Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope Review

First Impressions of Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope

The Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope promises to deliver unmatched clarity and detection capabilities in low-light conditions, thanks to Steiner’s Quantum Vision technology. As someone who’s spent years tracking game and managing invasive species in challenging environments, the appeal of extending my effective range and improving accuracy in complete darkness is undeniable. This isn’t just another piece of gear; it’s an investment in efficiency and ethical hunting.

For years, I relied on traditional night vision, but its limitations in dense foliage and inclement weather always presented a challenge. This led me to explore thermal imaging, specifically seeking a scope that balanced high performance with rugged durability. I’d been researching thermal scopes for a while, looking for something that could clearly distinguish between a deer and a domestic animal at reasonable distances, something that I found difficult to discern with lower end units.

Upon unboxing, the Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope immediately impressed me with its solid construction and premium feel. The scope feels substantial without being overly heavy, and the controls are intuitively placed. It exudes quality, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of field use.

I considered the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro and the Trijicon REAP-IR, both solid performers in the thermal market. Ultimately, I chose the Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope because of Steiner’s reputation for optical clarity and the promise of their advanced image processing. The knob-based controls seemed less cumbersome than button-based systems on other thermals.

My initial excitement was high, tempered by the price point. Would it live up to the hype and justify the significant investment? It was time to get it on the range and see how it performed in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope came during a nighttime hog hunt on a ranch in central Texas. The conditions were far from ideal – a light drizzle persisted throughout the evening, and the humidity was oppressive. This would be a good test of it’s ability to function in less than ideal conditions.

Despite the challenging weather, the Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope performed admirably. The thermal image was remarkably clear, cutting through the rain and humidity with ease. Navigating the menu using the knobs was surprisingly intuitive, even with gloved hands.

The only initial challenge was getting accustomed to the knob controls compared to the button-based system of my previous thermal. Once I adjusted, the scope’s performance in identifying heat signatures and tracking moving targets was impressive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions, from sub-freezing temperatures during a coyote hunt in Montana to dusty conditions during predator control efforts in Arizona. I’ve had it on several hog hunts, and it has allowed me to harvest several.

The scope shows minimal signs of wear and tear, even after being subjected to rough handling and exposure to the elements. The lens coatings have held up well, and the housing remains scratch-free. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, requiring only a soft cloth and lens cleaner to maintain optimal performance.

Compared to previous thermal scopes I’ve used, the Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope offers superior image clarity, greater detection range, and a more user-friendly interface. It’s a significant upgrade that has noticeably improved my ability to effectively manage wildlife populations and control invasive species.

Breaking Down the Features of Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Steiner
• Color: Black
• Magnification: 1x
• Night Vision Generation: 2
• Battery Type: Lithium Ion
• Detection Range: Easily detects coyotes and pigs past 2,000 yards. This is critical for spotting game at a distance.
• Recognition Range: Recognizes targets within 500 yards. Knowing what you are looking at at a safe distance is important.
• Reticle Colors: White hot, black hot, iron red, fire, adjustable red hot, and amber. Choosing the right reticle helps in different situations.
• Reticle Brightness Settings: 10 settings. Helps with contrast in varying lighting conditions.
• Reticles: 9 different reticles. Different reticles can help with target acquisition.
• Other Features: Hot spot tracking, 2.4 GHZ WiFi, 5 bullet or rifle profiles, three scene modes, PIP, stadiametric rangefinder, scene and shutter calibration modes. All are helpful in various situations.
• Mobile App Connectivity: Allows for remote viewing and control. Very useful for sharing the view with others.

These specifications translate to superior performance in the field. The extended detection and recognition ranges provide a significant advantage in identifying and engaging targets at distances that would be impossible with traditional night vision or lower-end thermal scopes.

Performance & Functionality

The Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope excels in its primary function: providing a clear and detailed thermal image in low-light and no-light conditions. The image is crisp and sharp, with excellent contrast and detail resolution. Identifying animals, even those partially obscured by vegetation, is remarkably easy.

The scope’s strengths lie in its ability to cut through fog, rain, and smoke, providing a clear view of the target. The hot spot tracking feature is particularly useful for quickly locating the warmest part of an animal’s body, aiding in precise shot placement. One area for improvement would be the initial boot-up time, which can feel a bit slow in time-sensitive situations.

The scope meets and often exceeds my expectations for a high-end thermal optic. Its performance is consistent and reliable, making it a valuable tool for any serious hunter or wildlife manager.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is exceptional. The materials used are robust and durable, and the scope feels well-balanced and comfortable to hold. The controls are intuitively placed and easy to operate, even with gloved hands.

The scope is relatively user-friendly, although there is a slight learning curve associated with mastering all of its features and settings. However, once you become familiar with the menu system, navigating the scope’s functions is straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

The Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is built to last. The rugged housing and high-quality components ensure that it can withstand the rigors of field use. I anticipate that this scope will provide many years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth and lens cleaner. The scope’s waterproof design further protects it from damage caused by moisture and humidity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope comes with a lens cover, a carrying case, and a USB cable for charging and data transfer. The scope is also compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories, such as external batteries and video recorders.

The five bullet or rifle profiles allow you to quickly switch between different rifles or ammunition types, ensuring accurate targeting. The scope’s 2.4 GHZ WiFi connectivity allows you to stream video to a mobile device, which can be useful for training or sharing your hunting experiences with others.

Pros and Cons of Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope

Who Should Buy Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope?

The Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is perfect for serious hunters, wildlife managers, and predator control specialists who demand the highest level of performance and reliability. It’s an ideal choice for those who frequently hunt in low-light conditions or need to identify targets at long distances.

This product is not recommended for casual hunters or those on a tight budget. The high price point may be prohibitive for those who only occasionally use thermal optics.

A must-have accessory for this scope is an external battery pack. This will extend the scope’s runtime and ensure that you don’t run out of power during a long night of hunting.

Conclusion on Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope

The Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is a top-of-the-line thermal optic that delivers exceptional performance, durability, and functionality. Its superior image clarity, long detection range, and user-friendly design make it a valuable tool for any serious hunter or wildlife manager.

While the price is undoubtedly a significant investment, the value proposition is justified by the scope’s performance and reliability. This is a product that will provide years of reliable service and significantly improve your ability to effectively manage wildlife populations and control invasive species.

I would highly recommend the Steiner Nighthunter S35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope to anyone looking for the best thermal optic on the market. If you’re serious about nighttime hunting or wildlife management, this scope is worth the investment. Go ahead, take your shot at unparalleled clarity and performance.