Taipan V2 Review: Rugged Thermal Monocular with OLED Display, Wi-Fi & Up to 22.5× Zoom

Introduction to AGM Taipan V2 Series

The AGM Taipan V2 Series is a powerful line of handheld thermal monoculars designed to meet the demanding needs of hunters, security professionals, search and rescue teams, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re navigating dense brush, monitoring livestock at night, or conducting tactical reconnaissance, the Taipan V2 provides clear visuals, precise zoom, and versatile thermal tools in a lightweight body.

Compact Redesign with Enhanced Functionality

Building on the original Taipan’s success, the V2 version features:

More thermal models with higher NETD sensitivity

A removable rechargeable 18650 battery

OLED display upgrade

Tilt-based auto screen-off feature

Key Features of the Taipan V2 Series

Sensor Options and Thermal Resolution

256×192, 320×256, and 384×288 Variants

AGM offers six models in the Taipan V2 lineup:

ModelResolutionNETD
Taipan V2 10-256256×192≤35mK
Taipan V2 15-256256×192≤35mK
Taipan V2 19-320320×256≤35mK
Taipan V2 15-384384×288≤20mK
Taipan V2 19-384384×288≤20mK
Taipan V2 25-384384×288≤20mK

These 12μm pixel pitch VOx sensors deliver crisp contrast even in fog, rain, or darkness.


Lens, Focus, and Detection Ranges

Lenses from 10mm to 25mm

  • Fixed Focus: V2 10-256, V2 15-256, V2 15-384
  • Focus Ring: V2 19-320, V2 19-384, V2 25-384

Detection Ranges

ModelDetection Range
V2 10-256500m
V2 15-256750m
V2 19-320950m
V2 15-384750m
V2 19-384950m
V2 25-3841200m

Perfect for everything from short-range scanning to long-range target identification.


OLED Display and Optical Clarity

Display Options

  • 1280×960 LCOS: For models with 256 and 320 resolutions
  • 1024×768 OLED: For all 384-resolution models

Features:

  • Adjustable brightness, contrast, tone (cold/warm), and sharpness
  • 10 brightness and contrast levels
  • Comfortable 20mm eye relief

Zoom Capabilities and Digital Magnification

4-Step Digital Zoom

Depending on the model:

ModelDigital Zoom Levels
V2 10-2561.5×, 3×, 6×, 12×
V2 15-2562×, 4×, 9×, 17.5×
V2 19-3203×, 6×, 11×, 22.5×
V2 15-3841.5×, 3×, 6×, 12×
V2 19-3842×, 4×, 8×, 16×
V2 25-3842.5×, 5×, 10×, 20×

Color Palettes and Image Calibration

Four Color Modes

  • White Hot
  • Black Hot
  • Red Hot
  • Fusion

Calibration Modes

  • Auto
  • Semi-Auto
  • Manual

Use image calibration for display correction and Defective Pixel Correction (DPC) for eliminating minor image blemishes.


Video, Audio, and Snapshot Recording

16GB Built-in Memory

  • Record audio and video with timestamps
  • Capture still snapshots
  • Enable Recoil Activated Video (RAV)

Files can be exported via USB or AGM Connect App.


Wi-Fi and AGM Connect App Features

  • Wi-Fi Hotspot: Secure password-enabled streaming
  • Control image settings remotely (zoom, contrast, palette)
  • Export videos/photos to mobile devices
  • View live feed on your phone

Battery and Runtime

  • Replaceable 18650 Li-ion Battery
  • 7+ hours runtime (depends on model and features used)
  • USB Type-C charging
  • Auto Screen-Off and Auto Power-Off for energy conservation

Controls and On-Screen Display Interface

  • Power: Wake/Sleep/Shutdown
  • Zoom: Digital steps and image calibration
  • Capture: Snapshot or record video
  • Menu: Enter/Exit UI, palette selection, toggle settings

The OSD interface includes:

  • Battery level
  • Storage status
  • Magnification
  • Wi-Fi status
  • Time/Date

Advanced Functional Tools

  • Picture-in-Picture (PIP) mode
  • Hot Spot Tracking with green crosshair
  • Stadiametric Rangefinder (pre-set animal heights)
  • Burn Prevention Mode to protect sensor from high-heat sources
  • Scene Modes: General / Compressed

Build Quality and Environmental Ratings

Weighs only 0.27–0.31 kg depending on model

IP67 waterproof rating

Shock-resistant

Works from -30°C to +55°C

Specifications Table: All Taipan V2 Models

ModelResolutionLensDetectionFocusZoom MaxDisplayBattery
V2 10-256256×19210mm500mFixed12×1280×960 LCOS7h
V2 15-256256×19215mm750mFixed17.5×1280×960 LCOS7h
V2 19-320320×25619mm950mRing22.5×1280×960 LCOS6h
V2 15-384384×28815mm750mFixed12×1024×768 OLED6.5h
V2 19-384384×28819mm950mRing16×1024×768 OLED6.5h
V2 25-384384×28825mm1200mRing20×1024×768 OLED6.5h

Pros and Cons of AGM Taipan V2

Positive
  • Lightweight, waterproof, rugged
  • Wide model range for any use case
  • OLED display on higher-end models
  • Replaceable battery and USB-C power
  • Feature-rich (PIP, Rangefinder, Audio, Hot Spot, App)
Negatives
  • Fixed focus on lower-end models
  • No laser rangefinder (manual stadiametric only)
  • 16GB internal memory only (non-expandable)

Use Case Scenarios

Law enforcement surveillance and night patrols

Hunting in dense brush or open plains

Livestock protection from nocturnal predators

Search and rescue in rugged terrain

Marine use during low-visibility conditions

Final Verdict: Is AGM Taipan V2 Worth It?

The AGM Taipan V2 is a field-ready thermal monocular with a broad range of model options tailored for beginners and professionals alike. Whether you need a compact fixed-focus tool or a long-range OLED monocular with 1200m detection, the V2 series delivers high thermal performance, rugged reliability, and a modern feature set—at a competitive price point.

FAQs: AGM Taipan V2 Series

Can I use third-party batteries?

Only use protected 18650 cells, 3.6V 3.35Ah as specified.

Can I upgrade storage capacity?

No, only internal 16GB storage is available.

Is video recording automatic on recoil?

Yes, Recoil-Activated Video (RAV) is supported.

Can I adjust reticles?

This device has no reticle—it is not a riflescope.

Can it be used in heavy rain or snow?

Yes, with IP67 waterproof certification.


4.6 Total Score

9.2User's score
Design
10
Usability
9
Price
8
Features
10
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