Pixfra Australia Field Journal · How-To
A thermal scope is a serious investment, and the good news is it’ll last for years with very little fuss — as long as you respect one part of it: the lens. Thermal optics use a germanium objective with a special coating, and it isn’t glass. Clean it like a pair of sunglasses and you can scrub that coating right off. Treat it properly and the whole unit stays sharp, sealed and reliable. Here’s the short, sensible maintenance routine.
Quick verdict
Blow dust off first, clean the germanium lens gently with a proper lens cloth or optical wipe, store it dry on a partial charge, and keep firmware current. Never use household glass cleaner, paper towel or a dry rub on grit — the germanium coating is delicate. A thermal is IP67-sealed and shock-rated, so the body is tough; the lens and the battery are what reward a little care.
Why the lens is different
Ordinary glass blocks infrared, so thermal optics use a germanium lens with an anti-reflective coating that lets heat energy through — that’s part of how thermal imaging works. That coating is what makes the image bright, and it’s softer and more particular than the coatings on day glass. Abrasive cloths, paper towel, or wiping grit across a dry lens can scratch or strip it, and once it’s damaged the image dulls permanently. So the rule is simple: never rub anything hard or dry across the germanium lens.
How to clean the lens safely
| Step | Do | Don’t |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Remove grit | Blow off dust with a blower/air, or a soft brush | Wipe a gritty lens — you’ll grind particles in |
| 2. Lift smudges | Use a clean microfibre lens cloth or optical wipe | Use paper towel, shirt tails or tissue |
| 3. Stubborn marks | A little lens-safe fluid on the cloth, gentle circles | Household/glass cleaner or solvents |
| 4. Finish dry | Light buff with the dry part of the cloth | Press hard or scrub |
When in doubt, less is more — a light, gentle clean beats an aggressive one every time.
Storing it right
Store your thermal somewhere dry and out of extreme heat — not baking in a closed case in a hot car, which stresses both the electronics and the battery. Use the supplied cap or a case to protect the lens from knocks and dust between sessions. For the battery, leave it on a partial charge rather than fully flat for long periods; that’s kinder to lithium cells and ties into the runtime habits in battery life in the field. A little silica gel in the case helps in humid climates.
Keep the firmware current
Thermal scopes are as much software as optics, and manufacturers push firmware updates that improve image processing, add features and fix bugs. It’s worth checking for updates periodically — a firmware update can genuinely sharpen the image or add a useful function to a scope you already own. Follow the manufacturer’s process, make sure the battery is charged before you start, and don’t interrupt an update midway. It’s the easiest “free upgrade” your thermal will ever get.
The body is the tough part
Reassuringly, everything except the lens and battery is built to take punishment. Pixfra thermals are IP67-sealed against dust and water and shock-rated for recoil, so rain, a wet night and a heavy calibre are all in a day’s work. If you run a clip-on out front, give its exposed lens the same care (see running a thermal clip-on). Look after the lens, mind the battery, keep the firmware fresh, and a good thermal will still be earning its keep many seasons from now.
See the thermal range
IP67-sealed, shock-rated builds — genuine local stock, GST included, backed by C.R. Kennedy’s local service.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean a thermal scope lens?
Blow or brush off dust first, then lift smudges with a clean microfibre lens cloth or optical wipe, using a little lens-safe fluid for stubborn marks. Never use paper towel, tissue, household glass cleaner or a dry rub on grit — the germanium coating is delicate.
Why can’t I use normal glass cleaner on a thermal lens?
Because the lens is coated germanium, not glass. Household cleaners and solvents, and abrasive materials like paper towel, can strip or scratch the anti-reflective coating that makes the image bright, dulling it permanently. Use only lens-safe products and a soft cloth.
How should I store my thermal scope?
Somewhere dry and out of extreme heat, with the lens cap or case on to protect it from knocks and dust. Leave the battery on a partial charge rather than fully flat, and add a little silica gel in humid climates.
Should I update my thermal scope’s firmware?
Yes — manufacturers release firmware that can improve image processing, add features and fix bugs. Check periodically, make sure the battery is charged, follow the official process and don’t interrupt the update. It’s an easy way to keep a scope you already own performing at its best.
Are thermal scopes waterproof?
Pixfra thermals are IP67-sealed against dust and water and shock-rated for recoil, so rain and wet nights are no problem for the body. The parts that reward care are the coated germanium lens and the battery, not the sealed housing.
Protect and support your optic
Look after the investment. our thermal accessories — cases, mounts and bipods keep your optic protected and shooting straight. Every one is genuine local stock with full Australian warranty, serviced right here through C.R. Kennedy and never sent overseas.
