We can almost hear the gripe, “but I already have a thermal rifle scope and thermal optics are comically expensive!” 

That may all be true, but it doesn’t take anything away from the other fact that a pair of thermal binoculars can still deliver a lot of value in the field. 

So, even if you already have a thermal rifle scope (and you like it) here are a few reasons a pair of thermal binoculars can be worth it, as well as why they might be a better choice than a thermal monocular.

1. Some support more than one color palette. 

This one is in no way exclusive to thermal binoculars but it is still a strong selling point. Many thermal binoculars support several different color palettes. 

This goes beyond giving you the flexibility to customize the use of the optic. Some palettes, like viridian and crimson, are suitable in low light, and in the case of red and red-heavy palettes, can help preserve your night vision for when it counts most.

2. It’s a redundant backup.

You know the saying, “two is one and one is none”? Well, there’s another that goes like this: if it’s worth carrying one of anything, it’s worth carrying two.

There are extreme cases wherein this might not be practical, but in the case of thermal scopes it definitely is. You wouldn’t just carry one battery in the field, would you? 

And so, there is a strong case to be made for thermal binoculars as a redundant backup to your main thermal scope. That way you’ll never really be in the dark, if you can excuse the pun.

3. They’re ideal for scanning, scouting and tracking. 

Thermal binoculars are as good as thermal rifle scopes for scanning, scouting and tracking, and arguably even better. There are no distracting features like a reticle that can disrupt the sight picture when you use binoculars, and on top of that, many of them offer a wider field of view that offers more comfortable viewing, especially at extended ranges.

So, keeping that pair of binoculars strapped to your chest rig or in your pack or pocket pays dividends, especially if you hunt game that requires you to pay attention all night long.

4. They can shift some of the load off your thermal rifle scope’s battery.

This is a big one and easily one of the strongest selling points of all for a pair of thermal binoculars. Carrying thermal binoculars will help ensure that your thermal scope’s battery is reserved for when you need it most, which is when you will need to execute a shot. 

Therefore, using thermal binoculars instead of your scope except for when you need to take a shot is a hedge to help preserve the battery so it can perform when it’s needed.

Plus, there is an element of safety here on top of the fact that the second thermal optic can give your scope’s battery a breather. You don’t necessarily want to muzzle an entire field just trying to get a better look at a coyote or a hog. If you use your thermal rifle scope for scanning or scouting, that is precisely when you will be doing. Using a pair of thermal binoculars for that is a lot more mundane and less harrowing.

5. The form factor is familiar.

For better or worse, not every outdoorsman is comfortable with monoculars, or with thermal rifle scopes. The form factor of a pair of thermal binoculars should, however, be relatively familiar. And, on top of that, many thermal binoculars use absolutely identical controls to their optical-only counterparts. 

Pretty much anyone could pick up a pair of thermal binoculars and start using them without too much of a learning curve.

6. They can help prevent headaches and discomfort. 

Lastly, there are some outdoorsmen that prefer not to use thermal monoculars simply because using one eye to view the sight picture is uncomfortable. There are some who even claim that doing so outright causes headaches in the field. 

Since thermal binoculars let you use both eyes simultaneously, they help prevent the headaches that might be caused by viewing through only one eye at a time, which would necessarily be the case not just with a thermal monocular, but with your scope as well. 

Shop the Top Names in Thermal Binoculars Here 

Sold that a pair of thermal binoculars might in fact be worth it to support you on your night hunts? Check out our catalog. We represent thermal optics from the top brands, such as PULSAR, Nocpix, and others. We also carry RIX, DNT & Wave thermal scopes, among others. 

And, if you have any questions before you buy or even would like a personalized recommendation, feel free to reach out to us at 309-781-8421 and we would be happy to assist.