The DNT HOUND is aptly named, as a thermal monocular. This DNT thermal optic is engineered to be your eyes in the dark, and to offer dogged perseverance whether you are scouting, scanning for activity, or actively tracking and pursuing your quarry, even under cover of complete darkness.
This DNT optic is one of the best thermal monoculars in the industry right now, and comes in at an even more appealing price point. Here’s what you should know about the DNT HOUND, from a high level.
Powerful Performance
Available in three configurations, the DNT HOUND is powered by a 12μm thermal sensor that delivers a NETD rating of 18mK or better.
Resolution varies; in the H315R and H325R, it’s 384x288, whereas in the H635R, it’s a bit higher at 640x512. All three of them boast a fast thermal sensor, sensitive NETD rating, and a super-fast 50Hz frame rate for lag-free viewing, even when tracking moving targets.
All three of these DNT thermal monoculars sport ISR, or “Image Super Resolution,” an AI-powered image processing algorithm that improves image clarity and detects even the faintest thermal signatures (even in bright conditions) to ensure that no target slips your notice.
Digital magnification varies, too; you get 1.5-6x in the H315R, 2.5-10x in the H325R, and 2-8x in the H635R.
Scanning, Scouting, Tracking, and More
Whereas most thermal scopes are yoked to a rifle and designed to help a hunter execute a shot in total darkness, the DNT HOUND thermal monocular is engineered to be your eyes in the field, before you even get in position to shoot.
Lightweight and ergonomic, the DNT HOUND is optimized for scanning the woods and fields to help you detect thermal signatures under total darkness (and in other conditions as well) as well as for general scouting.
It is also highly valuable for tracking, when attempting to pattern the movements of your quarry so you can close the gap and get into a favorable position without alerting your quarry. Overall, versatility is one of the main drivers of value in this thermal monocular.
Comfortable, Fatigue-Free Viewing
Notably, the DNT HOUND’s OLED display supports a number of different color palettes, so you can set the thermal monocular to your viewing preferences.
These thermal monoculars support four different palettes to better meet the needs of the conditions and environment. Choose between white hot, black hot, iron hot, and red hot. The latter is highly useful in the dark as it will help prevent night blindness that occurs with brighter, more colorful palettes that can harm your night vision.
Rugged Durability
The DNT HOUND, despite its impressively low price point, is a tough thermal monocular that can hang with you through the worst conditions in the field.
At less than 11 ounces, the DNT HOUND is a lightweight thermal monocular that enables fatigue-free viewing and easy portability, even through long night hunts. Its compact form factor and lightweight make it easy to bring with you anywhere.
It’s also protected by an IP67 rating against moisture and particulate ingress, sealing it off to the elements. Come rain, sleet, snow, hail, or worse, the DNT HOUND is equipped to meet the worst of the conditions head-on.
What Else the DNT HOUND Thermal Monocular Offers
In addition to what’s been covered here so far, the DNT HOUND offers an incredible amount of versatility and value in other ways. Here are some of its other top features and selling points.
- This is the industry’s first thermal monocular with a built-in laser rangefinder (LRF) and precision ballistic calculator. The HOUND sports a 1200-yard LRF that enables precise, in-the-moment estimations for range and is paired with a ballast calculator that can help you execute more confident, more accurate shots according to range, cartridge, and conditions.
- The DNT HOUND is equipped with 32GB of onboard storage for capturing picture and video. It also includes reticle and ballistic overlay capabilities so you can convert video into rich storytelling, or just use it as a learning tool for future endeavors.
- The DNT HOUND is powered by a replaceable, rechargeable 18650-style li-ion battery that offers powerful performance in the field. Using this common style of rechargeable battery also makes it easy to swap batteries in the field.
- This thermal monocular is compatible with the DNT App, through which you can view the monocular’s real-time feed, utilize the ballistic calculator, share files, and much more.
- The DNT HOUND comes with everything you need to get started and supports the full experience, including two batteries, a charger and cable, a carrying case, a lens cleaning cloth, a lanyard and wrist strap, and more.
All in all, these are among the most versatile and capable thermal monoculars on the market, not just from DNT Optics catalog, and the best part is the low price point.
The Bottom Line: Price Point
Considering the price points of the DNT HOUND series of thermal monoculars, they deliver some of the best value on the market.
The most basic option, the HOUND H315R, comes in at just around $999, yet it is still equipped with the features listed here, except where specifically listed otherwise. The middle-ground option, the H325R, comes in at just under $1200, and the fully-equipped H635R, with the highest-resolution sensor, only costs about $1900.
Compared to many other thermal monoculars on the market right now, these are bargains, yet they deliver the features and performance of some thermal optics that are considerably more expensive.
Still Have Questions About These DNT Thermal Monoculars?
Not sure if a DNT HOUND thermal monocular is best for you, or if you’d be better served by a thermal monocular from a different brand, or by some other type of optic that can run double-duty as a scanner and a scope, such as a clip-on thermal optic?
We can help with that. We’ll get to the bottom of whether a HOUND or some other thermal scope or scanner is best for you given your unique use cases. Just give us a call at 309-781-8421 and we’ll help you find it.
