First Impressions of Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular
The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular promises to deliver advanced thermal imaging capabilities in a compact and user-friendly package. From the Burris name, I expected a robust, reliable optic capable of extending my situational awareness in low-light or no-light conditions. I was looking for a thermal monocular that could reliably identify heat signatures at a reasonable distance, offering a clear advantage in hunting and scouting scenarios.
As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear specialist, I’ve tested countless thermal devices, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. My primary goal with this review is to determine if the Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular lives up to its claims and provides a worthwhile investment for serious users.
Upon unboxing, the unit felt surprisingly lightweight for its size. The construction appeared solid, but the plastic housing didn’t immediately inspire confidence, especially given the price point. Compared to the FLIR Breach PTQ136, which boasts a more rugged polymer construction, and the Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Pro with its magnesium alloy body, the Burris felt a bit less premium.
I picked the Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular because of the advertised 750-yard detection range and the promise of real-time Wi-Fi connectivity to a mobile device. I was hoping it would offer a blend of performance and convenience. Initial impressions were mixed; I was eager to test its actual capabilities in the field but a little underwhelmed by the initial feel and look.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism, as I looked forward to putting the Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular through its paces in demanding conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular on a nighttime hog hunt in central Texas. The terrain was a mix of open fields and dense brush. I needed to be able to detect heat signatures of hogs at varying distances.
In dry conditions, the monocular provided a reasonably clear image out to about 300 yards. Image quality was noticeably degraded beyond that range.
The menu system took some getting used to, but the basic functions were straightforward enough. However, I struggled to connect the device to my phone via Wi-Fi and gave up after several frustrating attempts. My initial surprise after my first use was disappointment with how this unit performed versus other thermals I have tested.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent use, the Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular has shown some durability concerns. The plastic housing has picked up a few scratches. The battery life consistently falls short of the advertised 5 hours, typically lasting around 3.5-4 hours with moderate use.
Cleaning the lens is relatively easy, but I’m concerned about the long-term durability of the housing. Compared to my experience with the Trijicon IR-PATROL M300W, which has proven to be exceptionally rugged over years of use, the Burris seems less likely to withstand harsh conditions for extended periods. This thermal unit performed extremely poorly versus my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular
Specifications
The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular features a 400×300 pixel resolution and a 35mm objective lens. These specifications should allow for decent image clarity and detection range.
It has a magnification of 3.3-13.2x, offering versatility for different scenarios. The 50 Hz refresh rate should deliver a smooth image. However, the actual performance in the field didn’t always align with these specs; I experienced noticeable lag and pixelation at higher zoom levels.
The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular has a field of view of 41.1-31 ft at 100 yards, providing a reasonable area of coverage. Its IP67 water resistance rating should protect it from rain and splashes.
The Lithium Ion battery provides around 5 hours of use. The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular weighs 1.38 lbs. The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular measures 9.8 inches in length.
Performance & Functionality
The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular struggles to deliver consistent performance. The image quality is decent at close ranges (under 200 yards), but it degrades significantly at longer distances. The hot track feature works intermittently, and the stadiametric ranging is inaccurate.
The contrast adjustment and color palettes provide some customization options. However, they don’t fully compensate for the sensor’s limitations. The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular is a functional unit that does not live up to its pricepoint.
The product does not meet expectations due to poor image quality and unreliable features.
Design & Ergonomics
The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular is lightweight and relatively comfortable to hold. Its button layout is intuitive. The plastic housing feels cheap.
There is a slight learning curve associated with navigating the menu system, and the Wi-Fi connectivity is unreliable. The product overall is not extremely user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular‘s plastic housing raises concerns about long-term durability. Cleaning the lens is easy, but the overall build quality doesn’t inspire confidence. The unit will likely not last under extensive use.
Maintaining this product should be simple, but repairs may be costly due to the proprietary components.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular comes with a basic carrying case, a USB charging cable, and a lens cloth. There are no significant customization options available. The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular is not compatible with many third-party accessories due to its unique mounting system.
Pros and Cons of Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular
Pros
- Lightweight and relatively comfortable to hold.
- Intuitive button layout.
- Decent image quality at close ranges (under 200 yards).
- Includes stadiametric ranging.
- Multiple color palettes for customization.
Cons
- Poor image quality at longer ranges.
- Unreliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Short battery life (3.5-4 hours vs. advertised 5 hours).
- Plastic housing feels cheap and potentially not very durable.
Who Should Buy Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular?
The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular might be suitable for casual users who need basic thermal imaging capabilities at close ranges. It could also be okay for those on a very tight budget.
Serious hunters, law enforcement professionals, or survivalists should skip this product. They require a more reliable and durable thermal solution. A must-have modification would be more durable housing to protect the lens of the unit.
Conclusion on Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular
The Burris BTH 35 V2 Thermal Imaging Monocular is an underwhelming product that falls short of its promises. Its unreliable performance and questionable durability make it difficult to recommend, especially given its price point. The value proposition simply isn’t there.
I would not personally recommend this thermal monocular. The final thought is to steer clear. There are better options available at a similar price point or even lower. Save your money and invest in a more reputable brand with a proven track record.