First Thoughts on the Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 Thermal Hand Held/Mountable Scope Matte Black 3x50mm, 640×480, 50Hz Resolution
The thermal imaging market has exploded in the past decade, moving from niche military applications to becoming increasingly accessible for hunters, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts. Enter the Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 Thermal Hand Held/Mountable Scope Matte Black 3x50mm, 640×480, 50Hz Resolution, a device promising high-end thermal capability in a compact and versatile package. Boasting a lightweight design, the ability to be used handheld or weapon-mounted, and a high-resolution sensor, it aims to bridge the gap between performance and practicality. The promise of a fast aperture lens and long detection range certainly piqued my interest.
My aging eyes aren’t what they used to be, and trying to spot that elusive coyote at dusk has become increasingly challenging. I needed a reliable thermal scope to extend my effective hunting hours and improve my chances of success. I was particularly drawn to the Krypton 2 FXQ50’s mountable design.
Unboxing the Krypton 2 FXQ50, the first thing that struck me was its solid feel despite the surprisingly light weight. The matte black finish gives it a tactical, no-nonsense appearance. The controls seemed intuitive at first glance, and the overall build quality felt robust.
I considered the FLIR Breach PTQ136 and the AGM Sidewinder TM35-384 before settling on the Pulsar. I opted for the Krypton 2 FXQ50 due to its higher resolution sensor (640×480 compared to the FLIR’s 320×256 and the AGM’s 384×288) and the reputation of Pulsar’s image processing. While the initial price tag gave me pause, the promise of superior image clarity ultimately swayed my decision.
Initially, I was excited about the possibilities this thermal scope offered. I’ve used Pulsar products before and trust the brand. My hope was that the Krypton 2 FXQ50 would live up to the hype and provide a significant advantage in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 Thermal Hand Held/Mountable Scope Matte Black 3x50mm, 640×480, 50Hz Resolution to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 Thermal Hand Held/Mountable Scope Matte Black 3x50mm, 640×480, 50Hz Resolution was on a late-night hog hunt in central Texas. The temperature was cool, with a slight drizzle adding to the challenge. I used it initially as a handheld to scan the fields from my elevated stand.
The thermal scope performed admirably in the damp conditions. The rain didn’t seem to affect the image quality, and the controls remained responsive even with slightly wet hands. The unit proved easy to operate. Cycling through the different color palettes and sensitivity settings was straightforward, even in near darkness.
I did encounter a minor issue during the initial setup. Mounting the unit to my rifle’s Weaver rail required a bit of fiddling with the PSP-V Adapter to achieve a perfect alignment. However, once mounted, it felt secure and stable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Pulsar Krypton 2 FXQ50 has proven to be a reliable piece of kit. I’ve taken it on multiple hunting trips in varying conditions, from sweltering summer heat to freezing winter nights.
The Krypton 2 has held up remarkably well to the rigors of field use. There are no noticeable scratches or signs of wear, and all the controls still function flawlessly. Cleaning the lens is simple, requiring only a soft cloth to remove dust and smudges.
Compared to my previous experiences with lower-resolution thermal devices, the Pulsar is in a different league. The image clarity and detail are significantly better, allowing for easier identification of targets at longer distances. The detection range is also noticeably superior, enabling me to spot animals that would have been invisible with older technology.
Breaking Down the Features of Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 Thermal Hand Held/Mountable Scope Matte Black 3x50mm, 640×480, 50Hz Resolution
Specifications
The Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 is a thermal imaging scope designed for both handheld observation and weapon mounting. It boasts a 640×480 microbolometer resolution, providing a high level of detail in thermal images. This resolution is crucial for identifying smaller targets at greater distances.
The unit features a 50Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and fluid imaging even when observing fast-moving objects. A higher refresh rate reduces image lag and blurring, which is particularly important for hunting or surveillance applications. The 3x magnification, paired with the 50mm objective lens, strikes a good balance between field of view and magnification.
Pulsar has equipped the Krypton 2 FXQ50 with a fast F35/1.0 germanium lens. The fast aperture allows more thermal radiation to reach the sensor, resulting in brighter and more detailed images, especially in low-light or challenging weather conditions. The detection range exceeds 1400 yards, giving users the ability to spot heat signatures from significant distances.
Other key features include integrated video recording, WiFi connectivity for use with the Stream Vision 2 app, and 8 color palettes for customized viewing preferences. The inclusion of a Bluetooth remote adds convenience for controlling the device while mounted on a weapon. The scope is powered by a battery pack, enhancing its portability and ease of use.
Performance & Functionality
The Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 excels in its primary function: detecting heat signatures in various environments. The high-resolution sensor and fast aperture lens work in tandem to produce exceptionally clear and detailed thermal images. The image quality truly shines.
The different color palettes offer versatility for different scenarios. “White Hot” is excellent for general observation, while “Black Hot” can be preferable in cluttered environments. The “Red Hot” palette highlights the warmest objects, making it ideal for quickly identifying animals. One weakness is that the zoom function is digital, and image quality degrades noticeably at higher magnifications.
The scope largely exceeds my expectations. The long detection range and image clarity give me a significant advantage when hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Pulsar Krypton 2 FXQ50 is exceptional. The materials feel durable and the construction is solid, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of field use. Despite its robust construction, the scope is surprisingly lightweight.
The unit is relatively user-friendly. The controls are logically placed and easy to operate, even with gloves on. There is a slight learning curve associated with navigating the menu system and customizing the settings, but the included manual provides clear instructions.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, I expect the Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 to last for many years with proper care. The scope feels incredibly well-built.
Maintenance is straightforward. Simply wipe the lens with a soft cloth as needed to remove dust and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pulsar Krypton 2 FXQ50 comes with a standard battery pack, charger, carrying case, and the Pulsar Bluetooth remote. The Bluetooth remote is a welcome addition.
The scope is designed to be compatible with various Weaver-style mounts. This opens up a wide range of customization options for mounting it on different weapons or tripods.
Pros and Cons of Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 Thermal Hand Held/Mountable Scope Matte Black 3x50mm, 640×480, 50Hz Resolution
Pros
- Exceptionally clear and detailed thermal images due to the high-resolution 640×480 sensor. This provides a significant advantage in identifying targets at long distances.
Cons
- Digital zoom degrades image quality at higher magnifications, limiting its usefulness for extreme long-range observation.
Long detection range exceeding 1400 yards allows users to spot heat signatures from considerable distances, increasing situational awareness.
Versatile mounting options for handheld use or attachment to a weapon using a Weaver base, providing flexibility in different scenarios.
Durable and lightweight design ensures reliable performance in the field without adding excessive weight to your gear.
Integrated video recording and WiFi connectivity enable users to capture and share their experiences easily.
The high price point may be a barrier to entry for some potential buyers, although the performance justifies the cost for serious users.
Who Should Buy Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 Thermal Hand Held/Mountable Scope Matte Black 3x50mm, 640×480, 50Hz Resolution?
The Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 is perfect for serious hunters who demand the best thermal imaging performance for nighttime hunting. It is also well-suited for law enforcement professionals who need a reliable and versatile thermal scope for surveillance and search-and-rescue operations. Wildlife researchers studying nocturnal animals could also greatly benefit from this scope.
Someone on a very tight budget should skip this product. They could consider a lower-resolution thermal monocular. Casual users who only need thermal imaging occasionally might also find the price difficult to justify.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality external battery pack to extend the runtime in the field. A sturdy tripod is also recommended for stationary observation and long-range scanning.
Conclusion on Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 Thermal Hand Held/Mountable Scope Matte Black 3x50mm, 640×480, 50Hz Resolution
The Pulsar PL76659K Krypton 2 FXQ50 Thermal Hand Held/Mountable Scope Matte Black 3x50mm, 640×480, 50Hz Resolution delivers on its promise of high-performance thermal imaging in a compact and versatile package. While the price is undoubtedly a significant investment, the superior image quality, long detection range, and robust build quality make it a worthwhile purchase for serious users.
The value proposition is strong. The performance justifies the cost for those who demand the best thermal technology.
I would personally recommend the Pulsar Krypton 2 FXQ50 to anyone seeking a top-tier thermal scope for hunting, law enforcement, or wildlife observation. If you are serious about your nighttime endeavors and demand the best possible performance, the Krypton 2 FXQ50 is worth the investment. See what you’ve been missing – upgrade your nighttime vision today!