Although we all love to collect the latest and greatest gear, when you get down to it, hunting doesn’t have to be a gear-intensive game. There are only a handful of items you really need for a successful hunt — and for most of us, quality optics make the short list. One of the most ubiquitous gear items in all of hunting is a quality pair of binoculars — everyone needs a pair for glassing, scouting, field judging and other tasks. They’re so handy that their use runs the gamut of all sorts of outdoor activities far beyond hunting.

What you might not have considered, however, is how you could get the same versatility and use out of a monocular. A good monocular is lighter and more compact than binoculars (it’s literally about half the size, by definition) and fits in your pocket. That makes a monocular super easy to carry, and because there’s less glass and fewer lenses involved, a monocular can be much more budget-friendly than a pair of binos.

If you really want to take a monocular to the next level, add thermal capability — now the uses are virtually endless. Hunters will find the ability to “see heat” in a cost-effective, easy-carrying monocular to be very helpful for scouting and for recovering downed game, as well as for general glassing and all the tasks your heavier binoculars used to handle.

As a leader in thermal technology, ATN has your monocular needs covered. If you’re on a budget, consider the wallet-friendly OTS XLT, which gets you into the thermal market starting at just $599. Budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean cheap, and the OTS XLT (pictured above) utilizes ATN’s Obsidian LT core and a 160x120 px 50Hz sensor with your choice of two lenses. The OTS XLT has a rechargeable internal battery with a 10-hour-plus runtime. It features a smart rangefinder, video and photo capability, and heat tracking, and it weighs less than a pound, making it easy to carry in the field.

If you’ve got a little more to spend and are looking for a middle-of-the-road option, consider stepping up to the OTS LT, which starts at $899 depending on your lens choice. It’s a simple-to-operate, no-frills monocular, but the higher price buys you a bigger display, more lens options, a second sensor option (320x240 px 60 Hz), a longer warranty (three years; the OTS XLT is two years) and more. The OTS LT weighs 1.2 pounds.

ATN OTS 4T thermal monocular

If you won’t settle for anything less than the top of the line, ATN’s OTS 4T is where it’s at. Starting at $1,799, the 4T line feature an upgrade to ATN’s Obsidian IV Dual Core T, with a choice of two ultra-sensitive fourth-gen sensors: a 384x288 or a 640x480. Four lens options are also available. This monocular has a smart rangefinder and the ability to record video, and it also lets you live-stream in 720p while recording. The new dual-core processor runs fast and efficiently, allowing for 16-plus hours of runtime on a single charge. It’s the heaviest of ATN’s thermal monoculars, ranging from 1.87 to 1.98 pounds depending on the options, but the slight added weight is a small price to pay for all the added features and upgrades. 

If you’re on the fence about a thermal monocular, consider the additional uses outside of hunting. Where could you use the ability to “see” in the dark? General security, surveillance, boating at night, search and rescue, campsite safety — the list goes on. And, of course, thermal works as well during the day as it does at night, so you won’t be limiting your usage to after-dark activities.

Binoculars are wonderful, and you probably already own a pair. But consider how much more convenient a lightweight, easy-to-carry monocular would be and how much utility thermal capability could add to your hunting and outdoor enjoyment. With prices starting under $600, ATN has a thermal option for every budget and offers a great way to explore the benefits of a well-made monocular.