Thermal Master T2 Max hands-on review: Versatile and compact thermal camera

The Thermal Master T2 Max is Thermal Master's most impressive and surprisingly compact camera yet. The flexibility of being able to use the camera module across a variety of different devices and in various setups creates an exceptional amount of versatility and functionality. The user experience for the T2 Max is intuitive, and the camera's complementing hardware ensures no hiccups while in use.

Additionally, including replacement parts and hardware is considerate on Thermal Master's part, especially with the unit's tiny and specialized hardware. However, a brightness slider and access to Bluetooth functions would have been welcomed additions to the UI, considering the display is running Android. Overall, the T2 Max is a well-executed, feature-rich thermal camera that is a very good addition to the outdoor enthusiast's toolkit.

The Thermal Master T2 Max is available on Thermal Master's site in several configurations, depending on whether users want a dedicated display or a range finder. The current price of the kit tested is $549. However, the handle-only configuration is on sale for $399.

The Thermal Master T2 Max is the company's latest thermal monocular, focusing on tactility and outdoor use. Featuring a completely modular design, it delivers impressive visuals using Thermals Masters X3 upscaling technology in a tiny package. With abundant, versatile features, the T2 Max presents a compelling case for the EDC thermal camera.

In true Thermal Master form, the T2 Max and Titan Pad Plus ship in neat, minimal packaging. The T2 Max even includes a soft shell carrying case to house the camera grip, accessories, and spare components on the go. Additionally, the T2 Max can be stored in its own mini soft shell case for users using the camera independently of the grip.

Setting up the Thermal Master T2 Max is fairly straightforward. The 5,000 mAh battery is a 21700 Li-ion cell that simply slides into the grip of the handle after opening the compartment using the locking screw. The screw used to secure the compartment is rather large and gets in the way when trying to mount the grip to a tripod or a similar mounting device. Despite this inconvenience, the hot-swapping battery feature is worth the trade-off.

As mentioned before, the camera module is not limited to the grip case. To remove the camera, users can use the included screwdriver and hex key to disassemble the grip and remove the module. With a bare T2 Max module, users can mount the camera however they'd like and can even plug the module directly into their devices, similar to Thermal Master's other camera offerings. However, this camera relies on manual focusing, so users may want to be conscious of how much pressure they put on the device's USB-C connector while adjusting the focus.

Using the Thermal Master T2 Max is intuitive and as simple, especially when using the grip. The camera will boot and display a thermal image as soon as it is plugged into the display. The default color scheme is grayscale, but users can access several color options. The T2 Max uses an FPGA+ASIC dual-image processor with 256 x 192-pixel resolution for thermal imaging.

Additionally, Thermal Master enhances the image quality by utilizing their X³ algorithm to upscale the image. This upscaling is especially helpful given that the zoom functionality is digital only. Furthermore, the estimated range of 1,640 yards (1,500 m) proved impressively accurate, with the camera able to spot the thermal signature of many distant objects, including a crane that was almost imperceptible to the human eye. For closer objects, the thermal detail captured is impressive in both images and video.

Because the T2 Max has no image stabilization, the grip helps stabilize shots. The grip also has a built-in laser pointer, mounting brackets, and a built-in power supply for the display and the camera. The grip also supports multiple functions, including reverse charging, and Thermal Master has provided a simple guide to utilizing these functions. Interestingly, the reverse charging function enables the T2 max with devices that may not be able to power the camera. In this case, a modified Rabbit R1 running Android was used as a display for the T2 Max with perfectly acceptable results using Thermal Master's app from the Google Play Store.

On the Thermal Master app, it seems the Play Store version does not have all the functions found on the Titan Pad Plus. The color schemes option is not present, which is unfortunate given the helpfulness of changing how heat signatures are colored. Fortunately, the app retains most of the other features. Thermal Master can certainly release an updated version. But as it stands, the Titan Pad is the preferred way to interface with the T2 Max. 

The Titan Pad Plus is a perfect companion to the T2 Max. Its rugged design, small form factor, and battery life proved more than adequate during testing and provided a reliable experience while using the T2 Max. However, a few changes could have made the Titan Pad even better. Even though the device runs Android, the brightness slider is hidden behind a tab in the settings and not in the slide-down menu. Additionally, the nine-picture limit for photo transfer over Bluetooth is not ideal. Regardless of these quirks, the Titan Pad performed flawlessly and is an excellent option for those who do not want to endanger their devices while outdoors.

The Thermal Master T2 Max is a refined and versatile thermal camera. Coupled with the Titan Pad Plus, users will find reliable performance and the flexibility to use thermal imaging in various situations and just as many configurations. While certain improvements could be made, the T2 Max is a strong contender for the EDC thermal camera and a fun kit for the outdoor enthusiast.