PULSAR TELOS LRF XQ35 THERMAL MONOCULARChoose wisely

Starting with the LRF XP50 model, the Telos series now comprises the LRF XQ35, on test here, as well as 50mm XG and XP versions, and the latest XL spec, with its impressive 1024x768 @ 12 µm sensor. All versions are available with or without the LRF module. Prices range from £1,569.95 for the XQ35 to £3,969.95 for the LRF XL50.

Unique upgradability
At launch, I commented that the Telos was not merely the Helion’s replacement, or just a single-barrelled version of Pulsar’s flagship thermal bi-ocular, the Merger – though it has the same hand-filling feel and tactile rubber armouring – but rather the harbinger of a new era in which Pulsar devices would be uniquely modular and upgradeable, accommodating new lenses, sensors, and displays as these became available. This was a major step beyond the performance boosts provided by Pulsar’s regular firmware upgrades, but it didn’t happen overnight. In fact, at the time of writing, Pulsar has only just activated its hardware upgradability service in the UK and released details of its pricing – more on that later.

Fully-loaded spec
The LRF XQ35 tested here is £250 more than its non-LRF equivalent. This is a very fair price to pay for that extra capability, as a novice stalker I’m mentoring commented when the rangefinding Telos enabled him both to keep his quarry in sight on a difficult approach and to know when it was within shootable distance.
Specification-wise, the XQ35 combines a precision-ground f1.0/35mm germanium glass lens; a 384x288 @ 17 µm Lynred sensor with a claimed NETD of

<25 mK; a pin-sharp, high-contrast 1024x768 AMOLED display; 64GB of online storage (enough for over 60 minutes of video); an additional high-speed 5GHz WiFi channel; and a new slim-line LPS 7i battery with an 8-hour run-time. Impeccably built, with top-quality materials, everything fits and moves perfectly. The battery latches in place with a crisp ‘snick’, the dioptre ring is stiff enough to stay where you left it, and the full-diameter focusing ring gives great control for sharp imaging at any distance.

Design innovations
The low-profile rubber eyepiece may hark back to the Helion, but the rounded, hand-filling body shape, the layout and design of the control buttons, and especially the introduction of a camera-style zoom ring all set the Telos apart from its predecessors. As well as being easy to control, the zoom ring is bi-directional, avoiding the usual menu-diving and scrolling. As I’ve said before, I spend 99% of my time at native magnification to benefit from the full field of view (a decent 18.7x14m @ 100m here), and for the other 1% I activate the picture-in-picture (PiP) function!

Ambidextrous ergonomics
As for ergonomics, I love the ambidextrous design of the Telos, as the eyepiece can be positioned to suit either eye; the hand-strap eyelets are mounted on rings that can be rotated, with the rear ring registering into positive detents at 2, 4, 8 and 10 o’clock; and the hinged cover for the objective lens mounts via a reversible bayonet fitting. Whichever hand you use, therefore, it takes just a moment to optimise the ergonomics.
The ergos of the rangefinder module are also good, with a sloping rear that’s designed to fit the natural contours at the base of your thumb. Those with hands bigger than my size 8s will love this, although the smaller-pawed might prefer the non-LRF version.

Size isn’t everything
The rangefinder’s compact dimensions belie its 1000m capability, and the control sits right under your index finger. Both ‘single-shot’ and continuous scanning modes are available, as are angle compensation (THD) and a choice of three reticle options. Additionally, the base of the rangefinding module incorporates a metal hard point for attaching a tripod adapter (available separately).

Power and light
Other details include a neat USB-C data/charging port hidden under a flush-fitting rubber cover at the rear right of the housing. Plus, there is a green LED, inset into the bottom rear, which flashes in a single, double or triple pulse to indicate progress when charging the battery in situ, then shows a constant light when the battery is fully charged or the device is turned on. A menu option lets you deactivate the LED for stealthy fieldwork.

Four-finger exercise
The four rubberised control buttons located on the top of the device are embossed with icons denoting ‘power’, ‘forward’, ‘menu’, and ‘back’ functions. Thoughtfully, the ‘power’ and ‘menu’ buttons are deeply scalloped, making them easy to identify by touch alone. As well as controlling the rangefinder, the ‘back’ button activates the secondary palette (selected from eight options). Functions on the menu button include quick brightness and contrast adjustments, selecting the amplification mode (normal, high, or ultra), and accessing the full menu and confirming menu selections. The forward button controls video recording, or takes a still image, depending on the mode chosen. Finally, the power button lets you manually ‘NUC’ the sensor and enter standby mode, as well as powering the Telos on or off. This versatility is possible because the Telos responds differently to short, medium or long presses on each button. Finding your way around Pulsar’s buttons is always intuitive, but moving the zoom function to its own ring makes navigating the Telos even easier. There’s even a haptic feedback option that confirms each button press with a gentle buzz!

A special case
Normally, I just give a quick nod to the suite of ancillary items supplied with Pulsar’s devices, but with the Telos, one of them demands special attention, and that’s the carry case. Pulsar’s Cordura cases have always been well-made but also somewhat under-designed, so it’s great to see them create one that’s genuinely useful in the field. First off, the lid is held in place by elastic straps, so there’s no fumbling with buckles when drawing or stowing the Telos. Secondly, the rear of the case offers both belt loops and MOLLE tabs for integration with your other load-carrying gear. Lastly, it comes with a Y-shaped clip-on yoke that works like a bino harness, except it can be configured for either right or left-handed use, leaving your shooting shoulder clear. The result is uniquely comfortable, secure, and silent. Now Pulsar just has to realise that black doesn’t blend in during the day and produce it in FDE (Flat Dark Earth)!

After-action report
Now we’re out in the field, it’s time for some impressions on how the Telos performed. Firstly, although a pretty snug fit, the access and security provided by the chest-mounted case were excellent. It distributes the Telos’ 720g weight away from your neck and shoulders and prevents snagging or mishaps when crossing obstacles.
As for the Telos itself, its rubberised polymer casing didn’t get slippery or cold in the hand. With the hand strap well-tensioned, the choice of detent positions always enabled a secure and comfortable hold. On the downside, whilst the balancing point is level with the power button, the natural finger positions are behind it, making the device feel a bit front-heavy. Firm resistance from the buttons also induced a tipping movement when pressing, occasionally producing blurred images when taking stills. Consequently, when recording, I opted to use both hands to ensure a steady image.
Optimising the image was a breeze. The manual controls were swift and precise, and although I sometimes mistook the zoom and focus rings, the mistake was instantly rectifiable. The digital controls were just as efficient. The three amplification modes can be instantly matched to the conditions, or you can rapidly dial the brightness and contrast up/down. The best results tend to come with the latter about four increments higher than the former. A quick dive into the menu will also let you activate/deactivate the image-smoothing function. This favours noise reduction over detail and can help reduce fatigue. Overall, Pulsar’s image processing remains second to none.

Upgradability
This innovative concept gives you some real choices. For example, paying around an extra £250 for an LRF Telos straight-off works out around £120 cheaper than upgrading later, but upgrading an entry-level XQ35 to a top-end LRF XL50 is the same as the current MSRP differential, and thus a perfect solution for those who want to try out the platform before going all-in for the top spec.
To upgrade, simply visit the Thomas Jacks upgrade page, choose your new components, pay the corresponding fee, and box up your Telos for collection. Within two to four weeks, you’ll receive your freshly upgraded Telos. As noted, most upgrades come out pricier than buying a higher-spec model in the first place, but costing-in depreciation and the hassle of selling your old unit second-hand shows the true value of the service. For me, though, the real appeal lies in owning a unit that’s ready for whatever’s coming next: Pulsar’s 1280x1024 @ 12 µm sensor, for example. Telos LRF XT50, anyone?

Contact: Thomas Jacks -
www.thomasjacks.co.uk