Pulsar Krypton 2 Xg50. The All-Purpose Thermal Camera

A kit consisting of a thermal device compatible with day riflescopes and a compact 3x20 quick release monocular. It is a smart and functional proposal from Pulsar for operators authorized to control, night and day.

Lithuanian Krypton 2 Xg50 Pulsar is an all-round thermal imaging camera, or rather, more: it is a kit consisting of a thermal device compatible with day riflescopes and a compact 3×20 quick-release monocular for daytime natural observation and, in combination with the thermal module, for night vision. The kit is very handy. The bayonet connection ensures quick and easy conversion in the field. The Krypton 2 thermal imager can be combined with day optics using the special PSP-B adapter that transforms them into thermal imaging optics. The adapter combinable via a four-point bayonet system is quick-release: the Krypton 2 can be removed from the day optics and re-installed in a few seconds on another, while the precise positioning mechanism allows for alignment of the thermal image to the center of the field of view of the day optics.

Many hunters prefer the so-called “clip-on” night vision solution, but here we have an excellent solution also for simple observation, day and night, of course for hunters authorized to control. Krypton 2 is simple and comfortable to use: with its small size, lightweight design and even weight distribution: the thermal imaging unit and the optics mount weighs a total of 690 grams which represent a minimal impact on the balance of the weapon-optics complex.

The magnesium alloy body is lightweight but has high structural strength, so it is designed to withstand mechanical shocks or vibrations (such as the recoil of rifles up to .375 H&H caliber) and climatic. The controls are easily accessible. The IPS7 lithium-ion battery pack, rechargeable and replaceable via a quick release, provides autonomy of up to 11 hours, according to the manufacturer.

The F50/1.0 germanium lens is characterized by high infrared transmission in the long-wave infrared range (LWIR). Thanks to the extreme precision in the construction of the optical elements of the lenses, the image generated by the sensors of the Krypton 2 thermal modules is characterized by sharpness and richness of detail.

The European-made thermal sensor with a resolution of 640x480 pixels/12 µm provides sharp, high-contrast thermal images, enabling identification of animals as well as the smallest details, even in adverse weather conditions and at great distances. A normal object with a height of 180 cm can be detected from a distance of 2.300 meters in complete darkness.

The Full-HD and Full-Colour AMOLED display offers a clear and faithful view. A choice of 8 colour palettes allows the user to observe the field of view more effectively, optimising the device for specific tasks, as well as adapting to changes in observation conditions. Warm White, Warm Black and Warm Red are ideal for object detection; Rainbow and Ultramarine increase the possibility of recognition and identification; Monochrome Red, Sepia and Violet are best suited for long night observations.

Krypton 2 of Pulsar It also has a built-in video recorder and the 16 GB internal memory allows you to save hours of footage and tens of thousands of photographs. Of course, the integrated WiFi module connects Krypton 2 to smartphones via the Stream Vision 2 application.

This allows for various operations, such as software updates, real-time image transmission to a smartphone, posting photos and videos taken with the device to social media, and remotely controlling digital functions. Registered users also get 16 GB of cloud storage space for saving photos and videos taken with their device.

Also available is a Pulsar BT wireless Bluetooth remote control with excellent ergonomics, capable of activating the most used functions, conveniently positioned on the stock or forend of the rifle.

In short, the features of the “all-purpose” thermal imaging camera, with the necessary accessories, are very respectable. I must say that the system works well in all its configurations. And assembly is not difficult: various inserts are also available for the ring adapter to ensure that it adheres precisely to the bell of the telescope, of all the telescopes on the market. The lever for opening and closing can be positioned where it does not interfere, then you proceed with the bayonet assembly of the Kripton. Subsequently, once the device is turned on, you can align the center of the image on the display with the center of the optical device, before proceeding with tightening (5 nM) with the lever. Then you need to practice a bit with the buttons and the various menus visible inside the display.

I have used the device both with the monocular alone and with the rifle, with absolutely no problems. It is quite easy to detect warm bodies at considerable distances and even in not too dense woods. For example, I detected a bird's nest, with its occupants, a long way into the woods from a firebreak, and then various other animals, as well as humans, but the latter without a rifle... Shooting is a normal experience, if you have some practice with thermal imaging cameras.

thermal vision — A screenshot using the color palette

Pulsar Night Vision — A frame taken from a great distance

I chose to publish one of these images, taken at about 100 meters and then one provided by the company that highlights the various functions and the use of the color palette for the display. The cost of the Pulsar Krypton 2 Xg50 seems in line with the functions and quality of the product.

It seems to me to be a advisable choice for those who actually carry out the function of operator in charge of the control of ungulates and therefore have the need to work night and day and perhaps also change rifles.

Data Sheet

Manufacturer: Pulsar (Yukon advanced optics worldwide), Ateities g. 21C, LT-06326, Vilnius (Lithuania), www.yukonopticsglobal.com, www.pulsar-vision.com

Model: Krypton 2 Xg50 (with 3x20B monocular)

Objective lens: F50/1.0

Monocular magnification: 3x

Field of view (@100m): 15,4×11,5m

Detection range: 2.300 m

Sensor: uncooled; pixel resolution 640×480

Pixel pitch: µm 12

NETD: <40 mK

Frame rate: 50Hz

Display: AMOLED; resolution 1.920×1080 pixels

Video/Photo Resolution: 1.024×768 pixels

Video/Photo Format: mp4/.jpg