DNT Zulus ZHD312-V2 Digital Night Vision Scope

The DNT ZULUS ZHD312-V2 is a digital scope that runs on the same optic from midday through full dark. A Sony STARVIS 2 sensor and ED glass handle daylight, and a detachable IR illuminator takes over when the light goes. Magnification spans 3x to 12x behind a 7.97-degree field of view, the wider of the two frames in the ZULUS V2 lineup.

The DNT ZULUS ZHD312-V2 stays on the rifle from daylight into full dark

Most night optics come off the rifle when the sun comes up. The ZHD312-V2 does not. A Sony STARVIS 2 CMOS sensor paired with ED glass produces a usable daylight image, holds detail through dawn and dusk, and switches to digital night vision when the light runs out. One zero, one scope, one setup that covers a full twenty-four hours. That range of operation is the practical difference between a digital day-and-night scope and a thermal optic, which reads heat and shows the same image regardless of time of day.

A 7.97-degree field of view gives the ZHD312-V2 the wider frame of the two ZULUS V2 models

Field of view on the ZHD312-V2 measures 7.97 by 4.49 degrees, against 4.91 by 2.76 degrees on the 5-20x ZHD520-V2. Wider framing shows more ground at once, which speeds up finding a target and makes follow-up shots easier when something is moving. The tradeoff is starting magnification: 3x begins closer to the naked-eye view than the 520's 5x.

Magnification on the ZHD312-V2 runs 3x to 12x through a throw lever

The ZHD312-V2 covers 3x through 12x, a range built for shooting at moderate distance rather than reaching as far as the optic can see. DNT replaced the previous generation's magnification wheel with a traditional throw lever, so changing power works with gloves on and without breaking position. Hunters who need more magnification for longer sight lines should look at the 5-20x ZHD520-V2 instead.

Sony STARVIS 2 imaging feeds a 1,920 by 1,080 display at 60 Hz

A Sony STARVIS 2 CMOS sensor gathers the light, ED glass lenses keep the image clean at the edges, and output lands on a 1920 by 1080 Micro-OLED display refreshing at 60 Hz. Peak brightness reaches 1,800 nits across five adjustable levels, which is what makes the screen readable in direct sun rather than washed out. Smooth refresh matters most on the wide 3x setting, where panning covers ground quickly.

A detachable 850 nm IR illuminator lights the ZHD312-V2 frame after dark

Digital night vision needs light to work with, and the ZHD312-V2 ships with a detachable 850 nm IR illuminator to supply it. Swapping to a 940 nm unit trades some reach for a beam that is far less visible. A wide 3x frame asks more of an illuminator than a narrow one, since the beam has to cover everything the sensor sees.

Recoil-activated video records the shot through the ZHD312-V2 automatically

Three recording modes run on the ZHD312-V2. A short press starts loop recording in clips of up to five minutes. A long press triggers Manual RAV, saving ten seconds before and after, with another ten seconds added per tap up to two minutes. Auto RAV handles it hands-free, capturing ten seconds either side of every shot with no button at all. A noise-reducing microphone records sound alongside, and 32 GB of built-in storage holds it without a memory card.

A 21700 battery runs the ZHD312-V2 for up to 10 hours

DNT moved the V2 from an 18650 cell to a higher-capacity 21700, and runtime reaches up to 10 hours as a result. Two batteries and a charger ship in the box, which puts a full night well inside reach without a power bank. Longer runtime matters on a scope meant to stay mounted through daylight and darkness both.

Eye relief on the ZHD312-V2 measures 65 mm with a one-shot zero

Eye relief of 65 mm keeps the eyepiece a safe distance back under recoil and allows a more relaxed shooting posture over a long sit. Zeroing takes one shot. Nine reticle styles in five colors cover different backgrounds, picture-in-picture holds an aiming point while showing the wider scene, and firmware updates arrive wirelessly.

Hunters who want one scope for day and night at moderate range fit the ZHD312-V2

Buyers who would otherwise own a day scope and a separate night optic are the core fit for the ZHD312-V2, since one unit and one zero cover both. Coyote and hog hunting at moderate distance suits the 3x to 12x range and the wider frame. Hunters who need more magnification for longer sight lines should move to the ZHD520-V2, and anyone who wants distance readings and holdover correction built in should look at the ZHD312R-V2.

FAQ

Can the DNT ZULUS ZHD312-V2 be used during the day?

Yes. The ZHD312-V2 is a day and night scope. A Sony STARVIS 2 sensor and ED glass produce a usable daylight image, and the digital night vision engine with IR illuminator takes over after dark. One zero covers both.

What is the difference between the ZHD312-V2 and the ZHD520-V2?

Magnification and field of view. The ZHD312-V2 runs 3x to 12x with a 7.97 by 4.49 degree frame. The ZHD520-V2 runs 5x to 20x with a narrower 4.91 by 2.76 degree frame for longer distances. Sensor, display, battery, and recording are the same on both.

Is the ZHD312-V2 a thermal scope?

No. The ZHD312-V2 is digital night vision, which amplifies available light and uses an IR illuminator in full dark. Thermal optics read heat instead and work in total darkness without any illumination, but do not produce a daylight image the way this scope does.

Does the ZHD312-V2 have a rangefinder?

No. The ZHD312-V2 has no laser rangefinder. The ZHD312R-V2 shares the same 3-12x magnification and adds an integrated rangefinder with a ballistic calculator.

What comes in the box with the ZHD312-V2?

The ZHD312-V2 ships with a PMS mount, a detachable 850 nm IR illuminator, an eye cup, a flip-up lens cover, two 21700 flat-top batteries, a charger, two USB cables, a user manual, a quick start guide, and a lens cleaning cloth.