DNT ZULUS 5–20 V2 Review: Lightweight, Reliable & Ready to Go
DNT Zulus 5-20 V2 Review
I’ve been really impressed with the DNT Optics ZULUS HD ZHD520R V2.5–20× Digital Night Vision Scope right out of the box. They’ve made some solid upgrades that make a noticeable difference. The new 21700 battery means it runs longer without needing a recharge, which is always a huge plus when you’re out in the field. The lens is sharper and clearer than before, and the screen is brighter and easier to read, no matter the lighting. Additionally, having built-in memory is a game-changer - you can save your images and videos directly on the scope without fussing over extra memory cards.
One of the first things I noticed was how lightweight and compact this scope feels. It’s really easy to handle and quick to point, which makes a big difference when you’re trying to get on target fast. Setting it up took just a few minutes and was super straightforward, so I was ready to go without any headaches.
Zeroing the scope was surprisingly simple. I honestly think it might be one of the easiest zeroes I’ve ever done. It felt like a true one-shot zero, which isn’t something I come across often.
The ballistic calculator is also easy to use. I set it up quickly and didn’t have to mess with it again, which is a relief when you want to focus on the hunt instead of fiddling with settings. The only thing I’d love to see improved is the ability to move the laser rangefinder’s aiming box - it would be nice to customise it a bit more.
All in all, this scope feels like a great all-in-one solution, especially for pest control and night hunting. You don’t need to buy any extra accessories, which keeps things simple and cost-effective. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and reliable - perfect whether you’re new to night vision or have some experience. If you’re looking for something that just works straight away and doesn’t weigh you down, this scope definitely fits the bill.
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Why the Falcon T50+ is a Top Choice for Benchrest, Field Target, and Long-Range Shooting
Why the Falcon T50+ is a Top Choice for Benchrest, Field Target, and Long-Range Shooting
For shooters who demand precision and reliability, selecting the right scope is crucial. The Falcon T50+ stands out as an exceptional option, blending advanced features with competitive pricing, making it a versatile tool for Benchrest, Field Target, and even Long-Range shooting disciplines. Here’s why the Falcon T50+ deserves serious consideration:
Robust Construction with Impressive Adjustment Range
At the heart of the Falcon T50+ is a 34mm single-piece tube design. This robust build not only ensures durability but also offers an impressive 80+ MOA of elevation adjustment. Such a wide range is invaluable for long-range shooting, allowing shooters to dial in precise elevation corrections without compromise.
Crystal Clear Optics Powered by Japanese HOYA Glass
Optical clarity is vital for target acquisition and accuracy. The Falcon T50+ features Japanese HOYA FCD1A glass, renowned for its exceptional quality. Coupled with a fully multi-coated ED lens system, this setup guarantees maximum light transmission and superb colour fidelity, helping shooters maintain a bright, sharp sight picture even in challenging lighting conditions.
Advanced Reticle for Precision and Visibility
The scope’s Illuminated Enhanced Competition dot (E-CDI) reticle offers excellent versatility. With 6 different brightness settings, shooters can customise the illumination to suit any environment, enhancing target visibility without distraction. This reticle is designed to support fast target acquisition and precise shot placement.
Redesigned Eyepiece for Immersive Viewing
One of the Falcon T50+’s standout improvements is its redesigned eyepiece, which provides a more immersive viewing experience compared to its predecessors. This enhancement helps shooters maintain focus and situational awareness, key factors in competitive shooting scenarios.
Thoughtful Accessories Included
Falcon has thoughtfully equipped the T50+ with a range of practical accessories to enhance usability and protection. These include:
· Magnetic closing aluminium flip covers for lens protection
· A throw lever for swift zoom adjustments
· A lens cloth for easy maintenance
· A sunshade to minimise glare during bright conditions
Precision Adjustments and Comfort Features
The Falcon T50+ excels in fine-tuning capabilities with parallax adjustment down to 10 meters and 0.125 MOA click values, allowing shooters to make precise adjustments tailored to their specific shooting distances. The scope also offers a generous eye relief of up to 110mm, ensuring comfortable use over extended periods. Additionally, the inclusion of a zero stop feature prevents accidental dial overs, keeping your zero settings safe.
Exceptional Value for Money
Despite packing features typically found in premium scopes, the Falcon T50+ comes at a very competitive price point. This makes it an attractive choice for shooters seeking high performance without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a Benchrest competitor, a Field Target enthusiast, or a long-range shooter, the Falcon T50+ delivers the precision, clarity, and durability you need. Its combination of cutting-edge optics, ergonomic design, and thoughtful accessories makes it a standout performer, especially for those who want top-tier features at an accessible price.
Ready to upgrade your shooting experience? The Falcon T50+ could be exactly what you need to take your game to the next level.
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Is It Useful Having Thermal and Night Vision All in One Unit?
Is It Useful Having Thermal and Night Vision All in One Unit?
In my opinion, absolutely, yes.
Recently, I was out on the rabbits and had a perfect example of why having both thermal and night vision in one unit can make a big difference. I arrived at a field that was absolutely teeming with rabbits. While scanning the area using the thermal setting, I spotted what appeared to be a rabbit-sized heat signature, well within range for a shot.
As is my usual practice, I switched over to night vision before pulling the trigger. I always like to double-check and confirm what I’m aiming at, especially when you're dealing with heat signatures, which can sometimes be misleading depending on the focus and conditions.
And I’m glad I did.
When I switched over to night vision, I discovered the "rabbit" was actually a cat. Admittedly, the thermal image wasn’t perfectly focused (I was using the DNT Thermnight 635 at the time), and if it had been, I probably could have made out the shape better. But this situation really highlighted the benefit of having the ability to switch modes quickly.
Now, if you’re using a lower-spec device, something like the DNT Thermnight 225, for example, then the option to switch from thermal to night vision becomes even more valuable. On lower-end thermals, detail can be a bit lacking, especially at longer distances or when the subject is partially obscured. Being able to flick over to night vision for a clearer ID is not just helpful, it can be essential for making responsible, ethical shots.
My current Rabbiting set-up:
Air Arms S410f in .177 with Spartan ProHunt Tac Bipod
DNT Thermnight 635
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How to Gather Ballistics Data for Long-Range Shooting
How to Gather Ballistics Data for Long-Range Shooting
Congratulations!
You’ve just purchased a new rifle along with a fresh optic. Now you’re keen to stretch your legs and shoot at longer distances. But before you start dialling for windage and elevation, there's an important process that needs to take place: collecting accurate ballistic data. This step is vital for ensuring consistent and precise long-range performance.
Assuming your rifle and scope are correctly mounted, it’s time to dive into the essentials of data collection. This groundwork lays the foundation for successful long-range shooting.
Step One: Measuring Height Over Bore
One of the first measurements you’ll need is the height over bore. This is the vertical distance between the centre of your rifle’s barrel and the centre of the objective of your scope. Accurate measurement here is essential, as even small discrepancies can affect your ballistic calculations.
To measure it, begin by determining the external diameter of your barrel directly beneath the scope’s objective lens. Halve this figure to find the centre of the bore. Next, measure the diameter of your scope’s objective lens and divide that number by two to identify the midpoint of the optic. Then, measure the physical distance between the top of the barrel and the bottom of the objective lens. Once you’ve taken these three measurements, simply add them together. The result is your scope’s height over bore - a crucial figure for your ballistic software.
Step Two: Ammunition and Projectile Data
Once the height over bore has been calculated, it’s time to gather data on your ammunition and projectile. This includes details such as ballistic coefficient (BC), muzzle velocity, bullet weight in grains, and the drag model.
The ballistic coefficient measures how efficiently a bullet overcomes air resistance. It’s usually listed on the projectile box or can be found on the manufacturer’s website - companies like Hornady, Sierra, Lapua, and Federal all publish this information. A higher BC will mean the projectile experiences less drag and slows down less due to less air resistance, leading to a flatter trajectory and less wind deflection
Next, you’ll want to find your bullet’s muzzle velocity. The most accurate way to do this is by using a chronograph, such as the Garmin Xero C1 or the newer Athlon Rangecraft. While factory ammunition typically lists an estimated velocity on the box, these figures are only truly accurate for the rifle used during testing. In practice, your own results may vary - for example, a box might claim 2,600 feet per second, but testing with your rifle could reveal a velocity closer to 2,700 feet per second.
Determining bullet weight is fortunately, much simpler. Just check the box your ammunition or projectiles came in. Common examples include 55 grains, 62 grains, 168 grains, and so on - the figure will always be listed.
As for the drag model, this refers to the method used to define how air resistance affects the bullet’s flight. You’ll often encounter terms like G1 and G7. G1 is more widely used and applies to projectiles with a blunt-nose design, whereas G7 is designed for more aerodynamic, low-drag bullets, typically featuring boat-tail profiles. When entering your ballistic coefficient into a calculator, it’s critical to select the correct drag model to avoid inaccuracies. For example, the Sierra 30 CAL 155 GR HPBT MatchKing has two BC values: 0.450 for G1 and 0.221 for G7. Selecting the correct one ensures your data stays precise.
Step Three: Recording Environmental Conditions
Next, you’ll need to account for the atmosphere around you. Environmental factors can have a substantial impact on your bullet’s trajectory and must be recorded as close to your shooting time and location as possible.
Important variables include wind speed and direction, air temperature, barometric pressure, altitude, and humidity. The most effective way to gather this information is by using a Kestrel weather meter. These devices provide real-time atmospheric data and are incredibly helpful for serious shooters. If you don’t have access to one, you can use local weather services to obtain temperature, pressure, and humidity, but you’ll likely find yourself guessing wind and altitude, the same way Crocodile Dundee guesses the time.
Step Four: Using a Ballistic Calculator
Now that you’ve gathered your rifle, ammunition, and environmental data, it’s time to enter everything into a ballistic calculator. This will generate your firing solutions and help you make the necessary scope adjustments at various distances.
There are several options available. Hornady and Federal both offer free online calculators, which are user-friendly and accurate for most purposes. For those seeking greater customisation and long-term use, the Applied Ballistics app is a premium tool that allows you to save multiple rifle and ammo profiles.
When inputting your data, make sure you’re using the correct units. Always check whether the calculator is asking for feet or metres, feet per second or metres per second, inches or millimetres. Mixing up these measurements is a common mistake that can lead to significant errors in your dope chart.
It’s also worth noting that some data, like your bullet’s ballistic coefficient and weight, will stay the same every time. However, environmental data and muzzle velocity can change depending on conditions, so it’s important to update these figures each time you shoot.
Final Step: Generating Your Ballistic Chart
Once all your information has been entered, your ballistic calculator will generate a data sheet or drop chart. This document outlines the adjustments needed to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift at different distances.
It might feel like a lot of effort up front, but this process ensures that your shooting is informed, repeatable, and accurate. With your data sorted and your dope dialled in, you’re now ready to enjoy long-range shooting with confidence and consistency.
In Summary
Ballistics data collection might seem complex at first, but it’s a crucial part of becoming a competent long-range shooter. The more precise your inputs, the better your results downrange. So, take your time, be thorough, and above all else - enjoy the journey.
Now that the hard work is done...
Happy shooting - and may your groups stay tight!
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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Binoculars
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Binoculars
Choosing the perfect binoculars requires a deep understanding of both your specific needs and the technical specifications that govern optical performance. The right pair can enhance your outdoor experience dramatically, but the wrong choice can lead to eye strain, frustration, and missed sightings. This guide will explore twelve crucial factors in extensive detail to ensure you’re fully equipped to make an informed decision.
Set a Budget First
Before exploring the myriad of features, setting a realistic budget is essential. Binoculars span a huge price range - from budget-friendly models under £100 to ultra-premium optics costing several thousand. Why such a disparity? It comes down to the quality of optical glass, precision engineering, durable materials, advanced coatings, and brand reputation. For example, entry-level binoculars often use standard optical glass and basic coatings, which can result in images that lack sharpness, have chromatic aberration, and have lower brightness. In contrast, top-tier models incorporate high-grade extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, multi-layer coatings on every lens surface, and superior mechanical build quality, ensuring decades of reliable use.
If your budget is limited, focus on maximising value by prioritising optical quality and durability over gimmicky features. Many mid-range binoculars deliver excellent performance if matched correctly to your activity. Conversely, if you hunt or birdwatch professionally, investing in premium glass can be justified by the difference in image quality and comfort over long sessions.
Choose the Right Magnification
Magnification defines how many times closer an object appears compared to the naked eye and directly impacts how much detail you can discern. But higher magnification doesn’t automatically mean better viewing - it comes with trade-offs. At 8x to 10x, binoculars provide a wide field of view with good image stability, which is essential for scanning wide-open landscapes or tracking fast-moving wildlife. These powers are well-suited for birdwatching, general hiking, and hunting, where you need both detail and field of view. Binoculars with magnifications between 12x and 15x offer greater reach for glassing long distances in open country. However, at this level, images become more sensitive to hand shake, which can cause eye fatigue. These require a steady hand or tripod support, especially on uneven terrain.
Magnifications above 15x are often impractical without stabilisation because small vibrations are magnified, blurring the image. For instance, spotting scopes with tripods are preferred over high-magnification binoculars in such cases, unless you’re using image-stabilised models. This is why the majority of hunters and birders stay within 8x to 12x for the best balance of power, clarity, and ease of use.
Understand Objective Lens Size
The objective lens size, the diameter of the front lenses in millimetres, is a primary factor influencing light-gathering capacity and, consequently, image brightness and clarity, especially in low-light environments like dawn or dusk. A 42mm objective lens diameter is the most common because it strikes a balance between brightness and portability. Larger objectives like 50mm or 56mm lenses are favoured by users who often hunt or observe in twilight conditions because they gather more light, rendering images brighter and more detailed. However, bigger lenses also add bulk and weight, which can become cumbersome on extended hikes or when packing light. Furthermore, larger lenses typically increase the binocular’s overall size, making them more difficult to handle and store.
Additionally, larger objective lenses increase the exit pupil (the size of the beam of light leaving the binoculars), improving the image brightness seen by your eyes, which is critical for low-light performance. For instance, a 10×50 binocular has an exit pupil of 5mm, matching well with the human eye’s dilation in low light, producing a brighter image than a 10×42 model.
Prioritise Image Resolution
Resolution refers to the binocular’s ability to distinguish fine detail and is arguably the most critical aspect of optical quality. High resolution lets you differentiate textures like the fine scales on a bird’s feathers or the individual hairs on an animal’s coat at a distance.
Several factors influence resolution:
- Glass Quality: Premium ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and HD (High Density) glass minimise light scattering, improving clarity.- Lens Precision: The grinding and polishing process must be exact to avoid distortions.- Internal Alignment: Optics must be perfectly aligned to prevent double images or eye strain.- Coatings: Multi-layer anti-reflective coatings boost light transmission and contrast, sharpening the image.
In the field, superior resolution means faster target identification and more confidence in your observations. For instance, being able to tell a mature mule deer buck apart from a spike is often about discerning subtle differences in antler shape and body size, which poor resolution might mask.
Consider Edge-to-Edge Clarity
Edge-to-edge clarity measures how sharp the image remains from the centre out to the very edges of the field of view. Many binoculars provide excellent sharpness in the centre but suffer from soft, blurry edges, a common problem with budget and mid-range optics. This matters because your eyes don’t fixate on a single spot - they constantly scan across the entire view to pick up movement or spot wildlife at the periphery. Blurry edges can reduce your ability to detect subtle motion or details, leading to missed sightings.
Edge softness is caused by optical aberrations like field curvature and astigmatism, which high-end binoculars correct through advanced lens design and precision engineering. For example, the Zeiss Victory SF and Swarovski NL Pure models use aspherical lenses and optimised prism systems to maintain consistent clarity across the entire viewing field, reducing eye fatigue and enhancing the detection of wildlife.
Look Out for Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration results from different wavelengths of light focusing at different points after passing through lenses, creating colored halos or fringes, typically purple, green, or blue, around high-contrast edges. This effect can be distracting and reduce the perceived sharpness and contrast of the image, complicating the identification of distant targets. It’s most apparent when viewing dark objects against bright backgrounds, like tree branches against a bright sky. To combat this, many high-end binoculars use ED (extra-low dispersion) or fluorite glass elements, which greatly reduce chromatic aberration by aligning the focal points of different colours more precisely. Lens coatings also play a crucial role in minimising colour fringing and increasing overall image fidelity. When testing binoculars, focus on high-contrast edges and look for colour fringing. Lower-quality optics often exhibit noticeable purple or blue halos, which can make identifying fine details frustrating, especially for serious birders or hunters.
Factor in Field of View (FOV)
The field of view is the width of the observable area through the binoculars, usually measured in feet at 1,000 yards or in degrees. A wider FOV lets you see more landscape at once, making it easier to scan and track moving subjects. For birdwatchers, a wide field of view is vital to follow fast, erratic flight patterns. For hunters, it’s essential when tracking animals moving quickly through dense cover or scanning large areas efficiently. The trade-off is that wider fields often come with slightly reduced magnification or edge sharpness in lower-end models. However, premium optics often deliver both wide fields and high resolution simultaneously. For example, an 8×42 binocular with a 420-foot FOV at 1,000 yards offers a large panoramic view, while a 10×42 might have a narrower FOV of around 330 feet. Your choice depends on your primary application: wide FOV for rapid scanning, narrower for detailed inspection.
Evaluate Low Light Performance
Low light performance is crucial for dawn, dusk, or shaded conditions common in forested environments. It depends primarily on:
- Exit Pupil: Larger exit pupils (objective diameter ÷ magnification) allow more light into your eyes. For example, 8×42 binoculars have an exit pupil of 5.25mm, excellent for low light. In contrast, 10×32 binoculars have an exit pupil of just 3.2mm, making them less suitable when light fades.- Glass Quality and Coatings: High transmission rates (above 90%) ensure more light passes through the lenses, improving brightness and contrast.- Internal Lens Design: Minimises light scatter and internal reflections, which can wash out images in low light.
Optical manufacturers continuously improve coatings, such as phase correction coatings on roof prisms, which preserve colour fidelity and contrast in twilight conditions. When possible, test your binoculars at dawn or dusk to compare brightness and contrast - two models that look similar in daylight can perform very differently as light dims.
Eye Box Forgiveness
Eye box forgiveness refers to how much you can move your eyes relative to the eyepiece and still see a full, clear image without blackout or vignetting. A large, forgiving eye box is vital for users who wear glasses or for anyone who frequently adjusts their viewing angle, such as when shifting body positions in uneven terrain or while moving quickly. Long eye relief (distance from the eyepiece where your eye can see the full field) combined with a generous eye box provides comfortable viewing and reduces eye strain. Glasses wearers especially need eye relief around 15mm or more to avoid cropping of the view. Some binoculars sacrifice eye box size to achieve compactness or weight savings, which might not be ideal if you plan extended viewing sessions.
Consider Size and Weight
Weight and size directly impact portability and comfort. Heavier binoculars cause arm fatigue during long glassing sessions and may require additional support like harnesses or tripods. Compact binoculars (e.g., 8×25, 10×25) are lightweight and fit in pockets but usually sacrifice brightness and image quality due to smaller objective lenses. Full-size models (8×42, 10×50) are heavier but offer superior optical performance and durability. When hunting or birding, many prefer models weighing 1.5 to 2 pounds as the sweet spot between comfort and performance. Materials like magnesium alloy and polycarbonate can reduce weight while maintaining ruggedness. Also, consider ergonomics: rubber coatings for grip and design contours for hand fit improve handling.
Test Before You Buy (If Possible)
No amount of research replaces firsthand experience. Trying binoculars in real-world conditions allows you to assess comfort, image quality, focus speed, and ease of use. Visit speciality stores, attend outdoor expos, or borrow from friends. Take binoculars outside in varied lighting to assess clarity, brightness, colour fidelity, and ergonomics. Check how easily you can adjust the focus wheel, how stable the image feels in your hands, and whether eye relief is comfortable for your face shape and eyewear needs.
Keep in mind: your brain and eyes will adapt over time, but the initial feel of the binoculars is crucial for long-term satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
Selecting binoculars is a complex process that balances technical specifications, your outdoor environment, and personal preferences. Understanding the interplay between magnification, objective size, optical quality, and ergonomics ensures you invest in optics that enhance your experience and reduce fatigue.
Prioritise features like resolution, low-light capability, and field of view first, then consider comfort and portability. When in doubt, test multiple models side-by-side and trust your eyes.
The right binoculars don’t just help you see better - they transform your entire outdoor adventure into something unforgettable.
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