FLIR TG54-2 Infrared Spot Thermometer with Digital Readout: for Non-Contact Temperature Measurements up to 1,562 Degrees F

Bought this FLIR TG54 Spot Infrared Thermometer to replace my broken Fluke 62 Mini and was really surprised by how much more powerful in terms of performance the FLIR TG54 is when compared to the Fluke 62 Mini.First off, the TG54 is wonderfully compact and sleek in design, with weight distribution right down the center of the device. No tipping forward or backward when holding and using the device. The included additional function of a forward facing LED light is a very convenient for engaging in thermal measurements in poorly lit area, a very nice design touch indeed.The TG54 actually uses a anti-reflection coated IR lens while run-of-the-mill infrared thermometers of this price class will use plastic Fresnel lens. This give this small unit an absurdly high spot to distance ratio of 24:1 (1 inch circle when 2 feet away from target). This spot to distance ratio is only available in higher end models of other manufacturer costing multiples of the cost of the FLIR TG54. Hitting small measurement areas will never be difficult again. Do note that the spot will not reduce to any smaller than the actual front aperture of the TG54 of 0.75 inch as a rule of thumb (i.e. 0.75 inch spot when 18 inches away from target is the limit, any nearest will still be 0.75 inch spot)The laser guide on the TG54 is actually calibrated and aligned to be parallel to the optical axis of the IR lens. This means that where the laser touches, you can estimate the optical center of measurement to be about 0.75 inch below the laser dot. Totally takes the guess work out of IR temperature measurements.The TG54 also features adjustable emissivity settings, allowing measuring highly reflective items (i.e. stainless steel pipes, chrome plated metal items, polished drive shafts, etc.) a breeze. You may want to print out a small emissivity table and attached it to the lanyard point on the TG54 for a convenient guide to the emissivity setting of the material you are measuring.One small gripe with the unit to date is that there is a significant pause before the unit comes alive when the measure trigger is pulled when the unit is on cold shutdown mode (i.e. screen dark). But when the screen is still on, measurement mode is triggered without delay and measurement update fast enough to allow for you to scan an area quickly to determine the highest temperature observed.Lastly, the TG54 runs off 3 x AAA batteries which is easy to find and much more long lasting than 9V batteries that most other IR thermometers requires. Substituting the alkaline AAA to typical Ni-MH rechargeable batteries does not detrimentally affect performance.Overall one of the best pieces of measurement hardware I have acquired to date, will not hesitate to purchase any product from FLIR!

Easy to use and quite accurate.

This is a newer version of the TG56, though I unfortunately don't have the older version so I can't do a direct comparison. Would be nice if Flir gave what exactly was improved, but just based on what stands out on paper the temperature range is significantly higher on this new model: -22°F - 2372°F compared to 22°F to 1202°F for the older model.Display is bright and very readable. All the options are easy to access. Flashlight functionality is very very useful. Has a tripod mount. K-Type probe if you need an additional way of measuring what you need, keeping in mind that it has a different temperature range. Laser spot is very precise and visible, even at longer distances.Carrying pouch with a belt loop is really nice to have though you might get questionable looks wearing it as it might look like a pistol holster at a distance to those unfamiliar with it. Not a con at all, just a heads up.The main gripe I have for it is the battery. Like my ancient Raynger IR thermometer, this still uses a 9V battery rather than more convenient AAs (that can also be rechargeable). Even worse, it uses screws to secure the access to the compartment - to Flir's credit the screw inserts are threaded and they are captive, but it's going to be somewhat annoying to replace the battery. Plus the battery connection is one of those dangly wire bits which again is iffy for quick replacements in the field. In this respect, my old Raynger does better. There's a single button to flip open the battery compartment, and the battery can simply be inserted in with no fuss. See the pictures for a comparison.At this relatively premium price point I would have hoped to see a better battery solution or at least one that is more convenient, but alas. That said, this is an extremely capable thermometer, especially if you need access to the specific temperature ratings. So if the battery replacement and compartment nitpicks are not important for you, this is very easy to recommend.

It just wasn't what I expected. While it may have many great technical attributes the device itself didn't appeal to me ergonomically. It seemed very flimsy and prone to breakage. The display has that thin plastic film almost seems like you can peal it off. The trigger was very sluggish and slow response when you tried to take a measurement. The battery holder i found it was again very flimsy. I had it for about 1 hour and returned it. One thing also worth mentioning, shipped in a plastic envelop and bits and peaces of plastic package housing the device were broken off and floating around in the envelop. For such a tool you would think they would do a better job with protecting it during shipping, and its getting worse all the time I notice shipping stuff with insufficient protection.Anyways, go for the Fluke.

Product met all my expectations, easy to use and great for checking spot temps.

Very precise readout. Easy to use.

Excellent

I WOULD EXPECT MORE FOR THE PRICE, OK IT'S FULL FEATURED AND HIGH QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP BUT THE LAZER ISN'T VERY BRIGHT, AND IT TAKES TO LONG TO POWER ON ABOUT 5 SECONDS TO POWER SAMPLE THEN DISPLAY... THE FLUKE BRAND IS ABOUT ONE SECOND ALMOST INSTANT... SO IN THIS RESPECT FLIR REALLY DROPPED THE BALL...JUST SAYING!!!!!!!