Assessing a herd of giant deer at a distance of 300 meters. Should you always choose the most powerful matrix?
March 6, 2026, Indulis Burka
The smallest of the DRACO range
The binoculars offered for the test are the smallest of the PIXFRA DRACO series. They have a 256×192 thermal sensor with a thermal resolution of ≤18 mK. The binoculars have 25 mm lenses. In the previous test, it was possible to try binoculars with a 640×512 pixel thermal sensor with a thermal resolution of ≤15 mK and 35 mm lenses. Yes, of course, the thermal image of these binoculars is more detailed, but the price is also about 600 euros higher. In turn, the digital image sensor for both devices is the same. The device provides 4K digital images in both day and night modes with a 3840×2160 pixel sensor, which allows you to distinguish objects and the environment in detail both in the day and in the dark. If necessary, a compact 850 nm invisible light illuminator can be used. In both models, the image obtained by the sensor is processed by the binoculars with PIPS 3.0 technology, which has elements of artificial intelligence. Thus, the image is clear in any of the binocular modes.
Both models also have a laser rangefinder, which allows you to measure distances up to 1000 meters with an accuracy of one meter.
In such a situation, an excellent thermal sensor in a device intended for everyday hunting observation is no longer so necessary and, perhaps, can save significantly. The thermal solution can be used to notice the animal, and the digital solution to evaluate it. After all, an excellent image is needed in a thermal scope so that the shot can be made accurately. And it is precisely by focusing on the image of the thermal scope that the decision is made to pull the trigger or not. Such multispectral binoculars allow you to do without daytime optical binoculars, the capabilities of which end with the onset of dusk.
The binoculars are powered by two 18650 batteries. The device comes with four such batteries and a charger. There is also a thoughtful case for carrying the binoculars, which can be conveniently attached to the chest. Thus, the binoculars do not get in the way and are always at hand.
Changed control buttons
The PEGASUS 2 P635 LRF scope, on the other hand, is exactly what can be used perfectly in a set with multispectral binoculars. It has a very clear and detailed image. The scope also has a laser rangefinder and, therefore, the ability to use a ballistic calculator so that the shot is accurate even at longer distances.
The scope has a 35 mm lens, a 640×512 pixel thermal sensor with a 12 μm pixel pitch. The sensor's high sensitivity (NETD <15 mK) allows you to clearly distinguish the contours of animals even in situations where the temperature difference between the background and the target is minimal.
The scope has a 50 Hz image refresh rate, which provides a smooth image without lag, which is especially important when tracking a moving target. Several color palettes are available (when the warm object is white, black, red, and others), which allows you to adjust the image to the specific environment and the needs of the hunter.
The scope control buttons were pleasantly surprised. They are much more thoughtful than in the previous generation of PIXFRA PEGASUS scopes. The on/off button is made in the form of a convenient rotating cap on the left side of the scope. It is easy to operate even in cold weather and with gloves on. This is a more convenient solution than a push-button that must be held down until the device turns off. Usually it is several seconds. Here it is enough to turn it all the way, and that's it. There is also a sleep mode by turning the cap all the way to the opposite stop.
The focusing ring is located where the vertical ballistic turret is on the day scope. Also convenient and simple. In turn, there is a laser rangefinder activation button on the eyepiece block, which is combined with a photo and video capture switch. There is no great need for this button in real hunting, since the scope automatically records a 15-second video before and after the shot. The recording is activated by the shot.
In turn, the device settings can be easily changed with a rotary wheel right on the eyepiece block. The choice is confirmed by pressing the same wheel. This wheel is also rarely used in real hunting. The weapon is aimed at the shooting range, the image parameters are adjusted and the hunting is enjoyed, instead of playing with buttons and image modes.
Of course, it is possible to aim the scope at different weapons using different aiming profiles. This is convenient if there are several weapons of different calibers for which the same scope can be used.
The scope is powered by one 18650 battery. The kit includes two such batteries and a charger. Among other things, the same batteries are used in both the scope and the binoculars.
DRACO PFI-D225-4K: Pros and cons
Pros:
- convenient device control;
- integrated laser rangefinder.
Cons:
- at higher digital magnification, the image becomes less detailed, which is typical of all digital sights.
Technical parameters:
| Thermal parameters: | |
| Thermal sensor: | 256×192, 12 μm |
| NETD: | ≤18 mK |
| Detection distance: | 1300 m |
| Digital magnification: | 1–8 x |
| Basic magnification: | 4,3 x |
| Digital parameters: | |
| Max. resolution: | 3840 × 2160 (4K) |
| Basic zoom: | 5.5 x |
| Digital zoom: | 1–8 x |
| IR illumination: | 850 nm |
| Laser rangefinder: | 1000 m, ±1 m |
| Protection: | IP67 |
| Weight: | 610 g |
PEGASUS 2 P635 LRF: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- high-resolution sensor and high-quality image;
- convenient and fast attachment process;
- well-thought-out control buttons.
Cons:
- no mounts included;
- at higher digital magnifications, the image becomes less detailed, which is typical of all digital scopes.
Technical parameters:
| Thermal sensor: | 640 x 512, 12 μm |
| NETD: | ≤15mK |
| Lens: | 35 mm |
| Optical magnification: | 2,5 x |
| Maximum detection distance: | 1800 m |
| Display screen: | 1600 x 1200 OLED |
| Digital zoom: | 1–8 x |
| Weight: | 820 g |
| Protection: | IP67 |