Thermal Master T2 Max Review: A Comprehensive Hands-On Analysis

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet the team at Thermal Master during the SHOT Show. After an in-depth discussion about their latest thermal imaging device, the T2 Max, I arranged to have a sample sent to me for testing. Now, after doing a bunch of research, testing, as well as hands-on use out in the field, I have put together my complete, unbiased review:

Scope – In this review of the Thermal Master T2 Max bundle, I go over every aspect of the thermal camera as well as the included grip handle and the Titan screen ( This is an optional extra). I cover the overall performance (with video and still examples), usability, build quality, thermal imaging capabilities, and battery life, and I also include a section on how it stacks up against competitors in its price range, paying particular attention to other similar thermal imagers that I have also tested and reviewed in the past.

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Unboxing & First Impressions

Below is a short video of the unboxing and setup as well as a very brief summary – For a full breakdown, check out my article on the T2 Max unboxing & First Impressions.

The T2 Max comes well-packaged and is well protected, and with the thin, clear cellophane plastic wrapping protecting the boxes, it adds to the premium feel. Inside the box, you get:

• T2 Max Thermal Imaging Camera
• Ergonomic Handle (for ease of use and improved handheld operation)
• Titan Screen (external display for enhanced visibility)
• Protective Carry Case (for the whole unit and another separate one for the camera if you decide to remove it from the handle)
• Charging & Extension Cables
• Mounting Accessories & Tools
• User Manual & Quick Start Guide

Straight out of the box, the T2 Max and all the accessories, including the protective carry cases, all look like quality, well-made products.

The camera itself is tiny, but when installed within the handle, the whole T2 Max system feels robust and well-constructed, with a solid build and an ergonomic button layout.

The Titan Screen also looks well-made and, for me, is a useful addition (but you don’t have to have it – more on that later). The initial setup was also super simple and intuitive.

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Initial Setup & First Use

Setting up the Thermal Master T2 Max was super easy: I found it so intuitive and straightforward that I did not have to read any instructions before getting it up and working the first time.

1. Installing the Battery in the Handle
   • The handle houses the included 5000mAh Rechargable Battery, and the thumbscrew makes the spring-loaded access hatch easier to open and close, but at the same time, it does get in the way if you want to mount the handle onto your tripod.
   • Apart from the position of the thumbscrew, which gets in the way of the tripod mounting thread, the battery compartment is well-designed, with a spring-mounted connection and snug fit, and there is no rattling from the battery inside.
   • The handle’s ergonomic design makes gripping comfortable, even for extended use.
2. Attaching the Titan Screen (or Phone) to the Handle
   • The Titan Screen connects seamlessly to the handle using an easy-to-use and secure clamp mounting system.
   • If you prefer using your smartphone, attaching it to the handle is just as easy using the clamp, which will accept almost any size of phone. Your phone will also connect in the same way to the camera via the USB-C connector that is attached to the handle.
3. Powering On & First Use
   • Push down the power button on the screen to turn it on
   • Whilst not so quick as to blow me away, the boot-up time is reasonably fast, allowing you to start scanning in under a minute.
   • As with setting up the instrument, I also found the UI of the software to be intuitive, with clearly labeled menus and settings. All the navigation needed was easy enough to get through and understand even without reading the instructions.

So to sum up this section: Even on the very first time connecting it all together and turning it on, I was viewing thermal images in no time at all and without any issues. The truly plug-and-play experience combining the T2 Max thermal camera and grip with the Titan screen is great and makes this system accessible even for complete first-time thermal imaging users.

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Build Quality & Design

The T2 Max thermal camera by itself is extremely compact, making it ideal for things like mounting on a firearm or packing away in your hiking or bug-out bag. However, because it is so small, for the best handheld experience, I would suggest keeping it installed in the handle or, at the very least, connecting it directly to your phone without the use of the extension cable.

If you decide not to keep the camera within the pistol grip, Thermal Master has you covered in that they also supply you with a very cool looking, tiny and protective case just for the thermal camera, which is a nice touch and shows good attention to detail:

The design of the grip handle not only makes handling the camera and the screen (or your phone) much easier and less fiddly but also helps keep everything more steady for better views and, therefore also more stable recordings for sharper images and video.

For a completely stable, shake-free view and recording, attaching the camera to a tripod is the best solution.

To do this, you can either connect the camera via the USB-C jack directly to your phone and then use some sort of mount to attach your phone to a tripod or use the Thermal Master grip handle that comes with the T2 Max bundle. As well as making the whole system easier to use, the way it is mounted into the handle also provides the tiny thermal camera with more protection.

One slight issue I had was with the thumb screw on the underside of the handle (see image above) that is used to keep the spring loaded battery compartment closed. This can and does get in the way when trying to mount the handle onto some mounting plates. To get around this, you either need a very small mounting plate, replace the screw with one that does not have a large thumb head or use a mounting longer screw on your tripod head. Neither of these options should be too difficult to achieve, it is just a bit of an oversight and one that you shouldn’t have to do.

Overall, the handle looks and feels premium; it is comfortable to hold, and the buttons are well-placed, which allowed me to use them fairly easily even when I tested them using some winter gloves.

• Size & Weight: The T2 max thermal camera is tiny and extremely lightweight. Mounting it into the handle makes it easier to use, more comfortable for extended use, helps with image stability, and adds protection to the camera.
• Weather Resistance: Rated IP67 waterproof, making it suitable for harsh conditions.
• Button Layout: On the handle and your screen, using the Thermal Master software is generally intuitive, with an easy-to-use thumb and finger pinch zoom, palette selection, and image/video capture.

I like the included handle. I have used similar thermal cameras that attach to your phone in the past (so, for example, see my InfiRay Xinfrared T2 Pro Thermal Eye Review) and have always preferred mounting the whole system onto a handle grip of some sort for the increased stability.

Whilst not completely necessary (it is an optional extra when you purchase the T2 Max Bundle), for me, the Titan Screen is a fantastic addition. I really like how easily the whole system works together, making it easier to view and recort thermal images/video without needing any extra steps for the setup.

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Camera & Thermal Imaging Performance

Sensor & Camera Resolution

• Resolution: 256 x 192 pixels
• NETD (Thermal Sensitivity): ≤20mK@25℃
• Focal Length: 15mm f/0.8
• Frame Rate: 50Hz
• Detection Range: 1600 yards (1463 meters) for a 1.8m Tall Human
• Field of View: 11.7° x 8.8°
• Zoom: Digital Zoom – 15x Max
• Color Palettes: White Hot, Black Hot, Red Hot, Iron, and more
• Recording: Video & Image Capture

The 256 x 192 resolution is very good at this price level but, as you would expect, falls short compared to high-end thermal cameras.

The NETD of <20mK means the thermal camera is able to detect subtle temperature differences well, making it useful for spotting wildlife, detecting heat leaks, or surveillance. Remember that a lower NETD value signifies better performance in distinguishing fine temperature variations. More details: Guide to Thermal Imaging Technical Terms

The frame rate of 50Hz is smooth for scanning but isn’t the highest available. The 13.8° x 10.4° field of view is suitable for mid-range detection but somewhat narrow for close-up scanning.

Comparison with Other Thermal Imagers

Device	Resolution	NETD	Focal Length	Frame Rate	Field of View	Price
Thermal Master T2 Max	256x192	<20mK	15mm	50Hz	11.7° x 8.8°	$399
AGM Asp-Micro TM160	160x120	<50mK	6.2mm	50Hz	15.6° × 11.7°	$520
FLIR Scout TK	160x120	<100mK	13mm	9Hz	20° × 16°	$599
InfiRay Xinfrared T2 Pro	256x192	<40mK	13mm	25Hz	13.8° x 10.4°	$420

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Photo Examples

The photographs below were all taken using the Thermal Master T2 Max – Most were handheld using the pistol grip.

Video Footage Examples

Below is a mix of video footage that was captured using the Thermal Master T2 Max. The first shots of the two donkeys were taken with the thermal camera mounted onto a tripod, and then the rest up until the birds on the birdfeeder was taken holding the camera using the pistol grip.

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Battery Life & Power

In the pistol grip, the T2 Max runs on the replaceable 5000mAh rechargeable battery, which Thermal Master says can last for up to 18 hours. In my testing, I got at least 6 hours of almost continuous use out of it.

The support for USB-C charging is a definite plus for me, making it easier to do without having to remove the battery and means I can use the same cables, etc as that which I already have for my phone.

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Titan Screen

• Internal Storage: 2.80 GB, of which 2.50 GB was usable
• Charging via a USB-C cable
• Transfer of Images & Video via USB-C cable or Bluetooth

Software

Color Palettes Examples:

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Pricing & Value for Money

With an RRP of $399, the T2 Max sits in the mid-range thermal imaging category. However, even at the RRP, it costs substantially less than many other mid-range thermal imagers

Compared to the AGM Asp-Micro TM160 ($520), it offers better resolution and sensitivity. Against the FLIR Scout TK ($599), it lacks FLIR’s branding and image processing power but delivers better performance for the price.

Where to Buy:

• Check Current Prices for the Thermal Master T2 Max Here

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Conclusions

The Thermal Master T2 Max camera is a very solid, good quality, easy to use, mid-range thermal imager with good resolution, sensitivity, and features for the price. The Titan Screen is great, improving usability, while the handle is, for me, the clincher, making the whole thermal imaging system easier to use, more stable and adding protection to the camera.

For those needing an affordable, capable thermal camera for hunting, security, or just general thermal imaging, the T2 Max is a strong contender, which I would definitely recommend at this price range.

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros

✔ Very good build quality and compact design
✔ Very good resolution and sensitivity for the price
✔ Super easy to set-up and use – this means you will use it more often!
✔ Titan Screen is excellent and enhances the overall ease of use
✔ Affordable price compared to similar-level alternatives
✔ Included removable & rechargable battery in the pistol grip can be replaced
✔ USB-C charging
✔ Multiple color palettes

Cons

✖ The field of view is slightly narrow
✖ Handle cand be difficult to mount onto a tripod as the thumb screw gets in the way

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆