james, Author at Optics Den

Reviews of the Best Telescopes of 2024

Humans have always been fascinated with the stars, and children have grown up being amazed by space for years. Today, there are a number of excellent telescopes that are designed by various manufacturers for specific astrological purposes. Some of these telescopes are extremely advanced and take a lot of technological knowledge in order to operate.

However, there are numerous ones on the market designed for children and amateurs and do not require a lot of previous technological background knowledge. After all, everyone has the right to enjoy the beauty of the stars. If you are interested in astronomy and telescopes, you will be able to find all of the information that you could possibly need below.

Best Telescope for Beginners – Celestron AstroMaster 114 EQ

If you are a beginner, the AstroMaster Reflector Telescope is by far the best choice on the market. It has a lot of higher-end features that other brands do not provide in this price range, and it is an easy telescope to set up. This is extremely important for beginners because you have to know how to set up a telescope correctly in order to get the most out of it. Most beginners are still learning about astronomy in general, and therefore, they are content to see the simple things and wonders of space.

With the AstroMaster Reflector Telescope, they might not be able to see far off galaxies, like with a higher powered telescope, but they will be able to see things like the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. These things are fascinating for beginners, and it is an excellent starting point. With this telescope, you will get access to two different eyepieces that get up to 100 x magnifications. When using this telescope, it has been recommended that you also use the CELE705 lens kit. These lenses will enhance your view, giving you the best experience available.

The dimensions of this telescope are 11 inches by 17 inches by 32.25 inches. It isn’t as large as other telescopes, which will make it easier to handle for beginners, and when it is assembled, it is only 12.7 kilograms. Therefore, it will be easy to move for most beginners, regardless of their age. When it comes to brightness, this particular telescope is actually three times brighter than other telescopes that are considered to be 60mm scopes. The only downside that people have found about this particular telescope is that the start pointer on it is not all that easy to use.

According to the reviews of the people who have used this telescope, this telescope is a good telescope, but it is really designed for beginner observation and not deep sky observing. They also said that the price of this telescope is excellent for the quality that it will provide you, especially if you are a beginning astronomer. After all, if you are a beginner, you do not want to spend a lot of money on your first telescope, while trying to figure everything out.

Best Telescope for Kids – Vixen Space Eye

A universe is an amazing place, and kids are often times fascinated with stars. However, just like most things, it doesn’t make sense to purchase an expensive telescope for a child. That is one reason why this particular telescope is the best telescope for kids. The Vixen Space Eye Telescope is a 50 mm telescope, and other than price, it has a lot of features that make it perfect for a child. Unlike a lot of other telescopes, this one only weighs 6 pounds, which means it will be easier for kids to move around when using it.

This particular telescope comes with everything that a kid could want and need in order to enjoy the universe. The telescopes dimensions are 13 inches by 8 inches by 37 inches. According to some of the customers who have purchased this particular telescope, one of the best things about it was its mount. With cheaper telescopes, you sometimes have to deal with the object are watching skipping slightly when trying to move the telescope. However, the Space Eye 50 mm Telescope has slow motion controls.

Due to this, it will make it easier for a kid to actually be able to steady the telescope and follow the objects that they want to without having to worry about the object getting blurred and losing eye contact with it. Another aspect about this particular telescope is the fact that it actually is powerful enough to allow kids to see the rings of Saturn under certain conditions. This is important because although the moon is both unique and extraordinary, there is nothing better for a new astronomer than seeing the beauty of Saturn layout before their eyes.

Another excellent aspect about this particular telescope is the fact that you can actually purchase an adapter for it that will allow you to be able to hook your smartphone up to it. This is an excellent way to also introduce you or your budding astronomer to astrophotography. This adapter is actually designed to work with most types of smartphones, and it will add on hours and hours of fun from this particular telescope for your kid and even yourself.

Best Telescope for Astrophotography – Celestron NexStar 130 SLT

Astrophotography is a little more difficult than regular observation. One of the biggest differences is the fact that you need a telescope that is actually designed to be able to take the photos needed and desired. According to many astrophotographers, the NexStar 130 SLT computerized telescope is by far the best one available on the market for anyone that is actually interested in astrophotography. This telescope comes with a focal ratio of f5, and it has a focal length of 650mm.

While using this particular telescope, you will find that it is extremely easy to move, and this is entirely thanks to the fact that it has a motorized Altazimuth mount. You will not have to worry about being able to follow objects in order to get that perfect picture of your favorite object in the sky. It also has SkyAlign. This is an excellent aspect about this telescope because you will no longer have to worry about just looking at one object. With SkyAlign, you will actually be able to align the telescope with any 3 celestial objects in the sky that are bright.

There have only been two things about this particular telescope that have been logged as needing help. The first thing is its battery. The battery life is rather short compared to others. Therefore, it is imperative when using this telescope that you charge the battery to full before heading out to do your astrophotography. After all, you would not want to be in the middle of your project and have the telescoping die. The second thing about this telescope is that it is a little sensitive to vibration. Therefore, when you are using it, you need to make sure that it is on a surface that will not conduct vibration.

However, the pros of the NexStar 130 SLT far outweigh these minor setbacks. For instance, you will not find another telescope in its price range that has as wide a field of view as this telescope. Therefore, you will be able to broaden the horizons of your astrophotography experience. It is also very light and portable. Therefore, you will not have to worry about it being too heavy to move around as you see fit.

Best All-Around Telescope – Gysker AZ70400

It can be difficult to locate a telescope that sits at the crossroads of affordability, power, and clarity. However, the Gysker AZ70400 solves that problem by accomplishing goals in all three of the previous categories.

In addition to your purchase, you get the tripod and a 25mm and 10mm eyepiece. The AZ70400’s focal length is 400mm, which is technically on the lower end of their products, but its power is still impressive.

There are no computerized or electronic aspects about the AZ70400, so you can just manuever the telescope by hand. It does come equipped with an inverted star finder which should aid in your search for objects in the night sky.

Best Telescope for the Money – Celestron NexStar 4 SE

There are thousands of different telescopes that are available on the market, but when looking at price vs features, the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope is by far the best telescope for the amount that it costs. This telescope has a state-of-the-art computerized operating system, and this will allow you to be able to view a number of excellent and beautiful celestial objects. Although this telescope can be used by beginners, it is designed more for a more advanced astronomy observer. With the single touch of a button, you will be able to find thousands of different planets, galaxies, and stars, and you will be able to enjoy the entire world of astronomy from the privacy of your own backyards or your favorite star gazing spot.

According to the people who have used this particular telescope have given it an overall excellent review, but there are a couple of things you should be aware of before purchasing this telescope. First off, this telescope can actually use rechargeable batteries, but these batteries are not included with the actual telescope. Therefore, you will need to purchase them separately. Plus, due to its size, it can be rather limited when it comes to being able to view deep into space. However, its size is also one of its best tributes. Thanks to this, it is both small and portable, which means you can carry it around a lot easier to the places that you wish to star gaze from.

The computerization components of this telescope are also very trackable, which means you will be able to keep track of the different celestial bodies that you observe with the telescope. Another thing that actually makes this the best telescope for the money it costs is the fact that you can also take part in amateur astrophotography. You will be able to take pictures with it, but it will be rather limited. They will not be as high quality as a telescope that was designed for such things. This telescope is motorized, and therefore, you can actually align the telescope to be able to track whatever you want from planets, nebulae, galaxies, and stars.

Best Telescope for under $100 – Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ

$Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ Refractor Telescope$ There are a lot of different telescopes that fall into this price range, but just like everything else, there is one that is superior. In this price range, the telescope that is superior is the Meade Instruments Infinity 70 mm AZ Refractor Telescope. This telescope has an aperture of 70mm (2.8 inches), a focal length of 700mm, a focal ration of f/10, and a rack-and-pinion focuser. When you purchase this telescope, you will also receive an instructional DVD and an Astronomical software, which will help you take your stargazing to the next level. For its price range, you will be able to view farther out into space than with other telescopes like it, but it was not designed to allow you to observe far away.

It comes with an Altazimuth mouth that has a slow-motion control. This is excellent and helps to make sure that the view does not skip when trying to move it manually. Because of this, you can also track the things that you want to track, regardless if it is day or night. This telescope has 2 barlow lens which always you to double the magnification power of all eyepieces. It has two different eyepieces to choose from. The low eyepiece is 26mm, and the high eyepiece is 6.3 It provides you with a red dot viewfinder, which will allow you to point at the celestial objects that you want to see. Therefore, you will be able better observe to your desire. Another asset to purchasing this telescope is the fact that it actually comes with an accessory tray. This is very convenient if you are observing the stars out and away from any furniture. It is actually big enough for your phone and keys.

Another reason why this is such an excellent telescope for its price is the fact that you can use it at night to observe the universe and during the day to observe things like birds and the ocean. The assembly of this particular telescope is very easy, especially since it is a refractor telescope. This means you will never have to worry about aligning mirrors. You will actually be able to use it straight out of the box.

Best Telescope for under $200 – Orion StarBlast 4.5

If you are looking for the next step up to your beginning telescope, the Orion StarBlast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope is the next logical price. It is still reasonably priced, and it will give you the best experience possible for a telescope within its price range. This particular telescope is able to view a number of different things in the night sky. Not only can you see planets and moons, you will also be able to see a number of deep space objects as long as they are bright enough. If you are new to astronomy, you can actually start out with this telescope because it is easy to set up and use, but it is also suitable for an intermediate astronomer who is looking upgrade.

The eyepieces that it comes with are Expanse telescope eyepieces, and they will actually give you a 66-degree field of view. Unlike cheaper telescopes, you will even be able to see the Andromeda galaxy with this one, and the first time you see it, you will be in awe of its absolute beauty. It also has fast f/4 optics, which means that you will be able to see a lot more celestial objects without having to hunt for them, thanks to the widened field of view that it provides. This telescope does come with a EQ-1 equatorial telescope mount with a slow-motion control. Basically, this means that you will be able to follow celestial objects across the night sky without having to worry about your view being skipped.

With these controls, you will never have worry about moving your telescope by hand. You can actually just enjoy a smooth viewing of your favorite celestial objects. The dimensions of this particular telescope are 44 inches by 12 inches by 20 inches, and it weighs a little less than 20 pounds. Therefore, it is heavy enough to be held down firmly, but it is not so heavy that you cannot move it as needed to set it up. This telescope requires a Lithium-ion battery, and it comes with one. Therefore, you do not have to worry about going out and finding one of your own.

Best Telescope for under $1,000 – Meade Instruments LightBridge 12-Inch Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope

When you get up to this price range, it is imperative to do the research. The LightBridge 12-Inch Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope has received the best results and reviews for the people who have actually used it. It has a number of excellent features that will allow you to have the best astronomy experience possible for its price range. This telescope has a focal length of 1525 millimeters, and it has an aperture of 12 inches. This will actually allow you to see celestial objects a lot brighter than most other telescopes available on the market for less than $1,000. As an added bonus, this particular telescope actually comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

This is extremely important, because everyone knows that it is possible for accidents to happen. You do not want to purchase so a high quality telescope without having some protection for those accidents. The focal ration of this particular telescope is f/5, and the dimensions of this telescope are 29 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. It does weigh close to 100 pounds. Therefore, it is imperative that you are careful when moving it, because it is not the easiest telescope to move around once you have it set up and placed in the desired spot. However, the beautiful experience that you get with this telescope is especially worth it.

Before you are able to use the telescope, you will actually have to get 8 AA batteries in order for it to work. It is recommended that you purchase higher quality batteries in order to avoid them being drained quickly and you missing out on a beautiful astrological event that might only come around once in a life time. This telescope actually stands around 5 feet tall. Therefore, you will not have the need for any other type of mount, and this particular telescope is excellent for visual observing, but it is not recommended for someone that wishes to partake in astrophotography. However, if you live in a big city or an area with high light pollution, this is the perfect telescope because it will actually allow to see through it and view deep sky observations.

Best Telescope for under $2,000 – Celestron Advanced VX 8″ f/10 EdgeHD Telescope

If you are interested in going big, the Celestron Edge HD Telescope and its usual bundle is by far the best deal in the $2,000 price range. First off, this telescope comes with a 2 year warranty, which is extremely important, especially due to the expensive nature of this telescope. When observing the stars, you never know when something might happen to knock over your telescope or something else. So, this warranty will allow you to have peace of mind when out having fun and observing celestial objects. The Celestron Edge HD 8” Telescope comes with a 1.25 inch eyepiece, a 1.25 inch 90-degree mirror diagonal.

It also comes with a Celestron Advanced VX Mount that is a tripod mount. This will actually make it a lot easier to set up. These types of mounts are generally more stable, which means they are less likely to be tipped over by an accident while trying to observe the stars and other celestial objects. This telescope weights around 85.5 pounds, and due to its weight, it is imperative to make sure you plan where you want to observe from prior to moving it. This will cause you a lot less trouble than having to constantly move it once it is set up. One of the only downsides to this particular telescope is the fact that you cannot merely use regular batteries to charge it.

It actually needs 12 volts in order for it to work. Therefore, you will need an inverter and a car battery to make it work or a power port I a nearby vehicle. However, the excellent results that this particular telescope will provide you in your observing experience are completely worth it. You will be able to look and see just about anything that you really want, within reason. Some people have even reported that while using this particular telescope, they were actually able to get 120 second exposures without having to deal with see the star trails. This telescope actually takes astrophotography to a whole new level. Plus, it is excellent due to the fact that vibration is not an issue when this telescope and mount are used together.

Things to Know when Buying a Telescope as an Amateur Astronomer

If you are new to astronomy, it can be extremely difficult to learn everything on your own, and if you are not careful, you could make costly mistakes when buying your telescope. One of the most important things to remember when buying your first telescope is that there is no substitute for quality. Although you might find an appealing telescope at your local department store, it is always a better idea to purchase your telescope from an actual telescope store or from a place where you can find just as high a quality of the telescope.

If you are willing to put in the time and really learn astronomy, you can actually save yourself a lot of money, especially if you are a younger astronomer. For instance, joining an astronomy club is a great way to learn the different constellations. By doing this, you will actually be able to find a telescope that is cheaper and more simplistic to use. Some astronomers might tell you that you need all of these technological features on your telescope in order to take seriously. However, it is not always important to have these features. A lot of times, people want these features for the sake of having them, but they could honestly get by without them lightening the expensiveness of their telescope choice.

When practicing astronomy, it is important to know that observation is key to having a good experience. One of the things that separate expert astronomers from amateur astronomers is their observation skills. Therefore, it is imperative that you make sure to work on these skills because it will actually assist you in being able to get a smaller telescope that will most likely cost less. Generally, there are two types of astronomers that people want to be: Visual astronomer or an astrophotographer. As an amateur astronomer, it is always better to start out as a visual observer, because the equipment and knowledge of astronomy are a lot more extensive in order to do astrophotography.

Reputable Brands of Telescopes

There are a lot of different brands that manufacture telescopes for both professional and amateur astronomers. Below, you will be able to find a few different reputable brands that are some of the best in the industry.

Celestron – Celestron has been manufacturing telescopes and accessories for over 50 years, and all of their workers provides quality craftsmanship that actually make them one of the best manufacturers, in the industry. They have telescopes designed for every type of an astronomer, regardless if they are a beginner or a professional. One of the best things about Celestron telescopes is the fact that they are extremely easy to assemble, and those who purchase them are always guaranteed satisfaction.

Sky-Watcher – If you have ever been to a star party, then you have probably seen a Sky-Watcher telescope, especially if you live in Europe. They have been around since the 1960s, and currently, they are actually known as the #1 fastest growing telescope brands in Europe, and their reputation is starting to grow everywhere else as well. They are the manufacturers that actually created one of the first Dobsonian telescopes, which is one of the most popular types available on the market.

Zhumell – Zhumell is known for their beginner telescopes. They have a wide range of these types that are low cost being less than $200. They have been around for years, and they are by far the best brand available on the market for that young or inexperienced astronomer in your life.

Meade – There are different stages of being an amateur in astronomy. Some are kids and some are adults. Meade understands that this is important knowledge to know when manufacturing telescopes. Currently, they are one of the top manufacturers when it comes to creating telescopes for any amateur despite this knowledge or age.

Red Dot Sights

The Best Red Dot Sights of 2024

Anyone who uses a gun for target practice or hunting will agree that having a sight is essential for being able to accurately hit a target. Traditional iron sights can be used to achieve this desired accuracy; however, red dot sights provide a faster way to aim and shoot without missing. While these sights were typically used by the military, they are now often employed for recreational means, including hunting and paintball. Red dot sights are popular to use for aiming at moving targets, especially since this type of sight allows you to line up the target and take a shot at a quick rate of speed. Let’s take a look at some of the best red dot sights on the market, and then we will cover key features to look for and evaluate when purchasing a red dot sight.

What is a Red Dot Sight?

If you are unsure of what a red dot sight is or how it differs from other types of sights, here are some additional details to go over before exploring the following options: Any non-magnified, illuminated sight that can be equipped to a shotgun, a rifle, or a handgun is considered a red dot sight. The reticle or “red dot” is created by an LED or a laser diode light that is reflected or projected into the field of view. This “red dot” is aimed directly in your line of sight to become the aiming mechanism that lines up the gun with the targets to make the perfect shot.

The Best Red Dot Sights on the Market

1. Athlon Optics Midas TSR2 Red Dot (Our top pick)

Athlon may not be the biggest name on the market, but they are one of the most impressive of late. Their latest generation of products have all been high performance at an affordable price, and their Midas Red Dot series is a great option for anyone in need of a quality red dot. One of its most impressive features is its battery life. At medium brightness, it claims to have an incredible 50,000 hours of juice! To make this battery life even better, it has a built in motion sensor that automatically turns the unit on and off. And its fully multicoated glass lives up to the quality that I’ve seen in the rest of Athlon’s line. Athlon has several other versions of this sight as well depending on how much power you want. I highly recommend giving this unit a try, you can check its price here.

2. Vortex SPARC 2 Red Dot Sight

The Vortex SPARC 2 is a well built, extremely sturdy sight that provides great features at a really reasonable price. An upgrade to Vortex’s original SPARC, the light weight sight is built to impress, and many reviewers have not had problems with it standing up to the tests of time at all. The battery life of this sight at minimum brightness can last up to an incredible 5,000 hours. A six hour auto shut down feature is also present to help preserve battery life. A simple button press makes it easy to adapt the color, shape, and illumination of the reticle. This sight also features a fully multi-coated lens as well as waterproof optics to keep moisture, dust, and debris away from the lens. It is also parallax free, which allows for more rapid shooting while you have both eyes open. Click here to see the current price.

3. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Rifle Sight

The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is a great, durable, lightweight sight that does not lack in quality. The multi-coated lens has an amber bright, high contrast coating that is designed to help you quickly distinguish where your target is in any lighting. The parallax free design adjusts to your eyes, which allow rapid shooting with both eyes open. The sight has the ability to adjust the size and the illumination of the reticle to three different levels and preserve the battery life. An additional feature that is useful for shooting excursions in the great outdoors is the waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof construction. Click here to check the current price.

4. Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic

The Aimpoint PRO is a great sight that has new, never-before-seen features incorporated into its’ design that maximizes the performance and battery life of the device. The sight can be turned on and left on for at least three years before a new battery will be required. The service date and battery change reminders are perfect for tracking and making sure that you never let your batteries die while you are out on a hunt. The front lens of this sight also features a band-pass coating, which enables compatibility with most types of night vision devices. Both the front and the rear lens are set back from the edge to cushion the sight from impact devastation and safeguard it from scratches and fingerprints. The Aimpoint PRO also has a mount with a removable spacer as well as a torque limiting twist knob that optimizes the pressure places on the rail. Click here to see the current price.

5. Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro Spec Sight NV QD

The Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro Spec Sight NV QD is ideal for someone looking to purchase a high quality, cost-effective sight. The double pane lens helps to eliminate parallax, which is a very helpful and common feature among red dot scopes, and the sight has four different reticle patterns to allow for maximal customization. You will also have the unique ability to mount the sight in front of a night vision monocular to create a co-witnessed sight setup. Furthermore, if you are in pursuit of a fast target, this sight is equipped with a quick detachable rail mounting system and an internal interlocking system that holds zero extremely well; therefore, you won’t have to worry about frequently readjusting this sight in the field. Finally, you can be sure that this scope will hold up in multiple types of environments and situations due to its durable aluminum frame and metal shield. Click to see the current price.

6. Burris FastFire III with Picatinny Mount

The Burris FastFire III is a very versatile sight that was built to stand up to rugged outdoor life for long periods of time. Windage and elevation adjustment upgrades are available with this sight. This Picatinny mounted sight has a 3 MOA dot reticle that can be adjusted to three brightness settings, and it also sports an automatic brightness setting that adjusts to the current lighting conditions. Battery access is conveniently located on the top so the sight so that it does not need to be removed when the battery needs replacing, and the low battery indicator will help you best prepare to have a fully powered sight for your next adventure. This Burris FastFire III also comes with waterproof and shockproof features.

Choosing the right sight is imperative for any hunter or marksman. Whether you are shooting for the fun of the sport or for the competition of it, it is best to find a sight that you are comfortable using. The key is to be able to make an accurate shot without spending a long time lining up the shot, especially if you are aiming at a moving target. Red dot sights are a great option for accomplishing that, but make sure you are aware of the important features to consider when purchasing one. Remember, expense does not always equal quality. The five sights listed are all excellent choices, but continue reading the content below before deciding which red dot sight is best for you. Click here to see the current price.

Benefits of a Red Dot Sight

• Faster Targeting Capabilities

Once a target is acquired, it is easy to quickly center the reticle on the target and fire the gun. There is no need to align the sights and take time to aim. This type of sight gives a much greater accuracy rate when taking aim at a moving target.

• Greater Field of View

Red dot sights have a wider field of view than most tube style sights. Having a wider field of view allows for a shot from a greater distance, but the sight is still not magnified so being reasonably close is still recommended.

• Unrestricted Eye Relief

For most sights, it matters how far away the shooter’s eye is from the sight, but with a red sight, the eye relief is unlimited. This feature allows for faster targeting, because it takes away part of the restraint placed upon someone who is aiming with another type of sight.

• Works Well with Low Light

Red dot sights are easy to aim in the dark of night. The cross hairs of most sights become invisible in the dark, but the red dot is even visible in the darkest environments.

Features to Consider when Purchasing a Red Dot Sight

• Housing Configuration

A red dot sight can come in either a tube style or an open style. The tube style is closer to a traditional sight in appearance. This type of housing allows the shooter to apply filters and protective covers to the lens, which could make the “red dot” easier to see in bright sunlight. Open sights do not have the classic tube style. These types of sights consist of only the bare basics, and objective window to see through and a source of illumination. Since an open housing configuration has less room for flair, filters cannot be used to enhance the viewing experience.

• Type of Projection

Red dot sights include both holographic and reflex sights. With a holographic projection, the sight is illuminated from the front of the lens and a laser diode light is projected onto the viewing window to create a holographic red dot to assist with aiming at a target. Reflex sight projections are much more common in red dot sights that are used for recreation. A reflex sight reflects an LED light that is positioned behind the lens into your line of sight.

• Style of the Reticle

The reticle is effectively the “red dot” that is used to bring the gun in line with the target. All Reticles are designed to be illuminated to make it easier to shoot in low lighting conditions, but they are not required to be red or to be a simple dot. The color and patterns of red dot sights vary, so it is best to find one that allows comfortable shooting. Styles range from a single dot, to cross hairs, or even bullseye patterns that can be displayed in a red or green color. A good sight will be able to utilize multiple patterns and adjust to the desired color. The size of the reticle can also often be adjusted. A bigger dot typically means that targeting is faster. Make sure to avoid fancy styles; it is important to naturally align your eye to the center of the reticle for faster target finding.

• Battery Life of the Sight

The battery life of any red dot sight is extremely important. You need to know that the reticle will be there when it is needed, and a sight that has a short battery life presents the chance of the light going out when you are getting ready to aim for a target. Without the reticle, targeting becomes more complicated and accuracy can suffer. Reflex sights that use LED’s to create the “red dot” consume much less energy than holographic options. A good sight should be able to get roughly a thousand hours of usage before the battery life diminishes. Make sure to preserve battery life whenever possible by turning the sight off when it is not being used. Shooing in cold weather can also be a factor of how long the battery life will last, so make sure to always carry a backup just in case.

Tips for Choosing a Red Dot Sight

• Higher Price does not mean Better Quality

Spending a lot on a sight is not always going to guarantee that the quality is better than the cheaper models. Sometimes advertising will suck you into a more expensive red dot sight that is missing key features, like being able to change the shape or color of the reticle to something that allows your eyes to focus at a faster rate.

• Compatible with Gun

Not all sights are able to be mounted to just any gun. Sights are designed to go with certain types of guns, and they will only fit properly on those styles. Make sure the sight that you are looking to purchase is compatible with the gun you own or are looking to own.

• A Comfortable Size and Weight

Make sure the sight is an appropriate size for your gun and the area where it will be stored. The weight of the red dot sight will affect the overall weight of the gun. Make sure that the gun can still be handled effectively with the sight attached to make assure that the accuracy of your aim is not diminished.

• Mounting the Sight

Mounting the sight to the gun is an extremely important step. If the sight is slightly off, then your whole aim will be off as well. Take your time when mounting and adjusting the sight to assure that it is straight. Your precision when mounting the sight will help you nail the target every time.

Overall, there are multiple features to take into consideration when making your red dot sight purchase. A sight equipped with all of the right features fit for you will take your recreational hunting or target shooting to the next level.

Rifle Scopes

Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 2-12×42 Rifle Scope Review

I have to say, I wouldn’t have picked the Helos BTR at first glance. It’s just not my type of scope for my hunting rifles. I like simple, no moving parts, and plain reticles. But after Athlon sent me this scope to try, I’ll admit that I became a convert. It’s more elegant than needlessly complicated, more elegantly durable than fragile. And the features it has, though not necessarily designed for what I’m going to use it for, are excellent.

This scope is in the mid range of the market, and has very high quality glass with Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses. The image quality from this scope was actually pretty shockingly good. So far I’ve only tested it at the range, but I’m really looking forward to using it in the field this fall. One thing really cool about this scope is the wide range of zoom settings. Starting at only 2 power, it can be used in very close up situations. It’s very rare that I’ve seen a scope go down to 2 power before, but I can imagine plenty of instances when it’ll be useful. And a 12 power on the high end is more than enough for my purposes, as hunting shots are never taken at super far distances. It also has a 42mm objective lens which gathers plenty of light and gives a good wide field of view without being overbearingly huge.

This scope is offered in a few different reticles, all of which fall into the category of complicated “christmas tree” reticles. That means they have a variety of hold points to account for both elevation and windage, and you can make accurate shots in a variety of situations without adjusting the turrets at all. In the past I’ve skoffed at such complicated reticles. After all, they do make the sight picture very complicated and harder to understand in the heat of the moment. My scope has the AHMR2 FFP IR MOA option. This reticle has hold overs that are designed for a variety of cartridges in 100 yard increments out to 700 yards, and can also be used to make distance estimates out to 600 yards based off of a deer’s body. After shooting this scope once, I can tell that my fears of complication were overblown that and that it’s going to make an excellent addition my arsenal. Here’s the scope reticle so you can see for yourself it’s versatility:

The scope has true precision zero stop and locking turrets, which are very intuitive and feel extremely solid. I have a much more expensive Night Force scope on another one of my rifles, and I think the Athlon’s are designed better. They are beefier, lockable, and seem ready to withstand the rigors of the field.

I mounted this scope using Talley one piece rings to my Tikka 6.5mm Creedmore, which has quickly become my go to rifle to hunt with. After getting it all dialed in, I took it to the range. I haven’t been able to do a ton of shooting with it yet (the ammo shortages have been making that harder and harder), but I did get it zeroed immediately thanks to the awesome and precise measurements from the turrets. It’s intuitive to use, and I’m looking forward to refining the scope and get it dialed in to take a mule deer this fall.

Overall, I would highly recommend this scope for a lot of people. It’s not a simple beginner scope like I would recommend to a new hunter, but if you have the budget for it and the desire to step up to a more versatile scope, this is a fantastic option.

Rifle Scopes

Athlon Optics Neos 3-9×40 Rimfire Riflescope Review

Athlon has been impressing me lately with a lot of their quality sporting optics. One of their most popular items of late has been the Neos riflescope, particularly the version designed specifically for rimfire rifles. I’d been wanting to get my hands on it for a long time after reading some excellent reviews and seeing it climb the bestseller charts, and they sent me one to put through the ringer.

First off the basic details. This is a 3-9 power scope with a 40mm objective lens. It is fully multicoated to increase light transmission. It’s tube is constructed from a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum, and it’s waterproof and nitrogen purged for fog resistance. The scope is available in three different reticle options: Center X, BDC 500 IR, and the BDC22 Rim Fire that I tested out.

I was immediately impressed by this scope. I’d been looking to get a scope on my old Savage bolt action 22 (which was my very first rifle!), which hasn’t had a scope mounted on it since I broke the cheap one that I first put on it. The Neos was a perfect fit for this great old gun of mine. It mounted without issue, and zeroed in only a few quick adjustments at the range. It looks great, like a much more expensive scope, and is definitely one that I’m going to be showing off.

The reticle is designed specifically for use with a .22lr. When zeroed at 50 yards, it has bullet drop compensation marks for 75, 100, 125, and 150 yards. That definitely gives you a lot of great options for a caliber that you won’t be using beyond that distance anyway. The second focal plane design also means you can use those drop compensation marks at any zoom setting on the scope.

The scope is simple and very user friendly. After I’d zeroed it in at 50 yards, I handed the reigns over to a couple of teenagers who were out shooting with me. They easily and intuitively picked up how to accurately take shots with this scope/rifle combo and were shooting tight groups immediately, even though in one case he had never shot a rifle before.

Overall, considering this scope can be had for just barely over a hundred dollars, I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants a scope on their 22. It makes the joy of plinking more accurate and stretches your effective distance. It’s also an obviously very high quality scope that is built to handle large calibers, so it’ll be able to take a beating. You can’t go wrong with this scope.

Rifle Scopes

Athlon Optics Argos HMR 2-12x42mm Riflescope Review

I’ve tested a lot of Athlon’s binoculars over the last few years, as well as recently a spotting scope and a red dot sight. However, I hadn’t gotten ahold of one of their rifle scopes until just recently, and boy was I looking forward to putting it through the paces. Athlon is very proud of their riflescopes, and rightly so. That seems to be the area where they focus most of their energy, and customer reviews have been excellent on every scope I’ve looked at. So when they sent me their new Argos HMR 2-12x42mm, I was beyond stoked to test it out (and not only because it gave me an excuse to buy another hunting rifle).

The scope they sent me has the illuminated BDC 600A reticle in it, which is a fantastic reticle. In most of my guns I run a standard duplex type reticle, sometimes with re settable elevation turrets. However, such turrets are notoriously unreliable, and though I’ve never had any problems yet, I’ve always been tempted to try something like what this Athlon scope has. The various marks are set up to be your holds for 100-600 yards. Athlon advertises it working with a wide variety of calibers. I put this scope on a new 6.5 Creedmore Tikka Superlight, which of course shoots very flat, and the reticle isn’t perfectly dialed for it. However, it will work great for me with a 200 yard zero, with the next holds down being for 250, 325, and 415. Those are great holds for my purposes of hunting deer and elk. The illumination is also a great feature that really helps the reticle stand out. I initially had a difficult time getting focused when I first started shooting thanks to how thin the reticle is, however once I got the parallax and focus adjusted it worked great, and the illumination makes it that much better! The thin reticle of course is ideal for taking longer shots. My only complaint is that the reticle light dial is a little bit tough to move. It’s possible that it will loosen up with use, but I could imagine it being tough to work in the cold when my fingers are numb.

The Athlon Argos HMR on my new Tikka T3x Superlight in 6.5 Creedmore. This is proving to be a very deadly hunting set up!

This scope has a zoom of 2-12 power. What’s especially impressive here is that low end 2 power. The most common scope I see is a 3.9 power, so this scope not only has the ability to zoom in further, but also the ability to zoom OUT further, which can be instrumental when hunting in close quarters. It’s rare I see a scope that has that low of a minimum zoom, and I totally love it. The 42mm objective lens is also great, it keeps the scope light which is perfect for hunting purposes.

Zeroing and adjusting the scope was a breeze. I mounted it using a scope mounting kit and Talley one piece alluminum rings, which I highly recommend to create a bombproof seal between the scope and rifle. The first shots at 50 yards were almost dead on without any adjustment. After dialing in there, I went to 100 and then finally 200 to get totally zeroed in. The scope has easy to use 1/4 MOA clicks on large adjustment rings. They are also covered with screw on caps, which is by far my preferred style of scope adjustments unless you want a resettable elevation turret. I know this scope will stand up to the elements and abuses of hunting without any danger of it losing its zero.

The glass in this scope is excellent, and meets the standards of what I would expect for a scope in this price range. It doesn’t compare to something like a highend Nightforce or Schmidt & Bender, but of course it also costs a tenth of what those scopes do, and I wouldn’t dare bring something like that into the field. This scope definitely is in that sweet spot where it is a nice enough setup to do everything I need it to in the field, but it doesn’t cost so much that I feel like I need to bubble wrap the whole thing before I step out my door.

Overall, I was very impressed with this scope. I didn’t get to test out the long range holds built into the reticle yet as the ammo shortage limited my range time, but I’m looking forward to testing it more and then carrying it on some hunts in the near future! If you want to check out this scope, take a look at it on Amazon here.

Red Dot Sights

Athlon Optics Midas TSR3 Red Dot Hands On Review

Athlon has been one of my favorite companies of late, as they have been producing some great optics at very competitive prices. Their red dots in particular have been getting some very positive feedback, so I was very excited when they sent me their Midas TSR3 model to test out. I ran it through its paces and was very impressed.

Athlon is selling four different red dots right now that represent four different size classes. The TSR3 is the second largest of them, and I absolutely loved this size mounted on my AR. There is no need on a gun like that to have a super compact sight. Conversely, the enormous objective and ocular lenses on this optic gave it crystal clear vision and the ability to very quickly pick up a target. After using this red dot, I don’t think I could ever go back to a smaller sight. I was also incredibly impressed with the glass quality. The model tends to be about a couple hundred bucks, and with optics in that price category sometimes the glass is hit or miss. However, Athlon did a great job here. I was very impressed, although I shouldn’t be surprised since the glass is fully multicoated and I’ve always had good luck with their products.

The Athlon Midas TSR3 mounted on my standard DPMS AR-15.

Mounting the sight was easy, just a simple wrench tightening and it was solidly on my AR’s rail, it definitely won’t be moving on accident. I ran it through a bunch of shooting, starting with zeroing. It has 1/2 MOA adjustments underneath screw on caps, which is perfect for a red dot like this and makes zeroing the sight easy. The sight has a simple two button control for dialing the brightness of the red dot. Even on the middle and lower settings, the dot was more than bright enough to work outdoors. And obviously in a lower light setting it will be highly visible.

This offering from Athlon boasts a claimed 50,000 hour battery life. It uses Smart Power Management, putting itself in sleeping mode after 5 minutes of no motion detection. This is a great feature that makes total sense on a sight like this, and I’m not sure why all red dots don’t have something similar!

Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend this red dot highly. There are a lot of good options out there when it comes to tactical sights, and this is one of the best if you are looking for something without magnification for your AR or similar rifle for close up shooting.

Spotting Scopes

Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope Review

Athlon has produced some of our favorite products of late, with their new line being a serious competitor to the bigger names in the optics world. I’ve been very impressed with a couple of their binoculars I’ve been able to get my hands on (the Neos G2 and Argos G2 UHD), and was very excited to take their new spotting scope for a spin. The Argos HD 20-60x85mm falls into the perfect category of spotting scopes for high power use. It’s big and heavy, so you probably will mostly use it from your vehicle or a camp, but the power behind a scope this big is something awesome to behold.

This scope has one function: To get you close eyes on a subject far, far away. And it does that exceptionally well. The 85mm objective lens is massive and collects an impressive amount of light, leading to excellent image quality. This is also helped along by the full multi coating and phase coated prisms. Athlon was also smart enough to include a large eye piece, avoiding a huge mistake I’ve seen other optics companies make. Overall image quality is great. The only thing I wish the scope has would be ED glass. It’s in the price range where this could be an option. Although I will say that very similar to the Neos binoculars I reviewed, the image quality is impressively great for a scope without ED glass.

Functionally the scope works great. It has a very unique design that is quickly growing on me. Instead of a focus knob that sticks up off the middle of the scope, it has a ring running around the entire body of the scope that is used for focusing. While I was initially skeptical that this would lead to accidentally bumping the focus off, I haven’t had this problem at all. Instead, I’ve found it very easy to make finite adjustments to the focus thanks to the large size of the control. I think they are converting me to liking this style of focus ring!

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this scope, particularly in its price range. I wish it had ED glass, and it doesn’t give you quite the image quality that you get with a Swarovski, but for the price I’m more than satisfied with it and will no doubt use it in the field. You can check it out here.

Binoculars

Athlon Neos G2 HD 8x42mm Binoculars Review

Athlon’s new line of sporting optics hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves yet, so I’m here to set the record straight by reviewing their entry into the low-mid range end of the binocular market: The Neos G2 HD. This binocular can usually be had for less than $100, making it very affordable and accessible for the average beginner sportsman or enthusiast.

I got my hands on the 8x42mm version of this binocular. 42mm objective lenses are far and away my favorite, as they offer the perfect trade off between portability and image quality. They let in plenty of light, and the 8 power magnification is ideal for when you need a fairly wide field of view but aren’t necessarily looking to zoom in super close to your quarry.

The big thing that you give up when you get a binocular in this price range is extra low dispersion glass. For an Athlon option that has this higher end glass, check out the Argos G2 UHD I recently reviewed. However, I have to say that even without ED glass, the Neos impressed me with its surprisingly great image quality. The difference between ED and non ED glass is something that it takes some time to be able to distinguish, and conditions play a role in it as well. With these binos it was shockingly difficult to tell that they didn’t use ED glass. Suffice it to say that for the money, these binos offer an excellent view.

The coolness factor is somewhat arbitrary, but still important to many people, and these binos definitely have it. With their sleek grey color (it reminds me of my Cement colored Tacoma) and excellent grip texturing, these binos simply look cool. Way more visually to them than the standard plain black rubber.

You can get these binos standalone, or packaged with a Wearable4U lens cleaning pen and clothe, which is a very helpful addition for those who use their binos in adverse conditions. Regardless they will include the industry standard clothe carry case, neck strap and small lens clothe. As with the Argos G2 I mentioned above, these come in Athlon’s beautiful new packaging, which has one of the better box designs I’ve seen in the industry.

In short, these are a solid pair of binoculars and a great option for someone looking in this price range!

Binoculars

Athlon Optics Argos G2 UHD 10×42 Hands On Review

Athlon is one of my go to recommendations for a wide class of sporting optics. They have solid products, are reliable, and constantly update their lineup. They recently sent me one of their newest generation of binoculars, the Argos G2 UHD.

Priced at a bit over $200, the Argos G2 UHD is an entry into the midrange market of binos, which is the most popular for consumers and what I typically recommend those who are getting into hunting, bird watching or some other type of outdoor activity start out with. They are also perfectly sized, with 10×42 being the best fit for most users. In short, these binos are targeting a sweet spot in the market.

But with that sweet spot of course comes competition. There are dozens of brands vying for the same customers as the Argos. So what did Athlon do to give them the competitive edge? Let’s dive in. First off, the optics are great. These binos come with ED (extra low dispersion) glass. This is a critical feature that I have to see before I recommend a mid range bino. It makes image quality significantly higher. They also offer ESP dialectric coating on the phase corrected prisms, which has insanely high light transfer. Translation: more light going through the binos actually gets to your eyes, meaning brighter, clearer images. They also offer an XPL coating on the exterior lenses to protect against dirt, moisture, and anything else they get exposed to in the elements when you’re on a major adventure.

These binoculars fall into what I would call the “modern” category. They have a sleek build with lots of features and grip elements built into the chasis, making them easy to hold and use, and very attractive to look at. They come with the standard lens cloth, soft case, and neck strap. The box they come in also excellent, and really adds a nice presentation element to it (all of Athlon’s new line seems to be coming in these high end new boxes, and I’ve been very impressed by their packaging). Compared to the cheap cardboard the company used to use, it’s a massive upgrade in how the product feels coming out of the box.

Overall I think this is an excellent mid range bino to consider, especially since it is priced a little below many of the best competitors in the space. You can check them out on Amazon here.

ACOG Scope

The Best Trijicon ACOG Scope in 2021

best trijicon acog scope Trijicon’s line of Advanced Combat Optical Gunsights (ACOGs) is of the utmost quality. All models are forged from an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, making them lightweight and nearly indestructible. All models pass military drop tests and are water resistant up to 100 meters, filled with dry nitrogen to prevent fogging. For an even more durable product, Trjicon makes their ACOG scopes with fixed magnification. Less moving parts means more reliability. Most models feature a fiber-optic and tritium reticle that adjusts brightness based on available light, operating completely battery-free in bright to low-light conditions, and some offer an LED reticle option that runs for thousands of hours on a single battery. Trijicon’s ACOG scopes are specifically designed for effective use in close-quarters combat, using the Bindon Aiming Concept. It is no mystery why Trijicon ACOG scopes are the most trusted combat sights worldwide.

Trijicon offers a huge assortment of ACOG scopes, with different magnification powers, different reticles, different objective lens diameters, and different physical sizes. This article will give a brief overview of them, arranged by magnification strength and objective size, but first, a quick word about objective lens sizes.

For those of us that are new to firearms scopes, the magnification power and objective lens diameter are listed as, for example, “1.5×24”. The first number, 1.5, is the magnification strength of the scope. An object viewed though the scope will appear approximately 1.5 times as large. The second number, 24, is the diameter of the objective lens, in millimeters. The objective lens is the lens farthest from the eye, and determines how much light enters the scope. A larger objective lens will produce a brighter image, but will be bigger and heavier, and may require additional accessories to attach.

Now let’s talk about the various models of Trijicon ACOG scopes.

1.5x16S

These scopes are built for quick reflexes in close quarters. They feature a super-wide 7.4° field of view, allowing you to see a 12.9 meter diameter at a 100 meter distance. No other Trijicon ACOG scope matches these for maintaining complete combat awareness.

The smallest ACOG scopes Trijicon makes weigh a tiny 5.1 ounces. They are designed for the lowest possible mounting configuration, making them an excellent choice for AK rifles or other firearms with low cheek welds. They also make wonderful accompaniment to M16 or M4 rifles, leading to fantastic fire-control capability.

Trijicon 1.5x16S ACOG scopes feature circle-dot reticles, with no batteries required. The circle is made of high-quality fiber optics that catch and intensify ambient light, automatically adjusting brightness and contrast from bright to low-light conditions. The center dot is made of tritium, which catches and stores energy from collected light and glows when little or no light is available.
1.5x16S Trijicon ACOG scopes are a great choice for close-combat situations or for speed-oriented marksmanship competitions. They are small, light, simple, and durable.

1.5×24

These ACOG scopes feature a larger objective lens diameter than the previous set, with the same magnification strength. The image produced by these scopes is expected to be brighter and clearer than that of the 1.5x16S, but the scope itself is much larger. While the height and width remain the same as the smaller scope, the 1.5×24 scope is 45 millimeters longer, with a total length of 147 millimeters (about six inches). This scope is 6.3 ounces, considerably heavier than the 1.5x16S.

These scopes offer two possible targeting reticles: Triangle or crosshair. Reticles are made of fiber-optics and tritium, like most Trijicon ACOG scopes, and automatically adjust brightness based on lighting conditions. The largeness of the reticles makes them easy to decipher at an instant, allowing you to take aim that much faster.

The field of view through a Trijicon 1.5×24 ACOG scope is an 8.6 meter diameter at a 100 meter distance, or about 4.9°, much smaller than the 1.5x16S.

The benefits of the 1.5×24 ACOG scope are in the large exit pupil and generous eye relief. The exit pupil is a full 16 millimeters, and the eye relief is 91 millimeters. This configuration means that eye position requires much less precision, allowing for lightning-fast target acquisition in rapid-movement situations.

Trijicon’s 1.5×24 ACOG scopes are the right choice for fast target acquisition in close-quarters environments and any situation in which you need to maintain low-distance accuracy without sacrificing maneuverability.

2×20

This is the first step up in magnification, but it comes with a slight reduction in objective lens diameter.

The 2×20 ACOG scope is smaller than the 1.5×24, coming in at 135 millimeters in length, but with the same width and the same low profile. It is only one tenth of an ounce heavier.

Field of view is 5.6°, or a 9.8 meter diameter at a 100 meter distance. This is a wider field of vision than the 1.5×24, allowing a wider view of the combat zone while aiming through the scope.

Trijicon’s 2×20 ACOG scopes have three reticle options: Triangle, crosshair, or 6.9 MOA dot. These large reticles enable faster targeting discernment, but at the expense of long-range accuracy.

This scope’s compact design makes it a great choice for compact firearms, such as UZIs, MP-5s, or other member of the H&K lineup. It’s enhanced magnification extends accurate rifle range up to 200 meters.

3×24

This is the point at which Trijicon ACOG scopes begin to focus on long-distance accuracy. These scopes have the least eye relief of all Trijicon ACOG scopes, at 35 millimeters, and the smallest exit pupil, at only 8 millimeters. The scopes are only 127 millimeters long, and are available at in standard height or low-profile designs. Low-height scopes are perfect for AK style rifles, or other firearms with low cheek welds. The 3×24 ACOG scopes weigh between 5.8 and 6.1 ounces, making them easily maneuverable.

Field of view for these scopes is approximately 8.6 meters at a 100 meter distance, or 4.9°. Reticles at this level are specifically calibrated to either .223 or 7.62x39mm ammunition. The two targeting reticle options are either a dual-illuminated ballistic crosshair, or dual-illuminated horseshoe-dot. Both are made of fiber-optics material that automatically adjusts brightness based on lighting conditions, with a tritium center dot that glows in low-light conditions.

Trijicon builds windage and elevation adjusters right onto their ACOG scopes, so no extra tools are needed. They also integrate housings for their Ruggedized Miniature Reflex sights, or RMRs, so the extra optics can easily be mounted onto the ACOG scope.

Trijicon’s 3×24 ACOG scopes are the right choice for rifles using either .223 or 7.62×39 cartridges, when they need to balance lightweight maneuverability with long-distance accuracy.

3×30

This is one of the most versatile magnification and lens diameter options available. These scopes can be specifically calibrated for .223, .308, 7.62×39, or 300 BLK ammunition.

At 7.8 ounces and a length of 155 millimeters, these scopes are the biggest and heaviest of Trijicon’s compact ACOGs. They have a field of view with only a 6.5 meters at a 100 meter distance, about 3.7°, which is the tightest field of vision of the compact ACOGs.

Trijicon’s 3×30 ACOG scopes offer significant accuracy improvements. The sizable magnification strength extends usable rifle range, and the automatically adjusting fiber-optic reticle features bullet drop compensation for long-distance shooting. At these distances, windage and elevation adjustment is critical, and the 3×30 ACOG scopes feature integrated external adjusters at 4 clicks per adjustment inch at 100 yards.

These scopes offer a little more eye freedom than the 3×24 scopes, with 48 millimeters of eye relief and an 8.4 millimeter exit pupil.

Trijicon’s 3×30 ACOG scopes are the right choice for those who want a compact scope that enhances mid-range accuracy, and are using a .223, .308, 7.62×39, or 300 BLK rifle. This scope does not come in low-height configurations, and so may not be comfortable on rifles with low cheek welds.

3.5×35

This begins the set of Trijicon ACOG scopes built for extended range shooting. The 3.5×35 scope offers accuracy up to 800 meters for .223 rifles and up to 1200 meters for .308.

These scopes are not compact, and so are much larger and heavier than the previous scopes. 3.5×35 ACOGs are 203 millimeters long, 53 millimeters wide, and 66 millimeters tall. They weigh 14 ounces, nearly a full pound of extra weight on your rifle.

This scope has the largest exit pupil of the extended range scopes, nearly 10 millimeters, and the second largest eye relief, at 61 millimeters. External windage and elevation adjusters operate at 3 clicks per inch at 100 yards.

Trijicon offers a wide selection of targeting reticles for its 3.5×35 ACOGs: Chevron, crosshair, horseshoe-dot, triangle, and donut. Each reticle is dual-illuminated with fiber-optics and tritium. All sights are zeroed at 100 meters. Chevron sights are 5 moa thick, or approximately 19 inches at 300 meters. Competitive marksmen often prefer donut reticles, as they will not obscure the target.

Trijicon makes a special 3.5×35 ACOG scope designed specifically to be used with the M249 weapon system. This special scope increases hit probability out to 1000 meters. The special M249 scope is prepared to accept an additional RMR, and is built with GDI auto-locking quick-release levers. The scope is easily zeroed for either 500 meters or 10 meter BZO.

The Trijicon 3.5×35 ACOG scope is popular among competitive shooters for its ease of use, reliability, and accuracy. It is also among the only ACOG scopes specifically designed for use with a machine gun system.

4×32

The classic, the original. This is the first ACOG Trijicon made, and is still one of their most popular products. The 4×32 scope lineup includes several designed specifically for use by the US military, and one designed for use by the Los Angeles Police Department.

U.S. military specifications require the ACOG scopes to allow for bullet drop compensation up to 800 meters without any manual adjustments. Most non-US-military 4×32 scopes allow for bullet drop compensation up to 600 meters.

This magnification strength and objective lens diameter configuration has the most options of any ACOG scope Trijicon makes. They offer several models with the standard crosshair reticle, either dual-illuminated of illuminated with tritium only. They offer many different dual-illuminated reticles in scopes designed for use with the Bindon Aiming Concept. They even have 4×32 ACOG models with LED reticles.

LED reticle 4×32 ACOG scopes require one AA battery. They can last over 12,000 hours before the single battery must be replaced. The use of electricity over fiber optics allows the user to adjust the brightness of the reticle with a simple switch, and means that the reticle maintains the same level of brightness in all light conditions.

5.5×50

This is the longest of Trijicon’s ACOG scopes. It sits a full 305 millimeters in length! It sits relatively low, at only 69 millimeters. It weighs 25.6 ounces, just over a pound and a half, which will definitely affect the maneuverability and ease of use in your weapon. This ACOG scope is built for great accuracy in extended-range shooting, but is still designed to work well with the Bindon Aiming Concept.

The reticle is only available in chevron, but comes with a flat-line top adapter. The large objective lens ensures that the image will be bright and clear even at such a high magnification. A tight field of view, only 6.1 meters at a 100 meter distance, about 3.5°, maintains an accurate image with as little fish-eye distortion as possible.

This ACOG is made for pinpoint accuracy. Built-in windage and elevation adjusters operate at 5 clicks per inch at 100 yards. The reticle includes markings for bullet drop compensation for incredibly long distances. The reticle is zeroed at 100 meters, and the 5.53 MOA chevron signifies 19 inches at 300 meters, allowing easier range estimation for silhouetted targets.

These 5.5×50 ACOG scopes can be calibrated either for .223 or for .308 ammunition. This covers a wide variety of weapons that are generally used at these distances.

The Trijicon 5.5×50 ACOG scope is the right choice for shooters intending to use their weapon at long distances, but who want to avoid the extra weight and difficulty of using the last Trijicon ACOG magnification and objective lens diameter configuration.

6×48

This is perhaps the most impressive of Trijicon’s ACOG lineup. These can be calibrated for .223, .308, or .50 BMG ammunition. All 6×48 ACOG scopes incorporate bullet drop compensation notches in the reticle: the .223 scope has bullet drop compensation to 800 meters, the .308 up to 1200 metes, and the .50 BMG up to 1800 meters.

The .308 scopes can have either a chevron or horseshoe-dot reticle, while the others are only available in chevron. All reticles are zeroed at 100 meters, and the chevron is 5.53 MOA think, or 19 inches at 300 meters. All reticles are dual-illuminated with fiber optics and tritium, which provided battery-free lighting that automatically adjusts in brightness to environmental conditions.

Trijicon makes two specialty ACOG scopes in this range. The first is designed for use with the M240 weapon system, and the second for use with the .50 BMG M2 system. Both specialty scopes incorporate a horseshoe-dot reticle with a tritium center that glows in darkness. Both have a built-in 1913 Picatinny Rail on top, so additional sights can be attached. Both have auto-locking quick detach levers. Both are designed for both-eyes-open shooting, in the Bindon Aiming Concept.

The 6×48 ACOG scopes are incredibly durable. They are built of the same aluminum alloy as the others, need no batteries, and are waterproof up to 500 meters. These scopes go anywhere.

These scopes are by far the heaviest of the Trijicon ACOGs, at 36.9 ounces, over 2.25 pounds. They are 229 millimeters long and 86 millimeters high, making this configuration perhaps the most cumbersome. Windage and elevation adjusters operate at 4 clicks per inch at 100 yards.

The M240 scope provides bullet drop compensation notches up to 1200 meters. It includes a 500 meter zero point, and a 10 meter BZO marker.

The M2 scope provides bullet drop compensation notches up to 2000 meters. Instructions to zero the scope at 100 or 500 meters are etched into the side. This scope is designed to account for bullet spin at extreme distances, specific to .50 BMG ammunition.

The 6×48 ACOG scope is the perfect choice for those who want the highest magnification strength, but understand the importance of the Bindon Aiming Concept. These scopes are the definition of rugged reliability. They are easy to use and capable in nearly any environment.

Summary

Here’s a quick guide to deciding on a Trijicon ACOG scope:

Consider the size of the weapon to which the scope will be attached. Smaller weapons are better suited to compact scopes, which range up to the 3×30.
Consider the cheek welds. Guns with low cheek welds are often better suited to low-profile ACOGs.
Consider your average combat distance. At close quarters, a wide field of view helps maintain peak combat awareness, and smaller, lighter scopes will be more easily maneuverable.
Consider eye relief. In high-speed situations, more eye relief space makes it easier to get a full view through the scope without specific head placement.
Consider caliber. Longer-distance scopes are specifically designed by caliber, with bullet drop compensation lines that match.
If using an M2, M240, or M249 weapon system, go straight for ACOG scopes specifically designed for use with your firearm.

Once you’ve considered every aspect of the scope, use the links above to find what you want on Amazon, and click Buy Now. You won’t be disappointed.