Are THERMAL IMAGING SCOPES Useful For The Average Bird Photographer?

A thermal imaging scope can be a powerful tool when searching for wildlife but just how useful is it for the average birdwatcher and bird photographer?
I borrow a trusty Zeiss DTi 1/19, head on down to my local nature reserve and put one to the test!
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I'm Damian John, a live music turned wildlife photographer from the West Midlands, UK. Join me as I go on adventures photographing wildlife attempting to give a more honest insight into the world of wildlife photography. Not every trip is going to be filled with rare once in a lifetime species so come with me and learn to appreciate all of natures beautiful little creatures, one photograph at a time.
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[@gavindavis1300]

Just bought one for finding otters on the shoreline. Has been very helpful.

[@stephenbarlow2493]

I've had a few years experience with a top of the range Pulsar model, which isn't mine. It was initially purchased for Nightjar observation and has proved very useful. However, the ability to see into vegetation, is quite limited as you can no longer see the bird or animal, with only a thin layer of vegetation in the way. I've found white hot, and hot red, to be the most useful colour palettes. I don't know about other makes and models, but with the Pulsar, you can toggle through a series of different contrast levels. I've found the lowest contrast level, most useful, even though it looks a bit dull and flat. At the higher contrast levels, too much glows red or white, such as trees, other vegetation and the ground. At the lower contrast levels, only living heat sources tend to show up. Thermal imagers show relative heat differences, so if the sun is strong, warming a lot of things up, and it is warm, it will be difficult separating the false signal of hot substrates, and warm blooded creatures.

[@MattMurddock]

The day they add this to flagship cameras will be wild. With the flip of a switch you would locate and then shoot.

[@damianjohnwildlife]

That concept never once entered my head, that would be absolutely incredible if possible!

[@Ryanswildlifephotography]

Oooo loved this mate, and what a cool idea!!! Totally want one now hahahaha

[@damianjohnwildlife]

They're nifty bits of kit, if you get the chance to have a blast with one I'd really reccomend it!

[@Don-kh3ll]

Another fascinating video with beautiful filming. The beehive was an amazing find and seeing just how obvious the snipe were was impressive. I suspect your conclusion is probably right though

[@damianjohnwildlife]

Thank you!
They're fascinating products, I was really surprised by how effective they can be but alas, I don't think I'd get enough use to warrant purchasing one.
The Zeiss was a joy to use though

[@Suprastar87]

I would love to see a mushroom video :)

[@damianjohnwildlife]

I'm going to be away for a few weeks so it could be a nice video back 🙂

[@johnpenney1547]

Good video Damian, don't think it be any good to me, but a nice review 👍

[@damianjohnwildlife]

Thank you John and that's very fair, I think they're a very specialised bit of kit which most, including myself won't find a use for 99% of the time

[@johnpenney1547]

@@damianjohnwildlife Agreed 👍

[@codenamegrimlock7510]

Hi mate when is the best time to go to Middleton lakes? Was thinking of going today or this morning? But then thought is there a better time to go? Cheers

[@damianjohnwildlife]

Heya mate! I'd reccomend first thing in the morning followed by later on the evening. Birds tend to slow down a bit around noon.

[@codenamegrimlock7510]

@@damianjohnwildlife thank you 🙏🏾 just joined RSPB as well so free parking your a legend mate great channel

[@undeaddave]

Good Video. You know I was thinking of a thermal imaging scope and was looking around and came across Mike Lanes video. "th-cam.com/video/l_aI4KV1_mo/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=MikeLaneFRPS" Still interesting tho.

[@damianjohnwildlife]

Cheers Dave! I checked out Mike's video when doing a bit of research on the subject, he has a really cool viewpoint on it all. He spoke quite positively of them if I remember.
I doubt I'll carry one on all of my trips but if I'm ever venturing further afield in search of something cool, I may borrow it again.

[@RichardUpstanding]

I’m horrendously colour blind and struggle to find birds even when they’re perched right in front of me and singing or calling. 🤦🏻‍♂️ I would love a thermal device to help me find them, but at the same time they are expensive and it’s another thing to carry about 🫤

[@chriskisscrafts]

I have the same problem but also being deaf in one ear I find the Merlin app helps with hearing the bird calls for me and then I wait to see movement. I did purchase one of these to help with Owl finding and locating nightjars but in the end had to return it as Damien said an expensive paperweight.