DNT HYDRA HS219 Multi-Function 256 Thermal Riflescope

The DNT HYDRA HS219 converts between riflescope, clip-on, and handheld scanner

One HYDRA HS219 replaces three separate thermal purchases: a dedicated riflescope, a clip-on, and a handheld scanner. Mounted alone on a Picatinny rail, the HS219 aims through its own reticle as a standalone thermal riflescope. Mounted ahead of a day optic, the HS219 feeds a thermal image into the glass already zeroed on the rifle. DNT recommends pairing clip-on use with an LPVO or low-magnification prism optic, staying in the lower half of the LPVO's magnification range. Off the rifle, the unit becomes a hand-carried scanner for locating heat before shouldering the gun. A PMS Picatinny 0 MOA short mount ships in the box.

The HS219 scans wide with 2x base magnification

A 2x base magnification gives the HS219 a field of view of 16.2 × 12.1 yards at 100 yards. Wide framing at low power suits scanning in cover and tracking movement close to the gun. Digital zoom steps through 2x, 3x, 4x, 6x, and 8x when a closer look at a heat signature is needed.

Image Super Resolution sharpens digital zoom on the HS219

DNT's Image Super Resolution (ISR) processing recovers detail that digital zoom normally softens. Zoomed images on the HS219 hold edges and texture better than raw digital magnification alone. ISR is image processing rather than added sensor resolution — the HS219 remains a 256×192-class optic, and buyers weighing sensor classes should judge it as one.

The HS219 runs 5.5 hours per battery and ships with a spare

A single 18650 flat-top battery powers the HS219 for up to 5.5 hours of continuous use. Two batteries and a charger ship in the box, so a field swap extends a hunt to roughly 11 hours of total runtime. A USB-C port also accepts external battery banks for long stationary sits.

The HS219 records to 32 GB of built-in memory

Built-in 32 GB memory stores footage captured through the HS219 in the field. Wi-Fi pairing with the DNT App adds live viewing on a smartphone, plus file management and sharing after the hunt.

The HS219 fits first-time thermal buyers and closer-terrain hunting

First thermal purchases are where the HS219 makes the most sense. Close-to-mid-range coyote and hog work in wooded or mixed terrain plays to the wide field of view, light weight, and entry cost. Hunters glassing wide-open country, or anyone who wants maximum image detail for identifying targets at longer distances, should step up to a higher-resolution HYDRA model instead.

FAQ

Can the DNT HYDRA HS219 be used as a clip-on with a day scope?

Yes. The HS219 mounts ahead of a day optic and feeds it a thermal image, using the day scope's reticle and zero. DNT recommends LPVOs or low-magnification prism optics, kept in the lower half of the LPVO's magnification range.

How long does the HS219 battery last?

Up to 5.5 hours on one 18650 flat-top battery. Two batteries and a charger come in the box, and a USB-C port accepts external power banks.

What magnification does the HS219 have?

The HS219 has a 2x base magnification with digital zoom steps of 2x, 3x, 4x, 6x, and 8x.

Is the HS219 good for coyote and hog hunting?

Yes, in closer terrain. The wide field of view and light weight suit predator and hog hunting in wooded and mixed cover, where scanning speed matters more than long-distance image detail.

What comes in the box with the HS219?

The HS219 ships with a PMS Picatinny 0 MOA short mount, eye cup, flip-up lens cover, two 18650 flat-top batteries, a charger, two USB cables, a user manual, and a lens cleaning cloth.