Do yourself a HUGE favor sir ... do your homework.
There are quite a few different things about thermal that you need to consider.
Me and my night hunting buddy have been using thermal for a combo of about 18 years.
Both of us have two different units. Hand held scanner and rifle mounted. 640X480 12 micron sensor is the very best you can do. A native power of 4X is all you need. --- SAWMAN
Any help or advice that I could give,just ask. --- SAWMAN
My ATN has been great for the last 8+ years. It has killed a ton of hogs.
Mine is before all this firmware nonsense came out.
Turn it on ... powers up in 5 seconds ... NUC it twice ... ready to shoot.
It is on top of my 6.8SPCII shooting a 85gr Barnes copper at 3000. --- SAWMAN
Couple quick reasons for a scanner. - ->
* You do not have to raise your weapon ever time you have an unknown target.
* I can scan for my hunting buddy WITHOUT having to point my weapon at him. SAFETY,SAFETY,SAFETY !!
* I do not have to turn on my guns thermal unless it's usage is eminent. Saves a ton on CR123's. Although I buy them in the 40packs for buck each. (PANASONIC) --- SAWMAN