Qualities & Features
- Detection range of 1300m
- 320×240, 12µm core, NETD <50mK thermal sensor
- 3x magnification (up to 12x Digital)
- Records video and takes photos
- Compact and easy to use
- Controllable via the free Stream Vision 2 App
- 3 year warranty
-
Pulsar Axion XM30F
The Axion series of thermal monoculars are Pulsar’s compact and convenient option for those who do not need the highest specifications offered by the Helion or Telos series. To look at they all appear very similar, however the thermal specifications of these monoculars are very different and each is suited to a particular purpose and budget.
We’ve tested the XM30F in a range of different wildlife monitoring scenarios and found that it is:
- Excellent for observing a range of different sized mammals from hedgehogs to red deer.
- Excellent for monitoring den boxes and bird boxes out to approximately 30m
- Good for observing large sized birds at close to medium range (e.g. geese)
- Good for observing medium sized birds at closer ranges (e.g. blackbirds)
- More challenging to use for observing small mammals (e.g. mice, bats) and small birds (e.g. robin). Although the scope is capable of picking up smaller heat signals, the image clarity appears poorest for small species. If you want a scope that observe smaller animals with greater clarity, consider the Axion 2 XG35.
The XM30F is the best option for anybody looking for an entry level thermal monocular. It utilises a 320×240 and 12µm core thermal sensor, which affords a greater resolution than most other entry level monoculars can currently offer. The NETD value is <50mK and this sufficient for most purposes, but you may want to consider a more advanced model if you are looking for small differences in temperature.
The detection range for the XM30F is 1300m, the base magnification is 3x, it has a digital zoom of up to 12x, and the 30mm lens offers a field of view 7.8°. These are good optics for an entry level monocular. In practice, however, the working detection range is likely to be lower in most circumstances. For larger mammals in good weather conditions, the stated detection ranges are accurate. For smaller heat signatures, in more cluttered environments or in poorer weather conditions, the useful working distance is closer to a few hundred metres.
The XM30F comes with the same great features as the other Axions. The start-up is instant, meaning you can quickly use it when in the field. It has a Picture in Picture function which allows you to zoom in on a secondary image on the screen whilst still maintaining your field of view. It comes with the standard 8 thermal colour pallets.
It can record video at a resolution of 528х400, which is saved on an internal 16GB memory. We found in practice that the quality of the picture on the XM30F is better when looking through the viewfinder than what you will see on recorded clips, so you may need to consider more advanced models such as the Axion XG35 or Helion and Telos if you want to use this for primarily recording.
It has a WiFi module that allows you to view a livestream from the camera and adjust its settings on the free Stream Vision 2 app.
The lightweight, ultra compact and rugged magnesium alloy housing makes it easy to carry around in any standard-sized pocket and its ergonomic design means it will fit perfectly in your hand. The IPX7 waterproof rating protects the device from snow, heavy rainfall or other precipitation. It can even survive water submersion up to 1m for 30 minutes.
Its easily interchangeable APS3 battery can power the monocular for approximately 7 hours of continuous use.
The Axion XM30F comes with a three year warranty, the rechargeable battery comes with one year. -
The video below demonstrates the quality you can expect from recordings taken with the Pulsar Axion XM30F. These clips were all captured by NatureSpy staff.
We found in practice that the quality of the picture on the XM30F is better when looking through the viewfinder than what you will see on recorded clips, so you may need to consider more advanced models if you want to use this for primarily recording.
-
Ease of use
The Axion XM30F is an easy to use, handheld thermal monocular. When you need to use it, it turns on instantly - perfect for wildlife spotting. You can get up to speed and comfortable with its use within seconds.
It has a WiFi element that allows you to connect to on your smartphone or tablet using the free Stream Vision 2 app. The app shows you a live feed from the camera and allows you to change the settings as well as record videos and take pictures remotely (up to 10m). Viewing on a screen is great for minimising eyestrain (which can develop when looking through the viewfinder for extended periods) and is great for group viewing.
Using the supplied adapter it can be mounted on a tripod, which is great for minimising strain and handshake.
The XM30F is extremely small and lightweight - weighing about 250g - so light you barely notice it when not using it, and great for leaving around your neck or in a jacket pocket. It has lens covers attached so you don't need to worry about scratching them, and the body is made from a rugged magnesium alloy.
It's has an IPX7 rating so you can use it whatever the weather without any concern.
The APS3 power system uses miniature power elements to provide approximately 7 hours of continuous operation and can be quickly replaced. APS3 mini batteries charge quickly either in the unit connected by a USB or via the included charger station.
Warranty: The Axion XM30F comes with a three year warranty, the rechargeable battery comes with one year. All handled in house by NatureSpy.
- Axion XM30F thermal monocular
- APS 3 rechargeable battery
- 2 battery-locking covers
- Battery charger
- Power adapter
- USB Type-C cable
- Carrying case
- Hand strap
- Quick reference user manual
- Lens cleaning cloth
- Warranty information
- Tripod adapter
- “White Hot” offers incredible versatility
- “Hot Black” is often the best for viewing wildlife
- "Red Monochrome" helps to prevent/reduce backlight from exiting the eyepiece
- “Sepia” improves long-range observation
- “Red Hot”, “Rainbow”, & “Ultramarine” enhance temperature differences of various object attributes
- "Violet" helps to identify fast-moving objects
- Axion XM30F thermal monocular
- APS 3 rechargeable battery
- 2 battery-locking covers
- Battery charger
- Power adapter
- USB Type-C cable
- Carrying case
- Hand strap
- Quick reference user manual
- Lens cleaning cloth
- Warranty information
- Tripod adapter
- “White Hot” offers incredible versatility
- “Hot Black” is often the best for viewing wildlife
- "Red Monochrome" helps to prevent/reduce backlight from exiting the eyepiece
- “Sepia” improves long-range observation
- “Red Hot”, “Rainbow”, & “Ultramarine” enhance temperature differences of various object attributes
- "Violet" helps to identify fast-moving objects
Axion XM30F Included Items:
Pulsar Axion XM30F Optics
Optical magnification: 3x Digital magnification: 12x (max)
Thermal Sensor: 320x240 pix. @ 12 µm NETD: <50mK F.O.V.: 13.7°
The Axion XM30F has a 3x base magnification which increases to 12x with digital zoom, as well as a 1300m detection range. A powerful objective lens in combination with a 12 µm professional grade thermal imaging sensor provides exceptional detection capabilities. The NETD value is <50mK and this sufficient for most purposes, but you may want to consider a more advanced model if you are looking for small differences in temperature. A standard 1.8 m (6 ft) tall object can be detected at a 1300m distance in complete darkness.
Pulsar's 8 user selectable colour palettes will enhance your viewing capabilities;
Axion XM30F Included Items:
Pulsar Axion XM30F Optics
Optical magnification: 3x Digital magnification: 12x (max)
Thermal Sensor: 320x240 pix. @ 12 µm NETD: <50mK F.O.V.: 13.7°
The Axion XM30F has a 3x base magnification which increases to 12x with digital zoom, as well as a 1300m detection range. A powerful objective lens in combination with a 12 µm professional grade thermal imaging sensor provides exceptional detection capabilities. The NETD value is <50mK and this sufficient for most purposes, but you may want to consider a more advanced model if you are looking for small differences in temperature. A standard 1.8 m (6 ft) tall object can be detected at a 1300m distance in complete darkness.
Pulsar's 8 user selectable colour palettes will enhance your viewing capabilities;
Every purchase funds our projects
An impact you can see
We use the kit we sell to help monitor, record and protect wildlife and habitats all over the world.- Battery: Li-Ion Battery Pack APS3
- Built in memory: 16GB
- Colours palettes: 8
- Detection range: 1300m
- External power supply: 5V USB
- Field of view: 7.8 x 5.9 (HxV), 13.7 (degrees/m @ 100 m)
- Frame rate: 50Hz
- Image formats: .mp4 (videos) / .jpg (photos)
- IP rating: IPХ7
- Lens: F30/1.2
- Magnification: 3x Optical, 12x Digital
- NETD value: <50mK
- Operating temperature range: -25°c to 40°c
- Pixel pitch: 12 µm
- Recording resolution: 528 x 400
- Run time: 5 hours (at 22°c)
- Sensor resolution: 320 x 240
- Size: 143x41x69mm
- Viewfinder resolution: 640 x 400 AMOLED
- Waterproof rating: IPX7
- Weight: 0.25kg
- WiFi: Yes
Pulsar Thermal
Pulsar are world-leaders in thermal technology, especially for wildlife-watching. The quality of the products is second-to-none - you can feel this quality as soon as a thermal monocular lands in your hand. They're well-designed, well-built products that last and last.
Once turned on (and they turn on nice and fast) throughout the range the quality of thermal sensors is great. They design and manufacture their thermal sensors in house to high-quality standards, and it shows.
We only stock the products we've tried, tested and use ourselves. The Axion range are the most versatile for wildlife work - great for checking nests, pine marten den boxes or scanning forests and fields, all at a safe distance.
We supply the Pulsar Thermal to members of the public and professional ecologists all the way to Wildlife Trusts, Universities, and large environmental organisations, as thermal surveying becomes a more and more important part of wildlife monitoring.
Need some help?
We pride ourselves on our pre and post-purchase customer service.
We understand that occasionally, there is a question you can't find the answer for, or a tweak you need to make to improve the performance to help you get that shot you've been after.
Fortunately, we've seen it all before. We have a dedicated support section that covers loads of topics both simply and also in depth, depending on what you need.
Because we're Europe's experts and we work with the products we offer on a daily basis, we know them better than anybody. Our support area is based on years and years of working with the products we offer.
So instead of scratching your head to trying and figure something out, head over to the support centre or check our FAQs.
