Gear

Comfortable to hold and handy in the field – the new Zeiss thermal imaging monocular

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Look up the dictionary definition of the word ‘ergonomic’ and you’ll see that it means ‘designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment’.

Ergonomic is certainly a good description of ZEISS’S first foray into thermal imaging with the new ZEISS DTI 3-35.

Reviewer Chris Parkin isn’t one to mince words (he calls himself “picky Parkin”) but he called it: ” … a sorted, well-thought out ergonomic delight” in his write up for Sporting Rifle. Here’s why.

Truly ambidextrous

First off, the monocular is suitable for both left and right handers. Whichever hand you favour, you’ll find it equally easy to hold with buttons that are easily reached.

Users with particularly large or small hands will appreciate the slightly tapered shape, as well as those with average-sized hands. Because there are no hard, angled edges, there is no need for an lateral strap either.

Lens caps can be fiddly but the rubber lens cap supplied with this monocular stays in position when wanted – or it hangs on a rubber strap to free up space for your hands and fingers.

The rubber lens cap stays in position

Being able to focus quickly and easily is key and Chris Parkin reports that focus is tactile and lightweight. Whilst you can focus with your free hand and hold the DTI in the other, you can also focus and hold the piece in one hand.

Image focus can be done with one hand

Finding buttons in the dusk and darkness is made easier thanks to the raised centre dot on the camera control button which operates simply – a short press starts or stops the video and a longer press flips from stills to film.

For magnification, you only need to use one side button.

Silent operator

Silence and quiet are crucial for successful stalking. On the DTI 3.35– the auto calibration is quiet and smooth.

The eyepiece shield is oval shape and soft and can be switched from left to right eye instantly. The eyebox from the lens is spacious so you don’t have to perfectly position your eye for correct focus each time.

Chris pointed out the neck strap for a particular mention. He said: “This might sound dull but it was a strong factor, it slots into two paired symmetrical loops on the underside of the DTI and allows the unit to hang centrally on your chest, perfected oriented for grasping in either hand. You could almost forget you were carrying the unit securely without hindrance, with or without daytime binoculars.”

Finally, we’re all tired of getting a new charger with a different-shaped connector every time we buy a new piece of electronic equipment. Thankfully the ZEISS DTI uses a straightforward USB charger, so will connect to a PC or USB plug without you needing to add to your burgeoning charger collection.