InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular

This InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular review is brought to you by The Old Deer Hunters. The InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 is InfiRay’s new thermal monocular with integrated laser rangefinder. Released in March 2024, the InfiRay Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular is a hot topic on social media. The Finder is flying off the shelves because it has a very good image at a very reasonable price. Priced at just $2499, this monocular has a 640×512 thermal resolution, plus it comes equipped with a built-in 800-yard Laser Rangefinder.

The InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular is not a rifle scope. It is a rugged thermal monocular used for night hunting, search and rescue operations, and security. Hunters use thermal monoculars for finding wildlife at night, security personnel use it for observation, and rescue teams use it for searching for lost people at night.

The FH35R V2 has a 12 Micron sensor rated at <20 mK, a 50Hz refresh rate, and a field of view spanning 66 feet at 100 yards. The higher sensitivity of the Finder delivers a very good image in any terrain or weather condition. The 2-8X magnification range is ideal for night hunting.

Thanks to Jason Robertson, owner of Outdoor Legacy Gear, we were able to put the new InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular to the test in the field. Let’s take a look at the features of the new InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular 2x-8x Thermal Monocular.

InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular Features

The heart of the InfiRay FH35R V2 is a 12μm 640×512 pixel pitch high-resolution thermal sensor with a NETD of <20 mK and 50 Hz refresh rate. The <20 mK  NETD rating of the Finder V2 indicates high thermal sensitivity and excellent image quality. The lower the NETD rating, the better the image appears. You see more details in the image for more positive target identification. The thermal sensor is paired with a 35mm f/0.9 lens and a 1024×768 resolution OLED screen which provide a very good image.

The objective lens is fully adjustable for an excellent image focus at any range. There is also an adjustable ocular lens to focus the image and status bar information for your eye.  The thermal detection range is 1800 meters for a man size target. While hunting, expect to get positive target ID on coyote or hog size animals out to about 400 yards.

Not only is this monocular jam packed with features, it comes in a very compact, lightweight package. It weighs only 14 ounces and measures 6.3″x 3.5″ x 2.4″. Ergonomics are good and the handstrap aids in preventing fatigue during long scanning sessions. A neck strap is provided for carrying the monocular which I find is a must when I am hunting. With its IP67 weather rating, this monocular is built to withstand the elements for years of service.

Finder FH35R V2 Laser Rangefinder Function

One of the standout features of the FH35R is its Laser Rangefinder, capable of accurate rangefinding results up to 800 yards. It is very easy to use with just the press of a button. It has either point and range or continuous scanning modes. The rangefinder is integrated into the compact body of the unit so well you may not even notice it.

Ranging data is not recorded on videos, so I can not show a video demonstration of the rangefinding process. During our testing, the LRF performed perfectly and ranged accurately. If you do not have an LRF on your rife scope, the ranging function gives you a definite edge while hunting at night when judging distance is most difficult.

Short press the Up/Ranging button to switch on the laser rangefinder function in the home screen. A blue box cursor appears automatically on the screen. Center your target in the blue box for target range. The range is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

There are two ranging modes: single ranging and continuous ranging . Press and hold the Up/Ranging button to switch between the two modes.

In the continuous ranging mode, the distance to the target indicated by the cursor will be refreshed automatically every 1 second and changes as you move to different targets without pressing buttons. The measurement range and accuracy is 800m±1m, but it may be affected by fog and heavy rain and other weather. After the measurement is completed, short press the Power button to exit the laser rangefinder function.

Video and Image Capture

With the ability to capture both video and images at the touch of a button, the FH35R V2 offers versatility and convenience. Its 32GB internal storage ensures ample space for recording footage, while Wi-Fi connectivity enables seamless integration with mobile devices via the InfiRay App. You may also download videos and photos to a PC (but not a Mac) using the provided power cable.

USB-C to USB and HDMI to Mini HDMI Cables are provided with the InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 for connection to the provided charger, PC or monitor.

Control Button Layout

The 4-button control button layout on the Finder is the best I have found on any thermal monocular. First, the power button in located away from the record and LRF buttons so you will not accidentally hit the power button when you are trying to record or range a target.

Second, the record and ranging buttons you use while hunting are at the tips of your fingers so they are easy to locate at night and easy to use on the hunt.

The record button is conveniently located at the rear to use with your index finger. The ranging button is right above the record button also adding to the ease of use during your hunt. I think this layout is top notch.

To take a photo, just click the camera/record button. To record a video, long press the camera/record for a few seconds and it starts recording. It records excellent nighttime video as you will see in the video above.

The one thing missing from the button layout is a dedicated zoom button. You have to enter the shortcut menu to zoom the magnification. This is really not a problem for hunting because I always keep my monocular at base power for a wide field of view and best image quality. If I have trouble identifying a target, I switch to my rifle scope with higher base magnification.

Finder FH35R V2 Quick Menu

The quick menu is used to make image adjustments or zoom the Finder while hunting. A short press of the Menu Button lets you enter the quick menu to adjust the following settings;

1. Set the digital zoom level, from 1–4×, in increments of 0.5X.
2. Set the color palette to white hot, black hot, red hot, highlight, ironbow, or rainbow.
3. Set the image brightness level from 1–5.
4. Set the image contrast level from 1–5.

The .5X zoom is a feature not found on other brands of thermal monoculars. You can set it on 2.5 or 3X and have a little more magnification without loosing a lot of resolution. The selected zoom level is displayed in the status bar. Other thermal monoculars double the base magnification and cut the resolution in half each time you hit the zoom button.

Power Options

Battery life is always a topic of discussion when hunters are choosing a scanner. Your scanner is your eyes at night and you will use it 95% of the time and your scope about 5% of the time during a hunt. Continuously feeding a scanner batteries or keeping it connected to an auxiliary power source is not acceptable.

InfiRay has met the battery challenge for the FH35R by supplying it with two propitiatory IBP-2 batteries that will give you up to 6-7 hours of run time. These two replaceable li-ion battery packs will usually get you through your hunt, but an in-vehicle charger is provided in case you need to charge a drained battery on the go. A warning light will start flashing when the battery gets down to only 10% of the charge remaining. The unit must be turned off while replacing the battery.

There is also an infrared sensor that switches the display on and off automatically to save power and preserve the battery. The Finder switches on if it detects your face, it turns off when it is taken away from your face. You can also power the finder with an auxiliary power pack with the included power cable.

I did a bench test with the FH35R V2 to see how long a battery would last. I made no videos or nor did I use the rangefinder. I just wanted to see how long the battery would last in if used only for scanning. After 3.5 hours, the battery indicator was in the red signaling only 10% of power remaining. In field conditions, especially in colder temps, the batteries would probably last about 3 hours each.

Hunting With The InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2

“Finder” is the perfect name for the FH35R V2. As night hunters, we are totally dependent upon our thermal optics for finding and identify game animals. The scanner is the most important thermal optic for “hunting”. You have to locate and identify game before you can shoot. You will be more successful and your hunts will be a lot more fun if you spread your thermal budget to include a good scanner to go along with your thermal scope.

Easy To Use

Weighing just 14 ounces and measuring 6.3″x 3.5″ x 2.4″ this compact unit will fit in the palm of your hand. The FH35R V2 strikes the perfect balance between portability and functionality. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry on extended hunts, while its intuitive button layout ensures effortless operation, even in low-light conditions.

The start-up time from pressing the start button until you have a thermal image is around 12 seconds. This is a fairly slow compared to some other units, but it’s not a major issue. I usually never turn off my scanner when hunting.

The hand strap makes the unit easy to use with one hand. The shape of the Finder does not allow you to wrap your hand completely around the body because of the width. Holding the Finder for log periods of time would be more tiring without the strap. The buttons are easy to use because your fingers are naturally resting on the buttons you use most, the record and LRF control buttons. I like this layout better than the a scanner that has all the button in a single row.

Adjusting the ocular lens to your eye is easy, and it’s done with the knob on the left side of the ocular lens.

Excellent Performance and Image Quality

The image leaves little doubt that this is a 640 resolution monocular. I really enjoyed using the Finder in the field. The identification range for hogs and coyotes is about 400 yards. The wide 66 ft. wide field of view at 100 yards and 2X base magnification make searching large fields quick and easy. On nights when weather conditions are not good, the Finder has an “Ultra Clear ” mode.

Ultra-clear mode improves the image quality in inclement weather conditions, such as rain, fog, high humidity, or high temperatures as these conditions all result in lower thermal contrast. Ultra-clear modeenhances the NETD value of the thermal sensor and improves the sensor’s response rate to these challenging environment conditions. Ultra-clear mode provides:

• Improved image quality and clarity; images are crisper and sharper.
• Increased image detail.
• Improved recognition of observed targets.

On very good thermal nights, I actually like the normal mode instead of the ultra-clear mode. You might want to try both modes a different times to see which mode you prefer.

The Finder has a magnification range of 2- 8X. I think the range is perfect because pixelization would be a problem at higher magnification. I usually do not zoom to higher magnification when hunting, but zooming does come in handy when scouting. The Finder also has a picture in picture (PIP) feature. I use PIP all the time in my rifle scope, but see no need for it in a scanner.

Integrated Laser Rangefinder

The FH35R V2 pairs a thermal viewer with a handheld laser rangefinder capable of accurately measuring distances up to 800 yards. This feature provides hunters with a distinct advantage in the field if you have no LRF on your rifle scope.

The laser rangefinder is easy to use and accurate. Click the ranging button and a blue cursor (aiming box) appears on the screen. Center the box on target and click the button again to range the target. The range appears in the bottom area of the screen. It can be set to measure distance in yards or meters. I like the blue aiming box for the laser rangefinder because it is easy to see. The blue color is better than a black box against a black and white background.

Running it on scan mode lets me scan and range at the same time without pushing so many buttons when the action heats up.  In continuous ranging mode, the distance to the target indicated by the ranging cursor will be refreshed automatically by the rangefinder every second.

Estimating range at night can be tricky without an LRF. As soon as I get on stand, I check distances to key points like treelines or large objects in an open fields to give me reference points before I turn on the call. When I spot game I usually will use the rangefinder until the target gets into shooting range before changing over to my scope. Using the FH35R, I know exactly when the target is in range and do not have to guess. The LRF gives a hunter one more advantage to be a more successful hunter.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Finder FH35R V2 is good, but not as good as advertised. Both batteries will give you 6-7 hours of run time total. The good thing is that InfiRay included two batteries and a vehicle charger with the Finder. When the first battery is depleted, you can put it on the charger, and keep hunting on the second battery.

If you want more batteries, extra InfiRay IBP2 battery packs are available from Outdoor Legacy for $99. You can also power/charge the unit through the USB C port with an cell phone battery pack. Outdoor Legacy has a 10,000 Mah Anker Power Core battery pack for $39.

InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular Likes

There are many things to like about the InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH 35 V2, but there are a few things that are great about it.  

First it is an excellent value.  The high image quality, compact design with an integrated laser rangefinder combine for a better visual experience while hunting. You get more than a standard thermal monocular that just lets you detect images with no visible light signature.  You become a hunter who has overcome the complete darkness and blend into the night. The added rangefinder functionality makes you more lethal. Precise outdoor observation makes you a safer hunter.

InfiRay has listened to hunters and made subtle upgrades to the Finder FH V2 series. The 12 pixel pitch high-resolution sensor combined with an optimized image algorithm provides a sharper image than the previous model.  The additional battery pack cuts the overall expense to the hunter.  Little things like the proximity sensor saves power consumption.  The handstrap and neck strap make it more comfortable to use. It has 32 Gb of digital storage space for video as well as the excellent InfiRay Outdoor app for ease of use with a mobile device.  Above all, it is a high-end thermal optic at near entry level price.

InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular Dislikes

No thermal optic is perfect for everyone. While the Finder does everything well, I wish the menu had text along with the icons for the menu functions. An icon of a small bird and many of the other icons did not make much sense to me until I checked the manual.

There is no dedicated zoom button on the FH35R V2. You have to enter the shortcut menu to zoom the magnification. While this is not an issue while hunting, a separate zoom button may be helpful for scouting, security, and search & rescue operations.

InfiRay products are not compatible with with Apple computers. The app works fine with the Iphone, but you cannot transfer images and videos to a MacBook with the cable.

I know in order to get the price down to $2500, there had to be some sacrifices. One of those sacrifices was screen size. The screen size is not as large as most higher priced thermals. Depending on your eyesight, it could cause a little more eye fatigue than higher priced 640 monoculars or 384 monoculars with larger screens.

InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular Conclusion

Overall the InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular is a very good thermal monocular, and for $2499 nothing on the market can beat it. You are getting a very good quality 640×512 resolution thermal image plus an 800-yard laser rangefinder for a much lest than the competition.

The image is excellent and everything functions perfectly, plus it has a 5-year warranty with a 5 day in-house turnaround if you need warranty service.

The Finder is lightweight, compact and the included removable rechargeable batteries will give you a run time of 6-7 hours if the temperature is not extremely cold. It is very easy to use with a great button layout. The LRF ranges accurately, videos are very good quality and above all it has great image quality.

Not only did InfiRay give us a new 640×512 resolution thermal monocular with a laser range finder, they brought it to market at an extremely good price point. No matter what your requirements are for a hand-held thermal monocular, I don’t think you will be disappointed with the InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular.

Where To Purchase Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular

To purchase a new InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular, visit Outdoorlegacygear.com or call Jason or Hans at Outdoor Legacy at (877)350-1818. They will answer all your questions and make sure you get the right scope for your hunting needs. Click here to purchase the InfiRay Finder FH35R V2.

For the latest news about Night Vision Optics, subscribe to the most informative show on Youtube, the Late Night Vision Show. Hosts Jason Robertson and Joel Miller will keep you up to date on Night Vision Optics and entertain you with some great hunting videos. Also please visit our featured Youtube channels Outdoor Legacy on Youtube, HansETX, and The Old Deer Hunters for great hunting videos and thermal optic reviews.

InfiRay Finder FH35R V2 User Manual

InfiRay Outdoor Finder FH35R V2 Thermal Monocular Specifications