Eotech

Choosing the Best EOTech for AR-15

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eotech-logoChoosing the best EOTech holographic sight is not a simple task at all. EOTech designs and markets electro-optic products. They produce weapon sights for small arms, including AR-15 rifles. Primarily, EOTech manufactures holographic weapons sights.

As the first company to create holographic sights, EOTech solved the problem of wavelength instability that was exhibited by laser diodes. The sights they developed, achromatic holographic optics, compensate for any change in the emission wavelength of the laser diode with temperature. Designed to be mounted on small arms, they offer better visibility and assist in aiming.

Contenders for the Best EOTech for AR-15

EOTech Technology

Unlike reflector sights, EOTech holographic sights do not use a reflected reticle system, instead a reticle is recorded in three-dimensional space onto holographic film as a part of the optical viewing window.

This reticle uses collimated light and has an aim-point that can move with eye position. Since a laser is used as the light source the aiming reticle can be an infinitely small dot, for someone with 20/20 vision the dot can appear at about 1MoA. It’s also easy to shoot with both eyes open.

As compensation for any change in the laser wavelength, EOTech sights employ a holography grating that disperses the light in the opposite direction, resulting in a reticle that is stable despite any change in temperature.

500-series Holographic Sights

Preview
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
EOTECH 552 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 512
EOTech 552
Weight
11.5 oz
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
33 Ft
More Information
Click For Price
Click For Price
Preview
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 512
Weight
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
More Information
Click For Price
Preview
EOTECH 552 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 552
Weight
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
33 Ft
More Information
Click For Price

The EOTech 512 and 552 models are your starting point for holographic sights in the EOTech line. And, they are probably all you need.

Lets start with what these two sights have in common: Both take two AA batteries and last 1,000 continuous hours (on a lithium batter). Dimension-ally they are the same. And, both sights weigh in at 11.5 oz. The 500-series weighs less than half of some variable magnification scopes, which can weigh-in at well over 20 oz.

They also feature the same A65 reticle, which is great for accuracy and fast target acquisition. The reticle has a tiny 1 MOA red dot in the center for precision shots, and a 65 MOA outer ring for getting on target faster at closer distances.

The advantage of the 552 over the 512 model is night vision compatibility and weather-proofing. The 512 is not night-vision ready. The 552 is. And, the 552 is water proof down to 30 ft vs the 512’s water resistance to 10 ft.

Between the two I would go with the EOTech 512 A65 model. Go with the 552 if you plan to use night vision, or need the extra weatherproofing.

XPS-Series Holographic Sights

Preview
EOTECH XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
EOTech XPS3 Military Holosight
Title
EOTech XPS2
EOTech XPS2
Weight
9 oz
9 oz
Length | Width | Height
3.8” x 2.1” x 2.5”
3.8” x 2.1” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
600
600
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
33 ft
More Information
Click For Price
Click For Price
Preview
EOTECH XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech XPS2
Weight
9 oz
Length | Width | Height
3.8” x 2.1” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
600
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
More Information
Click For Price
Preview
EOTech XPS3 Military Holosight
Title
EOTech XPS2
Weight
9 oz
Length | Width | Height
3.8” x 2.1” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
600
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
33 ft
More Information
Click For Price

While stepping up slightly, the XPS2 and XPS3 models mostly fall in line with the 500-series. The XPS2 being the lower-end version without night vision capability. The XPS3 also has the better weather-proofing you see in the EOTech 552.

What stands out about the XPS-series is their size and weight. They are much smaller and lighter than the 512 and 552. This could be a major advantage if you are likely to be in high stress situations at close quarters – like you might in law enforcement.

That weight and size advantage will cost you 400 hours of battery life on a single charge (down from 1,000 continuous hours to 600 hours). This may not be an issue if you regularly swap-out your batteries, but keep it in mind.

The XPS line is also more expensive, with the XPS3 running about 25% more expensive than the 552.

Conclusion

EOTech has been producing superior sights for years. Their holographic technology will keep you accurate at longer distances, and get you on target faster as short distances. Just like red dot sights. Making it perfect for close range use.

The sights they design and market are often superior in many aspects, an excellent product for use with any gun – the AR-15 especially.

All of the sights made by EOTech are excellent, but the best holographic sight for the money is the EOTech 512 Holographic Sight. It’s a solid sight that delivers. It might be missing a few of the features of the 552 or the XPS-line, but you may not need the extra bells and whistles. Unless you have a special need, go with the 512. You won’t be disappointed.

EOTech 552 Review: Night Vision Ready Holographic Sight

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The EOTech 552 with A65 reticle is a solid, night vision compatible, holographic sight. It’s an upgraded version of the 512 model, EOTech’s most popular holographic sight. Is this sight worth the money? Following along with this EOTech 552 Review as we dive into its features and how it stacks up against the competition. Check it out!

EOTech 552 Holographic Sight
EOTech 552 Holographic Sight
  • EOTECH 552.A65 - Holographic Weapon Sight in black with 68MOA ring & 1 MOA dot reticle
  • Night Vision Compatible - Works with all Gen 1-3 night vision devices
  • Mount - Compatible with both 1" Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails
  • Water Resistant - The 552 is water resistant to 33ft (10m)
  • EOTECH HWS Prestige Warranty - Comes with 10 year limited warranty
Click For Price

Reticle

The EOtech 552 A65 1 Holographic Sight features the same A65/1 reticle pattern as the model 512. This is a good thing for a few reasons. Here is a breakdown of the A65’s 3 components:

  1. Tiny 1 MOA aiming dot in the center for precise aiming.
  2. Large 65 MOA outside ring for quick target acquisition.
  3. Four quadrant ticks at cardinal points for leveling.

It’s common for red dot sights to have a 2 MOA dot in the center. This larger dot is more noticeable than the 1 MOA of the 552 model. Meaning, you can line up the dot with your target faster.

The 552 takes a different approach. It uses the smaller center to get tighter groupings. About 1″ at 100 yards for the 552 vs 2″ grouping for a 2 MOA red dot. What you have lost in target acquisition speed you make up for tighter precision.

EOTech made up for the loss in acquisition speed by adding the 65 MOA outside circle. It’s very easy to see. Much easier than the 2 MOA dot. So, at closer ranges, your eye will pick up the target much faster.

With the A65/1 reticle you get the best of both worlds. Pick up your target faster at close range, and more precise targeting at long ranges.

Field of View & Brightness

This sight has a field of view of 30 yards at a 4” inch eye relief and features 30 scrolling brightness settings, ten of which are for night vision usage.

The brightness adjustment range is 146,000:1 at its brightest and lowest, respectively. With the NV switch engaged, night vision compatibility is 1280:1.

Weight, Dimensions & Build

The sight itself has dimensions of 5.6” x 2” x 2.5” with a window dimension of 1.2” x 0.85”, and weighs in at 11.5 ounces. The front window is made of 1/8” inch solid glass while the rear window is composed of 3/16” inches of shatter-resistant laminate.

The display window’s optical surfaces have anti-glare coating.

This EOtech sight was specifically designed for close combat and versatility. It is made of aluminum and is easy to mount without tools thanks to its knobbed bolt.

Battery

The EOtech 552’s battery will last 1,000 continuous hours of nominal use via lithium batteries and 600 continuous hours of use via alkaline (at brightness setting 12). The power source uses two 1.5-volt AA batteries and accepts lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable batteries.

When you fire this thing up, it automatically flashes a battery check indicator reticle.

Weatherproofing

It’s waterproof and submersible up to 33 feet while also sealed for fog-proof internal optics. This is another upgrade from the 512, which is only waterproof to 10 feet.

All electronics used in this device are encased in a shock absorbent resin.

While in operation, it can withstand a temperature range of -20 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, but while in storage, the sight can handle a temperature range of -40 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Parallax Free

The optics use parrallax-free transmission holography for minimal work to get a clear shot. The EOtech 552 has a 1x magnification to get even more target accuracy.

EOTech 552 vs 512

Preview
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
EOTECH 552 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 512
EOTech 552
Weight
11.5 oz
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
33 Ft
More Information
Click For Price
Click For Price
Preview
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 512
Weight
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
More Information
Click For Price
Preview
EOTECH 552 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 552
Weight
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
33 Ft
More Information
Click For Price

The 552 and 512 are great for close quarter battle or ranges out to 600 yards (with magnifier). Both EOtech products mount on Weaver or Picatinny rails. They both run on AA alkaline or lithium batteries.

The major advantage of the 552 over the 512 model is night vision compatibility. The better weather sealing is nice, but you, unless you know you will need it, weather resistance of the 512 is fine.

If you will be using night vision in the future go with 552. It will definitely be worth the additional cost.

Conclusion

All of these great features make the EOtech 552.A65 to be a formidable weapon sight in the right hands. After all, this sight has been standardized by the DEA, ATF, and FBI SWAT team and has been used as a top choice of military units like the Stryker Brigade and 3rd Infantry.

The 552 holds its own in the market. The cost of this rugged sight is well worth the features it boasts as a high end product. Whether used for hunting targets at the range or game in the wilds, this sight will help its users keep their aim true regardless of experience.

EOTech 512 Review: The Tactical Holographic Weapons Sight

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The world of holographic red dot sights is an exciting one. One look at the EOTech 512 and you will see why. Its drool-worthy A65 reticle will get you on target fast – without sacrificing precision. Pair it with a 3-5x magnifier to hit your target where you want at most distances.

Sale
EOTech 512 Holographic Sight
EOTech 512 Holographic Sight
  • EOTECH 512.A65 - Holographic Weapon Sight in Back with 68MOA ring & 1 MOA dot reticle
  • Mount - Compatible with both 1" Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails
  • Adjustable Brightness - The 512 has 20 brightness settings for use in any lighting scenario
  • Water Resistant - The 512 is water resistant to 10 feet (3m)
  • EOTECH HWS Prestige Warranty - Comes with 10 year limited warranty
Click For Price

This sight fits in at the lower end of EOTech’s holographic sight product line. Not to say the 512 isn’t a great sight – it is. It just doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles the others have. Some sights are smaller and lighter than the 512. Others are night-vision ready. If you don’t feel like paying for these extra features, the 512 is a fantastic sight at a solid price.

Let’s break the 512 down feature-by-feature:

Reticle

The EOTech 512 A65 features a 1 MOA aiming dot inside a 65 MOA circle reticle. Some versions come with the 68 MOA circle reticle. This is known as A65/1 reticle pattern, which is made up of 3 parts:

  • 1 MOA dot centered on the outside ring.
  • Large outside ring with 65 MOA (Minutes of Angle)
  • 4 quadrant ticks at the North, South, East and West points of the outside ring

The 1 MOA dot is about half the diameter of the 2 MOA dot found in your typical red dot sight. The smaller dot gives you more precise targeting – pretty handy at longer-ranges. However, it’s not as easy to find as the 2 MOA dot. This slows down your target acquisition a bit.

This is where the outer ring becomes important. It’s a large circle, which makes it very easy to see, and gets you on-target fast. This is a great optic for close quarter combat situations you would expect in law enforcement.

It’s the best of both worlds with the outer circle for fast target acquisition and the 1 MOA center dot for precision. You should be set up to 200 yards. Add in a magnifier and you could take that out to 600 yards.

Field of View

It has a field of view of 30 yards at a 4” eye relief so this offers a great visibility.  The brightness range starts at 110,000 at its brightest to 1 at the lowest. There are 20 different settings so you can control the brightness at any time according to your needs.

Night Vision

The 512 isn’t night vision compatible. However, its big brother, the EOTech 552, does work with night vision. If night vision compatibility is a must-have feature for you, the 552 is a worthwhile upgrade.

Weight & Dimensions

First, we will talk about the size of this model. The dimensions are 5.4”X2”X2.5” inches and weighs 10.1 ounces. The optical surfaces have an anti-glare coating and the window dimensions were 1.20” X 0.85” inches and the front window material was made from 1/8” solid glass and the rear window is made of shatter resistant laminate that is 3/16” thick. The unit itself is made from strong aluminum hood assembly and a very easy to used knobbed mountain kit.

Battery Life

It supports lithium and alkaline batteries. Go with lithium whenever possible. Lithium battery life is over 1,000+ continuous hours at nominal setting 12 and 600 hours using alkaline batteries. When you turn on your model 512, which takes two AA batteries, it will automatically show you how much battery you have left. It’s good practice to change your batteries regularly, even if you haven’t used your sight. Then you know it will work when you need it.

Water Proof and Fog Proof

The EOTech 512 is waterproof and is submersible up to 10 feet, so if you ever drop your it in a puddle, you can be rest assured that the scope will keep on working.  It can also able to withstand temperatures from -40 to 140 degrees F.

It also has internal fog proof optics to help keep fog to a minimum so you are looking through clear glass – no matter the weather.

Parallax Free

The optics are parallax free so you will never have to center your scope and you will always get a clear shot of the item you are going to shoot at.  The magnification level on this unit is 1X so you will be able to get even closer to whatever you are shooting at whether it is an animal or target.  You will be able to rail mount your scope onto any hand gun or shot gun with ease and onto interfaces to 1” Picatinny or Weaver Rail.

EOTech 512 vs 552

Preview
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
EOTECH 552 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 512
EOTech 552
Weight
11.5 oz
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
33 Ft
More Information
Click For Price
Click For Price
Preview
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 512
Weight
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
More Information
Click For Price
Preview
EOTECH 552 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 552
Weight
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
33 Ft
More Information
Click For Price

The major advantage of the 512 compared to the 552 model is price. The 552 adds night vision and better waterproofing. A signification upgrade for sure. But, not worth the extra expense, unless you think you will need it.

Conclusion

As you can see, speed and versatility makes the EOtech 512.A65 Holographic Sight a great choice for gun owners. It’s a solid performer at close-quarters, 100 yards, 200 yards, or even up to 600 yards with magnifier.

The 512 is, a popular choice among among law enforcement and military personnel. You will amazed at how this little unit can help you hunt better whether you are a novice or an experienced hunter.

Related Posts

Eotech XPS3 -0 Holographic Sight Review

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Eotech XPS 3

Looking for a useful review of the Eotech XPS3-0? Well, look no further! Here is our honest review of this high end sight. The XPS3-0 is lighter and smaller than any of the other holographic sights available and it is just as fast.

Sale
EOTECH XPS3 Holographic Weapon Sight
EOTECH XPS3 Holographic Weapon Sight
  • EOTECH XPS3-0 - Holographic Weapon Sight in black with 68MOA ring & 1 MOA dot reticle
  • Night Vision Compatible - Works with all Gen 1-3 night vision devices
  • Compact Design - Leaves more rail space for rear iron sights or magnifier
  • Mount - Compatible with both 1" Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails
  • EOTECH HWS Prestige Warranty - Comes with 10 year limited warranty
Click For Price

Hunters and law enforcement officers will appreciate the compact size and weight of this sight as it is extremely easy to carry.

The sight runs using a single 123 battery. This single battery configuration allows for more room for rear iron sights, rail space, magnifiers, and even a night vision mount.

Specifications

  • Weight: 8 ounces
  • Length: 3.5 inches
  • Width: 2 inches
  • Height: 2.4 inches
  • Submersible up to 33 feet
  • Mount: 1 inch MIL-STD 1913 rail or Weaver
  • Power: single 123 lithium battery
  • Brightness: 20 different daylight settings plus 10 additional settings for generations one through three and night vision devices.

Pros and Cons

There are several great things about this sight, but there are a few things to consider before making this purchase. Some of the benefits of the Eotech XPS3 include:

  • Quick target acquisition
  • High quality
  • Easy to use
  • Can naturally use with both eyes open
  • Clear sight picture
  • Quality mounting hardware

Some of the downfalls of the Eotech XPS3 include:

  • Price: it is more expensive than some of the others available on the market
  • Battery hours limit the time it can be used

Conclusion

The Eotech XPS 3 is a top pick among hunters and officers for many reasons. It offers a laser diode as well as holography in order to display the reticle in the window. This is something that is not offered by many other sights.

In addition, there is no tint on the glass, which means that the picture that the hunter sees remains perfectly clear. The main reason for this is because the laser can get brighter than the LED variants. This way, it does not need any tinted glass in order to create a contrast between the image and the reticle because it can do that on its own.

In summary, this sight will allow shooters to aim more quickly and accurately without adding too much weight to their weapon. A very good choice for sure!

EoTech G33.STS.BLK G33 Switch to Side Mount Magnifier Review (Black Finish)

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EoTech BLK G33

The EoTech BLK G33 with its switch to side magnifier is lighter and shorter than its predecessor, the G23. This magnifier tenders an innovative and enhanced mount, offering a quick transition between 3X and 1X. It also hosts an azimuth tweaking system that is tool-free, a superior field of view, as well as a modifiable diopter for enhanced focus.

Few people can understand its popularity, but the mention of the following features will sure give potential buyers an idea of why the EoTech G33.STS.BLK G33 would be such a great buy.

Features of the EoTech G33.STS.BLK G33 Magnifier

Besides its magnificent black finish, this magnifier has the ability to switch from CQB targeting to medium range targeting in a split second. It offers 2.2 inch eye-relief with elevation and windage alterations which can be easily executed by hand, and a field of view range of 7.3 degrees. The slap to side mount is extremely durable and activates with the simple slap of a hand. It also hosts a locking and quick-detach lever which allows for easy attachment or removal of the mount and optic.

While the EoTech G33 Magnifier may not seem like much, it truly makes a big difference to your overall experience. Not only does it enlarge the size of the EoTech Reticle, but also refines it effectively. On its own, the EoTech Reticle may seem ordinary, but with the addition of the G33 you will have an awesome unit.

 

Pros and Cons

The magnifier does not add a lot of weight and the switch to side mount function can be performed for long periods on end without causing damage to the unit. With the unit in place, no added fluctuations will be experienced. When it is compared to similar items advertised at a higher price, this little powerhouse with its enhanced optics will outrank them all. Its quick-release system is also very effective as it allows for the instant removal of its sight when necessary.

Of course, there are some negatives to the product. Its short eye-relief feature means that the user will have to lean in very close to achieve the appropriate field of view. Due to this, it puts the user in a less favorable condition in order to achieve the best possible shooting position.

Conclusion

While it has its minor flaws, the magnifier is well-manufactured and extremely sturdy. Those who enjoy high quality options will find this magnifier with its military-grade hardware and exceptional optics to be a must-have accessory.

EOTech XPS2-0 Holographic Weapon Sight Review

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Featured Review: smaller and lighter than other holographic scopes, the EOTech XPS2-0 is a great compact option for your weapon platform. Today we are going to be checking this awesome scope.

What are the specs of this scope?

                             We will start with the actual dimensions of this scope which are 3.5” X 2”X2.4” inches and weighs only 8 ounces. As can already tell this compact scope will not weigh your gun down at all, and you will still be able to react quickly to any sudden need to shoot. The EOtech XPS2-0 offer 1x magnification of all objects and has unlimited eye relief. The window dimensions on the front of the scope are 1.20” by 0.85” inches and the window is made from solid 1/8” thick glass. The rear window is made of shatter resistant laminate that is 3/16” inches thick.  The field of view that is offered is 30 yards at a 4” inch eye relief. The brightness range can start at 146,000 at its brightest to 1 to the lowest. The power source is a 123 lithium battery and offers over 600 hours of use without a recharge. That is truly an amazing feature for such a small scope!

 

What are some great features?

                             Instead of a normal battery cap and latch this scope offer a simple o ring with tethered cap so weather elements stay out of this scope, and will last a very long time. Because this scope offers such a short base you are going to be able to use it on any gun with very minimal space needed. This is an awesome trait for someone looking for a compact red dot shoot. This model is one of the shortest models available and it was specifically made for people who simply do not have much space on their gun but want a red dot scope to help them achieve better hunting results. This sight is able to leave space for other things such as rear iron sights, magnifiers and other tools that you may want to have on your gun.

This scope is able to withstand temperatures from -40 degrees to 150 degrees F, and it is also waterproof and submergible for up to 10 feet. There is such great sealing used with product that there is virtually no fog that will be seen on this scope. There is an adjustment range of +/- 40 MOA so you can choose what settings you what you need. This model also uses a laser light to illuminate the holographic red reticle that will be projected on target that only you will be able to see. This will help you better hit your target.

As you can see, this compact XPS2-0 is a very easy to use sight that will help you hit your target each and every time.  If you are looking for a smaller type of sight this may be the best choice for you. There are many awesome reviews on this model so please take the time to look them over.