STELLAR T3 Mini Compact Thermal Imaging Scope, 256×192, 13mm f/0.9

Product details

The STELLAR T3 Mini is a compact thermal imaging sight with a 256×192 sensor, a fast 13 mm f/0.9 lens and a 1.4-inch touchscreen OLED display. It has a shutter-free design for an uninterrupted picture and a manufacturer-stated detection range of up to 700 m, all in a very small body that fits a standard 20 mm Picatinny rail.

At a glance

• 256×192 sensor with a 13 mm f/0.9 lens
• 1.4-inch, 466×466 touchscreen OLED display
• Shutter-free design for an uninterrupted image
• Up to 700 m detection range (manufacturer-stated)
• 1× to 3× digital zoom, with on-board photo and video

Full specifications

• Detector: 256×192, 12 μm, 8 to 14 μm spectral band
• Lens: 13 mm, f/0.9
• Field of view: 13.5° × 10.1°
• Detection range: up to 700 m (manufacturer-stated)
• Display: 1.4-inch OLED, 466×466, touchscreen
• Zoom: 1× to 3× digital
• Design: shutter-free, with on-board photo and video recording
• Mounting: fits a standard 20 mm Picatinny rail

What the specs mean in practice

Lens and spot size. A 13 mm lens with 12 μm pixels gives about 0.9 mrad per pixel, so one pixel covers roughly 9 cm at 100 m. The f/0.9 aperture gathers a lot of infrared energy, which helps the picture stay clear in cool, low-contrast conditions.

Shutter-free. Many thermal cores briefly freeze the image to recalibrate. A shutter-free design avoids that pause, which helps when you are tracking something.

Detection versus identification. 700 m is the maximum distance at which a heat source can be detected. Recognizing what it is takes a shorter distance.

What you can use it for

• Close to mid-range scanning: look for people, animals and vehicles in darkness, fog and low light.
• Compact observation: a very small thermal viewer for a pocket or a pack.
• Rail-mounted use: the built-in mounting interface suits setups that use a Picatinny rail.

Who should look elsewhere

• You need to measure surface temperatures for inspections. See our handheld cameras.
• You need long-range reach. A larger lens, as on the GTGUARD AI15 (15 mm) or the GTGUARD X350 (35 mm), sees further.

How it compares

• CVLIFE BearMight: a 15 mm lens, 50 Hz and Wi-Fi in a handheld monocular.
• GTGUARD H3: 12-hour battery, 32 GB storage and an IP66 body.

Tips for better results

• Scan slowly and in sections. Dusk and pre-dawn give the best thermal contrast.
• Glass blocks thermal imaging, so you cannot view through a windshield or window.
• Fog and heavy rain shorten effective range.
• Never point it at the sun or another intense heat source, and clean the lens with a soft lens cloth.

Frequently asked questions

What does shutter-free mean?
Many thermal cores briefly freeze the image to recalibrate. A shutter-free design avoids that pause.

Is 700 m the distance I can identify something?
No. It is the maximum distance at which a heat source can be detected. Identification needs a shorter distance.

Are there local rules for thermal optics?
Regulations on thermal optics vary by location. Check the rules where you live before buying or using one.

How does the touchscreen work?
A 1.4-inch OLED touchscreen controls the menus, alongside the physical controls.

Can it record video?
Yes. It has on-board photo and video recording.

Best-fit applications

Outdoor thermal observation and equipment evaluation. Check the native sensor resolution, lens and device compatibility to decide whether this model fits your intended working distance and target size.

Before you buy

Review the specifications above and confirm compatibility with your equipment. Image enhancement is not the same as native infrared sensor resolution. Contact ThermalVisionPlus if you need help comparing models.

Related thermal imaging guides

Explore our home inspection thermal camera guide, electrical inspection guide, and thermal camera buying comparison.