19 June 2026

Thermal Monocular Combination

After conducting significant research on great value thermal monoculars, I was going to purchase one, but in the end I decided to purchase 2 very complementary devices.
Originally I was going to buy the Pulsar Axion 2 XG35, but learnt they are being phased out and replaced by the Pulsar Oryx LRF XG35. Then I managed to get a great deal on the Pixfra Sirius S650D LRF Thermal Monocular from Futurama in Somerset West, and also read Jon Hall’s helpful review of the Thermal Master DV2 Thermal Camera.
So, as the owner and principal tour leader of Sustain Safaris, to achieve the best result for both me and our clients, I ended up buying both. Why?
I realized that the Pixfra Sirius S650D LRF is a high quality thermal that is ideal for a lot of the habitat we operate in – its strengths are long-range, open-country detection and confirmation. While the Thermal Master DV2 will be great for the close-to-medium range subjects, with a wider field of view, faster and easier operation, recording-focused, and best for showing our clients what we are spotting while also involving them in the experience.
My Pixfra Sirius S650D arrived yesterday with much excitement, and the results from a first test run are impressive and encouraging. Also coming soon in the post is the Thermal Master DV2, which I expect to be the perfect complement to the Pixfra, and which I managed to obtain with Jon Hall’s helpful 10% discount code. Another bonus with the Pixfra purchase is that it arrived with some free merch – a quality jacket, beanie, cap, and pen – thank you Futurama.
Our Sustain Safaris night drives, rare mammal tours, and birding tours are going to reach a whole new level, as we will now be operating 2 thermals and 2 spotlights on every night drive.
Here are some photos of the Pixfra and images I took of my dogs in the garden in 10am daylight in Cape Town, South Africa. For info and images of the Thermal Master DV2, check out Jon’s post.
I cannot wait to try both together in the field and I will be sure to report back on their pros and cons, and their complementarity, hopefully with some great footage and imagery to showcase their abilities.
 
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Michael Wright

I am a passionate naturalist, conservationist and adventurer who loves birding, rare mammals, walking trails and photography. I am also the owner, founder and lead tour guide of both Sustain Safaris and Rare Mammal and Bird Tours, which has led captivating and sustainable wildlife and birding expeditions for small groups throughout Southern Africa for over 8 years.

I am a registered professional in natural science, ecotourism consulting and nature tour guiding with 26 years’ of industry experience. I have travelled extensively through Southern Africa, Mauritius and North America, and further to my great passion for birds; I also enjoy animal behaviour, flyfishing, butterflies, herping and trees.

He has led many tours in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique, Lesotho, Mauritius, the United States of America and the Southern Ocean. During my Southern and East African adventures I have explored 131 national parks, game reserves and nature reserves. In June 2026, I had a Southern Africa and Indian Ocean bird lifelist of 826 species, a Southern African mammal lifelist of 152 species, a Southern African reptile list of 74 species, a South African butterfly lifelist of 104 species, and a South African frog lifelist of 37 species. Animal behaviour, herpetology, and trees are also areas of interest.

​In addition to owning and managing my two nature tour operating companies, I also own and manage the Sustain Ecotourism and Environmental consulting business.

I have been married for 19 years to my wonderful lady, Natalie, and together we have 2 amazing children, a courageous son aged 17 years and a delightful daughter aged 10 years. We currently reside in Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa.
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