Eotech 512 is undoubtedly the best red holographic sight money can buy. If it is within your budget for an AR sight - this will be the best purchase you can make. Here's a quick overview of Eotech 512 sight:
Reviewed item:
Eotech 512
Editor's rating:
Battery life
Toughtness
Features
Ease of Use
PROS
CONS
Quick overview
Eotech 512 is the best holographic sight on the market. It allows you to have a military-grade device on your hands, that is compact, lightweight, and perfect for close-combat situations. Fast in target-acquisition and with a reticle that allows you to hit the target without any problems, the Eotech 512 is definitely a sight you should consider.
In-depth review of Eotech 512
When you are looking for a holographic weapon sight that is specifically designed for close range fighting, then you should probably consider taking a look at the Eotech 512.
Description of the Eotech 512 gun sight
One of the main differences between the holographic optics like the Eotech 512 and the traditional red dot sights lies mostly on the ability to reflect a laser into a more complicated reticle. Since the Eotech 512 features an open design with both lenses and body with a square shape, this allows the user to be more efficient when it is time to see over the sight. After all, the shooter will have a wider field of view so he can maintain a higher awareness of what is happening around him.
Many people tend to say that the Eotech 512 is the holographic weapon sight that has more resemblance to military-grade standards. And we have to say that we totally agree. The truth is that since the Eotech 512 allows you to be aware of everything, it is very similar to be in the middle of the action and in a close-combat environment.
While you may assume that since the Eotech 512 is the closest red dot sight that you can get similar to the ones militaries use it may be heavy, the reality is that it is, in fact, lightweight. With only 10.9 ounces and featuring a very compact design that can even fit the hand of an adult man, the Eotech 512 is perfect to be carried around.
One of the things that make the Eotech 512 different is the fact that the rear-facing window is more than 3 inches thick and it is made with a shatter-proof glass laminate. In what concerns to the lenses, they are well-protected meaning that they won't be foggy or cloudy. In addition, if you like to use your red dot sight on any weather conditions, the Eotech 512 can be your new best friend. The reality is that the Eotech 512 is also water-proof and you can even submerge it by up to 10 feet deep. Since the body made of aluminum covers it perfectly, as soon as you remove it from the water and clean it, you'll see that the interior is completely dry. So, you can also expect the Eotech 512 to last for a very long time. Besides, it can absorb shocks which prolong the life of all the electronic components inside the case.
The battery of the Eotech 512 is also worth mentioning. We can even say that this tends to be one of the reasons why the Eotech 512 is so popular. The Eotech 512 comes with a battery that is powered by 2 standard AA batteries. In terms of the lifetime, it can last up to 600 hours with standard batteries or it can last up to 1,000 hours with lithium batteries. Nevertheless, and even though these numbers may seem great, the truth is that this isn't really the case. After all, we are talking about the Eotech 512, red dot sight that is meant to be used by tactical shooters. So, when you compare it with other red dot sights for the same goal, you'll see how these numbers are really quite low.
One of the things that we like about the Eotech 512 is that it is exactly worth what you pay for. You will get a huge flexibility and versatility mixed with an amazing performance and a great accuracy. The reality is that for the users who like close-proximity combats, the Eotech 512 is simply perfect. Why? For a wide number of reasons. For starters, it features a military-grade precision which is crucial on close-proximity combats. Besides, it is incredibly fast in what comes to target-acquisition as you just can't forget about the importance of the eye-relief that it also delivers. Last but not least, the Eotech 512 is probably one of the best examples in terms of the brightness settings. After all, the Eotech 512 comes with 20 different brightness settings that work great whether you have a low light as well as when you have pretty bright conditions.
When you are using the Eotech 512, you'll be able to continue controlling the battery that you still have left. There is an indicator that will tell you exactly how you are doing.
The Eotech 512 also features an automatic shut down feature that allows you to save battery. You just need to program it and make all the adjustments without any additional tools. And this is definitely a plus.
One of the things that we noticed when using the Eotech 512 is that you won't have any magnification. This should already be expected since the Eotech 512 is a holographic device. So, you won't be able to make any compensations when you have problems with your vision. In addition, even though the reticle tends to not have a continuous quality, the truth is that you won't have any problems when you are aiming with your Eotech 512.
If you were considering to use the Eotech 512 at night, the truth is that you can't. While it comes with the 20 brightness settings we mentioned earlier, the truth is that night vision is not a part of the Eotech 512.
The Eotech 512 can be used for both extended and close ranges and it is extremely easy and simple to mount over. Besides, as soon as it is mounted, you don't need to worry about it anymore because it will stay in its place.
Eotech 512 specifications
- Device dimensions: 5.6" × 2.0" × 2.25" (143 x 51 x 64 mm)
- Weight of sight and battery: 11.5 ounces (325 g)
- Magnification: 1x
- Eye relief: Unlimited
- Adjustment click rate: 1/2 MOA
- Optical coating: Anti-glare
- Settings for brightness: 20 brightness settings, no nightvision
- Battery: 2x 1.5 AA (can use lithium, slkaline or rechargeable ones)
- Battery life: 600 - 1200h, depending on bateries used
- Anti-shock and anti-vibration: Yes
- Compatibility with accessories: Yes.
- Compatibility with various rifles: Yes.
- Waterproof: Submersive for up to 10 feet
Conclusion
Overall, the Eotech 512 is the best holographic sight on the market. It allows you to have a military-grade device on your hands that is compact, lightweight, and perfect for close-combat situations. Fast in target-acquisition and with a reticle that allows you to hit the target without any problems, the Eotech 512 is definitely a red dot sight that you should consider.
While the battery should definitely be better, the fact that it allows you to use 2 standard AA batteries, makes it a bit better. With 20 different brightness settings, you can adjust them the way you want. However, night vision isn't included which is a bit of a shame. Either way, there's no better holographic sight you can get within this price range.
Overall rating: 4.8/5.0 stars
