The devices from thermal device specialist Guide Outdoor are not yet very well known in Europe. However, they stand for modern thermal imaging technology at the highest level and have been developed for demanding use in hunting, observation and outdoor applications. The Orion C O635CS and O435CS models are ultra-compact thermal imaging attachments that impress with their high image quality, rapid operational readiness and robust design. The range is complemented by the high-performance thermal imaging cameras TE211M, TB650P 2.0, TB650 2.0 and the TD633, which each cover different areas of application. And now we present these models in detail-
Orion C from Guide Outdoor – Small, light, amazingly powerful
The first time you touch it, you immediately notice how compact the Orion C is. The device feels almost like a "hand-held gem" and weighs a mere 285 grams without an adapter. This is a real plus point, especially on longer stalking trips or with minimalist equipment. Particularly interesting, the Orion C is available with both a 400- and a 640-resolution sensors. According to the testers' practical experience, the 400 version is perfectly adequate for hunting. The surcharge from the 400 to the 640 sensor is around 200 euros. Those who want maximum detail recognizability – for example, for demanding field hunting or the finest game approach – will probably opt for the larger sensor. For average hunting use, however, the cheaper version is perfectly adequate.
Guide Outdoor: Sensible operation finally also for left-handed shooters
An often underestimated issue with thermal imaging attachments is the ergonomics for left-handed shooters. Guide Outdoor has taken a pleasingly practical approach here: the focusing wheel is located in the center at the top of the device and not on the side of the objective lens.
This sounds unspectacular at first, but makes a huge difference in practice. Left-handed shooters no longer have to change their grip or aiming position.
The entire menu navigation has also been kept deliberately simple:
- Centrally positioned on/off switch
- Logically arranged menu keys
- Quick operation in the dark
- Intuitive hit point correction
After all, one thing is particularly important in everyday hunting: the device has to work without you having to spend a long time searching through the menu.
Guide Orion C: Removable battery, USB-C and well thought-out practical details
Guide Outdoor relies on replaceable 18500 rechargeable batteries for the Orion C. Two rechargeable batteries are supplied as standard and, according to the manufacturer, provide around five to six hours of runtime.
The device also offers:
- USB port for power banks
- Magnetic flip cover
- Simple adapter installation
- Pre-calibrated factory setting
The point of impact can be easily fine-tuned if required. In the test, the devices were only around five to ten centimeters outside the original group even without readjustment.
The price is particularly noteworthy (price may be different in your country depending on local VAT and taxes):
- Orion C 400: approx. 1,099 euro (RRP)
- Orion C 640: approx. 1,299 euro (RRP)
For modern thermal imaging attachment technology with this equipment, this is currently a real challenge.
TB series from Guide Outdoor: High-end technology with laser rangefinder
Guide TE211M - Probably the cleverest "little helper"
However, the Guide TE211M was a real surprise in the test. This is an extremely compact thermal imaging monocular with a TFT display instead of a classic eyepiece.
The big advantage is that you don't have to constantly press the device against your eye. This significantly reduces strain on your night vision. This is an enormous gain in comfort too, especially during extended periods of sitting in a hide or when stalking.
The device is perfect for quickly scanning feeding stations, game trails, or forest clearings. Particularly impressive features are:
- Only around 10 minutes charging time for around 1 hour of operation
- Touchscreen operation
- Compact design
- Powerbank operation possible
- Price: approx. 399 euro (RRP) only
The TE211M should be of particular interest to forest hunters or as an additional "always-on" device.
If you want more power, you'll quickly end up with the Guide TB 2.0 series. The TB650LS we tested offers practically everything a discerning hunter could wish for:
- Integrated laser rangefinder
- Ballistics calculator
- Shot recording
- Extensive software functions
- Significantly higher detection performance
The shot recording can even be adapted to different recoil intensities– a detail that is particularly useful with different calibers and silencer combinations.
However, the price of the TB series is also significantly higher, at around €2,699 (RRP).
Guide TD 3.0 – The big brother for military police
For maximum range and detection performance, Guide also offers the TD-3.0 series. The TD653L is a classic thermal imaging monocular with an integrated laser rangefinder and powerful sensor.
Hunters in particular benefit from this:
- Detection ranges up to approx. 1,800 meters
- Large display
- Extensive video recording and photo functions
- Exchangeable 18650 batteries
- High image quality even at long distances
The device is priced at around 1,499 euros (RRP).
Guide Outdoor in hunting practice: Minimalist but effective
The final practical test showed one thing above all: the small Guide devices work amazingly well.
The compact TE211M proved to be the perfect "little helper" for stalking and quickly detecting game at short distances. For longer distances, the more powerful TD model naturally demonstrated its advantages.
The minimalist hunting approach in particular runs like a common thread through the entire product range:
- Lighweight
- Compact
- Intuitive operation
- Practical for hunting
- Attractively priced
Conclusion: How should Guide's thermal imaging devices be rated?
Guide Outdoor is currently positioning itself extremely aggressively on the market with a combination of modern technology, practical operation and surprisingly fair prices. The Orion C in particular is likely to appeal to many hunters who are looking for a lightweight and compact attachment without wanting to compromise on hunting-orientated performance. The TE211M, on the other hand, could quickly become an insider tip for stalkers and woodland hunters. It will be interesting to see how Guide Outdoor develops in the coming years – according to the sales department, they are already working intensively on the next generation of devices.
