The DNT Team’s Top Optic Picks: 9 Recommendations, Real-World Reasons
Why do experienced hunters choose the optics they do?
We went straight to the source. Nine members of the DNT team, Pro Staff, and veteran community share their go-to optics, the features they value most, and why they recommend them.
Customer Service: Recommendations from the Team
The DNT customer service team combines firsthand interest in hunting with daily experience helping customers choose optics. Here are three team members’ top picks and what makes each one stand out.
1. Bill Rinhart’s Pick: ThermNight TNC635R
As RMA Customer Experience Manager, Bill Rinhart appreciates how the ThermNight TNC635R combines thermal imaging for detection with digital day/night imaging for target identification.
In His Words:
“I love using the TNC635R, first, because I consider it a double threat. I detect hogs and coyotes with the thermal. The 640 resolution is crisp and clean. Sometimes, distance prevents me from identifying the target, so the 5-20X day/night vision (on board) gives me 100% verification that I am aiming at a coyote, not the neighbor’s dog.”
Beyond the features Bill highlights, the ThermNight series also includes an onboard laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator for distance measurement and ballistic solutions, plus a detachable 850nm IR illuminator for added visibility in low-light conditions.
2. Paul Cox’s Pick: ThermNight TNC225R
For Paul Cox, a Customer Service & Showroom Representative, the TNC225R is a practical choice for hog hunting and predator control.
In His Words:
“I love the ThermNight 225R for hunting hogs and predator control. The 256-resolution thermal sensor is great for my type of hunting, and plenty for identification by itself in most cases, probably within 150yds, but the option for day/night as well only improves that and really helps with confirming shot placement too. I love the features, and the ballistic calculator helps a lot, especially with slower and heavier ammo calibers.”
The TNC225R is a great entry point into multispectral optics, offering many of the TNC635R’s features for hunters whose needs are met by 256-resolution thermal imaging.
3. Lauren’s Pick: ThermNight TNC4K219R
The TNC4K219R has become Customer Service Representative Lauren’s go-to optic for its value and performance.
In Her Words:
“For me, the TNC4K219R has recently been my go-to optic for the price and year-round performance. Having the Picture-in-Picture display show thermal imaging while using the 4K night vision on the main screen has made hunting easier and more enjoyable!”
At $1,199.99 with code SAVE10, the TNC4K219R delivers exceptional value, combining a 4K day/night CMOS sensor, an 18 mK / 12 μm thermal sensor, a 2,100-yard LRF, and the DNT Ballistic Engine for versatile dual-spectrum performance.
Pro Staff: Favorites from the Field
DNT Pro Staff members bring firsthand field experience to their equipment choices. Their recommendations reflect the different demands of regular hunting and wildlife management work.
4. William Wilcox’s Pick: ThermNight TNC335R
As a DNT Pro Staff member, William Wilcox recommends the TNC335R for its dependable performance in the field.
In His Words:
“I recommend the DNT Optics ThermNight TNC335R because it has proven itself as a reliable optic that I use in the field multiple times a week. The ability to run thermal and digital night vision simultaneously is a standout feature, allowing me to quickly locate and positively identify targets with greater confidence. The built-in laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator are also valuable tools, helping take the guesswork out of longer-range shots and allowing me to make more informed decisions in the field.”
5. Mike A Johnson’s Pick: ThermNight TNC335R
The DNT Pro Staff member, Mike A Johnson, also recommends the TNC335R. He highlights its imaging capabilities and practical features for feral hog management.
In His Words:
“My recommended DNT Optic is the ThermNight 335R.
I prefer the ThermNight, it can be used in several situations. Here in Louisiana we have a huge problem with feral hogs, and they are very intelligent and difficult to control their population.
The ThermNight is three optics in one, a daytime optic, a night vision optic, and a thermal optic. The ThermNight also has a built-in IR light incorporated into the optic so you don’t need a bulky IR light attached to your firearm. Another handy feature is the built-in range finder, with a touch of a button you can determine the distance to your target allowing an accurate shot placement. The ThermNight utilizes a rechargeable battery which is easily changed in the field when needed.”
6. Jacob Flaugher’s Pick: NVMD-C200
Jacob Flaugher takes a different approach, choosing the NVMD-C200 Night Vision Multi-Purpose Device for its lightweight design, clear imaging, and red-dot-like handling.
In His Words:
“The NVMD-C200 has become an invaluable tool in my nuisance wildlife management operations. Its versatile day/night functionality makes it my go-to optic for close-quarters work at dawn and dusk, whether I’m hunting a heavily wooded property or a short field. In the Northeast, I often find myself set up along the edge of a small field targeting problem foxes that respond quickly and rarely give you much time to react. The NVMD-C200’s lightweight design, crystal-clear image, and red-dot-like speed make it easy to maneuver, reposition, and get on target without being weighed down. For these fast-paced, close-range situations, I don’t think there’s a more practical optic for the job.”
Veterans: Experience Behind Every Pick
The DNT community includes veterans with diverse backgrounds and hunting priorities, reflected in their choices of optics ranging from digital night vision to thermal imaging.
7. Jerry Mitchell’s Pick: ZULUS 4K
Retired U.S. Army Chinook mechanic and crew chief Jerry Mitchell values the ZULUS 4K tube-style digital day & night vision scope’s image clarity, wide magnification range, and integrated laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator.
In His Words:
“I am an avid hog and coyote night vision hunter and the ZULUS 4K is the perfect optic for this application. Its clarity is second to none. Its ease of use and functionality makes for very quick target acquisition, recording, and kill shots. The zoom clarity on the ZULUS 4K is simply incredible from 3 to 24x for 100% positive ID. The optic also contains the LRF and ballistic calculator that when set up with your bullet data will adjust your reticle with amazing precision.”
While the ZULUS HD series is known for its ultra-clear imaging, the ZULUS 4K takes image quality further with 4K resolution, making it the clearest option in DNT’s digital night vision lineup. Its 3-6x lossless zoom helps preserve image detail, making it a strong choice for hunters who prioritize image quality and clear target identification for more responsible hunting decisions.
8. Ryan Mareno’s Pick: HYDRA HS635R
Professional hunting guide and U.S. Army veteran Ryan Mareno relies on the HYDRA HS635R during his work in the field.
In His Words:
“I recommend the DNT Optics HYDRA 635R because of its versatility, image quality, and dependable performance in real-world hunting conditions. As a professional hunting guide, I spend countless hours in the field pursuing hogs and having reliable thermal optics is critical to my success. The HYDRA 635R delivers excellent target detection and identification while giving me the flexibility to adapt to different hunting situations. Whether I’m scanning large open fields or working in thick cover, it’s a piece of equipment I trust and confidently recommend to other hunters.”
The HYDRA series is known for its 3-in-1 versatility, offering standalone, clip-on, and handheld use. HYDRA-LRF models build on that flexibility with an integrated laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator, giving hunters more options for adapting to different environments and needs.
9. Jon Pickering’s Pick: HYDRA HS650R
Lightweight, compact, and easy to adapt to different hunting needs, the HYDRA HS650R is Jon Pickering’s go-to optic for coyote hunting and scouting. The avid coyote hunter and U.S. Army veteran especially appreciates being able to detach the unit with the QDM150 mount and use it while scouting new territory or pursuing other game.
In His Words:
“My favorite optic has to be the HYDRA HS650R. Between its size and weight being that light and compact, to the clarity. The HS650R can do it all for me. Being an avid coyote hunter, I love being able to pull the unit off to scout new territory or while chasing other game with the QDM150 mount.”
As the flagship model in the HYDRA lineup, the HS650R pairs a 640-resolution thermal sensor with a 50 mm lens for detailed thermal imaging and long-range performance. All HYDRA models come with a quick detach mount for easy transitions between rifle-mounted use and handheld scouting.
What These Nine Recommendations Tell Us
Although each person has a different favorite, several common themes emerge from their recommendations.
Multiple imaging options matter. The TNC635R, TNC335R, TNC225R, and TNC4K219R offer different combinations of thermal and digital imaging. Bill, Paul, Lauren, William, and Mike each highlight how having access to more than one imaging view fits their individual needs.
Integrated features can simplify a setup. William and Mike appreciate the TNC335R’s combination of imaging, ranging, and ballistic functions, and Jerry values similar onboard tools in the ZULUS 4K.
The right design depends on the application. Jacob values the NVMD-C200’s lightweight handling for close-range work. Jon appreciates the HS650R’s compact form and quick-detach flexibility, while Ryan emphasizes the HS635R’s versatility across different hunting environments.
Find the DNT Optic That Fits Your Needs
These recommendations show that the best optic depends on your hunting conditions, preferred imaging technology, and the features you value most. DNT offers a range of optics to suit different applications and setups.
Still not sure which optic is right for you? Contact our customer service team at (713) 364-9198 or info@dntoptics.com for help finding the right fit.