Best DNT Thermal Scopes for Hunting in 2026: Hogs, Coyotes and Predators
Quick Picks: Whether you're hunting hogs, coyotes, or other predators, DNT offers a thermal scope to fit your needs and budget. The flagship ThermNight TNC635R combines thermal and digital day/night imaging for a versatile multispectral hunting solution. For maximum resolution and magnification, the HYDRA HS650R adds an integrated laser rangefinder for long-range viewing. The HYDRA HS335R delivers core HYDRA features in a more affordable, lighter package, while the compact HYDRA-Mini HS210M offers 4-in-1 functionality for helmet-mounted, handheld, scope, or clip-on use.
TNC635R: Best Multispectral Scope for Night Hunting
DNT TNC635R ThermNight multispectral scope with thermal and digital imaging
When hunting hogs or predators at night, you need to be able to see clearly in low-light conditions. No longer do you need to rely on red flashlights, we have the technology. This comes down to night vision or thermal. But it is 2026, you don’t have to choose one or the other, you can have both! The ThermNight has a Sony Starvis 2 CMOS digital sensor to display full-color images in the day as well as black and white for when you switch to Night mode and use the onboard infrared illuminator. Integrated into our ThermNight multi-spectral scopes is a thermal sensor so you can see both heat and infrared light. Here you get the best of both worlds. The thermal sensor is perfect for detecting heat and seeing through vegetation. While the digital sensor is suited for physically seeing details of what you are looking at for potential positive identification.
You don’t even have to choose between the two images. With Picture-in-Picture (PIP), you can have both thermal and digital images displayed at the same time. This is where the TNC635R shines. With the 35 mm thermal objective lens, it gives the thermal channel a base magnification of 1.5x, while the digital objective lens gives the ThermNight a 5x base magnification.
The TNC635R thermal is our highest resolution ThermNight at 640 × 512. And with the 1.5x base magnification it is perfect for scanning for potential game. With a properly zeroed ThermNight, you can use the thermal for scanning in PIP while having the higher resolution digital sensor zoomed in. So once you lock in on a target with the thermal, the digital will already be pointing at the same thing. No need to press any buttons or move your head to adjust to a different optic. Everything is displayed in the eyepiece and you just have to move your eyeballs from the PIP to the main image.
All of our ThermNights feature integrated laser rangefinders that work in tandem with the DNT Ballistics Engine. Once properly programmed with your unique ballistics, you can range the target and the ThermNight will instantly show you where to aim for that distance.
HYDRA HS650R: Best Long-Range Thermal Scope with LRF
DNT HYDRA HS650R thermal scope with integrated laser rangefinder
If you don’t need digital night vision, then a HYDRA with an LRF is the next best option. The HS650R in particular has high base magnification and the highest resolution out of our HYDRA series of thermal scopes. The HS650R has a resolution of 640 × 512 which gives it a magnification range of 2.5x to 10x. Our HYDRA thermal scopes also feature Image Super Resolution (ISR), which the ThermNight models do not have. This is an AI algorithm that helps to sharpen the digital zoom on the HYDRA thermal scopes and for the HS650R, it helps smooth the digital image as you get higher in the digital magnification range.
The best feature is the integrated laser range finder. While the HS650R has a high magnification range, at a certain distance you will be able to detect heat but either the object is too far or possibly too small to see clearly what it is unless you get closer. Thermal scopes can be deceptive when it comes to judging distances. A small heat signature nearby can appear farther away than it really is, especially in an unfamiliar environment. The same goes for large objects farther away. But knowing how far it is can inform you of what that potential heat signature is. For example, a cow at 700+ yards will show up as a blob of heat in a thermal like the HS650R but knowing it is 700 ft away could inform you of what it potentially could be.
The entire HYDRA series features a multi-function thermal scope. You can use it as a stand-alone weapon sight, handheld as a monocular, or use it as a thermal clip-on for a low powered magnified optic. Just know there are some compromises in clip-on mode. Depending on the day scope of choice, you might crop out some of the thermal image and that might make it harder to see your battery and video recording indicators on screen. Also, the laser range finder is deactivated in clip-on mode so you will not be able to use the ballistic calculator.
HYDRA HS335R: Best Value / Mid-Budget Option
DNT HYDRA HS335R multifunction thermal scope
The HS650R is currently $2,199.99 with code SAVE10. While that may be affordable for some buyers, it could be more than you want to spend. So the next best option is the HS335R at just $1,399.99 with code SAVE10. It has all the same features as the HS650R like integrated laser range finder, onboard ballistic engine and Super Resolution but it has a smaller 35 mm objective and a 384 × 288 resolution sensor. While the 35mm lens is smaller than the 50 mm, it actually gives the HS335R a higher base magnification of 3x. This also makes it lighter at just 15 oz compared to the HS650R’s 18.7 oz.
Just like the rest of the HYDRA series, the HS335R has Super Resolution to help sharpen the image at the higher range of its digital zoom. It is also a multifunction thermal scope. If you use the QDM150 mount, you can quickly detach the HS335R from your firearm to use it as a handheld monocular for scanning. Mount the HS335R in front of a compatible low-power magnified optic, and it can work as a thermal clip-on.
HYDRA-Mini HS210M: Best Compact 4-in-1 Pick
DNT HYDRA-Mini HS210M thermal device configured for helmet-mounted use
While any of our HYDRA series thermals are considered multifunction devices, the HYDRA-Mini HS210M has an extra feature that rest cannot do. The HS210M is smaller and more compact than the rest, allowing it to be helmet mounted for hands free use. This is perfect for scanning without needing to hold anything. It is more intuitive and ergonomic to simply turn your head to look at whatever you want. With the right setup, you can quick detach the HYDRA HS210M and attach it to your firearm as a scope or clip-on. The HS210M actually performs better as a clip-on because it has a base magnification of 1x. This works with your existing day optic especially if your day optic has a more complex BDC, MIL, or MOA reticle.
The HS210M comes with a combination adapter that has a short picatinny segment so the QDF193 mount can grab onto the HS210M but it also features a small dovetail to utilize popular night vision bridges for helmet mounted use.
Two Is One, and One Is None
Something to consider when choosing a DNT Optics device is how you intend to use it in the field. While you can absolutely get the job done with a single device, you might consider using a secondary device. Think of typical daytime hunting. You would scan with your eyeballs first. Once you noticed something of interest, maybe you detected something based on movement, shape or color. Well you would use something with magnification like binoculars or a scope on your gun to get a closer look. Hunting with thermal is similar.
This makes the HYDRA-Mini HS210M or even our HOUND thermal rangefinders a perfect tool for scanning and detecting potential game. The HOUND is small and lightweight, with a built-in rangefinder. This makes scanning for long periods of time easier. Once you detect some heat, you can then use a HYDRA with more magnification or ThermNight like the TNC635R to really get a better look and positively identify your target.
Which DNT Thermal Scope Is Right for Your Hunt?
Whichever direction you go with choosing a thermal device for your hunting needs, DNT Optics has you covered. Think about what your needs are.
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How far is your intended target?
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Do you need to see far to get more information?
Then the TNC635R may be the right choice for you, with its ability to display both thermal and digital day/night images. If you want the max resolution and magnification then the HS650R is the scope for you. If you are on a budget and you are hunting at a fixed distance within a hundred yards then the HS335R will perform flawlessly. If you want the freedom of hands-free scanning with the ability to quickly attach a thermal to your gun, then the HS210M is what you seek.
If you have any questions, reach out to our customer service team at info@dntoptics.com or call us at +1(713)364-9198.