Most accuracy enhancing optics you can find online are red dot sights. But holographic sights are a useful alternative, even if they're a little harder to find these days.
How do holographic sights differ from red dot sights? Let us explain and show you three great choices.
Holographic Sights vs Red Dots
Here’s an extremely simplified explanation of holographic sights and red dot sights:
- A red dot sight places a red illuminated dot on the lens of the optic. This LED light is reflected, thanks to the material being coated with a reflective finish that can “mirror” the image back toward the eye of the shooter. This creates an illusion that the red dot is resting on your target
- A holographic sight uses a complex grid with several illuminating lasers that form a circular or dot pattern that’s reflected off a lens grid. As a result, the holographic image appears to “float” over the target
Holographic Sights Advantages
Holographic sights have several advantages over red dot sights. For one, these optics are almost completely immune to parallax distortion.
Holographic reticles can compensate for misalignment that occurs whenever your eye isn’t perfectly aligned with your sight. This makes them a great choice for boosting accuracy at long distances.
Furthermore, you can choose holographic sights in a wider variety of shapes, colors, and styles.
Another big benefit is that, if you choose an optic that allows you to zoom in, your holographic sight won't change size or become larger.
This means your holographic sight won't cover your aiming point or target, making it easier to hit small targets at greater distances.
Red dot sights also have a few advantages, too. They’re often cheaper and have much better battery lives on average. But some of the best holographic sights will make you never want to go back.
3 Best Holographic Sights
1. Eotech 512 Holographic Sight
- EOTECH 512.A65 - Holographic Weapon Sight in black with 68 MOA 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
This holographic sight is compatible with both Weaver and MIL-STD rail systems, so it'll be a good fit for a variety of weapon platforms.
Even better, it's a durable weapon optic that's water-resistant down to 3m or 10 feet. It also comes with a 10-year limited warranty, so overall lifespan shouldn't be a concern.
Furthermore, this popular holographic sight comes with buttons on the rear so you can control the optic with either your right or left hand.
You’ll be able to choose from 20 separate brightness settings to let you hunt capably in either dark or bright light conditions.
We also like that it takes two typical AA batteries, so carrying additional power for longer expeditions isn’t too much trouble.
2. Eotech XPS2 Holographic Sight
- EOTECH XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
- Mount - Compatible with both 1" Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails
- Adjustable Brightness - The XPS2 has 20 brightness settings for use in any lighting scenario
This sight is made by the same manufacturer and comes with a similar 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA dot reticle. It’s also compatible with the same mounting rail systems.
Like the former, it comes with 20 brightness settings, so you can use it in any lighting scenario.
But this optic might be better for combining with additional sights, as it features a shorter build and leaves some rail space, so you can combine it with a holographic sight magnifier or rear iron sights.
Thus, it’s a great choice if you want to combine holographic sight functionality with more traditional optics as well.
3. Eotech HHS III Holographic Hybrid Sight
- EOTECH HHS III - Holographic Hybrid Sight includes 518-2 sight with G33 Magnifier
- Quick Transitions - Change quickly from close quarter to medium range targets with the included G33 Magnifier and Switch-to-Side mount.
- Mount - Quick Detach lever fits 1" Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails.
This last holographic sight comes with a magnifier built into the purchase, so it’s easy to benefit from holographic sight accuracy at greater distances.
You'll be able to quickly switch the magnifier away to the side of your build if you want to swap to close-quarters target acquisition capability, too.
Furthermore, this sight has the control buttons on the side so that it takes up a minimum amount of rail space. All in all, it’s a great long-distance holographic sight.
Now you know the difference between holographic sights and red dot sights, you can make a decision on which one you prefer to aim with. At the same time, check out our three recommendations and see which one you fancy.
Which do you like better, holographic sights or red dot sights? Let us know why in the comments section!
Up Next:
- 5 Best Red Dot Sights On The Market
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I have eotech 512 and I can nail my target at 200 yards all day. That piece of paper was successfully killed great optic
red or green reticle or both?