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Happy Customer Reviews
Da
Daniel
Solid optic so far
Solid optic so far. Still learning the ins and outs as I am new to the thermal game but it seems fairly intuitive and the manual does a good job explaining things.
Super impressed with this digital optic for my setup. The zeroing is insanely easy, using factory ammo I zeroed at 25 and then 100 and shot a small group. The 100 yard group was pretty impressive to me and the top right is a flyer. Very happy with the value for money with these scopes!
Great product. The digital day optic and night vision are excellent but if you don't even count that and only compare thermal to thermal I have tried the new Holosun, the Infitac Mini, and even the $4000 Sig Sauer echo CV 25 and this is better.
Perfect timing, just returned from the first zeroing and range day. Ruger precision in .300 prc 5 shots to zero then straight to 600 yrds love the optic so far will be taking it to 1 mile in the near future. Will let you know how it goes.
I did a ton of research and landed on the Hydra 640 alone of the best budget and most versatile thermals. I love that I can go from handheld to optic to lpvo clip on quickly. I have been very happy with my Hydra and would buy again. It's light weight but sturdy. I like I can power it from both a battery bank and 18650s.
Originally published by American Rifleman on June 24, 2025, we're excited to share this insightful review of the DNT ThermNight TNC225R.
One of the most common campfire debates regarding low-light hunting is whether digital night vision (DNV) is still king or if it's been dethroned by modern thermal-imaging technology. On one hand, thermal imaging is better at detecting game, particularly in light brush, but on the other, nothing beats the detail offered by infrared night vision. For years, the solution was to carry both, be it across two hunters or a solo participant supplementing a rifle-mounted optic with a monocular of the other type. But since neither answer is perfect, products like the DNT ThermNight TNC225R have become popular, as they pack both technologies into one compact unit that easily mounts to a firearm.
First, let's decode the alphabet soup used by the company in naming its flagship product. TNC225R breaks down as follows: Thermal Night Compact; 256 Resolution, 25 mm Objective, Range Finder. At the top of the optic is its DNV component. It works by gathering any available light and amplifying it to a degree that the human eye can resolve it. Slightly below and to the left is a removable infrared illuminator that can provide some man-made lighting when there simply isn't enough ambient light to get the job done. Being digital (as opposed to analog), it is perfectly safe to run this in broad daylight, giving your host firearm all-day capabilities.
Directly below the night-vision scope is the thermal portion of the optic. It works by scanning and gathering heat energy signatures, computing them into an image that is displayed on the internal screen. Since the digital channel uses this same rectangular viewfinder, the ThermNight can run both simultaneously and display them picture-in-picture; this is extraordinarily handy when you only have seconds to positively ID a target and engage it.
Eliminating the need to carry two optics, the ThermNight offers both digital night vision's superior nighttime detail and thermal's greater ability to identify game.
Preparing the optic for range use is effortless, as DNT includes everything needed to mount and power it. Included in the box is a cantilever Picatinny mount that can be affixed to the underside of the unit with either a forward or rearward bias; this helps to accommodate a variety of stock lengths. The included charger comes with a USB cable, but the buyer must supplement it with either a wall or vehicle adapter. The optic can also be powered via an external battery pack and even includes a Picatinny side mount.
Since the ThermNight has multifaceted utility, our testers took it out on multiple occasions to cover all of its intended uses. Starting at a target range in broad daylight, our team began by zeroing the optic. This process must be repeated for both channels but is identical for each and straightforward; it involves shooting a group and then drifting a ghost reticle to the actual point of impact. Unique to this optic is the freeze-frame option that allows the user to capture what is seen through the rangefinder to drift said reticle; this eliminates the balancing act of holding the rifle on its original point of aim while making adjustments.
The optic's button scheme was relatively intuitive and easy to use, with most imaging, recording and rangefinding controls placed together at the top of the unit.
When using picture-in-picture mode, you'll notice an offset on one channel's reticle. This is to compensate for the stacked nature of its tubes and impart a correction for the differences in height over bore. We tested this electronic correction by shooting at a 100-yard target with both channels, and found it to be spot-on, building our confidence in the built-in ballistic calculator, which is designed to eliminate the guesswork on a given cartridge's holdover. This feature is aided by an onboard laser rangefinder, which can be used independently of the ballistic calculator for those who prefer using their own firing solutions. This pairs nicely with the mil-scale reticle, which utilizes first-focal-plane functionality and thus zooms proportionally with the optic's magnification.
A second test was conducted on a pitch-black hunt intended to cull some of the nuisances to the local chicken and turkey populations. A crescent moon provided enough ambient light to view objects approximately 75 yards out, while the IR illuminator extended this by several hundred yards. Images were clear out to 400 yards, and testers appreciated the thought that went into the button layout, as only minimal experience was needed to correctly guide our fingers to the rangefinding and channel-swap buttons. Having the zoom function controlled by a click wheel made for instinctive magnification adjustments, as did the analog focus rings on both channels.
Testers made use of the onboard photo and video cameras to capture portions of the hunts manually, but there was also the option to employ a recoil-activated function to record a few seconds before and after a shot was fired. This works by continually recording and dumping data until the scope detects recoil, at which point it permanently saves what it has temporarily stored into the built-in memory. Pulling these images off the device is done via the USB port. Our hunt was successful, taking a trio of egg thieves out of the picking pool.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed having the DNT ThermNight TNC225R on hand. Having both technologies available and pointing at the same place simultaneously proved invaluable during our hunting expedition, and the DNV channel ensured our firearm wasn't relegated solely to nighttime use. Although the 256-pixel thermal resolution is low by today's standards, it allows the unit to be offered at a truly impressive price point and plays a role in its compact size. Besides, the added utility of running both digital night vision and thermal imaging together far eclipses the value of using even the highest-resolution thermal optic alone and is drastically more effective for target identification.
When we add them together, this unit easily outperforms standalone thermal or DNV units with higher resolutions and delivers the added bonus of a laser rangefinder. Those looking for an inexpensive solution to what might become an expensive pest problem are urged to give this optic a look.
Author: Nicholas Chen
Seeing in the dark and hunting have become increasingly popular. Coyotes and especially hogs have become a problem for many as their numbers continue to increase. Add to that other pests and invasive species, such as nutria, more and more people are looking for a way to augment their vision at night. Let’s take a look at some options so see in the dark for your AR style rifles.
Traditional Analog Night Vision: The Golden Benchmark
Traditional analog night vision is the golden benchmark for seeing in the dark. They are extremely battery efficient, many of them running for 40 hours on a single CR123 or two AA batteries. However the further you want to see the more expensive it becomes. Night vision goggles can cost anywhere from $2,000 for a monocular all the way to $12,000 for top of the line binoculars. And yet those night vision goggles are only 1x and require additional accessories for use with an AR rifle. You need a night vision compatible optic or a laser and illuminator. Even after you get the necessary equipment, your ability to see far at night is severely limited.
Seeing far at night with analog night vision requires a clip-on night vision device (CNVD). While dedicated night vision scopes do exist, they do not see very far. Usually within 200 yards with a little bit of magnification. Real night CNVDs like a PVS-30, PVS-24-LR or PVS-27 are anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. And while you can see far with high magnification scopes, as high as 12x, you might need illumination to combat shadows and photonic barriers. With such a setup you can see out to 1,000 yards depending on ambient lighting and the environment. You can actually see farther than that but can you recognize and identify what you are looking at if you are hunting an animal? Resolution for analog night vision is very high however camouflage can still defeat such a system. Like animals hiding in or around vegetation. The color of an animal can help it blend into its environment as well. So what can you do to defeat camouflage? Get thermal.
Thermal Scopes: A Modern Alternative
Unlike analog night vision, thermal scopes for ARs have become more affordable as the technology advances. But just like analog night vision scopes, the further they see the more expensive they are. Stand-alone thermal scopes can be purchased for under $4,000. Some as low as $1,000 and under. These have low magnification and low resolution. While 640 resolution thermal scopes can be purchased for less than analog night vision goggles, they have their limitations as well. While you can detect a heat source a good distance away, some can detect past 1,000 yards but all you see is a blob of heat. You have to get closer to recognize if what you are looking at is an animal or hot rock. In some cases vegetation, like cacti, can retain heat at night giving you a false positive. Some thermal scopes can be used as clip-ons but the type that can see far with high magnification day optics are expensive. Thermal clip-ons like the Eotech ClipIR ELR was $16,000 when it came out. While expensive, it was cheaper than the Trijicon BAE UTC XII which had a $26,000 price tag. I was able to recognize the shape of a 700 yard coyote at night. But I could not positively identify it was a coyote based on its shape in the thermal clip-on. Only when it lifted its head followed by the howl (sound is slower than light) could I tell it was a coyote. Even with all that money into one optic, your capabilities are limited. If you are shooting far, you need to take ballistic drop into consideration. You also need to range to target so you can calculate what the drop is. Weapon mounted range finders with ballistic calculators used to be exorbitantly expensive. Wilcox RAPTAR costs around $10,000. That has changed with the Vortex Impact 4000. You can get one of those for around $2,000. Using that with thermal is a bit tricky. You would need to zero the Vortex range finder to your day scope. But since thermal scopes and clip-ons cannot see light or lasers, you would have to hope the laser pulse is hitting the object you see in your thermal image.
ZULUS HD Series: Affordable Digital Night Vision and Range-Finding
What if you could have both digital and night vision in one device? Fusion goggles have thermal with night vision but they are expensive. Fusion systems overlay the thermal image directly over the night vision image. The entry level version is a COTI but those inject the thermal image into the objective of the night vision goggle. There is no COTI style device for weapon mounted night vision. If you want fusion goggles then the L3 fusion PSQ-20 monocular starts at $7,000 for 20 year old technology. The new fusion binos like the ENVG-B cost $40,000 brand new. FLIR makes a fusion clip-on called ADUNS however it is so expensive, there is no price listed online. Even if you could afford it, you might need an illuminator and range finder on top of it all. Plus you need a day optic since clip-ons do not have reticles.
However there is an alternative to these expensive military optics, our ZULUS HD line of digital scopes have a built-in IR illuminator and if you get the versions with onboard laser range finder, they have ballistic calculators inside. With the ballistics properly programmed via our app or manually inputed directly into the scope, you simply range to target and press the LRF button a second time to accept the distance. Then the ZULUS will automatically calculate the ballistic drop for that distance and show you where to aim. We just released our new ZULUS HD V2 that has all the same features as the popular ZULUS scopes but with an improved eyepiece, magnification ring with throw lever for faster manipulation as well as an improved operating system with intuitive menu. We also upgraded the ZULUS HD V2 to use a 21700 li-ion rechargeable battery for 25% longer run time. All of this technology comes in at just over $700. Yes, $700. Not $7,000.
ThermNight Series: Night Vision and Thermal Imaging Combined
Want to step up your game? Our flagship ThermNight line of scopes has all the features of our ZULUS scopes with the added super power of thermal. Unlike fusion systems, the ThermNight uses a picture-in-picture (PIP) to display both the digital and thermal images. The PIP feature is an advantage over fusion systems due to the different FOV magnification between the digital versus the thermal in the ThermNight. ThermNight digital have a base magnification of 5x and can zoom up to 20x. The thermal sensors have a base mag as low as 1.5x such as the TNC635R. This dual FOV allows you to scan an area with thermal in the PIP window, and you simply glance down to the digital image which would be zoomed in. This allows you to capitalize on the benefits of thermal and digital. Thermal offers lower resolution but is perfect for detecting potential game. Then utilize the higher resolution and higher magnification of the digital to help positively identify what you are looking at. Our ThermNight scopes start at just $1,329.99 for the TNC225R or you can upgrade to the 640 resolution TNC635R for just $3,159.99. The future is now. You can get an affordable optic that can see at night as well as see and detect heat at the same time. Add the benefit of a built-in laser range finder combined with an onboard ballistic calculator. Not only can you see far at night, you can more accurately shoot far as well. You can even upgrade the IR illuminator for 940nm and your beam will be invisible to analog night vision.
As the ZULUS HD V2 hits the market, many of you are eager to understand the key similarities and differences between the V1 and the V2. In this post, we'll break down the shared features and improvements to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Similarities between ZULUS HD V1 and ZULUS HD V2:
1.Advanced Imaging: Both the V1 and V2 are equipped with the highly sensitive SONY STARVIS 2 sensor, which provides phenomenal imaging and NIR (Near Infrared) performance.
2.Premium Optics & Display: Both feature ED glass lenses and a 60Hz 1920×1080 Micro-OLED display.
3.Recoil Resistance: Both can withstand recoil up to .50BMG.
4.IP67 Protection: Fully dust-proof and water-resistant, both are ideal for all weather conditions.
5.Field Tested: Both are designed for tough field conditions, ensuring reliability and performance when it matters most.
6.Onboard Recording: Both support loop recording and recoil activated video (RAV), ensuring critical footage is captured during use.
7.One-shot Zeroing: Both allow quick and precise sighting with just one shot, saving time and effort during optic adjustments.
8.Picture-in-Picture (PIP) Aiming Window: Both support PIP, which displays a smaller image within the main view, giving a clearer focus on the target while maintaining the context of the surrounding area.
9.Integrated Ballistic Calculator & Precision Laser Rangefinder (LRF): For LRF models, both feature an integrated ballistic calculator and laser rangefinder for precise distance measurements.
Differences between ZULUS HD V1 and ZULUS HD V2:
1.Zoom Mechanism:V1: Scroll wheel for zooming in and out.V2: Traditional magnification ring with a throw lever for smoother operation.
2.Battery Size and Life:V1: 18650 battery (flat top) with an 8-hour runtime.V2: Upgraded to a larger 21700 battery (flat top), providing up to 10 hours of runtime.
3.Ocular Lens and Eye Relief:V1: 27mm ocular lens with 45mm eye relief.V2: 32mm ocular lens with 65mm eye relief, offering a more comfortable viewing experience.
4.Display and Brightness:V1: 1-6 brightness levels (up to 360 nits).V2: 1-5 brightness levels with improved daytime visibility (up to 1800 nits).
5.File Storage:V1: Uses microSD card for file storage.V2: Replaces the microSD card with built-in 32 GB storage.
6.Button Layout:V1: Standard button layout.V2: New layout that mirrors the ThermNight series, making it easier to locate and operate buttons in low-light conditions.
7.Menu System:V1: Features a rectangular arrangement of icons for navigation within the menu.V2: Introduces a more intuitive menu system, inspired by the newer ThermNight and Hydra series, providing a smoother user experience.
8.Onboard Recording Interface:V1: Displays basic info (e.g., reticle, distance).V2: Shows detailed info, including battery life, time, rangefinding process, and additional on-screen indicators, all of which are captured in the recorded footage.
9.Net Weight:V1: The V1 models are lighter (ZHD312-V1: 14.0 oz, ZHD520-V1: 14.8 oz, ZHD312R-V1: 16.4 oz, ZHD520R-V1: 17.0 oz).V2: The V2 models are slightly heavier due to upgraded components, but they are still lighter than most similar scopes on the market (ZHD312R-V2: 18.4 oz, ZHD520R-V2: 19.1 oz).
10.App Controls:V1: Provides full control of the scope through the app, enabling users to adjust settings directly.V2: Only supports live streaming of the scope's point of view (POV) via the app.
11.On-Screen Display Ballistics:V1: No ballistics information displayed.V2: Option to display ballistics information. When the Ballistic Calculator is activated, users can choose whether or not to display the ballistics information, with available units including MRAD, MOA, cm, and inches, or select Off.
12. Cost:V1: $394.99 for ZHD312-V1 and ZHD520-V1, $615.99 for ZHD312R-V1 and ZHD520R-V1.V2: $776.99 for ZHD312R-V2 and ZHD520R-V2.
While the ZULUS HD V1 has already set a high bar, the V2 breaks new ground with even better performance and features. The choice between the two comes down to your personal preferences. Still undecided? Reach out, and we'll help you find the perfect fit!
Real feedback from real shooters is showing just how far TheOne can go. Over the past few months, TheOne 7–35X56 FFP has quietly gained a loyal following, with numerous user reviews echoing the same sentiment: this scope delivers more than expected.
In this post, we break down why TheOne is rapidly gaining favor among shooters everywhere.
"Sometimes you get more than you paid for!" – Roger Stockton
Roger, one of our happy customers, shared his excitement, "I have several high-end optics from other well-known brands. I just ordered two more DNT TheOnes to replace them." As he puts it, "I am an average shooter with a lot of flaws and this scope improves my abilities. I love it and am buying more."
After quickly zeroing in at 100 yards and consistently hitting targets out to 500 yards, Roger's expectations were exceeded.
"The clearest glass you will ever put your eye to." – Daniel Lancaster
"How much did I pay?!" asked Daniel Lancaster, who was blown away by the optical quality. "This is the most under-publicized budget scope I've ever seen. It has the clearest glass you will ever put your eye to. The A-name scopes aren't even close! To the glass quality, you will enjoy it like looking through your rich buddies' $2k scope."
Many users share Daniel's sentiment, praising TheOne's clarity, thanks to its Japanese X-ED glass lens.
Del Richards, another user, added, "The unit operates flawlessly with superior glass clarity."
"Exceptional turrets. Solid clicks." – Steven Kordis
Steven Kordis praised the overall build quality of TheOne, noting its "quality glass, solid tube, and exceptional turrets". He especially appreciated the tactile, confident feel of the clicks, calling them "solid".
While he hasn't yet tested the zero stop, Steven found it easy to set and intuitive. In his words, it's "truly an amazing value".
Even before the first shot is fired, this scope impresses—and we can say with confidence that the zero stop won't fail him. With just one twist of the red screw, you can securely lock your zero, no matter how far you dial. It always returns to your original zero, shot after shot.
"My buddy saw it and ordered one also." – Theodore Dorsey
It's clear that TheOne has built trust among its users. Theodore Dorsey said, "So far, I am very happy with the scope. I really like the glass, reticle, turrets. I would definitely purchase again. My buddy saw it and ordered one also." Word of mouth continues to drive interest in this scope, a testament to its quality and value.
"Bought for NRL 22, ended up on 6.5 Creedmoor." – Ken Sturgill
"I bought it for my NRL 22 rifle but ended up switching to my 6.5 Creedmoor, which I distance shoot," wrote Ken Sturgill after discovering what TheOne was really capable of. While shooting at 100- to 150-yard targets, he kept pulling in a steel target at 360 yards "clear as a bell". Even his friend noticed, "It's pulling that longer range target off to the side."
Ken soon moved TheOne to his 6.5 Creedmoor and headed to the long-range area—successfully engaging targets at 400, 460, 500, 530, and 580 yards with ease. That's the kind of clarity and precision that makes shooters reconsider which rifle truly deserves the best optic.
"Big thanks for giving me a Veteran Discount." – 427Cobra
427Cobra, a proud veteran and seasoned shooter, shared his surprise after trying TheOne on his Bergara B14R: "I own a few high-dollar scopes and ordered TheOne for a B14R. I'm shocked. The glass is super impressive, the zero stop is incredibly easy to set, and I love that the full MRAD reticle is illuminated. Big thanks to DNT for the veteran discount!"
We're proud to offer a 15% discount for verified military members, veterans, first responders, medical professionals, and government workers. Thank you for your service.
Our heroes deserve the best optics, and so do you. Experience TheOne today and see for yourself why it's the choice of shooters everywhere.
Shop Now: TheOne 7-35X56 FFP Illuminated TOR - Zero Stop - 34mm Tube – DNT Optics Store
Use code [SAVE10] during our Independence Day Sale to enjoy 10% off.
Author: Nicholas Chen
Hello DNT fans, we want to thank you for following along with us as we grow. We love to make amazing Day and Night Technologies that you love to see. We are excited to release our new ZULUS HD V2.
The ZULUS HD V2 is an evolution of our very popular original ZULUS Digital Day and Night Vision Scope. Building on the strengths of the original and user feedback, we have enhanced it in the new V2. There are a number of improvements, so let’s dive into them.
We recognized the demand for longer runtime in outdoor settings, so we upgraded from the 18650 battery to the larger 21700 battery. With this upgrade, the typical daytime use of the ZULUS HD V2 now averages 8 hours of runtime, with a maximum of 10 hours. For nighttime use with the onboard illuminator and LRF, you can expect around 4 hours of runtime. Speaking of the IR illuminator, the ZULUS HD V2 LRF models come standard with a detachable M24 850nm IR illuminator, which can be swapped for an M24 940nm version for more discreet operation.
The buttons of the ZULUS HD V2 have been reoriented to bring smarter control. This positions the Power button forward, above the other buttons, and places the Record button at the back. DNT users will find the menu system a lot more intuitive as it is the same as our flagship ThermNight series.
We eliminated the Picatinny rail on the side of the ZULUS HD V2. This allows for a bit more range for Wi-Fi connectivity as well as faster download speeds of the videos you recorded. The micro SD card port has been replaced with internal 32 GB of storage. So if you remove the side cap, it just reveals the USB-C port for hard wired downloading of the video files to a computer, as well as for the use of USB power banks to extend the runtime of the ZULUS HD V2.
Another feature that we carried over from real-world feedback is the larger eyepiece and magnification ring with a throw lever. The ZULUS HD V2 now has a more comfortable 65mm eye relief as well as a 1920×1080 micro OLED display.
The LRF version of the ZULUS HD V2 has an improved rangefinder that can range as close as 5 yards. We have also programmed the ZULUS HD V2 so you no longer have to manually zoom out to see your LRF range box. If you are zoomed in, even at max magnification, activating the LRF will automatically switch back to base magnification so you can see the LRF range box. Press the Ranging button again to get the ballistic calibration, or hold the button down to cancel the ranging, and the ZULUS HD V2 will go back to your last magnification setting.
With regards to ballistic calculation, you can now display the ballistics which will show up on the right side of the screen. This is helpful for those shooting long range and those who want to use the Dial-In option. When the reticle shifts, the displayed ballistic is a visual confirmation that the reticle has shifted to the new position for ballistic drop.
We hope you will enjoy these improvements to our new ZULUS HD V2. They will enhance your next adventure. You will love what you see.
When you spend serious time in the field, your gear has to perform. That's why a growing number of hunters, night shooters, and outdoor content creators are switching to the DNT ZULUS HD Series, a smart digital day/night vision scope built for clarity, speed, and results.
We asked real users how the ZULUS has performed in their world. Here is what they had to say.
"Better Than Some High-dollar Cameras."– Tyron Schmidt (@H.A.B. Outdoors)
When darkness falls, most optics lose clarity—but not the ZULUS HD series. Users consistently report crisp, detailed images even under minimal moonlight.
"The low-light video is incredible. It's better than some high-quality cameras. If you don't believe me, just check it out," says Tyron Schmidt, an outdoor content creator and seasoned hunter. "That low-light vision is my favorite. It's second to none—better than any night vision gear I've used, whether scopes, binos, or monoculars. The night vision is incredible. It's better than some high-dollar cameras I've seen."
Daniel Overman, an outdoor enthusiast, feels the same: "Moneywise, why spend $450 on just a camera when you get all this for the same price?"
Powered by an advanced Sony STARVIS 2 sensor and integrated IR illuminator, the ZULUS delivers sharp, dependable visibility in total darkness. When your eyes see nothing, it still sees everything.
"I didn't even open the manual." – Daniel Overman (@Broke Boy's Manifesto)
Daniel isn't new to optics. He's an avid outdoorsman who hunts regularly and documents his experiences on video. His go-to setup is an AR-15 paired with .22LR ammunition for short- to mid-range shooting. Mounting the ZULUS HD 3-12X digital night vision scope (ZHD312) on his rifle fits his needs perfectly—lightweight, rugged, and ideal for 100–300 yard engagements.
Like many other experienced shooters, he is no stranger to digital systems, but also no fan of overcomplicated tech.
"It's pretty straightforward… I learned how to sight it in and operate it without even using the manual."
For someone with hundreds of hours behind the glass, that says a lot.
"This Scope Zeros Itself!" – Buck Pear (@Combat Ready)
Daniel's quick start was made possible by the ZULUS one-shot zero system, an advantage also highlighted by firearm enthusiast and professional reviewer Buck Pear. On his YouTube channel, where he tests a wide range of firearms and optics, the ZULUS HD 5X20 model (ZHD520) stood out to him.
"Click the power button, freeze the image, drag your reticle to the point of impact, and boom—the next shot is zeroed," Buck explains.
"This Thing is Tiny." – Tyron Schmidt (@H.A.B. Outdoors)
As a crossbow hunter, Tyron Schmidt tested the ZHD520R extensively on crossbows at close to mid-range distances, and also took it beyond 400 yards with rifles. With plenty of night hunts under his belt, he prefers lightweight, all-in-one gear. After trying many night vision scopes over the years, the ZHD520R is now his new favorite.
"The ZULUS is literally half the length of my other scopes. This thing is tiny... I love how light and compact the ZULUS is. No extra IR light to carry, no battery packs dangling around. Just mount and go," says Tyron.
Unlike bulky digital scopes of the past that often paired with massive IR lights and fuzzy sensors, the ZULUS HD is compact, sleek, and impressively powerful. "I expected this thing to be long as all get-out, and it's not. That's where the beauty is." John Mullally (@KB32 Tactical), a seasoned tactical shooter and reviewer, agrees.
This compact size allows for quicker shouldering and less fatigue during long stalks, without sacrificing tech.
"It works awesome once you tune it, and you can actually use that ballistic calculator to get the right coefficient which took me forever to figure out," Tyron adds.
Even models packed with advanced features like a built-in ballistic calculator (BC) and laser rangefinder (LRF) measure no more than 8 inches in length.
"Decorated Like a Christmas Tree—But It Works." – Daniel Overman (@Broke Boy's Manifesto)
Reticle and color choice matter in the field, especially in haze, glare, or shadows. ZULUS offers six reticle styles and five color modes, so shooters can adapt to their eyes and environment.
"I like switching between the white and the yellow. They also have green, red, and black, but this reticle here is my favorite because it's literally decorated like a Christmas tree." Daniel laughs.
These color choices are more than cosmetic. White can pop in shaded timber, while yellow may offer better contrast in hazy conditions or reduce eye fatigue during extended sessions. It's personalization with real purpose.
"Long Shot, But We Did It." – Buck Pear (@Combat Ready)
Using a Custom Aero Precision M5 6.5 Creedmoor with the ZHD520R, Buck tested long-range shooting at 1,000 yards. The result? A satisfying bullseye.
"1,000 yards with the DNT Zulus digital scope — got it. Just check that out. We were shooting way up there, basically at the end of that dirt road — that's as far as the zoom goes. Long shot, but we did it." Buck says on his video.
"It Just Records By Itself." – Daniel Overman (@Broke Boy's Manifesto)
For hunters and trainers who want to capture the moment without distraction, the ZULUS HD features Recoil Activated Video (RAV)—automatically saving footage from before and after each shot.
"If you're a hunter, you can set your camera up to automatically film when you take shots. You don't have to worry about turning on your recorder or remembering it, or taking the precious time it takes to actually turn on the camera. It's just going to pick up your footage for you, and then you can watch it later." Daniel says.
Whether you're building content or memories, ZULUS makes post-shot review effortless.
Built for All Shooters, Priced for More
The ZULUS HD Series offers four models—from streamlined to fully loaded with laser rangefinders and ballistic calculators:
● ZHD520R – Top-tier with Laser Rangefinder (LRF) and Ballistic Calculator (BC)
● ZHD520 – Same sharp optics, no LRF/BC
● ZHD312R – Compact, feature-packed with LRF and BC
● ZHD312 – Lightweight and capable
Whether you're fine-tuning at the range or scanning open terrain, there’s a ZULUS for your style. "This is one of the coolest electronic optics I've ever seen," says John Mullally.
Starting at just $394.99 and topping out at $615.99, ZULUS HD gives you pro-grade features at honest pricing, plus stackable discounts for even more value.
The ZULUS HD Series has already changed how shooters see in the dark. On July 2, a new chapter begins. Built on everything that made the original great, and refined by real-world feedback, the ZULUS HD V2 is almost here.
Get ready to own the night again.
Explore the ZULUS HD Series: https://us.dntoptics.com/collections/night-vision
