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Steiner Nighthunter Thermal C35 Clip-On & S35 Riflescope

The German company Steiner Optik is on a roll with new releases of thermal optics.

After the long-awaited H35 handheld scope, Steiner just released two brand new additions to the Nighthunter series: Steiner Nighthunter CS3 clip-on and S35 riflescope.

Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)
Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)

Physical Properties

  • durable, well-built optics
  • 35mm lens 
  • manual objective focus 
  • water- & fogproof housing
  • recoil resistant
  • bulky and heavy

The bulky, heavy-duty chassis of Steiner Nighthunters is reminiscent of 2nd generation thermal optics that were introduced to the civil market circa the 2010s. That may come as a surprise since the Nightunter H35 handheld scope Steiner introduced in July sported a more ergonomic shape. Nevertheless, this old-school design guarantees exceptional robustness and resistance to hard recoil. The reinforced exterior shell protects the inside wiring against water damage and extreme temperatures.

The Nighthunter C35 clip-on model weighs about 792 grams (27.93oz), while the riflescope S35 clocks at 1020 grams (36oz). This will add a considerable load to your hunting gear. For comparison, Infratech Fobos riflescope in the same price class has only 630g to its name. For such a steep price, Steiner has plenty of room for improvement.

Steiner Nighthunter S35 Thermal Riflescope (image source: Steiner Optik
Steiner Nighthunter S35 Thermal Riflescope (image source: Steiner Optik

On a positive note, we appreciate the ease of use. Raised command buttons and ridged objective focus wheel are easy to manipulate with gloves on and in a low-light environment. Manual focus adjustment also makes the changes feel intuitive and similar to classic optical devices.

Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)

Steiner Nighunter thermal devices are powered with removable Lithium-ion 18650 batteries. Battery life depends on the model. You’ll be able to get 2.5 hours of runtime with the C35 clip-on. The riflescope S35 fares better – 5.5 hours before the 18650 batteries will have to be recharged. Why such a difference? Beyond the specifics of use, let us also note that C35 operates on a single battery while S35 needs two.

Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)
Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)

The type-C USB port can also be used for easy file transfer. The booting time (from ON button press to real-time image ) is about 18 seconds, which is also disappointing. Optics from mid-range and entry-level have a headstart there.

Optical Properties

  • 640x480px thermal sensor
  • 12-micron pitch size
  • smooth automatic calibration
  • Steiner high-speed software
  • 9 reticle options with S35
  • 5 bullet or rifle profiles with S35

At the core of Nighthunter thermal optics, there is a 640x480px thermal sensor. Its sensitivity (NETD factor) is rated at 50 mK. That’s in line with the majority of thermal devices in the market. But we expect more from a premium brand and the price point to match. Hopefully, Steiner will invest in top-notch 40 or 35 mK sensors in the near future.

Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)

With Steiner Nighthunter S35 you’ll be able to detect wild boars past 1800 meters (2000yds). Human recognition is possible at 450 meters (500yds), which is good news for surveillance and search-and-rescue applications.

The riflescope model offers 9 reticle choices, which should satisfy even the most fastidious hunters. You can also adjust the reticle brightness level.

Another high-end feature of Steiner Nighthunter S35 is the easy zeroing of the scope. The users can save up to 5 bullet or rifle profiles. The chance to use the same thermal scope on five different rifles with no hassle is that added flounce we look for in optics that cost an arm and a leg.

Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)
Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)

Screen

  • high-quality OLED display
  • screen resolution:
    • 1024x768px with S35 riflecope
    • 800x600px with C35 clip-on
  • 50Hz frame rate
  • picture-in-picture format (PiP)
  • 6 color palettes
Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)
Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)

As of 2021, all Steiner Nighthunter thermal devices use OLED displays. The screen resolution, however, depends on the model. First, the H35 handheld scope impressed us with the outstanding 1280×960 resolution. While the S35 riflescope comes second with 1024×768 pixels, the C35 clip-on really trails behind with an 800x600px display.

These thermal devices let the user switch between 6 color palettes: White Hot, Black Hot, Adjustable Red Hot, Iron Red, Fire, and Amber.  Picture-in-picture screen format became a standard with Pulsar releases and Steiner will do the same.

Steiner Nighthunter Thermal - 6 Color Palettes (image source: Steiner Optik)
Steiner Nighthunter Thermal – 6 Color Palettes (image source: Steiner Optik)

Advanced Features

  • stadiametric laser ranfgefinder (LRF)
  • video recording and snaphot capture
  • 16GB internal storage
  • 2.54 GHz Wi-Fi
  • Steiner Connect mobile app

Nighthunter riflescope and clip-on both come with a built-in LRF.

Tech-savvy users will be happy to hear that the integrated Wi-Fi module supports external display. All action can also be saved as a video clip or photo. 16 gigabytes of internal memory should be more than enough of storage space.

Steiner Nighthunter S35 Thermal Scope (image source: Steiner Optik)
Steiner Nighthunter S35 Thermal Scope (image source: Steiner Optik)

Not long ago, mobile apps for thermal sports optics were almost seen as extra credit on the assignment. But in 2021, almost every manufacturer releases new devices with a supporting app in tow. Just look at Pulsar’s Stream Vision, NIGHT PEARL V. 2.0  or Hikmicro T-Vision – to name a few.  Steiner Connect mobile app enables live stream, easy file transfer, firmware updates and more.

Technical Data Sheet

Model: Steiner Nighthunter C35 Clip-On Steiner Nighthunter S35 Scope
SKU: 9522 9521
Lens: 35mm F1.0 35mm F1.0
Sensor: 640 x 480@12μm 640 x 480@12μm
Display: 800×600 0.4 inch OLED 1024×768 0.4 inch OLED
Detection Range: 1800m (human) / 4400m (vehicle) 1800m (human) / 4400m (vehicle)
Recognition Range: 450m (human) / 1100m (vehicle) 450m (human) / 1100m (vehicle)
Weight: 792 grams (27.93oz) 1020 grams (36oz)
Battery Life: 2.5 hours 5.5 hours
Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)
Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)

Accessories in the Box

  1. Picatinny rail adapter with S35
  2. cleaning cloth
  3. type-C cable
  4. user manual
Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)
Steiner Nighthunter C35 Thermal Clip-On (image source: Steiner Optik)

Price & Warranty Info

Steiner Nighhunter S35 riflescope is available for purchase for $ 6,599.99. The clip-on model goes for $ 5,599.99.

Devices with thermal technology have a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase.

All after-sales services are performed in Bayreuth, Germany. The Steiner repair service team is the best in business (in our humble opinion), so there is truly no need to worry.

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Steiner Nighthunter Thermal C35 Clip-On & S35 Riflescope
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Steiner Nighthunter Thermal C35 Clip-On & S35 Riflescope
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The German company Steiner is on a roll with new releases of thermal optics. After the long-awaited H35 handheld scope, Steiner just released two brand new additions to the Nighthunter series: Steiner Nighthunter CS3 clip-on and S35 riflescope.
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