INTRODUCTION
Having the opportunity to test many thermal viewers each year, I often find myself using later versions of many thermal viewers as well, Often, companies keep the same design and sensor, making changes only to the algorithm. This is not the case with the new Steiner NIGHTHUNTER HG 35 GEN 2 model, which has been completely revamped. It is priced at EUR 2899 and comes with a two-year warranty on the electronic components. I had the opportunity to examine it thanks to Beretta Holding, and I also had the pleasure of using it during the first days of the bramito. I therefore publish my practical field impressions, in addition to its mere technical characteristics. I invite you to read this article and watch the video.
I also inform you that just today there will be the launch of the new STEINER products: namely the CLIP-ON C5 GEN 2 and the NIGHUNTER H35 “LITE” identical to the one under test but with fewer features to be offered at a lower price.
This is the translation of the original article published on thermicienotturni.it, I apologize for obvious and possible translation errors
Without further ado, let’s get started!
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| Optical characteristics | Technical specifications |
|---|---|
| Optical magnification | 2.04x |
| Objective | 35 mm / F1.0 |
| Field of view at 100 m | 5 x 9.4 m |
| Sensor | 640×512 @ 12μm |
| Display | YOU ARE |
| Resolution | 1280×960 |
| Frame refresh rate | 50Hz |
| Maximum screen size | 22 inches |
| High performance optics | Quantum Vision |
| Metric stage rangefinder | YES |
| PiP function | YES |
| Color palettes | Hot white, Hot black, Iron red, Fire, Hot red, Amber |
| Calibration | Auto/Scene/Shutter |
| Operating temperature | from -10 to +50°C |
| Water resistance | YES |
| Shockproof | up to 30G |
| Standby mode | YES |
| Length | 210 mm |
| Height | 80 mm |
| Depth | 68 mm |
| Weight | 514 g |
| Drums | 2 x 18650 Li-ion batteries (not included). We recommend using batteries with a length of (min 67mm – max 71mm) |
| Loading procedure | GB/AU/EU/CN/UL multiple interchangeable plugs |
| Adapter | Standard USB-C Power Adapter 5V DC, Max, 10W |
| Beretta suggested price for Italy – September 2023 | |
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
The standard equipment of the thermal viewer is definitely comprehensive and includes:
- Plugs for CN, US, UK, AU, EU
- Carrying soft case
- Micro USB cable
- 5V2A adapter
- Shoulder strap
- Charger
- Double video cable shoulder strap
- Lens cover cap
ACCESSORIES THAT CAN BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY
No specific accessories for this thermal viewer are included on Steiner’s official website, however, if you plan to use it for a long time, perhaps during extended walks, you may find it useful to purchase the comfortable shoulder strap available at this link: link to comfortable shoulder strap.
MECHANICS AND FOCUSING SYSTEM
As I anticipated in the introduction and as you can see from this image, the new Nighthunter H35 model has been completely redesigned. Compared to the previous model, it has a more ergonomic shape, while still using Makrolon polycarbonate to ensure water resistance and durability. It can, in fact, handle shocks up to 3G and operate in temperatures between -10°C and +55°C.
My electronic scale estimated a weight without the caps to be 515 grams while with the batteries and all accessories installed, the weight reaches 650 grams.
The outer armor is very thick and has a wrinkled texture that greatly improves grip. In addition, there are four loops for connecting the straps that keep the lens cap and eyepiece cap in place, also serving as attachment points for the supplied shoulder strap.
The lower part, where the battery compartment is located, offers a new level of ergonomics that, in my opinion, allows for easy one-handed use. In the left side part, just above the waterproofed battery compartment, is the power button, which is activated with a slight pressure and signals the visor to turn on by means of an audible vibration. On the right side, on the other hand, under a waterproofed cover, is the Micro USB-C port for downloading images and videos saved in the internal memory.
The button area has also been completely redesigned. On the top, we find six buttons that allow, as I will explain in the dedicated section, to use most of the functions of the thermal without the need to access the main menu or submenus. The buttons may not be very large to favor use with winter gloves, but they represent a significant step forward from the previous model in terms of activation sensitivity, since, in the previous model, it was necessary to exert more pressure.
The focusing system is done by rotating the bell. Being large enough in size, it is easy to use even when wearing winter gloves. Moving it requires a bit of force, which may seem a bit tricky at first, especially if you will have hands frozen by the winter cold, but I believe that with use, as always, it will become smoother. This choice seems to have been made by the designers to avoid accidental movement.
The minimum focusing distance I detected is about 80 centimeters which allows you to capture details during very close encounters, as you can see in this image.
Further improvement is also evident in the eyepiece area. Compared with the previous model, the small side ring has been replaced by a collar ring that is much more comfortable to use.
OPTICS
The new STEINER NIGHTHUNTER H35 thermal viewer is equipped with an objective lens with a diameter of 35 mm and a focal aperture of F/1. This lens is made, as is standard practice, of germanium and enjoys a high-quality optical coating. In combination with the sensor, it offers a field of view of 12.5°x9.4° at a distance of 100 meters. The lens is slightly recessed in the bell, which helps prevent accidental damage and allows the use of caps with a significantly high internal thickness.
EYEPIECE AND DISPLAY
The eyepiece offers a native optical magnification of 2.04x, and is equipped with an adjustable digital zoom system ranging from 1x to 8x. The OLED display offers an outstanding resolution of 1280×960 pixels, equivalent to a 22-inch screen viewed from a distance of 56 cm, with a frame rate of 50Hz. I did not experience any appreciable lag, nor any annoying elements that impair its use. The range of brightness levels is excellent, allowing each user to find their optimal viewing comfort. Also of note is the always flawless “salami slice” type lens hood, which provides shelter from side light sources or wind and can be lowered all the way to ensure comfortable use even for users wearing glasses. Next to the USB interface on the thermal camera, there is a video output port. This allows the image displayed on the thermal camera screen to be transmitted to an external monitor using a dedicated HDMI video cable.
| TECHNICAL DATA OF THE DISPLAY AND EYEPIECE | |
| Resolution | 1280×960 |
| Screen frame rate | 50 Hz |
| Screen type | AMOLED |
| Optical magnification | 2.04x |
| Maximum digital zoom | from 1x to 8x |
SENSOR
Steiner explicitly states that the Quantum Vision system characteristic of this thermal viewer depends on the combination of the new state-of-the-art sensor in concert with the new algorithm and the high-quality display. No specific details were given about the sensor used, but I can get a basic understanding from the stated technical data, namely, it is a 640×512-pixel sensor with a pixel pitch of 12 µm. The image quality is remarkable, with a NETD value of less than 35 millikelvins.
I would like to anticipate that I really appreciated the new algorithm, and as an owner of the previous model, I can confirm that the new preset display systems, especially the “enhanced” one, provide a high quality type of HDR video. This not only maintains a good dynamic range between light and dark areas, but also provides high contrast.
MEMORY
The internal memory capacity of 32 GB is in line with Top of the Range products. After analyzing about a hundred videos and pictures, I can confirm that the average weight of a picture is about 250-300 kb while a 30-second video weighs about 20 Mb. With this excellent storage capacity, it is possible to store hundreds of videos and thousands of pictures. Importantly, you can download what has been recorded either through the Steiner Hunting app or via the USB-C cable included in the package.
BATTERY
Another change from the previous model that used a built-in, non-replaceable battery is the choice to use two 18650 lithium-ion batteries (not included). Steiner recommends using batteries with a length of (min 67mm – max 71mm). The average guaranteed battery life is 8.5 hours, and personally with very intensive use I have come to use for about 7 hours.
RAPID OPERATION OF THE THERMAL VIEWER
The viewer is turned on via a side button, and activation is noticeable even in the dark, thanks to a vibration. The display is activated in about 10-11 seconds, allowing the menus to be used in Italian.
The following is a table with the main features of the buttons:
| Button | Operation | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| On/off button | Prolonged pressure | Power on |
| Short press | Calibration | |
| Prolonged pressure | Countdown to shutdown | |
| Long press to stop power off halfway | ||
| Display off | Release the On/Off button when the shutdown countdown has reached the fifth level |
| Button | Operation | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Up button | Short press | Zoom (1x, 2x, 4x o 8x) |
| Prolonged pressure | Zoom without limits | |
| Short press Up | Moving the menu | |
| Press and hold Up | Moving the menu |
| Button | Operation | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Left button | Short press | Change color palette |
| Short press | Returns to the previous menu | |
| Prolonged pressure | Returns to the previous menu continuously | |
| Select on the left | Moving the menu |
| Button | Operation | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Right button | Short press | Changing picture mode |
| Short press | Access to the submenu | |
| Prolonged pressure | Continuous transition to the next menu | |
| Select on the right | Moving the menu |
| Button | Operation | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Down button | Short press | Image reduction |
| Prolonged pressure | Continuous reduction | |
| Press down briefly | Moving the menu | |
| Long press down | Moving the menu |
| Button | Operation | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Camera button | Short press | Taking the photo |
| Prolonged pressure | Video recording | |
| Prolonged pressure | Stopping video recording and saving |
MENU OPTIONS
Firmware: 2.0.001805017980
MENU
Image quality adjustment
Sharpness: ON, OFF
Scene mode: enhanced, detects, standard
PiP (Picture in Picture): ON, OFF
Color palette: warm white, warm black, warm red, iron, fire, amber
Edge detection: ON, OFF
Hot spot monitoring: ON, OFF
Brightness: 10% to 100%
Screen brightness: 10% to 100%
Contrast: 10% to 100%
Calibration modes: auto, scene, shutter
Stadiametric rangefinder:
Rabbit: 23 meters
Wild boar: 60 meters
Deer: 100 meters
Wi-Fi: ON, OFF
Power settings:
Standby
Auto power off
Power saving settings.
Vibration at startup
General settings:
Date only
Time format
Date format
Time configuration
Language settings
Formatting memory card
Restoring previous settings
MAIN FUNCTIONS
The STEINER NIGHTHUNTER H35 GEN 2 thermal viewer offers many interesting functions, and I will start of course with the ability to magnify a portion of the image visible on the display. In addition, it has the essential functions to adjust the scene illumination, contrast and brightness of the monitor. There is also an additional mode called “Hot Spot Monitoring” that allows you to identify the hottest part of the framed scene. A new feature that, until now, I had not seen on competing products is the “Edge Detection” mode, which clearly highlights the contours of framed subjects, separating them sharply from the surrounding scene.
I can confirm to owners of the previous model that the new software has been improved. It seems faster in activation and management, and the various submenus are navigated and used quickly, as you will see in the tables posted just now.
As far as the algorithm is concerned, although the previous model is still one of the best in my opinion, I noticed that the GEN 2 took a step forward in seeing the faintest details and in its ability to better calibrate scenes that might be less sharp or too dark. Especially the “Enhanced” function, along with “Detect” and “Standard,” seems to be perfect for low-contrast scenes, especially in haze and fog, which are common in my areas.
COLOR PALETTES
The Nighthunter H35 GEN 2’s color palettes offer many useful options. You can choose from six different palettes, and my favorites have been “warm black,” especially for observing deer and roe deer, and “amber” when the eyes begin to tire a bit.
Switching between the different palettes is quick, thanks to the side button, and can be easily combined with scene modes adjustable via the other button.
As always, on foggy evenings, I preferred to use the “warm black” palette, as this greatly increases contrast.
USING THE STEINER CONNECT “APP”
Communication with the “STEINER CONNECT” app is extremely fast and simple. After installing the software, simply search for the Wi-Fi network named “Steiner Nighthunter H35” in the settings of your tablet or smartphone. Next, simply enter the default password (12345678), and you will be ready to check stored images and videos, use the viewer for streaming, or download photos and videos via the app. In addition, I tried connecting it to my smart TV via the HDMI cable, and the process was similarly smooth.
PRACTICAL IMPRESSIONS IN THE FIELD
As I have already confirmed, I have been using the previous STEINER NIGHTHUNTER H35 model for two years, so I was very curious to try out Generation 2. As is often the case, later versions show improvements, but there are rarely total changes, as I noticed in this thermal viewer, which could almost have been named with a new acronym. Certainly, it reflects Steiner’s Quantum Vision philosophy of robustness and attention to detail. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the new design.
The weight reduction was only five ounces, but the viewer is significantly more compact and ergonomic. The GEN 2 grips better with one hand. In addition, activation is quick; before it was necessary to apply more pressure on the button, and the vibration effect is useful when turning on before framing. The buttons are more comprehensive and allow for faster handling of the viewer, although I might have preferred the arrows to be slightly wider for winter use with gloves. The idea of using common 18650 batteries is excellent, as it is possible to carry a pair with you at all times. The algorithm, as already widely confirmed, seemed to me to be better both in terms of speed of execution and in its ability to show details better in low-contrast scenes or with the subject having a slightly different temperature than the rest of the framed scene. Excellent, as always, is the choice of six different color palettes and the ability to zoom more quickly than in the previous model. Sharpness and contrast are also improved, and accomplice to the display, images are brighter and represent finer details with greater definition. At times it feels like using a thermal viewer with a larger diameter.
REAL RECOGNITION DISTANCE
I can confirm that as far as the ability to really verify the differences between a doe and a roe deer is concerned, it is possible to go with the native optical magnification up to 120-140 meters, while using the digital zoom I was able to perceive obvious morphological differences up to 180-200 meters. Obviously, above about 6x you start to perceive some pixelation effect.
PROS AND CONS
PROS
- Revamped and ergonomic design
- Rugged and well waterproofed
- Excellent optical quality of the sensor
- Excellent optical quality of the lens
- Greater speed in handling functions due to new software and buttons
- Excellent algorithm especially with the “Enhanced” function
- Use of rechargeable batteries
- Fast management through the APP
- Good quality display and eyepiece with an excellent side hood
CONS
- Would have preferred larger “arrow” keys for use with winter gloves
- Not as resolving as a thermal viewer with a 50 mm lens but only noticeable after 200 meters
IN SUMMARY
The second generation of the STEINER NIGHTHUNTER H35 has been a pleasant surprise. Significant improvements have been made in both design and ergonomics, as well as in function management and image representation. This thermal viewer proved robust, reliable, and never crashed during heavy use. Thanks to the new algorithm, it offers performance that often does not make you regret a thermal viewer with a larger diameter. If you had enjoyed the previous model, the STEINER NIGHTHUNTER H35 GEN 2 will win you over even more.
PRICES
Beretta’s suggested purchase price is EUR 2899 and comes with a two-year warranty on electronic components
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I thank Fausto Massolo of Beretta for providing the specimen subject of this test leaving me as always free to quote my impressions.
DISCLAIMER
“Thermalscopesreviews.com” is an editorial project of Piergiovanni Salimbeni – Italian Independent Journalist. The products tested are not for sale, are returned after viewing and I do not receive any percentage on the eventual sale of the reviewed model. Bignami sent me the product for viewing leaving me free to quote my unbiased impressions as is the duty of any journalist. For information on discounts, promotions or anything else you can contact the official Beretta distributor.
