AGM ObservIR 25-256 4.5-18x LRF Thermal Binoculars vs TS004
The AGM ObservIR 25-256 is a true thermal binocular with a 1,000m laser rangefinder, 4.5-18x thermal zoom and a 4K digital day channel, priced at $1,495.00. The TOPDON TS004 is a compact 256x192 thermal monocular with an 11-hour battery, priced at $389.00 as of November 1. Buy the AGM if you need ranging, two-eye viewing and target recognition at distance. Buy the TS004 if you want a light, cheap thermal spotter for scanning under 100 yards.
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AGM ObservIR 25-256 4.5-18x LRF Thermal Binoculars
5Choose the AGM ObservIR 25-256 if you need a laser rangefinder, a digital day channel and long-range thermal identification in one binocular.
- Built-in 1,000m laser rangefinder removes a separate device
- 4.5-18x thermal zoom plus a 4K digital day channel for target recognition
- Two-eye binocular housing is steadier for long glassing sessions
- 64GB internal memory, Wi-Fi and GPS built in
- IP67 rated and runs on four included 18650 batteries
- Costs $1,495.00, nearly four times the TS004
- Only 8 hours of runtime per set of batteries
What separates them
| AGM ObservIR 25-256 4.5-18x LRF Thermal Binoculars | TS004 | |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Binocular, two eyepieces | Monocular, single eyepiece |
| Thermal sensor | 256x192, 12 micron, 25mm germanium lens | 256x192, 13mm lens, <40mK NETD |
| Thermal magnification | 4.5-18x with up to 4x digital zoom | 1x/2x/4x/8x digital zoom |
| Laser rangefinder | Built-in, 1,000m | None |
| Second channel | 3840x2160 digital day/night CMOS | Thermal only |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours on removable 18650 cells | Up to 11 hours on built-in 5000mAh battery |
| Detection range | Identifies deer and dogs at about 175 yards | Detects to 450 yards, identifies to about 100 yards |
Price history
- AGM ObservIR 25-256 4.5-18x LRF Thermal Binoculars: lowest $1,495.00 on Oct 31 at Amazon.
- TS004: lowest $389.00 on Nov 1 at eBay.
Prices at every store
AGM ObservIR 25-256 4.5-18x LRF Thermal Binoculars
- Outdoor LegacyCheck price at Outdoor Legacy
- Thermal GalsCheck price at Thermal Gals
- AGMglobalvisionCheck price at AGMglobalvision
TS004
- ADAS DepotCheck price at ADAS Depot
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Auto Rescue Tools and ComputersCheck price at Auto Rescue Tools and Computers
Specs compared
| Spec | AGM ObservIR 25-256 4.5-18x LRF Thermal Binoculars | TS004 |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Adjustment | Manual Focus | — |
| Color | Black | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | 5000mAh |
| Battery Life | — | 11h |
| Charging Time | — | 4h |
| Operating Voltage | — | 5V |
| Display Screen | — | 0.32 inch 800x600 OLED display |
| ROM | — | 32GB memory |
| Infrared Light Resolution | — | 256x192 |
| Focal Range | — | 13mm |
| FOV |
What reviewers say
AGM ObservIR 25-256 4.5-18x LRF Thermal Binoculars
Owners rate it 5 out of 5 across 6 ratings, and buyer feedback highlights thermal clarity that beats other 256-resolution optics. The 4K color daytime channel and the rangefinder draw repeated praise, and buyers call it a lot of features for the money.
- Thermal clarity exceeds other 256-resolution optics
- Can identify deer and a dog at 175 yards with the 4.5x base magnification
- 4K full-color daytime view is equally impressive
- Feature-rich, all features work, and it feels good in hand
- Price is higher than entry-level thermal units
TS004
The TS004 holds 4.8 out of 5 from 15 ratings, a small sample that points to satisfied owners. Users of this class of budget thermal monocular tend to praise the smooth 50Hz image and battery life and to note the narrow field of view and soft digital zoom.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for hunting at long range?
- The AGM. Its 4.5-18x thermal zoom, 25mm lens and 1,000m rangefinder let you spot, range and confirm at distances where the TS004's 13mm lens runs out around 100 yards for identification.
- Is the AGM worth $1,100 more than the TS004?
- Only if you need ranging and two-eye viewing. The TS004 at $389.00 covers close-range scanning; the AGM at $1,495.00 adds a rangefinder, a 4K day channel and far more magnification.
- Which lasts longer on a charge?
- The TS004, at up to 11 hours on its built-in 5000mAh battery. The AGM runs up to 8 hours, but its 18650 cells are removable and it ships with four, so you can swap and keep going.
- Can the TS004 be used as binoculars?
- No. It is a single-eyepiece monocular. The AGM has two eyepieces, which is easier on the eyes during long sessions.
- Which is better for spotting people and vehicles?
- The TS004 has AI-assisted identification of people and vehicles, which helps at close range. The AGM relies on its higher magnification and digital day channel instead.
- Do both work in rain and fog?
- Both are IP67 rated. The TS004 is advertised as seeing through fog; the AGM's digital channel helps in low light.
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