If you are looking to hone your shooting skills with the best holographic sights, you are in the right place. Holographic sights have revolutionized modern optics and in this buying guide, we review some of the best models from the biggest brands.
Whether you’re a tactical professional, a law enforcement officer, a competitive shooter, or an avid hunter, a high-quality holographic sight can significantly improve your shooting performance. These optics utilize laser-based technology to project a reticle onto a transparent lens, offering a crisp, parallax-free aiming point. Besides, modern holographic sights provide shooters with rapid target acquisition, enhanced accuracy, and superior durability in different shooting environments.
Why Choose a Holographic Sight?
Holographic sights offer several advantages over conventional reflex or red dot sights.
Rapid Target Acquisition: Firstly, they provide a wider field of view which is essential for fast target finding and acquisition.
Excellent Low-Light Capabilities: Furthermore, the best holographic sights offer improved performance in low-light conditions. This ensures easy aiming in typical low-light environments.
Advanced Reticle Designs: Additionally, the reticle in these sighting tools remains visible even when the front lens is partially obstructed by dirt, fog, or rain. The advanced reticle designs, often featuring complex aiming points and ranging markers, make them ideal for both close-quarters combat (CQC) and medium-range engagements.
Large Field of View: Holographic sights typically provide more generous field of view than standard red dot sights, helping shooters maintain situational awareness.
Compatibility with Magnifiers: Most Holographic sights work well with magnifiers without causing reticle distortion. This makes them versatile for both close-quarters and long-range shooting.
Best Holographic Red Dot Sights
1. EOTech HWS EXPS3 Sight
Specifications
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Brightness Settings: 30
- Field of View, Linear: 30 yds at 4 in
- Battery Life: 1000 hours
- Operating Temperature: -40 – 140 Fahrenheit
- Length: 3.8 in
- Weight: 11.2 oz
The EOTech HWS EXPS3 is the best holographic sight. It features advanced technology, durability, and rapid target acquisition capabilities that make it ideal for tactical and professional use.
The selling point of this red dot sight is its durability. Built to withstand harsh conditions, it features a robust aluminum housing with a waterproof and fog-resistant design. Furthermore, it uses EOTech’s signature holographic technology, which projects a precise, parallax-free reticle that remains crisp and clear regardless of eye position.
Regarding reticle, the sight features a 68 MOA ring with a 1 MOA center dot to provide rapid target acquisition at close range while maintaining precision for longer shots. Additionally, the sight supports night vision compatibility, allowing seamless integration with Gen I-III+ night vision devices.
Other noteworthy features included are side-mounted buttons and a quick-detach lever that enhances usability, enabling effortless adjustments and swift mounting/dismounting on Picatinny or Weaver rails.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Solid build quality
- Easy to mount and operate
- Crisp-clear optics
Cons
- Limited battery life
2. Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight
Specifications
- Brightness Settings: 15
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 11 ounces
- Reticle: EBR-CQB
The Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II is a premium holographic sight designed for shooters who demand rapid target acquisition, durability, and precision.
One of its standout features is the integrated EBR-CQB reticle. It provides a crisp, fast aiming point with a large outer ring for quick targeting at close range and a finer center dot for precision at extended distances. Additionally, the sight offers four night vision settings and a dedicated night vision mode, making it highly versatile for low-light and tactical applications.
With the FHQ (Field of View Holistic Quality) technology, this sight ensures a distortion-free, wide field of view, providing excellent situational awareness. Additionally, the enhanced reticle brightness settings provide more precise control over illumination levels for varying light conditions while the zero-distortion viewing window ensures a true-to-life sight picture.
Construction-wise, the optic has a rugged, single-piece aluminum chassis to withstand heavy recoil and impact. Furthermore, it is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof to ensures reliability in harsh environments.
Above all, the inclusion of a quick-release mount allows for easy attachment and removal, adding to the overall convenience of this optic.
Pros
- Decent battery life
- Large field of view
- Tactile, precise adjustments
- Military-grade construction
- Premium glass clarity
Cons
- High price point
3. EOTech XPS2 Transverse Holographic Sight
Specifications
- Reticle: 68 MOA Ring and 1 MOA Dot
- Brightness settings: 20
- Battery Life: 1,000
- Weight: 226.79 Grams
As one of the best holographic sights, the EOTech XPS2 Transverse Holographic Sight is an exceptional optic designed for tactical and recreational shooting. It features a compact yet highly functional design, weighing only 9 ounces.
Though compact, the sight is built to last. It boasts a robust aluminum housing that is fog-resistant and waterproof construction for long-lasting durability. Additionally, its parallax-free design allows for true two-eyes-open shooting, enhancing situational awareness.
More importantly, the sight features EOTech’s signature 68 MOA ring with a 1 MOA dot reticle. It provides quick target acquisition and precision aiming at various distances. Additionally, the reticle has 20 brightness settings to ensure optimal visibility in different lighting conditions
For added convenience, the sights’ side-button controls are intuitive and easy to operate, even while wearing gloves. It also features a quick-detach mounting system for hassle-free installation and removal with no specialized tools needed.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Rugged build quality
- Superior optical performance
- Ease of installation
- Rapid target engagement capabilities
Cons
- No night vision
4. EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
Specifications
- Reticle: 8 MOA ring & 1 MOA dot reticle
- Brightness settings: 20
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 309 Grams
When it comes to value and versatility, the EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight is a hard to beat. It is a high-quality optic that delivers exceptional performance for tactical and sporting applications in different environments.
Durability is the most impressive feature of the sight. Featuring a rugged, military-grade construction, it is built to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining pinpoint accuracy. Additionally, it is fully waterproof and weatherproof.
This 512 model utilizes EOTECH’s signature holographic technology, projecting a crisp 68 MOA ring with a 1 MOA center dot for fast target acquisition and precision aiming. Unlike traditional red dot sights, the reticle remains visible even if the front lens is partially damaged or obstructed, making it highly reliable in unpredictable environments.
Furthermore, the adjustable brightness settings allow for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions. The sight also features a wide field of view that ensures situational awareness without tunnel vision.
Pros
- Impressive battery life
- Rugged reliability
- Crisp reticle with adjustable brightness settings
- Great value for the price
Cons
- The sight lacks night vision compatibility
5. Patriot Optics Shapeshifter Holographic Sight
Specifications
- Fabric/Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
- Objective Lens Diameter: 39 mm
- Reticle: Red/Green Dot
- Brightness Settings: 5
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Operating Temperature: -20 – 69 Celsius
- Weather Resistance: Yes
- Weight: 245 g
The Patriot Optics Shapeshifter Holographic Sight is an advanced optic that delivers reliability, precision, and versatility.
Built with a rugged aluminum housing, this sight withstands harsh conditions while maintaining zero, even under heavy recoil. It also features a crystal-clear, multi-coated lens that provides a sharp, distortion-free view, allowing for rapid target acquisition in both daylight and low-light conditions.
Another impressive feature that makes it one of the best holographic sights is the reticle. It is crisp and customizable, offering multiple brightness settings to suit different environments and shooting styles. Additionally, the parallax-free design ensures accuracy even when the shooter’s head position shifts, making it an excellent choice for both tactical and recreational applications.
In terms of performance, the Shapeshifter Holographic Sight excels with its wide field of view and rapid reticle response, ensuring quick target engagement in dynamic shooting scenarios. Battery life is impressive, with an efficient power management system that provides extended operational time. The sight is also compatible with night vision devices.
Pros
- Waterproof and shockproof construction
- Easy to install
- Compatible with night vision gear
- Wide field of view
- Rapid reticle response
Cons
- Battery sold separately
6. EOTech HHS-II Holographic Sight
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 0.85 in
- Objective Window Size: 30.5 x 21.6 mm
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Operating Temperature: -4 – 122 Fahrenheit
- Water Resistant Mark: 10 ft
- Length: 7.7 in
- Weight: 22.4 oz
The EOTech HHS-II Holographic Sight is our last holographic sight recommendation. As a top-tier optic, it is designed for tactical professionals and serious shooters who demand precision, durability, and versatility.
This system includes the EXPS2-2 holographic sight paired with the G33.STS 3x magnifier, offering a seamless transition between close-quarters and mid-range engagements. The sight features a crisp 68 MOA ring with two 1 MOA aiming dots, providing rapid target acquisition and precise shot placement.
Furthermore, it boasts a heads-up display for superior situational awareness. The sight runs on a single CR123 battery, maximizing battery life while keeping the unit lightweight and streamlined. Additionally, the Quick Detach (QD) lever system ensures secure mounting and effortless removal, making it an excellent choice for modular firearm setups.
Pros
- Side-button design for easy adjustments even in dynamic environments
- Effortless installation process
- Rugged and water-resistant construction
- Versatile
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Holographic Sight
When selecting the best holographic sight, several factors should be taken into account to ensure optimal performance and suitability for your specific needs. The key factors include:
Reticle Design
Different reticle styles serve different purposes; for instance, a single-dot reticle is ideal for precision shooting, while a circle-dot combination enhances target acquisition speed, making it useful for close-quarters engagements. Choosing the right reticle design will depend on the intended application, whether it be tactical use, hunting, or competitive shooting.
Build Quality
A high-quality holographic sight should be constructed with rugged materials to withstand harsh conditions, including extreme weather, rough handling, and high-impact scenarios. Furthermore, the best holographic sights feature waterproof and shock resistant designs to enhance the sight’s longevity and reliability, making it a dependable tool in demanding environments.
Battery Life
Another important aspect to consider is battery life. Generally, holographic sights generally consume more power compared to standard red dot sights. Some models incorporate energy-efficient technologies to extend operational time, reducing the frequency of battery replacements. Opting for a sight with a longer battery life is beneficial, especially for extended missions, competitions, or hunting trips where battery replacement may not be convenient.
Brightness Settings
Adjustable brightness settings play a significant role in ensuring clear visibility across various lighting conditions. A good holographic sight should offer multiple brightness levels to adapt to different environments, from bright daylight to low-light or nighttime scenarios. This feature allows users to adjust the intensity of the reticle for optimal contrast against the background, improving accuracy and target acquisition.
Mounting Compatibility
Mounting compatibility is essential when selecting the best holographic sights. Some sights come with universal mounting options, while others may require specific adapters or rail systems. Ensure that you verify that the sight is compatible with your firearm platform, whether it’s an AR-15, shotgun, or handgun. This will guarantee a secure and proper fit to enhance stability and overall performance, allowing for a seamless shooting experience.
Budget
It is also important to consider the budget. Holographic sights vary in price from one model to the other depending on the brand and technology incorporated. Determine how much you want to spend and look for a sight with cutting edge features to enhance your shooting experience.
FAQs
- How does a holographic sight differ from a red dot sight?
Holographic sights use laser-generated reticles, while red dot sights rely on LED reflection. Holographic sights generally provide a more precise and parallax-free reticle, making them superior for high-speed targeting. However, they tend to be more expensive than red dot sights.
- Are holographic sights better than red dot sights?
When it comes to faster target acquisition and better performance in extreme conditions, a holographic sight is better than a red dot sight. However, if you need a longer battery life, red dots last much longer. So, it depends on user case and individual preferences.
- Can holographic sights be used for hunting?
Yes. Holographic sights are great tools for hunting, particularly for fast-moving game like hogs, deer, and predators. The quick target acquisition and unlimited eye relief make them ideal for dynamic shooting situations.
Final Words
In conclusion, Investing in a high-quality holographic sight can elevate your shooting experience, providing faster target acquisition, superior accuracy, and unmatched durability. Whether for tactical applications, hunting, or sport shooting, we hope that the information in this buying guide has helped you find the ideal holographic sight for your needs.