PARD DS35 70mm 850nm LRF 2K Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope

In a market saturated with mid- to high-end digital night vision optics, the PARD DS35 stands out as a compelling outlier - offering a surprising suite of advanced features typically found in devices twice the price. Built with serious shooters in mind, from nocturnal pest controllers to long-range hunters, the DS35 combines a powerful 70mm objective lens, high-resolution imaging, an integrated laser rangefinder, and a durable, shooter-friendly design that punches well above its weight class.

 

 

 

At the heart of the DS35 lies its 70mm focal length lens, which plays a defining role in the scope’s optical character. Focal length in a rifle scope essentially governs the level of native magnification and determines how far and how clearly the scope can see. With 70mm of reach, the DS35 offers significantly greater magnification compared to the more commonly found 50mm or 60mm optics in this price tier. This makes it particularly well-suited to medium- to long-range shooting environments where clarity at distance is non-negotiable - think open farmland, expansive pastures, or long shooting lanes.

In practical terms, this means that target detail at ranges beyond 200 meters remains impressively sharp, even without relying heavily on digital zoom. For hunters or pest controllers engaging foxes, rabbits, or deer at night, the extra reach and optical clarity can mean the difference between guessing and knowing. However, it’s worth noting that a longer focal length inherently reduces field of view, making it slightly more challenging to use in tight or heavily wooded areas. Shooters working in such environments may prefer a wider FOV for situational awareness, but the DS35's optical strength lies firmly in long-range identification and precision shooting.

 

Field of view (FOV) refers to how much of the landscape or scene is visible through the scope at a given distance, usually expressed in meters at 100 meters or in degrees. In digital optics, there's always a trade-off between magnification and FOV - the higher the magnification, the narrower the visible area. The PARD DS35, by virtue of its 70mm lens, naturally exhibits a more restricted FOV than models with wider-angle or shorter focal length lenses.

This tighter field of view can feel constrictive in certain conditions, particularly when attempting to track fast-moving targets or scan large areas. In dense woodland, for example, acquiring a target quickly might be more cumbersome than with a scope offering a wider visual window. However, the narrower FOV is a calculated compromise. In return, shooters gain the ability to see and identify distant targets with a level of clarity that wider-angle scopes simply can’t match. For users prioritising accuracy over speed, such as those shooting from static positions or high seats, the DS35's narrower field of view becomes a strength rather than a limitation.

 

 

 

 

One of the most striking aspects of the DS35 is its digital resolution. Armed with a 2K sensor (2560x1440), this scope delivers an image that’s not only sharper but more detailed than traditional 1080p night vision optics. In practice, this means crisper outlines, more nuanced contrast, and better target identification - especially crucial when light is scarce and every visual cue counts.

High resolution becomes particularly important during digital zoom, where image degradation is usually a concern. With a 2K base resolution, the DS35 can digitally magnify the image with less noticeable pixelation than its lower-res competitors. This is especially beneficial in real-world hunting conditions where identifying a target’s size, behavior, or exact species at range can influence ethical shooting decisions. Whether distinguishing between a fox and a domestic animal at 250 meters or spotting the twitch of a rabbit’s ear in moonlight, the clarity offered by the DS35’s imaging system is a notable upgrade over older digital night vision platforms.

 

 

To make the most of its night vision capabilities, the DS35 employs an onboard infrared (IR) illuminator operating at 850nm. This wavelength is just above the range of human vision, but unlike the more covert 940nm options, it does emit a slight red glow at the source. While this may be visible to particularly cautious or pressured animals at close range, the trade-off is raw performance. The 850nm IR provides significantly greater range and intensity, making it ideal for spotting and engaging targets well beyond 300 meters in total darkness.

For most users - particularly those shooting from fixed positions or in environments where stealth is secondary to range - the illumination strength of the 850nm emitter is a huge asset. The beam can be adjusted in intensity and angle, ensuring that it can be fine-tuned to suit different ambient light levels or distances. In essence, the DS35 prioritises visibility and reach over subtlety, aligning well with its long-range design ethos.

 

 

Perhaps the most impressive and practical feature of the DS35 is its built-in laser rangefinder (LRF). Integrated rangefinding is still something of a rarity in this price bracket, and its inclusion here elevates the DS35 from a digital scope to a true precision tool. The LRF provides immediate and accurate distance readings - typically up to 1000 meters with a margin of error within ±1 meter.

In the field, this translates into faster and more confident shooting. Hunters no longer need to rely on estimations or external devices to judge range. With the LRF, shooters can instantly assess whether a target is within ethical shooting distance, adjust their point of aim accordingly, or simply record range data for future reference. Especially when working across varying terrain or dealing with multiple target distances in a single outing, the inclusion of rangefinding functionality dramatically enhances shooter efficiency and confidence.

 

 

The DS35 is housed in a rugged, anodised aluminum body that feels both solid and refined. It is IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, meaning it can handle adverse weather without issue, and it’s shock-rated to withstand recoil from larger calibres up to .308 - making it a viable option for larger game hunters as well as varminters.

Power is supplied by a single 18650 rechargeable battery, offering between six and eight hours of runtime in normal use. For extended sessions, the DS35 also supports external USB-C power banks, adding flexibility for long hunts or surveillance operations. Importantly, the battery is removable, allowing shooters to carry spares and quickly swap them in the field.

The user interface has seen meaningful improvements over previous PARD models, now featuring a rotary dial menu system that simplifies navigation through reticle options, zeroing profiles, IR brightness, and more. The scope also supports onboard video recording via microSD, complete with audio, allowing hunters to document their sessions or review shot placement after the fact.

Reticle options are varied, with multiple styles and colors available to suit personal preferences or changing conditions. Zeroing is straightforward, and the ability to create multiple ballistic profiles makes it easy to switch between rifles or ammunition types without recalibration.

 

 

Digital night vision has evolved rapidly, and the market is now awash with devices promising high-tech features at relatively low prices. Brands like ATN, Pulsar, HIKMICRO, and Sightmark have built reputations around premium optics with extensive software ecosystems. However, many of these scopes climb well past the £1,000 mark - especially when factoring in optional accessories like IR torches, LRFs, or ballistic calculators.

PARD’s approach with the DS35 is markedly different. Rather than segment features across multiple price tiers, PARD has chosen to deliver an all-in-one package at a fraction of the typical cost. With an RRP often under £800, the DS35 represents remarkable value. It combines core features that users would typically have to compromise on - such as rangefinding, high resolution, and long-range IR - into a single, tightly integrated unit.

This pricing strategy opens up advanced night shooting capabilities to a much broader audience, including hobbyist shooters, landowners managing pests, and younger hunters just getting started. In many ways, the DS35 democratises access to quality night vision, shifting the expectations for what a sub-£1000 optic can realistically offer.

 

 

The PARD DS35 70mm 850nm LRF is a standout product in a crowded category, offering a blend of optical power, digital sophistication, and practical usability that few competitors can match - especially at this price point. Its strengths are clear: long-range clarity thanks to the 70mm lens, crisp 2K resolution that enhances target ID, a powerful IR illuminator for full darkness engagement, and a built-in laser rangefinder that eliminates guesswork.

Its limitations, while present, are mostly situational. A narrower field of view makes it less ideal for fast, close-quarters shooting or thick woodland stalking. The 850nm IR may be visible to the sharpest-eyed wildlife at very close range, and the user interface, though improved, still benefits from some acclimation.

Overall, the DS35 is best suited for shooters prioritising range, clarity, and integrated technology. Whether you’re managing a property, reducing pests, or pursuing foxes on open ground, this scope delivers a genuinely premium experience at a fraction of the expected cost. In short, it’s a game-changer for anyone who thought high-performance night vision was out of reach.

 

Purchase the Pard DS35 GEN 2 LRF HERE