Steiner Nighthunter C35 Gen II Thermal Imaging Scope - Model 9525

The Steiner Nighthunter C35 Gen II thermal imaging scope (Model 9525) is a clip-on thermal optic that mounts in front of your existing riflescope, transforming your daytime setup into a capable thermal hunting platform without permanent modification. Whether you're hunting hogs at night, glassing for predators after dark, or conducting tactical training, this compact thermal clip-on lets you switch between your traditional optic and thermal imaging in seconds—no tools, no permanent alterations. At 460 grams and measuring just 120 × 80 × 73 mm, it's built for hunters and shooters who want thermal capability without the bulk or the commitment of a dedicated thermal scope.

The Gen II Nighthunter uses a 640 × 512 thermal sensor with 12-micron pitch and Steiner's Quantum Vision optics—a 35mm F1.0 lens delivering 1x magnification and a 12.5° × 10.03° field of view at 100 meters. That sensor resolution is the real workhorse here; it gives you the thermal detail to identify game and targets at hunting distances even in complete darkness or heavy fog. The 9-hour NETD (noise equivalent temperature difference) means the scope renders stable, clear images of warm targets against cooler backgrounds—critical for picking out a coyote in brush or a hog in timber. The software is designed for speed: automatic calibration, fast target acquisition, and intelligent image processing that keeps moving targets crisp, not smeared.

Ruggedness is built in. The housing is Steiner's legendary Makrolon polycarbonate—tested for drop, recoil, weather, and field abuse. An included hand strap keeps the scope secure and comfortable during extended scanning or stalking. The battery is user-replaceable, and the scope ships with a functional carrier bag for transport and storage. You get a 2-year warranty backing the craftsmanship. The Nighthunter C35 Gen II isn't the lightest thermal on the market, but it's one of the most portable clip-on options available, and the optical quality and sensor clarity justify the real estate on your rail.

This is a purpose-built tool for hunters, tactical shooters, and field operators who value the flexibility of a clip-on—the ability to keep your daytime optic, glass, and zeros intact while adding thermal capability when conditions or game demand it.

Key Features

• 640 × 512 thermal sensor (12-micron pitch) for detailed heat signature capture
• Quantum Vision 35mm F1.0 optics with 1x magnification
• Compact, lightweight clip-on design (460g) mounts in front of existing scopes
• Fast, automatic calibration and intelligent image processing
• 9-hour NETD for stable thermal performance in darkness and poor visibility
• Legendary Steiner Makrolon housing—tested for extreme conditions and recoil
• User-replaceable battery and comfortable hand strap
• Functional carrier bag included for transport and protection

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Nighthunter C35 Gen II on any riflescope?

Yes. The Nighthunter C35 Gen II is a clip-on thermal optic designed to attach in front of your existing riflescope. It mounts via standard Picatinny rail clip mechanism, so it works with most hunting and tactical scopes without modification.

What's included in the box?

The scope comes with a user-replaceable battery, a comfortable hand strap for extended scanning, and a functional carrier bag for safe transport and field storage.

Is this thermal scope suitable for hunting at night?

Yes. With a 640 × 512 sensor, 35mm F1.0 optics, and a 9-hour NETD, the Nighthunter C35 Gen II is designed to detect and identify warm targets (game, predators) in complete darkness or low-light conditions—ideal for nighttime hunting, predator calling, and tactical training scenarios.

Can I switch between thermal and my regular scope quickly?

Yes. The clip-on design allows seamless attachment and detachment without tools or permanent modifications, so you can transition between thermal and optical viewing in seconds to match your hunting conditions.