By Robert Mori (aka @hunt.aus)  

I will cut straight to the chase…the first time I stepped behind the DNT Optics ThermNight TNC635R I felt like I had accidentally stepped into tomorrow. This is not just a scope, it is a full-blown night-vision, thermal and day-view hybrid monster all packed into a compact unit. Weighing in at about 724g, it is lighter than I expected given everything it brings to the table. But do not let that fool you; this scope packs serious performance.  

Setup and first impressions  

I mounted the TNC635R onto my .223 using the included 0MOA Picatinny base (there is also a 20MOA base option provided). It seated securely with absolutely no movement, no need to second-guess zero and I can confirm that setting up the scope and zeroing was an absolute breeze. 

Next came the real revelation: the multispectral imaging. As advertised, you can switch effortlessly between thermal and digital night vision or even run both in picture-in-picture mode. This hybrid ability in day, night and thermal mode is exactly why I chose this scope.  

Thermal clarity and night vision: Stunning image quality  

The thermal channel grabbed my attention first, with a 640×512 uncooled VOx, 12 µm pixel pitch, and NETD ≤ 18mK, which delivers crisp and detailed thermal imaging in all terrains – and even across open paddocks.   

I could make out heat patterns of animals making their way around the property and was even able to see subtle movement of leaves and other details I have not seen before with lower-resolution brands and models. 

Switch to night vision and you are taken aback by the Sony Starvis 2 CMOS sensor matched with a 1920×1080 MicroOLED display running at 60Hz. Colours are vivid, sharp and enticingly smooth. It is daylight-level clarity, but in near-total darkness.    

During a recent outing, I utilised the picture-in-picture mode at which time the thermal took centre stage, with real-time digital night vision running in the inset picture in picture. I could pinpoint heat signatures while simultaneously confirming images in pure clarity in and amongst complex terrain.  

On target precision: LRF and ballistic calculator  

The built-in laser rangefinder is capable of accurately measuring distances from five metres out to about 1,100 metres, which is a very wide range of distance I am sure you will agree, especially when your target might be hiding in or among the shadows. It was able to instantly calculate precise holdovers and dial in settings on the fly, thanks to the well designed and powerful onboard ballistic calculator.  

I used it to range a fox at 200 meters and the ballistic calculations popped up in a heartbeat. Having the correct holdover with these calculations done for you was a breeze, which makes you wonder how we ever managed to estimate distances without this technology in years gone by using guesstimation alone. 

Real-world performance  

Once during my travels around a farm, I paused in a clearing upon seeing a heat signature sitting ahead of me, which I thought was most likely a small kangaroo due to its silhouette… The beauty of this scope is there is no uncertainty; I was able to very quickly confirm, with the press of a button, that it was in fact a fox, which was my target species for the night. Without that dual clarity, I would have held fire unnecessarily but instead, after confirmation, it was one less fox to bother the landholder’s stock.  

In open paddocks, scanning at 200+ meters, the thermal channel painted a landscape in glowing detail. Combined with a smooth digital zoom from 1.5x up to 6x on thermal, and 5x to 20x optical magnification on digital day/night view, I could pick out movement, assess size and take steady shots.  

A bunny soon to be evicted at 80m. 

Usability and build quality  

The layout and controls are simple and straightforward: buttons are intuitive, responsive and glove friendly. There is a zoom lock for thermal mode, a variety of reticle options, IR illuminator on/off and quick mode toggles.  

The battery life hovered around five hours on the included 21700 flat-top lithium-ion units, which was more than enough to last an evening or nighttime session. It can also be charged directly via USBC, which is a blessing when you’re hunting remotely for prolonged periods or even camping light.  

The construction feels rock-solid, with an IP67 waterproofing and rated recoil resistance of up to that which a .50cal BMG would generate; this beast is built to last!   

Extras: Recording, app and accessories  

This scope is not just about seeing; it is about documenting and learning also. It stores up to 64GB onboard, with video recording at 1800×1080p, complete with audio. The perfect example of this is when a fox I downed got up and ran 30 yards. Reviewing the footage later taught me about where I could have improved my shot placement.  

Connecting to the DNT Optics app via WiFi, I could store multiple ballistic profiles, update firmware and tweak settings on my phone before heading out. Smart, modern and surprisingly handy when you are wearing gloves and hunting in chilly air.   

Other accessories provided include a lens cover, sunshade, extra mount, spare batteries and a charger, which are all thoughtful accessories that are provided as part of the kit.  

Drawbacks and considerations   

Practice: The learning curve with multispectral operation and its button configuration took a little bit of getting used to. Switching between modes quickly, and especially in real-world hunting situations, also takes a bit of practice but was second nature after spending a bit of time navigating the unit.  

Also, at about $5,000, it is a premium investment (though significantly more affordable than military-grade multispectral units).  

Final verdict: A tool for the future  

After multiple nights in mixed terrain, scrubland and open paddocks, the TNC635R has not just met expectations, it has elevated them. Whether in full thermal, digital night vision or blended multispectral mode, the clarity, adaptability and reliability blew me away. 

Key takeaways 

• Unmatched clarity from a high-res thermal sensor and premium digital night vision.  

• Multispectral fusion that provides situational awareness like nothing else.  

• It is a precision tool with built-in LRF and ballistic calculator, which are game changers.  

• Rugged and portable, well-built, weatherproof and battle-ready.  

• Smart extras include recording, app and battery life, which all add ‘real life in the field’ value.  

In closing 

If you are a recreational hunter, professional pest-control operator or anywhere in between and are serious about performing in the dark, the DNT Optics TNC635R is more than just a scope… It is a night-vision system, a top-shelf thermal sensor, a recording device and a ballistic brain all in one. It will elevate how you operate at the maximum level of your capabilities in any conditions or terrains. I would go as far as saying it is quite possibly the best multispectral scope on the market at this point in time.