A thermal finds the heat — no light, no noise, seeing through fog and light cover that would hide them from the eye alone. The spotlight confirms the animal, gives you the shot — and illuminates the area for field processing. Run both and you'll cover more paddock in a night than a light alone ever will.
Tell us the vehicle, the terrain you shoot and your budget. We'll recommend a setup — light, mount and thermal — that works together and suits your needs.
Thermal picks up the heat in total darkness. No light, no noise, seeing through fog and light cover that would hide them from the eye alone. They don't know you're there.
Light goes on the same spot the thermal was pointed at. Now you can identify the animal properly before anything else happens.
Take the shot if it's needed, then keep the area lit for recovery. Protect stock, control pests more effectively and make night work safer.
| Light | Beam | Draw | Best for | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QH 100w
Recommended with thermal
|
Warm yellow, instant on | 12v 100w | Most farm and pest work | $295 |
| QH 250w | Same warm light, biggest spot | 24v 250w, converter included | The most light overall | $505 |
| HID 70w | Bright white, tight long throw | 12v 55–70w, easiest on battery | The best quality spot | $550 |
| Model | Detector | Lens / FOV | Detection | Suits | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guide TE210S
Guide Sensmart
|
256 × 192 | 10 mm F1.0 · 17.5° FOV | 500 m | First thermal, close country | $699 |
| HIKMICRO Lynx LE10 3.0
HIKMICRO
|
256 × 192 | 9.7 mm F1.0 · 18.0° FOV | 500 m | First thermal, close country | $699 |
| HIKMICRO Lynx LE15 3.0
HIKMICRO
|
256 × 192 | 15 mm F1.0 · 11.7° FOV | 750 m | First thermal, mixed country | $999 |
| Guide TE425S
Guide Sensmart
|
400 × 300 | 25 mm · 10.9° FOV | 1,300 m | Mid-budget, good range for price | $1,499 |
| HIKMICRO Lynx LH19 3.0
HIKMICRO
|
384 × 288 | 19 mm F1.0 · 13.8° FOV | 900 m | Wide view with real reach | $1,899 |
| HIKMICRO Lynx LH25 3.0
HIKMICRO
|
384 × 288 | 25 mm F1.0 · 10.5° FOV | 1,200 m | Most popular all-rounder | $2,099 |
| HIKMICRO Lynx LQ35 3.0
HIKMICRO
|
640 × 512 @12 µm | 35 mm F1.0 · 7.5° FOV | 1,800 m | Identify at distance, contractors | $3,299 |
| Mount | Popularity | Why people run it | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof mounted | Most popular | Best height, sweep and easiest to use | Drilling / cab type |
| Window mounted | Second most popular | No permanent fitting, on and off in seconds | Less rigid setup |
| Smartrest Upright Post | Third most popular | Clamps to tubes and bars, suitable for some ute and ATV setups | Less common hunting method |
| Smartrest Light Mount | Specialist | Compact, swiveling mount for ATV and Quad Bikes | Requires handheld spotlight |
Bolts the thermal directly on top of the spotlight so both move together. The sturdiest option and the one we fit to our own gear — built to handle corrugations and rough tracks without drifting out of alignment.
An adjustable rim-top mount that fits over the spotlight. A solid, more affordable alternative — less rigid than Powa Beam, but a good fit if budget or layout calls for it.
Another budget option, with the ability to keep light and thermal individually detachable.
Great combo kit and great value. Fast and reliable delivery and service.
Marcus — 3rd Mar 2026This is a fantastic non permanent spotlight rig. So quick and easy to install and use. So impressed.
Brad McK — 6th Jul 2018Excellent quality, fast shipping.
Ryan — 23rd Jul 2026
"I'd be pretty sure — since I've had it, it has been involved in the culling of around 3,500 foxes, and that many nights/hours work I couldn't calculate! Unbelievable service from a light that is on the ute year round and gets as much 'on time' as anyone I know. Have in previous times trialled and tested many lights of all brands, but this is a stand out and stand alone winner! Thanks for a quality product."
Regards, Trev — sent in via emailYes — most setups display the thermal image on your phone, tablet, or a dedicated monitor mounted inside the cab. Wireless is the more popular option since it's simple to set up and there's no cable running from the roof into the vehicle. A hardwired connection is also available and gives slightly better latency, which some users prefer for fast-moving targets — but for most general use, wireless is more than good enough.
Mounting the two together means the spotlight follows the direction of the thermal, and vice versa. This creates a more natural scanning system and reduces the need to hold, aim and manage multiple separate devices.
In many cases, yes. Compatibility depends on the spotlight, remote handle, thermal model, mounting points and how you intend to view and power the thermal. We assess the complete setup before recommending a mounting solution.
Yes. The system can be configured so the spotlight remains fully functional on its own, while the thermal can be attached or removed as required.
The thermal may use its internal battery or be powered from the vehicle through a suitable USB or power supply arrangement. Vehicle power can reduce the need to stop and replace or recharge batteries during longer sessions.
The system should be properly supported, balanced and secured for off-road use. Mounting design, component weight and vehicle conditions are all considered during the fit-out to reduce unwanted movement and vibration.
Quick-release mounting options are available for customers who want to remove the thermal for handheld use, storage or use on another system.
Some components can be made removable or transferable, although this depends on how the spotlight and base mounting system are installed. Let us know during planning if portability is important.
It can, on skittish animals like foxes that react badly to white or yellow light. It's animal behaviour, not gear performance — worth trying if you're spooking them.
Plenty of serious hunters run a monocular to scan while driving, then switch to a thermal riflescope for the actual shot. If that's your setup, have a look at our thermal rifle scopes range.
Real advice from people who run this gear. Mon–Fri, Carrara QLD.