Why are thermal scopes so expensive?

[ultrastealth]

Night vision has come down in price considerably over time, but thermal has stayed pretty high. What is it about thermal that keeps it high? Is there a lot of rare earth components, patents,....?

[gingib]

Good question. I wish I knew but man I love me some thermal

[bermise]

The good modern NV binos are still $10k-$20k. Thermal is about the same price I believe.

[OleTomTalker]

Good question. In for responses.

[Truckville]

I was wondering the same thing until I broke down and bought one. Now all I can say is Thermal is expensive because it is worth every penny.

[35remington]

Night vision has come down in price considerably over time, but thermal has stayed pretty high. What is it about thermal that keeps it high? Is there a lot of rare earth components, patents,....?

I am no SME on thermal but here are my two cents.

Gen 3 night vision has not really changed since its introduction. As more competitors enter the market, and learn that it's not too difficult to build a tube in-house and nitro-purge it, the price has dropped. White phosphor is a new twist that is an enhancement for some applications, and it commands a hefty penny.

Thermal on the other hand, changes dramatically every year. Just look at Jason from Outdoor Legacy's posts on the Pulsar scopes that are half of last year's price and have double the resolution and/or features (hyperbole). Look at the FLIR Q14B. Total game changer compared to what used to be out there.

[gingib]

I was wondering the same thing until I broke down and bought one. Now all I can say is Thermal is expensive because it is worth every penny.

What one do you have? Great killing

Thermal on the other hand, changes dramatically every year. Just look at Jason from Outdoor Legacy's posts on the Pulsar scopes that are half of last year's price and have double the resolution and/or features (hyperbole). Look at the FLIR Q14B. Total game changer compared to what used to be out there.

I may check it out...So far best I have used is the REAP IR

[Truckville]

What one do you have? Great killing

I'm using an Armasight Predator 336 2-8x25

[adam_p]

Night vision has come down in price considerably over time, but thermal has stayed pretty high. What is it about thermal that keeps it high? Is there a lot of rare earth components, patents,....?

http://shop.opticsplanet.com/sig-sau...hYIaAkRC8P8HAQ

[gingib]

http://shop.opticsplanet.com/sig-sau...hYIaAkRC8P8HAQ

Get what you pay for

1-2x won't do much

[txhunter007]

Night vision has come down in price considerably over time, but thermal has stayed pretty high. What is it about thermal that keeps it high? Is there a lot of rare earth components, patents,....?

My guess is they are still expensive b/c people are willing to pay that much for them. I dont have one but they sure look like they would be cool.

[adam_p]

Get what you pay for

1-2x won't do much

Seems like it would be fine for shooting pigs at night where your shots are typically pretty close anyway.

[txoutdoorsman24]

What's expensive? I've seen a $3k scope and a $10k scope and they are pretty different in clarity. You pay for what you get. Definitely worth the money!!!!!