Rifle Scopes DNT 7-35x56 FFP Riflescopes

I've got a bit of experience over the years, especially with my F-class scopes (Nightforce BR/NXS 12-42x, Comp 15-55x, Vortex GE 15-60x, etc.). Kind of surprised me, after all the hub-bub here about these scopes that I couldn't quite get the target image to be sharp / crisp @ 100yds. Even on a cold crisp winter morning it looks just a hair out of focus, almost like when there's a bit of mirage. Wasn't sure if it's my eyes, or if that's just what a $600 chinese scope looks like.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Charles13
I've got a bit of experience over the years, especially with my F-class scopes (Nightforce BR, Comp, Vortex GE, etc.). Kind of surprised me, after all the hub-bub here about these scopes that I couldn't quite get the target image to be sharp / crisp @ 100yds. Even on a cold crisp winter morning it looks just a hair out of focus, almost like when there's a bit of mirage. Wasn't sure if it's my eyes, or if that's just what a $600 chinese scope looks like.
I get that when my barrel is warm from inside and the temp is cold outside, but probably not the case here. Curious how this works out for you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Charles13
^^^
This probably.
I figured since you’ve been on here since 2002 it’s likely not you. Having someone else that’s also experienced would give you the answer. CS is excellent and they’ll swap it out because that’s not the norm obviously from all the posts.
 
Well... got up to the range today with another local shooter (@Rover31) to have him put eyes on/thru the DNT, and compare/contrast with a few other scopes. We did all the eyeball comparisons with the guns still cold / no rounds through them, so no barrel/brake mirage, and it was the usual (for here) winter overcast sky. I think the consensus was that besides what constituted 'in focus' was very different for the two of us, the DNT was (to my eyes) actually a fair bit sharper than his Leupold Mk5HD, and not *quite* as sharp as my Burris XTRiii 5.5-30x. So... in the end, once I got it actually alongside some other glass where I could go back and forth between one and the next, on the same target at the same time... the DNT ended up looking a lot better than I thought. Guess I'll keep it around for a while longer ;)
 
Well... got up to the range today with another local shooter (@Rover31) to have him put eyes on/thru the DNT, and compare/contrast with a few other scopes. We did all the eyeball comparisons with the guns still cold / no rounds through them, so no barrel/brake mirage, and it was the usual (for here) winter overcast sky. I think the consensus was that besides what constituted 'in focus' was very different for the two of us, the DNT was (to my eyes) actually a fair bit sharper than his Leupold Mk5HD, and not *quite* as sharp as my Burris XTRiii 5.5-30x. So... in the end, once I got it actually alongside some other glass where I could go back and forth between one and the next, on the same target at the same time... the DNT ended up looking a lot better than I thought. Guess I'll keep it around for a while longer ;)
XTR Pro edged out the DNT slightly with mirage but not really a scientific study since two different guns and different suppressors albeit same day, time, environment etc. It maybe edged over it into the shadows of trees near dusk at 30 power and 300 yards. Honestly it was close and used my ZCO at 27 as a comparison to both. It was clearly better but not exponentially.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Charles13
So sounds like people like this scope. It’s sharp with good contrast and withstands many repeated shots of a 50 bmg. It has a nice reticle and seems to track well. 25yd parallax. Plus it’s inexpensive.

So, as far as weaknesses, the DNT 7-35 isn’t great during overcast days, especially 20x+, and it’s even worse in low light.

The Zeiss S3 6-36 is both clearer and better at cutting through mirage.

The DNT comes with cheap turret screws that tend to strip.

It doesn’t have numbers on the parallax knob.

Personally, I wish it had locking turrets (at least a covered windage) but oh well.

What about CA? Seems like some saw some, others didn’t.

Eyebox? People say it’s tight at 30-35x, bit that’s to be expected. What I’m wondering is how does the eyebox compare to other scopes at the same mags?

Flare from backlit targets?

LMK if I missed anything.
Mine has numbers on the parallax, was this missing on yours?
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0455.jpeg
    IMG_0455.jpeg
    463.1 KB · Views: 22
  • Like
Reactions: Charles13
Someone asked for reticle pics. Here's a very quick one I just took. I don't have any other scopes that the full tree is illuminated like this one.

I just mounted mine on a CZ 457 MTR, I have a NightForce NX8 4-32 on my Vudoo 22. I'm anxious to compare since the NF is super clear and the best scope I have look through, but I don't have any $3K plus scopes. Mine are bench guns so far.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0454.jpeg
    IMG_0454.jpeg
    105.2 KB · Views: 32
  • Like
Reactions: XP1K and Charles13
I just got back from the first range trip. I'm very impressed. First thing I noticed is it's illumination is brighter that ALL my other "daylight bright" scopes. My brightest is a Nightforce NX8. Glass is very good, no complaints so far. Dials are large and the fonts are large too. I like the offset windage zero line, at 45 degrees where it's easier to see. It's definitely as good as all my other glass. I can't say better, I need to do a side by side with my NF NX8. The center dot is small, as it should be. Parallax adjustment was smooth and easy to adjust. Spot on the 50 and 100 yard marks. I'm not picky but some of my higher price scopes are a bit off, Like my EOTech 5x25. That one is super picky on being adjusted perfect visually, not by the marker (dial). The DNT has a tiny bit of fudge factor. It's heavy but it's on a benchrest gun. I do not think it was designed for backpacking.

I might just let everyone at the next benchrest match have a look and get lot's of eyes on it. A few come by to check my gear anyway. Maybe I'll get to do a side by side on other scopes too. We do have friendly folks at the local rimfire bench match.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0451.jpeg
    IMG_0451.jpeg
    484.1 KB · Views: 30
  • image0.jpeg
    image0.jpeg
    465.9 KB · Views: 30
I compared the DNT to Nightforce. It wins definitely on illumination brightness and eye box. Clarity perhaps the Nightforce has a slight edge but it's hardly noticeable if at all. This is a true winner for $600!

CZ grouping is on the right, Vudoo on left. Vudoo is grouping better. From the bottom 2 shot group, then 3, amd then 5.
I was going back and forth between scopes and guns. It was much easier to acquire sight picture with the DNT, Nightforce is noticeably tighter eye box. Yes, I was surprised. This was in an indoor range, not the best lighting.
Next I plan to shoot in daylight and do the same type compare.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0482.jpeg
    IMG_0482.jpeg
    524.4 KB · Views: 20
  • IMG_0484.jpeg
    IMG_0484.jpeg
    213.2 KB · Views: 19
I compared the DNT to Nightforce. It wins definitely on illumination brightness and eye box. Clarity perhaps the Nightforce has a slight edge but it's hardly noticeable if at all. This is a true winner for $600!

CZ grouping is on the right, Vudoo on left. Vudoo is grouping better. From the bottom 2 shot group, then 3, amd then 5.
I was going back and forth between scopes and guns. It was much easier to acquire sight picture with the DNT, Nightforce is noticeably tighter eye box. Yes, I was surprised. This was in an indoor range, not the best lighting.
Next I plan to shoot in daylight and do the same type compare.
What model CZ is that with the DNT on it... I really like it. Did it come with that stock on it?

I've been looking for a replacement for my CA Ranger, because a buddy of mine wants to buy it from me, as he's wanting to get a few cans, and he's very old school, and doesn't have anything threaded. Plus, he's shot it a lot, and his daughter has shot it a lot when I've brought it over to their house, and they both love it with the suppressors and subs. I digress... So, nothing wrong with the Ranger, it shoots great, and is quite accurate for what it cost, but he really wants it, and I'm hunting for something higher end than the Ranger for a replacement. But I got to get the replacement before I sell him the Ranger.