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Awards: Best Thermal Imaging 2024
Designed to deliver high-performance thermal imaging for a wide range of outdoor or even indoor uses and activities, there is a lot going on with the Guide Sensmart TN650 ILR thermal binoculars with plenty to talk about. However, during my research on them, I have come across a whole bunch of junk and even miss information on them written mostly by people who have never used this or indeed any thermal imager before!
So whilst I will be the first admit that I am by no means an expert on thermal imaging, I can assure you that my review of the Guide Sensmart TN650 Thermal Binoculars is based on extensive, hands-on real-world testing: After thoroughly using the device in various times and settings, my aim here is to share with you an in-depth, practical perspective on how it performs under real-world conditions from a general users perspective.
Also, important to mention, this review, like all the others here on BBR is completely independent and unsponsored - the TN 650 was loaned to me by Guide Outdoor for testing (it sadly has to go back soon), and I have no financial ties to the manufacturer. In this way I would like to assure you that the opinions and insights expressed by me below are unbiased and based solely on my experience with the binoculars.
I am guessing that many of you many not be familiar with the Guide Sensmart brand. This is largely because up until very recently their thermal optics were not available in the US and were only sold in a few European countries.
Located in China, Guide Sensmart is a major brand in the thermal imaging sector one of the very few true thermal manufacturers (other examples include FLYR, HIK MICRO, and INFIRAY),
RSD Outdoor obtained exclusive distribution rights for the brand in the US starting in 2024.
The TN Series of thermal binoculars from Guide Sensmart are very high specification devices designed with long-range detection and observation in mind, providing a versatile tool for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike:
Features & Specifications:
Shape & Design
Apart from not having a central hinge, the overall body shape, size and design of the Guide Sensmart TN650 Thermal Binoculars closely resemble that of a traditional optical-only pair of standard sized (42mm) roof prism binoculars, which I think is a very good thing.
Not only is familiar for most users to hold, but this basic design has been refined over the years and allows users to hold the binoculars comfortably, promoting a natural, steady grip which certainly helps in maintaining a stable view which is especially important when observing at higher magnifications.
For me the biggest advantage of using any binocular over a monocular (even standard optical ones) is that the viewing experience is much more natural, relaxed and immersive when using both your eyes and this remains the case when I compare how it feels using a thermal monocular like the AGM Asp-Micro TM160, compared to the Guide TN650 binocular.
Thermal Binoculars:
So, in short, thermal binoculars like the TN650 are better for professional or extended uses, whilst thermal monoculars are more ideal where portability and/or budget is the main concern.
Dust & Waterproof
All Guide TN Thermal binoculars come with an IP66 rating. For those who don't know, this refers to the device's level of protection against solid objects and liquids: The IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the two digits following it indicate specific levels of protection:
In summary, the Guide TN650 is completely dust-tight and is also protected from powerful water jets, making it suitable for use in harsh outdoor environments like rain or dust storms. However, it should not be submerged in water.
Most of the surface of the main body on the Guide TN650 is covered with a hard, thin rubberized coating.
While this coating may not offer significant impact protection due to its relatively thin and firm nature, it does slightly enhance grip, making the binoculars easier to hold securely in various conditions and with cold hands (often an issue at night). Additionally, this coating adds a layer of weatherproofing, contributing to the device's overall resilience in harsh environments.
The matte, non-reflective surface is also a tactical advantage, helping the user remain less visible by minimizing light reflection compared to shiny metal or plastic finishes.
All of the important buttons that you use to control the device are located on the main control panel that is located on the top of the body.
All the buttons are nice and large and I found them easy to locate and press without having to look. Whilst a understandably a little more difficult, I feel that they are also obvious enough to make using them with winder gloves on not too difficult, which for an instrument that most people will be using at night and possibly in winter in poor weather, is an important factor.
From this panel you can make all adjustments using the heads-up display menu, but with one press you can also switch the device on and off, take images and video, use the IR rangefinder, cycle through the color pallets and some display settings, zoom in, zoom out and access the main menu to make further adjustments.
The eyecups on the Guide TN650 LRF Thermal Binoculars are made from soft, but thin rubber, making them not the most comfortable ever, but also in no way were they uncomfortable to use.
The eye shields on the sides do an excellent job of blocking out distractions and unwanted light from the sides of your view, this is especially useful at night when external light sources like torches or nearby lamps can interfere with your vision.
These flaps can easily be folded down, making them more adaptable if you wear glasses or, like I did, want to capture photos or videos through the eyepieces without obstruction. On top of this, if you wish, you can also completely remove the eyecups as they are designed to be detachable.
As with most standard pairs of optical only binoculars, there are two steps to focusing these Guide Thermal Binoculars. One of which only needs to be done once when you are setting it up for your particular eyesight and the other is for adjusting the focus of the device onto objects at different distances away from you.
So rather like a diopter, you need to set-up the unit to match your vision. To do this you turn the ring on each eyepiece (see image above). This adjusts the focus of the eyepiece onto the AMOLED display so that you can get a nice sharp image - Guide Sensmart calls this the visual adjustment in their manual.
Focus Wheel
The to adjust the main focus of the device to view objects at different distances, you simply turn the centrally located focus wheel as you would on a standard pair of binoculars.
Here I found the wheel to be well placed and is easy to reach and turn with just one finger from either your left or right hand. Compared to most full-sized optics-only binoculars, this wheel is quite small and so perhaps not quite as obvious as it could be, but even so I found it quite easy to locate and adjust. When wearing thick winter gloves a larger wheel would be preferable.
Tripod MountableThe series of Guide TN thermal binoculars are all "tripod adaptable" what this means is that a standard tripod adapter can easily be fixed to them by unscrewing the cap on the front of the hinge that separates the two barrels.
For viewing at higher magnifications and especially filming this is essential. Mounting the binoculars on a tripod also makes it easier to return to a particular view or to share the view with other users.
On the underside of the device you find the loops for connecting the neck strap. This is a small departure from modern standard optical binoculars that will nowadays usually have these fixings on the sides of the barrels, but for me it makes no difference either way.
On the bridge section is a cover that once opened gives you access to the Type-C and Micro HDMI ports.
As well as being able to connect the Guide Sensmart TN650 Thermal Binoculars to a computer via the included USB cable, you can also connect to their app (which is available for both Android and iOS devices) using Wi-Fi. This gives you remote control, data management, and live streaming:
Through the app, you can stream real-time thermal imaging to your smartphone or tablet, which is highly useful for monitoring or sharing footage with others. This feature is especially handy in situations where you need to view or control the binoculars from a distance, such as in a stationary setup or when demonstrating the device to multiple viewers.
The Wi-Fi connection also enables users to access and manage stored images and videos directly from their mobile device, making it easy to transfer data for analysis or sharing without needing to remove the SD card or connect the device to a computer. Additionally, the app offers various control functions, allowing users to adjust settings, switch between thermal palettes, and manage the device remotely.
The app provides a streamlined interface for managing multiple connected devices and offers real-time footage streaming, which is useful for surveillance, wildlife observation, and other professional applications where external monitoring is needed. The Wi-Fi range is typically effective for short distances, making it ideal for users who want hands-free operation while still having access to the thermal feed.
The Guide Sensmart TN650 Thermal Binoculars use two replaceable 18650 lithium-ion batteries. Two 3200mAh ones come with the device as standard.
In therms of charging this is not as convenient as a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, but the advantage is that it allows for more flexibility than built-in batteries, making it easier to keep the device powered up in the field on longer longer excursions, as you can easily swap them out with others if they run low.
The advertised operating tome is 5.5 hours, which I would say is about right based on my testing.
Memory & Storage Capacity
Unlike many devices that will use a memory card, the Guide Sensmart TN650 Thermal Binoculars and indeed all TN series binoculars only have a built-in 16Gb memory.
This memory capacity is enough to handle extended recording sessions without the immediate need to transfer files and I do like the simplicity of this, but perhaps there may be some who would like to increase the capacity or have the facility to take out a card to download images and video instead of using the USB cable or Wi-Fi connection.
Note: If storage capacity is a problem for you, you could always connect the device it to your phone and then record directly onto your phone and thus use the memory card on your phone or other devices instead.
The Guide TN650 binoculars weigh 880g / 31.04 oz and have dimensions of 162x146x70mm / 6.38x5.75x2.76 inches.
This puts them in about the same sized and weight region as many high-quality, full-sized standard pair of binoculars and thus felt pretty normal to me. once again if size and weight are of major importance to you, then you might like to consider a thermal monocular instead of binoculars.
Viewable Image
The Guide TN650 has 0.39 inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels.
For comparison, the popular Flir Scout uses an LCD display with a 640x480 resolution and the AGM Asp-Micro that I have also tested is better, but still smaller at 0.2inch and with a resolution of 720x540 pixels.
On the whole I found the view to be bright, very responsive (no lag) and once you are dialed in in terms of the focus, it is as sharp as you will ever hope to find with thermal imaging.
The quality of the image is on a par with what is recorded and thus instead of trying to describe it, just take a look at the example footage video below.
Video recording is interesting in that it saves a MP4 File (.mp4) to the memory card with the same resolution as the display (1024 x 768), but it does it at 50 frames per second.
For the most part this is better than a lower frame rate that you usually get, but because I was using it to make videos (see the example footage below), I had to convert all the footage to match the rest of my video to make it work. It was no big deal, but did just mean one more step.
Guide TN650 Thermal Binoculars - Example Footage
In the video below I go over a selection of video clips I captured using the Guide Sensmart TN650 Thermal Imaging Binoculars with Laser Range Finder:
The Guide Sensmart TN650 Thermal Binoculars captures still images in JPEG format with dimensions of 1024 x 768 @ 96dpi
Photo Examples
Below are some sample photos that I took with the device, both during the day and at night. Click on any image to get the full size version:
As well as the thermal imaging binoculars, in the excellent quality packaging you also will find lens caps, 2 detachable eye-cups with eye-shields, carry bag, shoulder strap, 5V2A adapter (US, Britain, Australia and Europe), 2 replaceable 18650 batteries, Battery charger, USB Type-C cable, micro HDMI cable and a quick start guide.
Carry Case
The included carry case is excellent:
It is very well made and well padded offering a good level of protection to the device when in storage and when you are transporting it. The binoculars fit very well inside and do not flop about, but on top of that, I really like the attention to detail in that they have included a safety strap that holds the binoculars in place and prevents them form falling out when you first open up the case.
The front pocket at the front of the bag is substantial and can easily carry a bunch of accessories and even has an elasticated belt inside that is designed to carry four spare batteries - again this is another nod to the attention to the good amount of detail and also shows me that this case is designed with these thermal binoculars in mind and is not just a generic product.
At the rear of the bag there is a double belt loop which also has clips to open them up (see image below) meaning it can be removed without having to take off your belt.
As well as all this, they have also sewn MOLLE webbing onto the rear of the case. This not only helps with strengthening it, but makes the case even more useful and versatile. Once again an excellent level of detail shown by Guide Sensmart.
Instruction Booklet
The included user manual is actually called a quick start guide and comes in the form of a nice little booklet. Whilst it has many pages, it contains the same information in a lad of different languages.
Even so it still manages to cover the basics and is enough to get you up and running. However for more advanced features like setting up the Wi-Fi, you are going to have to dig a little deeper and get that information from the Guide website.
Warranty
When it comes to the warranty for the Guide TN650 Thermal Binoculars, you'll be pleased to know that Guide Sensmart offers solid coverage across various components of the device. Here's a breakdown:
This comprehensive warranty plan shows the confidence Guide Sensmart has in the durability and reliability of their products while ensuring users get the support they need.
Easy to use, high-end, long range and very sensitive thermal imaging binocular that impresses at every turn:
That is how I would describe the Guide TN650 Thermal Imaging Binoculars in a sentence, but in reality, this awesome thermal imaging binocular is more than that, indeed for me personally, I would describe it as a true game-changer and has now been added to my must-have pieces of gear to take with me on my next wildlife / safari type of adventure. At home I can see people finding it useful for helping with security and if you are like me live in the countryside, it is great for just observing what is out there at night.
Whilst observing larger objects at distance is impressive, it is somewhat to be expected, however the fact that I could easily detect really small things like flying insects at distances of more than 10 meters was impressive and really made me appreciate just how sensitive the image is.
Another true highlight for me was just how easy the Guide TN 650 Thermal Binocular is to use. The functions are intuitive and as long as you keep the batteries charged, you just need to turn it on and from there it is about as difficult to use as a image stabilized binocular.
Overall, there is no doubt that in terms of the sensitivity at range, these high-end thermal binoculars easily beat all the monoculars that I have fully tested and reviewed here on BBR in the past and from memory, they are easily as impressive as any other device from far more well known brands that I have used and tested at trade shows in the past. So whilst I know these are in no ways cheap, they are considerably less expensive than what you would usually pay for the better known, more established brands in the US and Europe.
I just hope I get the chance to use these on an extended wildlife trip or something like that in the future.
Highly Recommended.
Wildlife Observation:
For anyone passionate about wildlife tracking, especially at night, the Guide Sensmart TN650 Thermal Binoculars are a game-changer. I can't wait to bring these on my next wildlife trip back home to Southern Africa! Whether you're on a night drive, walking safari, or camping under the stars, this compact and lightweight device is perfect for detecting elusive nocturnal animals.
Hunting and Scouting:
The TN650 will certainly be highly useful for hunters who need to detect and track game, especially in low-light conditions or dense brush where visibility is limited. Its thermal imaging can spot animals through light foliage, brush, and even camouflaged environments, giving hunters a clear advantage for scouting and tracking during dawn, dusk, or at night.
Home and Personal Security:
While law enforcement agencies or security professionals may opt for higher-spec thermal devices, the TN650 is more than capable for personal home security needs. At night, it's a powerful tool for monitoring your property, allowing you to detect and record any intruders long before they get close. Its impressive thermal sensitivity makes it a reliable choice for personal security in low-visibility conditions.
Search and Rescue:
In professional search and rescue missions, teams might have the budget for more specialized equipment, but the TN650 can certainly be a valuable asset for those venturing into the wilderness. Whether you're camping, hiking, or skiing, having this device on hand could make a significant difference in locating lost or injured individuals. Its sensitivity, long range and ease of use make it an essential companion for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize safety.
Fire fighting and Overwatch:
Thermal binoculars are often used in fire fighting and emergency overwatch situations. Therefore the TN650 can help firefighters or safety personnel detect hotspots in wildfires, locate trapped individuals, or provide thermal surveillance in smoke-filled areas where visibility is poor. Its ability to detect heat through smoke or in complete darkness is a critical asset for emergency services.
Disaster Response and Crisis Management:
During natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or storms, the TN650 can aid in locating survivors or assessing damage in environments where visibility is severely compromised. Thermal detection can penetrate dust, fog, or darkness, providing a clear view in situations where traditional optics or even the human eye fails.
Boating and Maritime Safety:
For nighttime boating or maritime navigation, thermal binoculars like the TN650 can be invaluable. They help identify objects and hazards in the water that may be invisible to the naked eye in darkness or fog. Whether it's spotting debris, other vessels, or even people in the water, thermal imaging can enhance safety at sea or on lakes during low visibility conditions.
Preppers and Emergency Equipment Kits:
For preppers or anyone putting together a kit of gear to have in an emergency when the SHTF, the Guide TN650 is a no-brainer if you have the budget. It adds a vital layer of preparedness, allowing you to spot or find heat signatures from a safe distance in an emergency scenario.
Agriculture and Livestock Monitoring:
Farmers and ranchers can use the TN650 to monitor livestock at night, identifying animals that may be wandering off or detecting predators approaching the herd. It's also useful for spotting overheating or sick animals that might show different heat patterns than healthy ones.
Game Counting:
For conservationists or game managers, this thermal binocular opens up new possibilities. Many animals that are hard to spot during the day become more active at night, and the TN650's long detection range and thermal capabilities are perfect for tracking and counting wildlife. Having spent nights at watering holes on past game-counting expeditions, I can only imagine how useful it would have been to have this powerful tool in my kit back then.
Building and Facility Inspections:
Like other thermal images, I would say that the Guide Sensmart TN650 can be used for facility inspections, particularly for identifying heat leaks, faulty insulation, or overheating electrical components. For large buildings or industrial sites, thermal binoculars provide a way to inspect from a distance, allowing operators to scan rooftops, walls, and mechanical equipment for hot spots that indicate potential maintenance needs.
Stargazing:
Unlike night vision, which amplifies available light, thermal devices rely on heat signatures. Unfortunately, stars emit light but not enough heat to be detected by the TN650. Aside from the moon, the night sky will appear blank, so stargazing isn't something you can do with this instrument.
High-Resolution Imaging:
While the TN650 excels in thermal detection, its image resolution for photos and videos is limited when compared to what we're accustomed to from modern cameras or even high-end night vision devices. It's best used for identification and detection rather than capturing high-quality images or videos for detailed analysis.
Detailed Object Identification:
Thermal binoculars excel at detecting heat sources, but they are not ideal for providing clear, detailed images. If you're trying to identify specific objects or read signs in the dark, the image quality of the TN650 may not be sufficient for this task. Standard binoculars or night vision devices with higher resolution and optical magnification would offer better clarity for object identification.
Awards:Main Specifications & Features:
Below are similar pairs of Thermal Imaging Binoculars that you may also want to have a look at:
Small, lightweight, easy to use, low-cost thermal imaging monocular that punches well above its price tag...
General Price Range: (5/6) High Value Thermal Imaging Binoculars
Below is a link that will take you to a page with online retailers in both the US and UK that sell Guide 2-22x50 TN650 Thermal Imaging Binoculars this page makes it easy to compare prices and then to buy from your preferred option:
 Buy & Compare Prices for the Guide 2-22x50 TN650 Thermal Imaging Binoculars |
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Price & Where to Buy
Price & Where to Buy
