Originally Posted By Pneumagger: The new XP50 and SY have 640 50mm and the biggest difference (aside from form factor) looks to be the the field of view; XP50 at 2X & 50mm/f1.0 has notably wider FOV while the SY gives you 3x. The XP50 does seem more sensitive at <25mK too, although it’s a couple hundred more $... but both seem pretty badass for $4599-4999.
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I will admit I haven't used the new <25mK Pulsars. Pulsar is really trying to push the <25mK concept. Should it help yes, but honestly the Bering sensor handles humidity better to start with. The SY image for the price is nothing short of amazing. You get an extra year of warranty with Bering. Pulsar records audio where Bering doesn't with their videos. The thermion fits bolt action rifles better. I use my SY on both a bolt and an AR with an extended riser, but the Thermion fits a bolt better. Keep in mind the SY comes with a QD LaRue mount where you still need to buy a mount with a Thermion XP 50, so there is a little more cost there as well.
Do I really need a nearly $5k optic though? Because the mid $3k ones look good on paper, too. The XQ38 and hogster offer a bit of savings with thier 384 sensors and and have similar zooms (2.5x vs 2.9x) with the XQ38 claiming a bit more FOV.
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It comes down to want vs need. The extra FOV can be nice especially for hogs. I have used every Bering product released in the last 4 years. The Hogster 35 is good entry level scope at around 2.6K, the SH is great for those that need to shoot further such as long range coyote hunting at $3.2K, and the Super Yoter is great again for medium to long range engagements.
Then you have the new XQ50 kind of sandwiched in the middle of the group in price and with a trade-off of lower 384 resolution but more base mag to boost detection ranges.
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The XQ50 and the SH actually have the same mag and FOV. This is because the SH is 12µm and the XQ50 is 17µm.
So objectively and subjectively, what is your opinion on them; Which wins out at each price tier?
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I believe the best judge is what I have spent my personal money on. I currently own a Bering Optics Phenom scanner and a Bering Optics Super Yoter. If I was hog hunting, I would maybe look at the XP50 to get a wider FOV. For coyotes in more open country, the SY is hard to beat.
How far can hits realistically & reliably be made on hogs with the Super Yoter vs. XP50?
What about the max usable range of the super hogster vs XQ38?
If I’m waffling, would the XQ50 really be a good Goldilocks alternative?
Or would I better off saving another $1000+ or so and getIng a used PVS-30 or NVD760 or NVD740 if I wanted to shoot far?[/b]
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If you find yourself constantly bumping up the magnification, then going with a higher base magnfication might be a better option. Night Goggles has a 7-day return policy to try it and if you don't like it send it back. The D760s and D740s are awesome scopes. If you like using NV, then by all means, they are a nice option. Once you move to thermal for hunting, it is hard to go back to NV. However, there are lots of people who scan with thermal and shoot with NV. I personally am a thermal guy. The reason to consider Night Vision is if you have restrictions where you can shoot coyotes not fox as an example. Feel free to call me if you want to discuss more items.