TFB Review: Pulsar Telos LRF XP50 – New Upgradeable Thermal Monocular

Product Highlights

• The world's first sub 18mK NETD thermal sensor
• 640x480 thermal sensor
• Sub 18mk NETD sensitivity 
• Up to 1800m detection
• Zoom adjustment ring behind front focus 
• F50/1.0 Fast Lens system
• Integrated Laser Rangefinder
• Wireless recharging 
• Adaptable for left and right handed user

The new Pulsar Telos LRF XP50 thermal imaging monocular features a game changing European made Lynred sensor with 640x480 resolution and 17 microns pixel pitch, offering extreme NETD thermal sensitivity of sub 18mk NETD guaranteeing simply stunning thermal imaging capabilities even in the most severe weather conditions.

With a fast-aperture F50/1.0 germanium lens, and you have the highest possible quality and most detailed and informative image in any hunting conditions.

Upgradability: a product that never gets old

Telos thermal imaging monoculars are designed for timeless use. As we know, high-tech industries are improving and changing on a yearly, if not monthly, basis. Thermal imaging is no exception. Not to mention, we as human beings often change our habits and minds.

The Telos product line is intended to adapt to the ever-changing needs of a particular hunter. It is the first line of thermal imaging devices on the market offering the option of a technical upgrade.

Become a Telos owner and you will be able to improve and upgrade your device in the future. You will be free to change to more powerful optics, add a higher resolution sensor or display and more efficient and functional electronic parts. You will even be able to equip your device with a laser rangefinder and additional optical channels so it will always be relevant for you and cost effective.

This new unique Pulsar solution is currently in the development phase and will be introduced in 2024. All Telos monoculars purchased in 2023 will be eligible for the upgrade as soon as this service starts.

Extreme thermal sensitivity

For us Telos is synonymous with superior quality and timeless solutions. Let’s take a closer look at this magnificent device, freshly delivered from our manufacturing.

The first to represent the line is the Telos LRF XP50 thermal imaging monocular equipped with the best European made Lynred sensor with a 640x480 resolution and @17 microns pixel pitch.

The real game changer is its extreme NETD thermal sensitivity under 18 milliKelvin. This sensor quality guarantees simply stunning thermal imaging capabilities even in the most severe weather conditions.

Add the fast-aperture F50/1.0 germanium lens, and you have the highest possible quality and most detailed and informative image in any hunting conditions.

The new Telos LRF is ideal for detecting an object from greater distances. Use the built-in precise laser rangefinder for quick and error-free distance determination. The LRF measures distances of up to 1 kilometer in single measurements and continuous scanning modes.

Advanced Pulsar image boost technology

All Telos models will feature in-house developed advanced Pulsar image boost technology. This brings Telos thermal imaging to the highest level of detail, clarity and contrast.

The device is able to depict complex scenes in a wide range of halftones – even low contrast objects such as the sky, grass or water surfaces. Plus, software detailing and sharpening of objects at different distances makes the image highly informative.

Manually increasing the thermal imaging sensor sensitivity improves detection quality when observation conditions worsen. A smoothing filter and a wide range of brightness and contrast settings make prolonged observation more comfortable.

Designed for user needs

In a Telos device, the image can be easily adjusted with one hand. The classic smooth digital zoom and focusing rings are located on the lens in the classic layout, one by one, like professional cameras, which is ideal for both left- and right-handed hunters. The consistent arrangement of the rings enables getting a clear image with the desired magnification quickly and with minimal effort.

The vertical symmetrical layout of the control buttons allows Telos to be used with both hands with the same comfort level – the buttons are located in a row on the top panel. And the attachable hand strap can be moved to the right or left side of the device according to your preferences. 

For even more adaptability and comfort of use, the Telos offers customizable controls and a user interface. These new thermal imaging monoculars are characterized by advanced functionality, but determining the priority of a particular function is the privilege of the user who is free to reorder the menu items and determine the button functions.

Ready for the toughest conditions

You will be able to use the new Telos LRF XP50 for observation for more than 8 hours on a single battery charge. The brand new LPS 7i quickly replaceable Li-ion battery doesn’t require special chargers – simply connect it to any network adapter via the USB Type-C port and charge it using the Power Delivery fast charging protocol. Moreover, the LPS 7i battery supports wireless charging.

The Telos thermal imaging monoculars have been designed for tough wilderness conditions. They work properly under an extreme range of temperatures from -25 to +50 °C. The devices are completely waterproof when fully immersed in water.

Moreover, the rubberized body of the Telos is exceptional quality and wear resistant. It is non-slip in humid conditions and holds firmly and very naturally in the hand of the hunter. Plus, the housing is easy to clean and retains its original appearance for a long time.

Taylor-made ergonomic and functional carrying case

The new Telos comes in a stylish, user-friendly and comfortable case. Tailor-made for this device, it is ideal when a hunter is moving a lot and fast and needs to be able to quickly remove or put the device in the case.

The system of attachment belts distributes the weight optimally on the hunter’s body, taking the weight off the shoulders, back and neck and allowing free movement, bending and turning without fear the device will fall out. Additionally, the Telos case is equipped with straps for attachment to a waist belt, as well as a modular Molle attachment system, including backpacks and webbed gears.

Pulsar Telos LRF XP50 vs Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Pro

When comparing products from the same manufacturer, we can see that they have similar features and both operate at a high level. We’ve lined up the specifications one to one so that you can quickly see the pros and cons of each model.

By comparing these two Pulsar thermal imagers, we can see that they are very similar in many ways. They share the same wide field of view, high-resolution AMOLED display, and the same long-range detection ability of 1800m. To choose between the Telos and Helion 2 models, the devil is in the detail.

The Pulsar Helion is slightly smaller and lighter than the Telos, with a magnesium alloy body and only a single rechargeable battery pack. Helion’s benefits include a built-in memory capacity for up to 8 hours of video or 100,000 photos, where Telos stores all data remotely via the Stream Vision 2 app. Helion is able to work with both Stream Vision and Stream Vision 2, so this difference is really about options.

The Helion 2 XP50 Pro offers twice the magnification of the Telos, with 2.5x-20x magnification and 8x digital zoom increments. It can also operate in hotter temperatures, up to 50oC, whereas the Telos is only operational up to 40oC.

However, these may not together outweigh the superior NETD rating of the Telos XP50. This rating refers to the Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference. The Telos’ thermal core sensitivity is rated sub-18mK NETD, their most sensitive yet, and means it can detect temperature differences of less than 18mK or 0.018oC. This provides a much more detailed thermal image than that of the Helion, which is only sensitive to 25mK.

The Pulsar Telos XP50 is also equipped with a laser rangefinder capable of measuring distances up to 1000m, so you can understand precisely how close you are to objects in your field of view. When compared to Helion’s analogue staidametric reticle, this is far more accurate and easy to use.