Buyer's Verdict: Is the ZULUS ZHD520R-V2 Digital Night Vision Scope Really Worth It?
Since the release of the ZULUS HD V2 series, the ZHD520R-V2 has generated significant buzz in the industry thanks to its refined design and upgraded features. Now that the first round of reviews are in, let’s h ear what professional hunters and outdoor enthusiasts have to say about this digital day and night vision scope.
"Blown away by the clarity of this scope!"
When purchasing a night vision scope, image quality is obviously one of the most important factors to consider. So, how does the ZHD520R-V2 perform in real-world applications?
@Top Shot Dustin, a seasoned shooting and hunting YouTuber known for his in-depth gear reviews and real-world tests, shared his firsthand experience, “I just wanted you to look through the optic. Everything’s super bright, even in the shadows. If there were a deer or hog on the lane to the right, I wouldn’t be able to see a thing. But through the DNT, it looks just fine.”
@On the Chase Outdoors is a YouTuber focused on outdoor adventures and hunting. He took the ZHD520R-V2 on a hog hunting trip and highly praised it, saying, “This optic will get you out into the pitch black. You can go full predator mode on pigs, coyotes, rats, foxes—whatever you need to hunt, this optic will get it done.”
In addition to the influencers, regular users share similar sentiments.
John Ross Rinacke noted, “Daytime image quality is excellent... Even at 20x zoom, image quality remains solid. There's slight pixelation, sure, but nothing that affects performance. The night vision is impressive... Out in the country, the IR illuminator really shines—literally. I could see out to around 500-600 yards with no issue.”
Jarrod Copeland was "blown away" by the scope's clarity and said, “The auto IR mode is a game changer! NO MORE GLARE!! The stock IR light is plenty capable, and I don't see the need for an additional IR source.”
"The Ballistic Calculator is amazing."
Beyond its clarity, the ZHD520R-V2 also excels in rangefinding and long-distance shooting.
John Ross Rinacke praised the scope, saying, “The built-in ballistics calculator is incredibly accurate. It matches the mil adjustments I get from both the Hornady and Applied Ballistics apps.”
Michael Shackelford, who already owned a ZULUS V1 non-LRF model, decided to upgrade to the V2 for the rangefinder and ballistic calculator. After testing it, he was impressed and exclaimed, “Wow. I have 28 optics as of now, including thermals, and I must say, price doesn't prevent performance. One of my favorites.”
Martin Lee Andrada, who is in the military and uses white phosphorus night vision goggles all the time, was initially skeptical about digital night vision scopes. However, after trying the ZHD520R-V2, his first digital night vision scope, he happily commented, “I can honestly say how impressed I was with the quality of the night vision! Especially considering they are priced around $700. Another feature I love is the LRF and the ballistic calculator. I zeroed my rifle in three shots and was able to group shots at 50 yards with no problem. It is a game-changer!”
With its integrated laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator, the ZHD520R-V2 ensures precise long-range shooting with remarkable accuracy.
"One-step zeroing is a total game-changer."
Just as Martin Lee Andrada mentioned, the one-shot zeroing feature stands out.
John Ross Rinacke, a previous Arken SH4J user, was looking for a scope that could handle both long-range plinking and nighttime varmint hunting. That's what led him to ZHD520R-V2. He shared, “There's now a freeze-screen function that makes zeroing easier... One-step zeroing is a total game-changer. I zeroed at 50 and 100 yards, then went straight to 300 yards and easily shot a 5-round group on a 4” target.”
William Durnal added, “The freeze frame zeroing function and intuitive controls make this scope all that my *** (a famous brand) should have been.”
This feature is especially useful for hunters who require quick, reliable adjustments in the field, ensuring they are always ready for their next shot.
"More manual and just natural."
After listening to user feedback from the ZULUS HD V1 series, we aimed to provide more intuitive control in the V2. This resulted in noticeable changes in the ZHD520R-V2's design. John Ross Rinacke noted, “The zoom wheel was replaced with a throw lever, which is a nice touch.”
@On the Chase Outdoors also praised the change, saying, “They've changed the zoom feature from a little scroll wheel. They've upgraded to a traditional zoom style with a little knob. It's a lot easier to find at night. It's a lot easier to manipulate and know what you're doing. It feels a little more manual and just natural.”
Additionally, @Top Shot Dustin echoed similar thoughts, saying, “It's genius because it's just like a traditional scope.”
This design makes zoom adjustments much easier, even when wearing gloves or in low-light conditions.
"The interface is much more intuitive."
Beyond its appearance, the ZULUS HD V2 series has also undergone internal upgrades. Taking inspiration from DNT Optics' flagship ThermNight series, the ZULUS HD V2 series now offers a much smoother and more convenient interface, making it easy to master with little instruction.
Jarrod Copeland remarked, "Features are great and navigation is simple."
@On the Chase Outdoors highlighted, "Another thing I really like is they've upgraded the display and the buttons. It's the same as the ThermNight now. The features on the screen are just incredible."
John Ross Rinacke commented, “With the updates in the V2, this optic is a major improvement over what I saw in videos of the V1. The interface is much more intuitive.”
Screenshot from @On the Chase Outdoors' video
Conclusion
To sum up, the ZHD520R-V2 impresses users with its clarity, precision, and enhanced features. In addition to the highlights above, users have praised its "recoil activated recording", "an upgraded 10-hour battery", "IP67 water resistance", and more. Whether for long-range hunting, night tracking, or recreational shooting, this scope delivers a premium experience at a competitive price.
Priced at only $776.99, you can even get 10% off by using code SAVE10.
Feeling tempted? Explore the ZULUS HD series now to find the perfect scope for your next adventure