NocPix LUMI: Designed around compact size, low weight and straightforward handheld use. The LUMI range spans from the affordable P13 through to the 640×512 H35 and H35R, making it suitable for everything from closer-range scanning to high-detail observation.

NocPix VISTA: Positioned as the more premium viewing platform, with a larger 2560×2560 AMOLED display, 60Hz refresh rate, wider optical presentation and higher-end long-range models. The range includes the H35, H35R, H50, H50R and flagship 1280×1024 S50R.

Choose LUMI if portability and compact size matter most. Choose VISTA if you prioritise a larger, more immersive viewing experience and want access to the highest-resolution and longest-range models.

Best entry-level option – LUMI P13:
A compact and affordable introduction to thermal imaging. Best suited to closer-range scanning and users who want straightforward heat detection without paying for higher-resolution sensors.

Best affordable wide-view upgrade – LUMI L19:
Moves up to a 384×288 sensor while retaining a wide field of view and low 2× base magnification.

Best compact distance-focused 384×288 model – LUMI L35:
The 35mm lens and 4× base magnification give more image scale and longer-range capability while retaining the compact LUMI format.

Best compact 384×288 model with LRF – LUMI L35R:
Combines the L35's distance-focused thermal platform with an integrated laser rangefinder.

Best compact 640×512 all-rounder – LUMI H35:
Combines a high-resolution 640×512 sensor with a wide field of view and compact handheld format.

Best compact 640×512 model with LRF – LUMI H35R:
Adds integrated rangefinding to the H35's high-resolution thermal platform.

Best premium wide-view VISTA – VISTA H35:
A strong choice if you want 640×512 thermal imaging with the larger VISTA display and a wide field of view.

Best premium wide-view model with LRF – VISTA H35R:
Combines the H35's wide scanning characteristics with integrated 1,200m rangefinding.

Best premium long-range non-LRF model – VISTA H50:
The 50mm lens and 4× base magnification make it better suited to more distant observation across larger fields and open ground.

Best premium long-range model with LRF – VISTA H50R:
Adds built-in 1,200m rangefinding to the H50's longer-range 640×512 platform.

Best overall NocPix monocular – VISTA S50R:
The flagship model combines a 1280×1024 thermal sensor with a 50mm lens, 2× base magnification, wide 31 × 25m field of view and integrated rangefinding.

Thermal sensor resolution determines how much native thermal information is captured before digital magnification or image processing is applied.

256×192: Used by the LUMI P13. Suitable for basic thermal detection and closer-range scanning.

384×288: Used by the LUMI L19, L35 and L35R. A noticeable step up in detail while keeping prices below the 640×512 models.

640×512: Used by the LUMI H35/H35R and VISTA H35/H35R/H50/H50R. This provides substantially more image detail and retains more useful information when digital magnification is applied.

1280×1024: Used by the VISTA S50R. This gives 1,310,720 thermal pixels, four times the pixel count of a 640×512 detector, providing the highest native thermal resolution in the current NocPix monocular range.

The objective lens affects base magnification, field of view and long-range capability.

13mm: Used on the LUMI P13. Designed primarily for closer-range observation and wide-area scanning.

19mm: Used on the LUMI L19. Maintains a wide field of view while increasing thermal performance compared with the P13.

35mm: Used across the L35, L35R, H35, H35R and VISTA H35 models. Provides a strong balance between field of view and reach.

50mm: Used by the VISTA H50, H50R and S50R. Better suited to longer-distance observation and more distant target identification.

A larger lens does not automatically mean a better monocular. The best lens depends on whether you prioritise wide scanning or greater image scale at distance.

Within the current LUMI and VISTA ranges, the R models include an integrated laser rangefinder.

The LUMI L35R and H35R include integrated rangefinding, while the VISTA H35R, H50R and S50R also provide built-in distance measurement.

An integrated LRF is useful because judging distance through a thermal image can be difficult. It allows you to detect a heat source, observe it and measure its distance using one device.

If accurate distance measurement is not important, the corresponding non-R model often provides the same core thermal imaging platform at a lower price.

Field of view and base magnification are closely linked.

A wider field of view makes it easier to scan larger areas, locate moving heat sources and maintain awareness of what is happening around the subject.

Higher base magnification makes distant subjects appear larger but reduces how much terrain is visible at once.

Models such as the LUMI L19, LUMI H35, VISTA H35 and VISTA S50R are particularly strong for scanning because they combine relatively low base magnification with wide fields of view.

The VISTA H50 and H50R are more distance-focused because their 50mm lens and 4× base magnification produce more image scale but a narrower view.

Detection range tells you approximately how far away the thermal monocular can detect that a sufficiently large heat source is present under defined test conditions.

Detection is not the same as identification. A thermal imager may show that something warm is present at a considerable distance without providing enough detail to determine exactly what it is.

Real-world useful range depends on target size, weather conditions, thermal contrast, vegetation and how much digital magnification is being used.

For practical buying decisions, sensor resolution, lens size, field of view and base magnification are usually more useful than focusing on the maximum detection figure alone.

If your priority is scanning large areas quickly, look closely at the models with lower base magnification and wider fields of view.

LUMI L19: 2× base magnification with a wide field of view, making it a strong value option for closer and medium-range scanning.

LUMI H35 / H35R: Higher-resolution 640×512 models that retain a wide view while providing much more image detail.

VISTA H35 / H35R: Premium 640×512 scanning models with a larger, more immersive display.

VISTA S50R: Combines the widest view in the range with the highest native thermal resolution, making it exceptionally strong for users who want both scanning ability and fine image detail.

For longer-range observation, lens size and base magnification become increasingly important.

LUMI L35 / L35R: Compact 384×288 options with 35mm lenses and 4× base magnification.

LUMI H35 / H35R: Upgrade to 640×512 resolution while retaining the compact LUMI format.

VISTA H50 / H50R: The 50mm objective and 4× base magnification give greater image scale and make these models particularly well suited to observing across large fields and open terrain.

VISTA S50R: The highest-end option, combining very high thermal resolution with a 50mm lens and unusually wide 2× starting magnification.

Both the LUMI and VISTA ranges use replaceable rechargeable battery systems, allowing batteries to be changed in the field rather than waiting for the monocular itself to recharge.

NocPix LUMI: Supplied with 2 × rechargeable 18650 batteries, giving you a spare battery for extended use.

NocPix VISTA: Supplied with 2 × rechargeable IBP-7 battery packs, allowing one pack to be carried as a charged spare.

The exact runtime varies between models and depends on temperature and use of features such as recording and wireless connectivity.

NocPix thermal imaging products are supplied with manufacturer warranty cover when purchased through an authorised dealer.

• Main unit: 3-year warranty
• Battery: 2-year warranty
• Thermal detector: 10-year warranty

Warranty periods begin from the purchase date shown on your invoice and remain subject to NocPix's current warranty terms.

When you purchase a NocPix thermal imaging monocular from Bamfords, Bamfords is your point of contact should you require assistance with a warranty claim.

Which NocPix thermal monocular has the best image quality?
The VISTA S50R has the highest native thermal resolution in the current monocular range with its 1280×1024 sensor.

Which NocPix monocular is best for scanning?
The LUMI L19, LUMI H35, VISTA H35 and VISTA S50R are particularly strong choices because they combine relatively low base magnification with wide fields of view.

Which NocPix monocular is best for longer-range observation?
The VISTA H50 and H50R are particularly distance-focused thanks to their 50mm F0.9 lenses and 4× base magnification. The S50R is the flagship alternative for users wanting maximum thermal resolution.

Which NocPix monoculars have laser rangefinders?
The LUMI L35R, LUMI H35R, VISTA H35R, VISTA H50R and VISTA S50R include integrated laser rangefinders.

What is the difference between LUMI and VISTA?
LUMI prioritises compact size, low weight and portability. VISTA is the more premium viewing platform with a larger 2560×2560 AMOLED display and higher-end long-range options.

Is 640×512 worth it over 384×288?
A 640×512 detector captures substantially more thermal information than a 384×288 detector, improving fine detail and helping retain more useful image information when digital magnification is applied.

Is 1280×1024 better than 640×512?
Yes in terms of native thermal resolution. A 1280×1024 sensor contains four times as many thermal pixels as a 640×512 detector, although overall performance also depends on lens size, field of view and image processing.

Do NocPix monoculars come with spare batteries?
The current LUMI and VISTA packages include two rechargeable batteries, allowing one to be carried as a charged spare.

What does the R mean on NocPix products?
On the current LUMI and VISTA monocular ranges, R identifies models equipped with an integrated laser rangefinder.

What does F0.9 mean?
F0.9 refers to the aperture of the objective lens. A fast F0.9 thermal lens is designed to allow a high level of thermal energy to reach the sensor, helping support image contrast and thermal detail.

Can thermal monoculars see through fog or rain?
Thermal imaging can remain useful in conditions where visible-light optics struggle because it detects heat rather than visible light. Performance can still be reduced by heavy rain, dense fog and other atmospheric conditions.

Can a thermal monocular be used in daylight?
Yes. Thermal monoculars detect differences in heat rather than relying on ambient light, so they can be used during daylight as well as at night.