Choosing the Right Infrared Thermometer for You

There are three basic types of infrared thermometer optics, each with its own advantages and disadvantages: fresnel lens thermometers, mica lens thermometers and no-lens thermometers.

Infrared Lens
Cost
Durability
Temp Range
Optics
Ambient Effect
Fresnel Lens
$$
starstar
Hotter
Better
star
Mica Lens
$$$
star
Hottest
Best
starstar
No Lens
$
starstarstar
Hot
Good
starstarstar
Fresnel Lens Thermometers Mica Lens Thermometers No-lens Thermometers
IRFS
IR Gun
IRK
IRT 2
CZ-IR
IR MINI
TW Pocket

It is also important to give some thought to the intended range of temperature you are likely to measure with your infrared thermometer. For best resolution, choose a thermometer with a speci- fied range that most narrowly covers what you are planning to measure.