thermal palette (warm white, warm black, warm red, fusion), and activate the laser rangefinder. During a test in a 400-hectare forest, the app enabled rapid contrast adjustment to spot a wild boar 300 m away. One downside: the Wi-Fi connection can falter in areas with weak signals. The intelligent sleep mode, activated at 75° of inclination, optimizesthe thermal binoculars' autonomy.
Key performance features of the best HIKMICRO thermal binoculars
HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN impress with multispectral image quality. The 640x512 thermal sensor (NETD <15 mK) detects targets up to 2600 m and clearly identifies them up to 650 m away. During a night hunt on a plain, the binoculars spotted a deer at 900 m in light rain, with sharp details thanks to the Image Pro 2.0 algorithm. The 4K optical sensor (3840x2160) excels at twilight, outperforming non-thermal binoculars. Thermal zoom (4.3x-25.8x) and optical zoom (5.5x-22x) offer notable flexibility, but sharpness diminishes slightly beyond 20x. Battery life of 10.5 hours covered a full night's observation.
Key technology: multispectral imaging for hunting binoculars
The flagship technology of the HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN is its multispectral imaging, combining a thermal sensor, a 4K optical sensor, and a 940 nm IR illuminator (350 m range). The Image Pro 2.0 algorithm enhances contrast, while the laser rangefinder (1000 m, ±1 m) accurately measures distances, such as a deer at 500 m in the forest.
The integrated GPS and compass facilitate navigation on hilly terrain, tested on slopes of up to 10%. The IR illuminator, though powerful, may be detectable by certain sensitive animals, a point to consider for stalking.
User-friendliness of HQ50LN thermal binoculars
HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN thermal binoculars are designed for prolonged comfort duringnight-time observation. Their 975 g weight is well distributed, and the ergonomic design makes for a fatigue-free grip.
The 0.49" OLED screens (1920x1080) offer visual immersion, and the adjustable focus is precise. With IP67 certification, they resist rain and immersion up to 1 m, ideal for humid conditions. Operation is silent (0 dB), perfect for discreet hunting. The buttons are intuitive to use, but the weight can get in the way on long walks.
HIKMICRO HABROK PROmaintenance and reliability
HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN requires minimal maintenance. A microfiber cloth is all you need to clean the lenses, and the IP67 housing requires no special care. The rechargeable battery is easy to replace, and a spare battery extends outdoor use.
HIKMICRO offers a 3-year warranty on the device, 2 years on the battery, and 10 years on the sensor, with a renowned after-sales service. Tested in dense fog, the binoculars performed flawlessly, confirming their reliability for hunting andbirding.
HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN thermal binocularstechnical specifications
| Features | Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal detection range | 2600 m |
| Operating time | 10.5 h (hotspot off, 25°C) |
| Charging time | 4 h (via USB-C) |
| Magnification | Thermal: 4.3x-25.8x / Optical: 5.5x-22x |
| Field of view | Thermal: 15.4 x 9.3 m at 100 m / Optical: 12.6 x 7.2 m at 100 m |
| Noise level | 0 dB |
| Technology | Thermal sensor 640x512 (NETD <15 mK), optical 4K 3840x2160, Image Pro 2.0, laser rangefinder, IR 940 nm, GPS |
| Weight | 975 g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 142.9 x 79.7 x 230.5 mm |
| Warranty | 3 years (device), 2 years (battery), 10 years (sensor) |
| Water resistance | IP67 (immersion up to 1 m) |
Positioning and competition of HIKMICRO thermal binoculars
Compared with the HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HX60LN in the same range, the HQ50LN offers a lower resolution thermal sensor (640x512 vs. 1280x1024) and a shorter detection range (2600 m vs. 3100 m). However, their NETD <15 mK is more sensitive than the HX60LN's <18 mK, improving detection in extreme conditions (fog, rain). The HQ50LN are lighter (975 g vs. 1050 g) and have a wider thermal field of view (15.4 m vs. 25.6 m at 100 m), ideal for dense environments such as forests. Both models share the 4K optical sensor, laser rangefinder and Image Pro 2.0, but the HQ50LNs prioritize portability and sensitivity for stalking andwildlife observation.
HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LNhighlights
- 640x512 thermal sensor with NETD <15 mK for exceptional detection in difficult conditions.
- 4K UHD optics and flexible zoom (4.3x-25.8x thermal, 5.5x-22x optical).
- 10.5-hour battery life with intelligent standby mode.
- Rugged IP67 construction with GPS and precise laser rangefinder.
- Lightweight (975 g) for enhanced portability.
Weaknesses of the HQ50LN thermal binoculars
- Thermal detection range limited to 2600 m, inferior to some models in the range.
- Wi-Fi connection unstable in low-signal areas.
- IR illuminator detectable by certain sensitive animals.
- Reduced sharpness at maximum zoom (>20x).
- No image stabilization, unlike the HX60LN.
Verdict and scores : Why choose the best HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN thermal binoculars?
HIKMICRO HABROK PRO HQ50LN offer outstanding multispectral performance for stalking andwildlife observation. Their ultra-sensitive thermal sensor, 4K optics and laser rangefinder make them a versatile tool, even in difficult conditions.
Despite their light weight and impressive battery life, the detection range and lack of stabilization slightly limit their versatility. Tested in demanding environments, they stand out as a premium choice for hunters and spotters.
