Today, we are looking at the DNT, or Day Night Technology, HS650 HYDRA 640×512 50mm thermal scope.
When it comes to thermal optics, I have always believed that you need a good list of features along with a good image. You want something that is going to hold up to real-world use and fit the way that you hunt, rather than simply being an optic that you purchase and hope for the best.
One of the really cool things about the HS650 HYDRA is that it is not just a rifle scope. It is also a handheld thermal monocular and a clip-on optic that can be used without taking your Picatinny rail mount with you. It can also function as a rifle scope, which gives you a lot of flexibility in how you use it.
You can decide to sit out there and admire the animals at your feeder without needing to point a rifle at them. You could also set this up in a way that allows someone who is against hunting to use the optic without having to attach it to a gun. They can experience what is happening around them at night without the fear that they are suddenly going to kill an animal simply because they are looking through a thermal optic.
Why I Like a Multi-Function Thermal Optic
Now, don’t get me wrong. I do think that having dedicated optics makes sense. For my personal use, I want to have a set of night vision goggles, a helmet-mounted thermal optic, a dedicated handheld thermal monocular, and a dedicated thermal scope for my rifle.
The problem is that while I get to play with a lot of cool toys, I don’t always get to purchase them. Sometimes they cost more than what is in my fun-money account at the time. Other times, those funds may already be set aside for something even more fun than buying one of those individual items.
That is why I really like having a tool that is flexible for the end user. If one optic can handle multiple jobs, it gives you the opportunity to get the biggest bang for your buck without having to purchase and maintain several separate pieces of equipment.
The HS650 HYDRA is interesting because it gives you that flexibility without forcing you to use it in only one particular role.
DNT HS650 HYDRA Specifications
Before getting into what makes the HS650 interesting, let’s look at what you are actually getting.
The HS650 uses a 640×512 uncooled infrared sensor with 12×12 μm pixels and a 50 Hz frame rate. DNT lists the sensor at ≤18 mK NETD at 25°C. The objective lens is 50mm, and the optic starts at 2.5x base magnification, with digital magnification extending from 2.5x to 10x.
The field of view is listed at 15.4 yards horizontally by 11.5 yards vertically at 100 yards.
Inside the optic is a 1024×768 Micro-OLED display, also running at 50 Hz. The HS650 uses flat-top 18650 batteries and has a stated operating time of up to four hours. It also supports external power through USB-C.
The unit has 32GB of internal memory, Wi-Fi, and DNT app support. It also carries an IP67 rating. DNT rates the HYDRA for recoil up to .50 BMG. The published weight is approximately 16.9 ounces, although some listings show slightly different weights depending on configuration.
The basic specifications look like this:
- Sensor: 640×512 uncooled infrared
- Pixel Size: 12×12 μm
- NETD: ≤18 mK @ 25°C
- Frame Rate: 50 FPS
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Base Magnification: 2.5x
- Digital Magnification: 2.5x to 10x
- Display: 1024×768 Micro-OLED
- Display Refresh: 50 Hz
- Field of View: 15.4 yd × 11.5 yd @ 100 yd
- Battery: Flat-top 18650
- Runtime: Up to 4 hours
- Internal Storage: 32GB
- Water Resistance: IP67
- Operating Temperature: -4°F to 122°F
- Recoil Rating: Up to .50 BMG
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi / DNT App
- External Power: USB-C
- Weight: Approximately 16.9 oz
On paper, that is a serious thermal package.
Understanding the HS650’s 640×512 Thermal Image
It is really hard to just write about an optic like this, which is why we do intend to release a full-length YouTube video with this optic.
The reason is simple. I can tell you all day long that 640×512 means you are getting a higher-resolution image, but the reality is that you have to see it for yourself. Until you can actually see an object, know the distance at which you are looking at it, and understand what you are seeing, I don’t really have a way with words to convey the true clarity of the image.
That is one of the limitations of reviewing thermal optics in a written article. There is only so much I can describe with words. The actual image is something you need to see for yourself.
So, please stay tuned for that full review and video because being able to see what the HS650 is showing at different distances will give you a much better understanding of what this 640×512 thermal sensor can actually do.
The 50mm Objective Lens and Field of View
One thing I do want to point out is that the 50mm objective lens gives the HYDRA a fairly narrow field of view compared with some other lower-magnification optics.
That is intentional.
The HS650 is not designed to be a wide-angle, ultra-large scanning thermal first and foremost. It is a shooting optic first. Scanning and scouting come second.
That is also why the optic starts at 2.5x magnification rather than zero magnification.
For me, hunting here in East Texas with hogs, that makes sense. I want to start with some magnification because I don’t want to be right on top of those hogs. At the same time, I don’t need so much magnification to begin with that I lose too much field of view.
For the way I hunt, I am looking for the hogs first. Once I zero in on an animal, I want to be able to distinguish a hog from a deer lying in tall grass or from any other animal that may be out there.
When targets are farther away, I want enough image quality to make a responsible shot rather than simply seeing a glowing blob in the darkness.
That is where the combination of the 640×512 sensor and 50mm objective lens becomes what I am looking for.
Real-World Use of the DNT HS650 HYDRA
Now, let’s talk about my real-world use.
I have been using this optic for a month now, taking it on multiple hunts off property and using it as a handheld unit to scan my property nearly every night.
When it comes to hunting, I don’t take photos. Taking the life of anything is sacred to me, and I don’t believe that moment needs to be plastered across the internet for everyone to see the shot that was taken.
That doesn’t mean I haven’t put the HS650 to work.
I have taken many hogs with this optic, going from a .300 Blackout to a .300 Blackout full-auto setup. What I am currently using is a CMMG MK47 Mutant chambered in 7.62×39 using AK-Mags.
This has been a dream setup, bouncing between all of the guns.
Now granted, this optic doesn’t just bounce between guns. I do check zero on the rifle every single time it goes from one platform to another. That is something I consider important whenever you are moving an optic between different rifles.
Fortunately, the HS650 gives me profiles that allow me to very quickly put the optic back on top of the gun, pick the correct profile, and verify that my zero is at least close enough for that night’s hunt.
That makes moving the optic between different platforms much easier.
Battery Life and 18650 Batteries
DNT lists the battery life at up to four hours. The HS650 uses a standard 18650 battery, and the package came with two batteries and a charger.
I already have multiple 18650 batteries, so I can simply carry them in my kit and swap batteries as needed. Having a standard, replaceable battery is a great setup for an optic like this.
It isn’t a proprietary battery that could become more difficult to source several years down the road. If I need another 18650 battery, I can find one and keep moving.
That said, four hours isn’t a lot of time.
Sometimes you get out to go shoot and realize you forgot to pull the battery from the previous night to charge it. Now, all of a sudden, you are swapping batteries in the middle of a hunt.
That isn’t necessarily a huge deal, but it is something that can become a pain.
The HS650 does support USB Type-C external power, which gives you another option.
One of the things I would like to do is 3d print a rail-mounted mount for my battery backups.
Being able to run larger batteries can give you a lot more runtime. However, there is one important thing to understand about the USB Type-C connection. When you plug an external power source into the side port, that is for external power only. It does not charge the battery in the optic.
When you are sitting out for long nights, dead batteries can start to feel like a normal part of your night. Because of that, keeping more than two spare batteries and having a battery backup may be something worth checking into for anyone looking at these optics.
Weather Resistance and Recoil Rating
There is one thing I want to mention. I have not used this optic when it rains.
Mostly, that is because here in Texas, at least in East Texas, we haven’t gotten much rain this summer. I simply haven’t had much opportunity to get significant water exposure out there.
The HS650 is rated IP67, which means it is designed to withstand dust and some water exposure. That is what I would expect from a hunting optic.
The HYDRA is also rated for recoil resistance up to .50 BMG. However, I have zero intention of pulling my Nightforce optic off of my .50 and mounting this to see if it can handle that.
I would rather shoot .300 Blackout or even .338 ARC than shoot .50 BMG at little piggies.
Another nice feature is the temperature rating. DNT lists the HS650 as operating from -4°F up to 122°F.
So, it really doesn’t matter what your hunt looks like here in East Texas. We don’t get down to -4°F.
That said, if you do live somewhere where -4°F and below is a real concern, why do you even live in that weather? That is just wild to me.
Brrrrrrr.
Built-In Recording and 32GB of Storage
I have also been using this optic to record as many animals as I can every time I see them.
One of the nice things about the HS650 is that you have up to 32GB of recording memory built directly into the optic.
That makes the HYDRA more than just a shooting optic. It becomes a recording and observation tool as well.
If you want to monitor deer at your feeder before deer season and don’t intend to put a trail camera there, this gives you a way to record the animals over a period of time without needing another product.
For me, that adds another level of flexibility to the optic. You are not limited to using it only when you are behind a rifle. Photos below are all taken from 75 yards away.
DNT App and Wi-Fi
Now I want to talk about the app.
First off, I think that while the app is nice to have as an external viewing source, especially if you want to share what you are looking at with other people, it is not the most robust app that has been built.
I think DNT could take this back to the drawing board and give the user a lot more ability to control the optic from the app.
I would like to see the ability to zero the optic, change features, and have more options available to the user through the application.
Right now, it feels more like a starter app or a generalized viewing app rather than a robust, feature-rich application.
I would love to see DNT start from scratch and give us all of the functions that the optic already has built into the app.
That would make things feel more natural when you want to make changes. Instead of having to use the controls on the optic itself, you could actually do more work through the app.
I would like to see them revamp the entire app and make it more than just a handheld scanner and viewer for the optic.
A Thermal Scope That Does More Than One Job
The HS650 HYDRA is a very interesting thermal because it isn’t just another thermal rifle scope. It is a thermal system.
You can use it on your rifle. Use it as a clip-on for another optic. You can remove it from your rifle and use it as a handheld monocular.
There are a lot of options built into this optic.
That is where the price point starts to make sense to me. Instead of buying a bunch of different products and then having to carry around batteries for each one, you have one tool that can handle multiple needs.
If I’m out hog hunting with friends, I can be out there as a spotter and scan the area. If I decide I want to get behind the rifle, I can quickly mount it back onto my rifle and be back on target.
I can also use my everyday optic and clip this on in front of it when I want thermal capabilities.
That means I am not limited to having thermal capability on only one particular rifle.
I have flexibility.
I have versatility.
That is a real attraction to me.
Final Thoughts on the DNT HS650 HYDRA
I am very excited about using this optic.
The DNT HS650 HYDRA 640×512 50mm thermal scope has proven to be a very interesting piece of equipment because it isn’t limited to being just one thing.
It can be a rifle scope, a clip-on, a handheld thermal monocular, or even a recording and observation tool.
That flexibility is what really stands out to me.
I still believe there are advantages to having dedicated optics for specific jobs. If money were no object, I would be perfectly happy having dedicated night vision goggles, a helmet-mounted thermal optic, a handheld thermal monocular, and a dedicated thermal scope.
That isn’t reality for everyone.
Sometimes you want one piece of equipment that can cover several jobs, and that is where the HS650 HYDRA makes a lot of sense to me.
For the way I use thermal optics, especially hunting hogs here in East Texas, the combination of the 640×512 sensor, 50mm objective lens, 2.5x starting magnification, interchangeable 18650 batteries, internal recording, and multiple ways to use the optic gives me a lot of flexibility.
I do think the app needs work. I would also like to see better battery life and an external battery solution designed specifically around the optic.
Even with those things in mind, I am very excited about continuing to use the HS650.
I am also very excited about working with DNT because they make products that aren’t just the standard.
I am very happy with this new relationship that we are building, and I do hope that you will be seeing a lot more reviews of their products on our channels.
That way, you can experience more of these products for yourself and see what they can actually do in the real world.