First look at the DNT Optics Zulus V2
The Zulus is packed with features, making it a top digital day/night choice for many enthusiasts in this hobby. It's lightweight, compact, built in laser rangefinder with ballistics, built in infrared light allowing you to see in the dark. Its SONY STARVIS 2 sensor and 1920x1080 micro-Oled display really takes it to another level for hunting and pesting.
"What comes next? DNT pushed every feature even further, raising the bar for performance. I'm excited to introduce you to the all-new Zulus V2.
What's new and exciting? Let's start with the things you will see right off the bat. You will see a larger IR and battery tube like the ThermNight 335R/635R. This means you are getting a 21700 for extended day and night use. I was able to get 8hrs straight in day mode. The original zulus ran on a Flat top 18650. The IR can be removed (LRF Versions) the 850nm comes stock with the option to purchase the 940nm light as an add on.
With these added benefits you will see a slight increase in size and weight. 18oz on the original version and 22oz on the V2. *This was with batteries installed. The slight increase is well worth it for the improvements made.
Moving to the back you will see a larger ocular lens which will now give you 65mm of eye relief compared to the original 45mm. This means a more comfortable position. It will look very similar to the ThermNight 335R/635R especially when you see the new and improved throw zoom lever allowing you to find it in the dark and when you have gloves on.
Next we go over to the side of the optic where you will see the small picatinny rail is now removed. What you will see now is the wifi device allowing much faster upload speeds. Remove the side cover to reveal a type c port with no micro SD slot. In its place is 32gb of built in storage.
Moving up to the button layout. The layout may confuse the original zulus users as the power and record buttons have been flipped. With some time you will get used to the change. This change makes it less likely for the power button to be accidentally touched.
Let's dive a little deeper to see what makes this thing tick. It features the Sony STARVIS 2 sensor, and is combined with ED glass lenses, has advanced AI image algorithms, and a world-class 60Hz 1920×1080 Micro-OLED display. When looking through the scope you will notice the round screen instead of the square screen. The upgraded screen reaches a peak brightness of 1800 nits, which is a 6× brightness increase over the original zulus.
With this new user interface there are a lot of things that make it easier to use and set up. The menu system is easier to navigate since the up and down keys scroll the menu (up and down), the right key enters the highlighted tab and also the accept button. Once done depending how far into the menu you are, a left press will get you back to the main shooting screen.
Entering the menu the first thing you will see is ‘Connections’. Here, press the right key to enter the 'Tab' and 'Wi-Fi' settings, where you'll see the option to turn it on or off. When pairing it will ask for the wifi password which is 12345678. Once a successful connection is made you will be able to send over your information and view/download your videos.
The next option will be your ‘Zeroing’ tab. This step is where we perform the One Shot Zero. The one shot zero only works if your impact point is on paper. First, aim at the bullseye and take a shot. You’ll see the impact point. Then, aim at the bullseye again and freeze the image with a short press of the Power key
Once frozen you can now move the X axis which is your horizontal movement, and the Y axis will be your vertical movement. The user moves the reticle to the point of impact. Once you’re satisfied with the movement to your impact point, scroll down and hit the right key to save and exit.
With the new user interface, a favorite feature is the ability to change the reticle without entering the zeroing menu. The new 'Reticles' tab allows you to adjust the reticle quickly and easily on its own.
As you go down the menu list, you'll find the '
Ballistic Calculator' tab. You can still enter ballistic data directly into the scope or through the DNT app. Another improved feature—and one of my personal favorites—is the ability to turn on 'Display Ballistics.' This allows you to see an on-screen confirmation in Dial-In mode, showing that your reticle has adjusted and by exactly how much.
Next is ‘
LRF Settings’ and here you will have the option to set your LRF to continuous, Single Pulse, Timed 3s, Timed 5s, and Timed 10s. Here is where you can also change it from Yards to Meters. The Zulus V2 will also range as close as 4Y even on the 5x version. As many of you know, the Zulus line features a fixed LRF. On the original Zulus models, you may have noticed that you had to be on the base magnification to see the aim box when ranging. With the V2 Zulus, this has been improved—now, depending on your zero, the screen will automatically adjust to a lower base magnification while the LRF is active, ensuring the aim box is always visible. For example I set the Y axis to -170 zoomed into 20x and ranged at 4Y. The screen went down to 7.5X to allow the LRF aim box to be in view on the screen. Lock in ballistics or turn off the LRF with a long press to go back to max zoom.
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PIP Settings’ (picture in picture) now has a shortcut key with the new button layout meaning a long press of a right key can turn the PIP window on. When in the settings you can now choose where you set the PIP box. It can be set in the upper left, center, or upper right. Personally, I set mine to the upper right as it gives me the most vertical view when hunting and pesting.
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RAV’ (Recoil Activated Video) doesn't work on most pcp rifles which is a feature I prefer to have off. Now recording is even easier, if RAV is set on the off position a short tap of the down/record key will begin the recording (instead of the old version where it was a long press).
Just like the original Zulus, the ‘
Image Settings’ give you the option to choose between Natural Mode and Color Enhancement. I personally prefer Color Enhancement, as it makes the colors stand out more vividly
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Function Settings’ will give you access to the following:
Auto Power Off- this can be set to off, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 30 minutes but take note this timer doesn't start until you turn the optic into standby mode.
Loop Recording- this setting applies when recording manually, and it allows you to choose Off, or set recording intervals to 1, 3, or 5 minutes
Audio Recording- turns the microphone on and off for sound in your videos.
Gyroscope- this section includes the On/Off option and also allows you to recalibrate the gyroscope. Note: even if the gyroscope is set to 'Off,' this only disables the on-screen visual display—it's still active in the background and continues to send data to support your ballistic calculations.
IR Torch Type- should always be set to the IR-V setting.
Screen Brightness- this setting can be adjusted between levels 1–5. However, note that you can also quickly change the screen brightness with a short press of the Right/PIP key while on the main shooting screen.
Now, navigate to the last tab in the menu '
Sytem Settings'. Here, you can access the Date/Time settings, change the language, format the internal memory, restore the scope to factory settings, check available storage, and view the current version information.
Stay tuned for updates on release date and price. Feel free to use brawler10 at checkout for 10% off any product on the website. Any questions just ask and I will do my best to help. Now some of it mounted up and test videos. Scope was mounted on a tripod to get footage no hunting/pesting here.
