I'm in the market for a thermal scanner. I would like to keep it at around 2k but could spend a little more if needed. It will mostly be used for locating predators while hunting with a night vision scope. It will also be used just to see what is out there after dark. I see good reviews on the Pulsar brand, but there are probably other good brands of scanners also available. If you have one, do you like it? Tell me about them. Thank you for any and all info.

Jason and Hans do some great reviews

If they don't have a review on their channel call them up and they will give you an honest opinion. Even sell you something if you want

https://www.youtube.com/@outdoorlegacy

I'm new to thermal scopes, but it's easy to see that I need a scanner too.

From my limited experience, I feel a scanner needs to have a low base power....no more than 2.0x to 2.5x. 1.5x is even better. This means you will have a wider field of view.

The scope I purchased a few months ago (from Oudoor Legacy) is the AGM Rattler V2 35-384. I love it! Very clear several hundred yards out. Great target ID. Also comes with 2 batteries that last 9 hours each (V2 versions).

I've looked at monocular scanners, but to me that is a waste of $$. A handheld monocular will always only be a handheld scanner. Can't be used as a scope.

My next purchase will be another AGM Rattler V2...probably the 256 resolution with the 2.5x base magnification. These scopes come with a high quality QD mount (picatinny rail). I will use this scope mostly as a scanner, but can clip it to a rifle if needed. Price is under $1000. Then I'll have four identical 9 hour rechargeable batteries.

Form what I've seen so far, a scanner doesn't need to be high $$ or very high resolution. All it needs to do is reveal a heat signature.......then I go to the gun scope.

Look I to the AGM Taipan

If you’re looking for something that you want to use as a scope as well, the rattler is a good option. A handheld scanner combined with NV scopes is a good combo. Thats what my two hunting partners use. I just ordered a pulsar xq35 and it was well under 2k. Eurooptic and OpticsPlanet have some good deals now. I’ve been using a ATN 160 scanner, it picked stuff up but the image is poor at distances and wouldn’t see thru our woods like I could with my friends scanners or my scope. I agree with swamp wolf on the base power. Gives me a wider field of view scanning, a higher resolution image helps when zooming in at distance. I haven’t looked thru a 256 to give my opinion but a 320 or 384 image unit will make most pretty happy. My opinions may be swayed by my use and enjoyment from my pulsar scope which led me to buy the pulsar scanner. One other thing, if you don’t like using/carrying extra batteries, get a unit with 10 plus hours of battery life.

Call Kurt at Midwest thermal optics and he will hook you up based on your needs

I’m sorta in the same boat. I was using my AGM Rattler 640 as a scanner, but now it’s on the SFAR. As stated, it doesn’t have to be HIGH dollar or fancy. I just need to see a heat signature, then I’m on the scope. Prefer something lightweight I can wear hanging around my neck. If I’m gonna spend good money it’ll be on a scope.