Hikmicro Night Vision & Thermal Optics

HIKMICRO is a Chinese thermal-imaging manufacturer (subsidiary of Hikvision) that has become widely available in the US market through retailers like Optics Planet. Their Alpex (digital) and Thunder, Lynx, Gryphon, and Stellar (thermal) lines compete aggressively on price, often undercutting Pulsar and AGM by $500–$1,000 for similar sensor specs. The trade-off is a less-developed US warranty and support footprint, and the brand carries some geopolitical baggage given the parent company's defense-industry export-restriction history. Best for budget-conscious buyers comfortable with the brand context.