Quick answer

For long-range field hunting where every meter of detection matters, the LIEMKE KEILER-50 Pro is the stronger choice. If you need a versatile all-rounder for both field and forest work, the LIEMKE Merlin-35 offers a wider field of view at a lower price.

Field of view vs detection distance

The Merlin-35 sees 19 meters at 100 meters, giving you a broader view of the terrain. The KEILER-50 Pro narrows that to 15 meters at 100 meters, but its 50mm objective lens pulls in more detail at longer ranges. For scanning open fields, the Merlin-35 covers more ground; for identifying a target at distance, the KEILER-50 Pro has the edge.

Detector resolution and display quality

The KEILER-50 Pro uses a 1024x768 OLED display, which delivers a crisp, high-contrast image. The Merlin-35 is equipped with a 384x288 VOx ceramic thermal detector—adequate for most hunting scenarios but not as refined as the KEILER-50 Pro's display. If you prioritize image detail and multiple colour modes for different lighting, the KEILER-50 Pro is the better fit.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Detection range: KEILER-50 Pro: narrower 15m FOV at 100m but longer reach. Merlin-35: wider 19m FOV at 100m but less reach.
  • Image quality: KEILER-50 Pro: 1024x768 OLED with 4 colour modes. Merlin-35: 384x288 VOx detector—adequate but less refined.
  • Price: KEILER-50 Pro: USD 4140. Merlin-35: USD 3811.50. The Merlin-35 saves over USD 300. The Merlin-35 offers a lower entry point for a capable thermal scope.

Product facts

  • LIEMKE KEILER-50 PRO Thermal imaging camera (2020): 50mm objective lens, field of view of 15m at 100m, 1024x768 OLED display, 4 colour modes, high contrast. This combination gives you superior long-range detection and a sharp, customizable image for field hunting at distance.

    LIEMKE KEILER-50 PRO Thermal imaging camera (2020)

    LIEMKE KEILER-50 PRO Thermal imaging camera (2020)

  • LIEMKE Merlin-35 Thermal imaging camera (2020): 50mm objective lens, field of view of 19m at 100m, 384x288 VOx ceramic thermal detector. The wider field of view helps you scan more area quickly, making it a practical all-rounder for mixed terrain hunting.

    LIEMKE Merlin-35 Thermal imaging camera (2020)

    LIEMKE Merlin-35 Thermal imaging camera (2020)

Which one should you choose?

Best for

  • Hunters who need maximum detection distance and a high-resolution display for long-range field work (KEILER-50 Pro)
  • Versatile users who want a wider field of view and a lower price for mixed field and forest hunting (Merlin-35)

Not for

  • Budget-conscious buyers who need the absolute lowest price (consider the Merlin-35 instead of the KEILER-50 Pro)
  • Hunters who primarily work in dense forest and value maximum close-range scanning (a wider-FOV model may be better)