Thermal spectrum

Paul Austin explores both ends of the thermal market with latest high-end release from Zeiss alongside a surprising entry-level offering from Xinfrared

- Paul Austin

Like many of the big names, Zeiss has been slow to embrace the thermal. However, that changed with the release of the DTI 3, a spotter boasting excellent ergonomics alongside a 384x288 sensor, as well as Zeiss's legendary build quality.

Zeiss is back, and this time with the DTI 6/40, a 640x480 12-micron device boasting a claimed 2,000m detection range, an f/1.0 lens, 1024x768 AMOLED display, 3x to 10x zoom and sub-40mk NETD. It features an all-new imaging algorithm plus Bluetooth connectivity to the associated Zeiss Hunting App, and let's not forget the now ubiquitous video and image recording.

There's nothing particularly groundbreaking in terms of specs, but Zeiss has wisely taken a different route in terms of its target audience and core functionality in a world that's full of cheaper alternatives.

Rather than attempting to be 'the thermal for everyone', the DTI 6/40 specifically targets long-range hunting over open fields. The base mag of 3x (reaching out to 10x) doesn't really work in a woodland environment. In such conditions a 2x or 2.5x is the way to go, where field of view outweighs the benefits of long-range detection. This is a thermal aimed at the high seat, open country and mountain hunter, thereby playing to Zeiss's strength in terms of lenses and optical quality.

Switchable lenses

Zeiss has not abandoned the woodland hunter. Famous for their camera lenses, they have sensibly adapted their lens-swapping skills from traditional DSLRs and mirrorless cameras to their latest thermal, offering switchable lenses. It literally takes seconds to transform the DT16/40 into the DT16/20.