Originally Posted By: 6724can anyone tell me at what approximate distance with a $10k thermal can you determine a coyote from a beef calf? or a person from an elk? I am not concerned with seeing the collar on a domestic dog. From the videos that i have seen, and the devices i have looked through, it seems that determining what you are looking at would be far better than people are saying. my guess is that if the devices would allow an ID on a coyote sized animal at 250 yards, that people would claim 400 yards. but so far everyone says under 250 yards for a positive id, so that makes me think that it is probably much less than that.
The best way to find out is to rent the unit you are interested in and take it out in the field.
$10k will buy you an IRD 60mm Mark III. It will give you a lot of range but your FOV will only be around 7 degrees.
http://www.ultimatenightvision.com/Rentals-s/1820.htm
