Zeiss DTC 3/25 Review
After the launch of Zeiss DTI thermal imaging device, this German manufacturer has made another foray into the previously untapped potential of thermal technology. This time, Zeiss went for the kill and released not just one but two brand-new thermal attachments:
Zeiss DTC 3/25 is best suited for hunting in wooded areas, from high stands near bait sites, and on shorter distances. For a complete user experience, Zeiss also created a two-piece Zeiss DTC adapter (Zeiss clip-on adapter) and easy zeroing process with the Zeiss Hunting app.
Looking for DTC Thermal Clip-On?
Excellent Handling
- intuitive operation with ErgoControl
- 384x288px sensor @ 12µm
- germanium lens > robust & resistant material
- 0.5x gradual zoom > natural viewing
- sensor-enabled standby mode
- 10h battery runtime
While most esteemed brands like Pulsar and Night Pear opted for angular clip-on shape, Zeiss DTC sports a much sleeker, tubular design. Rendering capabilities of the 384x288px sensor are boosted by advanced image processing algorithms. The detection range of Zeiss DTC 3/25 is 1300 meters, depending on environmental factors like fog and rain.
With easy-access controls and the focusing turret positioned in the center, Zeiss DTC makes no preference between right- or left-handed users. Beyond the soft clicks of the shutter that thermal imagers are well-known for, the DTC 3/25 operation is completely silent in the dark.
Zeiss DTC 3/25 Battery
Zeiss claims, the built-in Li-ion battery on Zeiss DTC runs for about 10 hours of non-stop use. The biggest factor in preserving energy is the angle-activated standby mode. When DTC 3/25 is positioned at 45° or 70° angle, it will shut off power.
But no fear – as you align the rifle back to a shooting position, Zeiss DTC will be ready for action. We’re also glad that Zeiss lets you enable or disable this feature. If you are especially concerned about long hours in the dark, there’s another, albeit less elegant solution. Zeiss designed a portable power bank for direct charging on the go.
Zeiss DTC weighs 560 grams, so it’s considerably heavier than comparable clip-ons by Hikmicro or Pulsar. Like all quality thermal devices, DTC 3/25 has IP67 protection rating and can be used in heavy downpours, fog and extreme cold.
Wide-Angle Viewing with Zeiss DTC
- field of view > 18.4 meters/100 meters
- 1x magnification
- 1024x768px display
- crisp detail recognition
- Image Boost
High-quality AMOLED 1024x768px screen shows image in sharp contrast. The displayed image is not enlarged (1x magnification), so you’ll be able to retain a sense of distance in dynamic situations. Of course, you can power through magnifications on the riflescope Zeiss DTC is attached to.
The standard 50 frames per second give a smooth, non-blurry image that won’t tire out your eyes.
When the image clarity is affected by moisture in the air (fog and rain), Image Boost is especially helpful. There are 4 brightness levels to choose from on DTC 3/25. Users can also select different display color modes, depending on the environmental factors and personal perference.
4 Color Modes:
- White Hot
- Black Hot
- Red Hot
- Rainbow
This DTC 3 model has the widest field of view of the two – 18.4 meters at the distance of 1000 meters. That makes Zeiss DTC 3/25 ideal for fast target acquisition and in-detail game observation. Long-distance hunters will do better with Zeiss DTC 3/38, which can detect object from 1800 meters away.
Easy Work with Zero-In Assistant
- Zeiss Hunting app (mobile)
- flexibility of use
- 4 shooting profiles
Safe game identification is worthless if the shot is not on target. The opportunity for a hassle-free alignment of shots is a big draw for mathematically challenged users.
The use is simple and straightforward. The next time you’re at a shooting range, connect your Zeiss DTC 3 with Zeiss Hunting app via Bluetooth. Open the app and navigate to the Zeroing Profiles menu.
After the first series of shots, enter the shot deviations in relation to the axis. Then just sit back and relax while the Zeiss DTC 3/25 performs automatic calibration.
You can save up to 4 shooting profiles, giving you the flexibility to use Zeiss DTC 3 on different rifles. Zeiss Hunting mobile app also has a browser version.
Advanced Features of Zeiss DTC Thermal Clip On
- USB connection (charging)
- Bluetooth (data transfer)
- Zeiss Hunting app
For the steep price of 3.600 euros, Zeiss DTC is stingy with advanced features. While the competition is releasing multi-faceted devices, Zeiss is focused on the fundamentals. There is no photo or video output, picture-in-picture mode, or Wi-Fi connectivity on DTC 3/25. At least for now.
What’s in the Box?
Let’s take a look at what’s inside the Zeiss DTC packaging.
- Zeiss DTC 3/25 thermal imaging clip-on
- Soft carrying case
- Protective lens cap
- Eyepiece protection
- Lens cleaning cloth
- USB cable
- Quick guide
- Safety instructions
- Warranty card
- FULA document
Zeiss DTC 3-25 Technical Data Sheet
| Model: | Zeiss DTC 3/25 Thermal Clip-On | |
| Sensor: | 384x288px @12µm | |
| Lens: | 25mm, F1.0 | |
| Range: | 1300m | |
| Display: | 1024x768px AMOLED | |
| Adjustment per click: | 2.4cm | |
| Operating temperature: | -10°C to +50°C | |
| Weight: | 560g | |
| Battery life: | 10 hours, stand-by mode | |
Thermal clip-ons are among the most sought-after devices and the competition on the market is fierce. It’s commendable that Zeiss is up for the challenge. However, Zeiss DTI 3/35 is a rather lackluster device. The world of classic sports optics is their playground, but the Big Three (Zeiss, Swarovski and Leica) are still learning their basics when it comes to NV and thermal vision.
That is not to say that this is not the right clip-on for you. After all, these devices have shorter warranties than classic optics. So there is a big value in selecting a brand you can trust. This German manufacturer is the epitome of optical excellence. If you are a fan of Zeiss quality of products and want to explore what thermal vision has to offer, DTC 3/25 is a solid choice.
Looking for DTC Thermal Clip-On?
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How can I buy in the usa?
I suggest you contact a Zeiss dealer in the US.