Tobias Westen, a hunter in the southern Black Forest of Germany, tested the tM 35+ thermal imaging device in his hunting ground. On his bolt-action rifles, he mounted the Z8i 2-16x50. Tobias also likes to take the EL Range 10x42 with him when stalking. He has documented his experiences for us:
A few years after my first eye-opening experiences with thermal imaging technology, I had the opportunity to use the tM 35+ while hunting. I started hunting in an area rich with fields and later came into contact with thermal imaging attachments such as the tM 35. Today, I am the leaseholder of my own hunting grounds full of forests and meadows, offering plenty of peace and quiet as well as some earthy biotopes for game. Located in the southern tip of the Black Forest, these areas offer ideal conditions for roe deer and wild boar, among others. As a passionate night hunter who has spent countless hours in the dark, I know how essential it is to have reliable and efficient equipment. For me, the focus is not only on the harvest, but above all on hunting accurately and responsibly.
Image quality and range:
precision in every situation
Yes, game is normally not seen at great distances in the forest. However, it is hidden by foliage or branches for a long time and can often only be seen very late, and then just briefly. This calls for quick judging and decision making. It is ideal when you can already start observing game that is still partially concealed and pay attention to certain details as indicators before the game is visible completely and can be identified. The razor-sharp image quality of the tM 35+ helped me, as I was able to see clear and detailed thermal images in every situation. Every hunter knows that it is crucial to be able to judge game reliably, especially at night. Particularly when hunting wild boar, it is often a matter of identifying the females of the pack or targeting specific individuals. The image sharpness of the tM 35+ is a huge advantage for me when it comes to judging game accurately.
Even in poor weather, the tM 35+ delivers clear images. This reliability has enabled me to make informed decisions time and time again - even in extreme weather conditions. When hunting in my meadows, I can now use the tM 35+ to identify game at distances where this was previously much more difficult if not impossible. This allows me to ensure more peace and quiet in the hunting ground because I can keep more distance between me and the animals while at the same time increasing efficiency and safety.
Ergonomics and usability: intuitive and stress-free
When I used the tM 35+ for the first time, I quickly realized that this thermal imaging device was developed for demanding situations. The way the device sits in your hand and its ease of use are big advantages for me. Over the last few years, I have realized that intuitive handling - without having to search for buttons and knobs - is worth a mint. When a few seconds can make a big difference on the precision of the shot, I don't want to spend this valuable time searching for buttons. I was also impressed by the menu navigation: it is clear and easy to understand. I can effortlessly switch between different picture modes or brightness levels. The device is also easy to operate when wearing gloves.
Battery performance and energy efficiency: long-lasting and reliable
The winters in my area - especially on the shadowy hillsides - are long and cold. Depending on the weather, a thick blanket of snow covers the entire area between November and April. Anyone who, like me, regularly hunts for several hours at night knows how important a long battery life is. I don't want to have to worry about the battery, especially on cold nights or when I'm moving around a lot, despite the fact that the tM 35+ battery would be extremely easy to change. Even with intensive use, a single charge is usually enough to keep you hunting for several nights. The reason for this is the intelligent energy management: thanks to the automatic SWAROLIGHT function, the device switches off as soon as the weapon is brought to a resting position - for example on a high seat. This function saves valuable battery capacity and allows me to use the device for longer periods of time without having to constantly keep an eye on the battery status. As soon as I return to the firing position, the device activates automatically so that I am always ready for action.
Flexibility and versatility:
an all-rounder for every hunting situation
The versatility of the tM 35+ is another reason why it has become an indispensable companion for me when night hunting. I particularly appreciate the possibility of using it both as a hand-held observation device and as a clip-on of the riflescope. This dual function saves me from having to carry additional equipment. In many hunting situations, this flexibility has enabled me to react quickly and effectively. Especially when stalking, I can first spot game, observe it and then swiftly switch to the riflescope. The tM 35+ can be safely and quickly mounted on the riflescope in a few simple steps, allowing me to go from observation to shooting in seconds. After all, speed is not an insignificant factor when hunting in the forest.
Robustness and reliability:
ready for any weather
For me personally, technology is only interesting if it works reliably. I am generally a big fan of “less, but excellent”. So, when I'm hunting, it's also worth a lot to me to have a small amount of equipment with me that I can always rely on. As hunters, we are often exposed to extreme weather conditions: cold, rain as well as snow. The tM 35+ is built so robustly that it works reliably even in tough conditions. Whether you're talking about the rubberized buttons or the high-quality, interchangeable eyepiece parts, the quality of every single component gives me the confidence to be always ready because I can rely on my equipment.
Conclusion: An indispensable tool for modern night hunting
These features make it an ideal companion for night hunting, allowing me to hunt with precision and accuracy even in difficult conditions. It also reduces my equipment to the essentials and gives me the freedom to concentrate fully on the hunt without being distracted by unnecessary gadgets.
