I used one hunting last night . I can give you my initial review. I have been a NVG guy and this is a game changer. We did several stands, and the battery life was good. I was able to see (not really identify) deer 1/2 mile away. Very easy to use, controls were easy, and the focus worked well. It was very lightweight, easy to scan with and mine had a lanyard. When the yotes rolled in, all I had to do was drop it and get on the gun. I am in the same boat as you, looking for a thermal monocular. Id rather have video of the shot, so video on the monocular isnt that important to me. The guys I hunt with regularly say for the money, you cant beat it. They are steering me away form the lower end FLIR units. They said the Pulsar has much farther detection and clarity.