Armasight · Sidekick 320

Estimated range, standing human, clear air

IdentifyRecognizeDetectBox claim

Armasight Sidekick 320320×240 · 12 µm · 9.1 mm

29 m identify47 m recognize190 m detectbox says 331 m (human-sized target)

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Estimated from pixel pitch and lens focal length using the Johnson criteria (2, 8 and 13 pixels across a 0.5 m human critical dimension), clear air, 50 % probability. A model of the optics, not a measurement — real range depends on temperature contrast, humidity and the animal.

Armasight

Armasight Sidekick 320

Handheld monocular320-class

The Armasight Sidekick 320 is a 320×240, 12 µm thermal handheld monocular behind a 9.1 mm lens. On the Johnson yardstick that is an estimated 190 m detection and 47 m recognition range for a standing person; Armasight quotes 331 m detection (human-sized target). Its 190 m estimated detection range is the shortest of the 19 handhelds here.

Approx. price: ~$1,049
Sensor: 320×240 · 12 µm
Lens: 9.1 mm · 1×
Est. detection: 190 m · 208 yd

Best for

Walk-and-scan glassing from a jacket pocket

We may earn a commission. Price and availability on Armasight’s site may differ.

Box claim vs. what the optics support

Manufacturer says

331 m

detection, human-sized target

Johnson estimate

190 m

detect · 47 m recognize · 29 m identify

Claim ÷ estimate

1.7×

how much further the box reaches than a 2-pixel, 0.5 m criterion

One pixel of this unit sees 1.319 mrad (12 µm ÷ 9.1 mm). Two pixels across a 0.5 m human is 0.5 ÷ (2 × 1.319) × 1000 = 190 m. The box figure is usually computed against a person’s 1.8 m height instead, which is why it comes out higher. Full explanation.

Specifications

Manufacturer-published figures, cross-checked against armasight.com (sale price; MSRP $1,999).

Sensor: 320×240
Pixel pitch: 12 µm
NETD: <40 mK
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Lens: 9.1 mm
Base magnification: 1×
Digital zoom: up to 4×
Field of view: 24.18° horizontal
Display: 1024x768 OLED
Claimed detection: 331 m
Claim basis: human-sized target
Run time: 1.5 h
Battery type: CR123
Weight: 7.5 oz
Length: 3.9″
Laser rangefinder: No
Ballistic calculator: No
Records video: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
IP rating: IP67
Warranty: 3 years
Country of origin: USA (assembled)
Approx. price: ~$1,049

Derived here

IFOV: 1.319 mrad
Est. detection: 190 m
Est. recognition: 47 m
Est. identification: 29 m
Claim ÷ estimate: 1.7×
Derived field of view: 23.8°
Pixels per degree: 13.4

Features

320 sensor
12 µm
9.1 mm lens
60 Hz
Removable battery
Records video
Under 20 oz
IP67
OLED display

What the spec sheet says

Read from the published specifications and this catalog’s own numbers — not from owner reports, which we have not collected for this unit.

For it

12 µm pitch — the 9.1 mm lens sees what a 17 µm core would need 13 mm to match
60 Hz core — 20 % more frames than the 50 Hz norm when an animal runs
Runs on CR123 cells you can swap in the field
7.5 oz — 2nd-lightest of the 18 handhelds here
IP67 sealed — survives immersion, not just rain
Detection claim is only 1.7× our estimate — one of the more conservative box figures here
Wide 23.8° field for scanning

Against it