Night Vision The Official: Steiner C35 Thermal Clip-on Review and User Thread!

[aslrookie]

Do some calculations on what it costs to purchase 100+ units at even $2k a piece. Takes money to make money (and it is a risk to sit on that much inventory).

Maybe Steiner would have done their $2k sale indefinitely but that’s doubtful as people seemed to be happy paying $3k. In light of that, I think the current situation is favorable for both parties. Without the discount code it’s a little bit of a douche move but with the discount it’s good for everyone

Wrong, they used to be $3k on expert voice. After a month, they dropped to $2k. Now that all the inventory is bought, they can justify “demand” for higher pricing.

I’m not knocking the business decision. I just don’t buy the “good for everyone long term” sales pitch for it. Just call a spade a spade. DRT will make a short term killing on profit margin, units won’t be available until later, and then cost goes up for everyone. That’s the reality.

 

[DownRangeThermal]

Wrong, they used to be $3k on expert voice. After a month, they dropped to $2k. Now that all the inventory is bought, they can justify “demand” for higher pricing.

I’m not knocking the business decision. I just don’t buy the “good for everyone long term” sales pitch for it. Just call a spade a spade. DRT will make a short term killing on profit margin, units won’t be available until later, and then cost goes up for everyone. That’s the reality.

Enough dealers were making a fuss that the 2k blems were finished. Expert voice may have been a different story but that's not available to the masses like this deal is. I respect your opinion though. Bottom line is....This optic is a heck of a deal even at the current 3500 MAP.

 

[jstokes1]

Here's a little comparison of the Voodoo S and the C35. I wanted to use the same day optic, but didn't bring an extra wilcox FTS mount with me. Voodoo was using the EOTech Vudu 1-6x24 and the C35 with the Vortex 1-10x24.

Will the voodoo is much smaller, lighter, and has more realistic image...the cost is high. This C35 is a lot of thermal for the price.

Thermal conditions today were unfavorable with high humidity, rain, wind, and 36⁰ at the time of these photos being taken. I'll post the video this weekend.

 

[blbennett1288]

Anyone have any luck getting an external power source to work on these through USB-C? I tried a 5VDC / 1000mA input output / 2200mAh charger with no success.

 

[DownRangeThermal]

Quick Detach Battery Pack (Universal USB Type A)

The Sightmark Universal Battery Pack is a lightweight (9 oz) device that provides extended use for optics with Universal USB Type A compatibility.

sightmark.com

I've used these pic mount packs with success.

 

[PlinkIt]

I still think a S35 blem would serve me better as a buddy scope, if anyone has one the would like to swap

I might can help ya with that, shoot me a message

 

[GBMaryland]

You guys have an eye piece for the C35?

 

[jstokes1]

Anyone have any luck getting an external power source to work on these through USB-C? I tried a 5VDC / 1000mA input output / 2200mAh charger with no success.

Yep, I did. You have the have the 18650 B in it as well for the battery bank to work. Without the 18560, I couldn't get it to turn on with the battery bank. It will give the notification on the display that the external battery is hooked up.

 

[roostercogburn98]

UPS just left me a gift

 

[Rerun7]

How’s the FOV on these in actual use for something like hog hunting within 25-50yds?

We can usually walk up to them pretty close.

 

[blbennett1288]

How’s the FOV on these in actual use for something like hog hunting within 25-50yds?

We can usually walk up to them pretty close.

This is at ~60 yards and FOV is about 2 of the Toyota Siennas

 

[blbennett1288]

Yep, I did. You have the have the 18650 B in it as well for the battery bank to work. Without the 18560, I couldn't get it to turn on with the battery bank. It will give the notification on the display that the external battery is hooked up.

Okay, so it’ll flash the battery symbol and then flash the plug with prongs. I guess that means it’s running off external power?

 

[PlinkIt]

This is at ~60 yards and FOV is about 2 of the Toyota Siennas

View attachment 7953429

I vote we make the Sienna a standard unit of measurement for thermals

 

[Concrete shooter]

I might can help ya with that, shoot me a message

Sent you a pm

 

[TheHorta]

I would guess $2K is even below cost for Steiner. The fake “blem” thing is used by many manufacturers to liquidate excess inventory and create quick cashflow. Steiner created a minor shitstorm with their blem antics, but I got two units for $4K, so I’m not complaining. I still think the unit is worth $3500 all day long, but it was bad form by Steiner to essentially punish their existing customers by dumping them so cheaply.

But, at the end of the day, we’re not talking about a lot of money here.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Played some today. Kinda humid and rainy so didn’t do much. Had it on my 10.5 sbr, and the Scar16 just for playing sake
Chickens are 36 yards
White wall is range backstop at 200 yards
Little white speck on bottom left is a rabbit at 150 yards

 

[blbennett1288]

I will admit that the photos do not do the actual resolution justice.

House and Toyota Tundra ~65-70yards

Furthest Rooftop ~205yards and tree line ~230yards

Tree line ~295-300 yards

Three power lines poles ~412-415 yards

Three pigeons about 112-115yards on power lines

 

[WhereNow&How]

I will admit that the photos do not do the actual resolution justice.

Dang, those photos are extremely good. That unit must really look spectacular through the lens.

 

[cake5150]

Today I got to zero the C35 on the last gun I intend to use it with for now, a 10.5" 300 Blk AR. This one wound up needing 1
click left adjustment but elevation was still +2 like the other five guns I've zeroed the C35 on. Function was flawless on this one as well.

I also found a feature today that I didn't think this model had that is VERY handy for using as a scanner. The PIP function gives you a small magnified image of the centerish of the FOV and, due to its smart placement, does not interfere with clip-on use. I kept thinking that having a digital zoom function on this would make it a lot more useful for handheld scanning (even though that was not this model's intended use), so I was thrilled when I accidentally discovered this today. I will be keeping PIP on from here out. This just keeps getting better, everyone needs one of these

 

[WhereNow&How]

I would guess $2K is even below cost for Steiner. The fake “blem” thing is used by many manufacturers to liquidate excess inventory and create quick cashflow. Steiner created a minor shitstorm with their blem antics, but I got two units for $4K, so I’m not complaining. I still think the unit is worth $3500 all day long, but it was bad form by Steiner to essentially punish their existing customers by dumping them so cheaply.

But, at the end of the day, we’re not talking about a lot of money here.

If they really wanted to gin up some sales they could start dumping some FP Dbal A3 50/50/50 or 50/50/200 units on the market.

I'm sure where there is a will, there could be a way.

 

[jwramp]

I kept thinking that having a digital zoom function on this would make it a lot more useful for handheld scanning (even though that was not this model's intended use), so I was thrilled when I accidentally discovered this today. I will be keeping PIP on from here out. This just keeps getting better, everyone needs one of these

you can also hold the up button to digital zoom the screen if you want -

 

[srt-4_uk]

The manual is a lie. I thought the same thing a few pages back.

 

[jwramp]

The manual is a lie. I thought the same thing a few pages back.

Yeah you’re right. All the other functions from that chart seem to work on mine, but not the digital zoom. Must be for their scope version, not the clipon.

And the app is actually pretty usable, as contrasted with my experience with the iRay one being pretty frustrating. Real easy to stream or download photos/videos.

 

[Totdoc]

This is at ~60 yards and FOV is about 2 of the Toyota Siennas

View attachment 7953429

 

[PlinkIt]

Take this as an initial perspective from someone who has dedicated thermal units and has used i2 clip on units

I was thinking about buying a thermal Clip-on (albeit I was looking at larger objective units), but I couldn't resist what steiner did here...

I did with this as I do with most things...
Open and try to use it without reading the manual, just to see if it's intuitive enough I can hand it to a buddy that tags along
Seems very functional and relatively straight forward to use. Nice that it has a shutter given how far out front the objective sits, and that's one less thing I have to explain to a new buddy.
Seems to have enough depth of field to cover making shots over any distance I'd be in a hurry to make... so I imagine this will be a set it to a range that I can manage shots from 25-200 and just forget it's up there... it won't be in perfect focus by any means on the close or far end of the expected range but if a helmet unit / spotter had already made positive id that its a "shoot" then initial impression would be that there is enough image to put shots on target across a wide range of distances.

I find the PiP function more functional than expected even when on the rifle. At 1x it gives me a little window to help id and if I zoom up to 4x or better it basically disappears from view

I threw it in front of a Burris 1-8 just to look around, and my first thought is I'm not sure I need more than about 4-5x to do what I plan with this thing.
Now I need to find / purchase a super short 1-4 / 1-6 scope for a couple rifles and this should be a nice fit

I will say my dedicated thermal night rifle does handle better to me than this thing but it does make for an easy cross over rifle from day to night

 

[blbennett1288]

@PlinkIt I agree with all your points.

It really shines from 1 to 4 magnification in my opinion. You can use 5-10 but the FOV becomes very narrow and at 8-10 the image really starts to pixalate.

From point blank to ~100 yards the focus adjustments are substantial. 100-200 is minimal and after 200 it’s just fine tuning.

I thought I recorded a video last night, but I must not have held down the right button long enough. I was observing some does at 300-350 yards. I felt comfortable with the resolution for identification and recognition (to make sure it wasn’t someone’s dog or dogs) to take a shot on game (hog/coyote) at that range if needed. I backed up to about 375-400 and still felt confident. I honestly think with x4 you can identify and recognize game at least to 400 yards, if not further.

 

[roostercogburn98]

I will admit that the photos do not do the actual resolution justice.

House and Toyota Tundra ~65-70yards
View attachment 7953739

Furthest Rooftop ~205yards and tree line ~230yards
View attachment 7953740
Tree line ~295-300 yards
View attachment 7953742
Three power lines poles ~412-415 yards
View attachment 7953760
Three pigeons about 112-115yards on power lines
View attachment 7953763

Humidity and rain really change the pic quality. Seeing your pics here, I can’t wait for our weather to change so I can get some good clear views like this.

 

[blbennett1288]

Humidity and rain really change the pic quality. Seeing your pics here, I can’t wait for our weather to change so I can get some good clear views like this.

Might be a bandwidth issue on your end?

 

[roostercogburn98]

Might be a bandwidth issue on your end?

Maybe, I was using my phone hotspot but very likely could be. Maybe I’ll try from the house when my phone is connected to house wifi

 

[blbennett1288]

Maybe, I was using my phone hotspot but very likely could be. Maybe I’ll try from the house when my phone is connected to house wifi

Yeah that’s what I do. I wait until I am home and transfer them, but the quality still isn’t as good as in person

 

[roostercogburn98]

Yeah that’s what I do. I wait until I am home and transfer them, but the quality still isn’t as good as in person

Yeah the image while looking through is dang good. I’m impressed with it from what little I played yesterday. I’ll wait until I’m at the house and see how it does

 

[roostercogburn98]

@blbennett1288
Went back to the shop to play with it some more. Adjusted the brightness settings and played with image menu. Got some much better pics today.
Barn is 267 yards
Wood line is 343

 

[blbennett1288]

Alright, I tested out the C35 on two (2) different rifles today. An ATX in 6.5CM with NF ATACR 7-35 and a SPR in 223 with a NF 4-16.

When I arrived at the range it started raining heavily and the humidity was bad after. There were some bad photos during that time but I can’t tell if they weren’t in focus or if there was movement. I am not going to post those, because they certainly weren't indicative of what I saw through the scope.

I checked zero without the C35 with three rounds. Then put the C35 on and sent 2-3 rounds downrange at 100 yards. I used aluminum foil for the thermal, which did not work well in the shade but worked really well in direct sunlight. Anyway, my zero with the C35 was 0 windage and 4 elevation in both the ATX and SPR. It was kinda a crude zero and could use some further fine tuning.

After zero I sent about 10 rounds downrange with the ATX from 200 - 310 yards. That’s as far as I got. The seven (7) power on the low end really hinders you.

Next up was the 223 SPR. I was able to consistently make impacts at 210, 310, 390, and 440 yards on 2moa targets. I was able to clean the plate rack at 310, but had issues on the plate rack at 390. I got hits on the 1moa target at 440 but it was difficult. I ran the ATACR from 4-6 power and was really impressed. I had problems seeing the 515 yard targets and did not attempt to engage. Those targets were in the shade and I assume were the same temperature as the background.

 

[m1ajunkie]

Alright, I tested out the C35 on two (2) different rifles today. An ATX in 6.5CM with NF ATACR 7-35 and a SPR in 223 with a NF 4-16.

View attachment 7954275
View attachment 7954276

When I arrived at the range it started raining heavily and the humidity was bad after. There were some bad photos during that time but I can’t tell if they weren’t in focus or if there was movement. I am not going to post those, because they certainly weren't indicative of what I saw through the scope.

I checked zero without the C35 with three rounds. Then put the C35 on and sent 2-3 rounds downrange at 100 yards. I used aluminum foil for the thermal, which did not work well in the shade but worked really well in direct sunlight. Anyway, my zero with the C35 was 0 windage and 4 elevation in both the ATX and SPR. It was kinda a crude zero and could use some further fine tuning.

After zero I sent about 10 rounds downrange with the ATX from 200 - 310 yards. That’s as far as I got. The seven (7) power on the low end really hinders you.

Next up was the 223 SPR. I was able to consistently make impacts at 210, 310, 390, and 440 yards on 2moa targets. I was able to clean the plate rack at 310, but had issues on the plate rack at 390. I got hits on the 1moa target at 440 but it was difficult. I ran the ATACR from 4-6 power and was really impressed. I had problems seeing the 515 yard targets and did not attempt to engage. Those targets were in the shade and I assume were the same temperature as the background.

View attachment 7954313
View attachment 7954316
View attachment 7954318

This was all daytime shooting, correct?

 

[blbennett1288]

This was all daytime shooting, correct?

Correct, today from 10-11:45

 

[jstokes1]

Took a bunch of video and images through the unit (the internal recording feature is damn nice).

What I have found is that you need to modify the image settings to get an optimal image. From all footage/images that I had seen in the past, I was not at all impressed with the image quality. Now that I actually have one for myself and have played with the settings to see what the dynamic range is, I am thoroughly impressed.


The settings for my environment that I have found to be ideal are: display brightness at 40%, brightness at 60%(this is different than the display brightness), contrast at 10-30%, and the sharpness setting in the "off" position (I find that it degrades the image). I have also discovered that the contrast is indirectly proportional to the sharpness...so as you increase contrast you decrease how fine the image is. When you decrease the contrast to the lowest level (10%), the image gets VERY sharp and produces an aura around objects that are producing/holding significant thermal signatures. All of this is done without actually changing sharpness setting.


Anyway, here's some images comparing how the unit came (contrast at 100% for reference), and my modified settings. I'll let you decide which one looks more functional. Oh, and then one taken of a deer at a contrast of 10%.

 

[Trapper99]

Took a bunch of video and images through the unit (the internal recording feature is damn nice).

What I have found is that you need to modify the image settings to get an optimal image. From all footage/images that I had seen in the past, I was not at all impressed with the image quality. Now that I actually have one for myself and have played with the settings to see what the dynamic range is, I am thoroughly impressed.


The settings for my environment that I have found to be ideal are: display brightness at 40%, brightness at 60%(this is different than the display brightness), contrast at 10-30%, and the sharpness setting in the "off" position (I find that it degrades the image). I have also discovered that the contrast is indirectly proportional to the sharpness...so as you increase contrast you decrease how fine the image is. When you decrease the contrast to the lowest level (10%), the image gets VERY sharp and produces an aura around objects that are producing/holding significant thermal signatures. All of this is done without actually changing sharpness setting.


Anyway, here's some images comparing how the unit came (contrast at 100% for reference), and my modified settings. I'll let you decide which one looks more functional. Oh, and then one taken of a deer at a contrast of 10%.

Thanks for that...I'll try messing with the contrast on mine. It's always been pegged at 100%, and when I quickly lowered it I thought "that's not good" and bumped it back up. Never occurred to try messing with the other settings to bring the contrast back in a different way.

And yes, I've found the same with the sharpness. Not worth using.

 

[jwramp]

So who do we start emailing to get them to update the firmware with an option to hide or move the battery indicator so it's not almost centered up in the screen? Only gripe so far

 

[cake5150]

So who do we start emailing to get them to update the firmware with an option to hide or move the battery indicator so it's not almost centered up in the screen? Only gripe so far

I was in the same boat until I used it weapon mounted for quite a while. Then I appreciated its placement since I can still see it up to like ~6x (IIRC). I wouldn't complain if there was an option for the battery indicator to be "adaptive" where it only shows up briefly when there is some incremental change in battery state or when a button is pressed. That would be ideal, IMHO, but I can't say that I really dislike it as-is.

I was just out looking around with it as a hand-held here where humidity is currently 100% after fairly constant rain for the last several hours. Even in these poor conditions, the image is extremely good and I was able to clearly track and count geese a couple hundred yards away. I cannot overstate how happy I am with the PIP function for scanning purposes. The fact that it does not impede magnified viewing with a standard height day optic, and therefore does not even need disabled before attaching to a gun, makes it even more of a no-brainer for me to just leave it on. The amount of utility and enjoyment I'm getting out of this device so far is wildly disproportionate to its cost compared to basically every other NV/thermal device I've owned or used. Steiner really knocked this one out of the park as far as I can tell. The C35 is certainly not replacing my PVS-27, but it has a LOT more versatility and therefore has seen more use lately.

 

[Doogie]

Bluetooth or just the wifi connection? My Bluetooth is enabled either way but there’s only a wifi connection for the C35.

Keep getting this:

In case anyone else runs into the same problem, found a solution: Turn off cell service.

Remembered a wifi drain cam that I bought and turning off the cell service icon from the drop down screen was the only way to connect. Not sure if it’s particular to my iPhone but works like a charm now.

Guessing given the C35 isn’t providing internet service the phone keeps using cell service. So it ends up quasi connecting to where I could adjust settings but video streaming would not work.

Turn this off:

 

[roostercogburn98]

Thanks, I didn't know the answer for the defender caps.

FYSA, my mount was loose when I received my C35. I noticed it was moving around when I got to the range. Probably just a fluke but something that happened to me.

Did you figure you mount out. Mine is loose as well. The four screws on the bottom are tight though

 

[PlinkIt]

How many of you picked up both the c35 & the s35 to compare?
Wondering if I should skip even opening the s35 that's inbound to try trading for another c35 as I'm initially very happy with the c35 and a lpvo capability

Wondering what observations those of you with both have made

I feel like this thing really does just need a super short 1-4 / 1/6 of some kind. I don't even know if such a thing exists though?...

 

[srt-4_uk]

I have both and really like the S35

S35 weighs less than the C35 and scope
S35 has a very usable digital zoom
S35 is much easier to focus
S35 doesn't need a bridge or long top rail

 

[stefan73]

Did you figure you mount out. Mine is loose as well. The four screws on the bottom are tight though

Yes, pretty easy to separate and tighten. Next time I'll remember the blue loctite.

 

[roostercogburn98]

For those that are interested and eligible for expert voice, they still had S35s listed available as of today

 

[mjdelaney]

For those that are interested and eligible for expert voice, they still had S35s listed available as of today

Yeah, that deal is hard to pass up with the $500 mail in rebate on top of it. I've seen some negative reviews about it not holding zero at different zoom levels? To be honest I've had a hard time finding any good reviews on the s35. Do you guys think its worth it? If it holds zero then it sounds like a steal.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Yeah, that deal is hard to pass up with the $500 mail in rebate on top of it. I've seen some negative reviews about it not holding zero at different zoom levels? To be honest I've had a hard time finding any good reviews on the s35. Do you guys think its worth $1500? If it holds zero then it sounds like a steal.

Haven’t used the S35 so can’t help there sorry. I had planned to shoot with the C35 today, but some equipment maintenance is taking longer than expected.

Is the expert voice version version eligible for the rebate? I haven’t looked into that

 

[mjdelaney]

Haven’t used the S35 so can’t help there sorry. I had planned to shoot with the C36 today, but some equipment maintenance is taking longer than expected.

Is the expert voice version version eligible for the rebate? I haven’t looked into that

The rebate should work for expert voice, there is a reviewer on there saying he got the rebate as well.

 

[Doogie]

Haven’t used the S35 so can’t help there sorry. I had planned to shoot with the C36 today, but some equipment maintenance is taking longer than expected.

Is the expert voice version version eligible for the rebate? I haven’t looked into that

I just got denied for the C35 EV purchase, so I kind of doubt it is.

Edit for future readers: I messed up on the application so hopefully works.

 

[CA48]

Mounted the S35 on my tikka with a extended rear base from mountain tactical. And my bolt was hitting the nut, couldn’t cycle it reward so I had to take it off and put a standard no5 0.5 nut on to get it to clear. Still hits the bolt slightly when running it fast but works fine. If the nuts were on the left side or I had it mounted farther forward with a standard rail it wouldn’t have it issues. Anyone know if there is a quick release mount that will fit this, it would be a lot easier and might clear the bolt. I didn’t see one on the website or google?