6 Best Holographic Sights for AR 15

Outdoor Moran is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

In this review, we look at the best holographic sights for ar 15.

Holographic Weapon Sights are among the fastest and most intuitive sighting systems. The primary goal of every gun enthusiast is to hit the target accurately.

The main reason why any hunter/ tactical shooter should invest in a holographic sight is that it makes it easier to focus on your target.

This results in faster target acquisition than anything a red dot sight or traditional scope has to offer. A holographic sight forAR 15 is the best choice for someone who wants a high-tech sight that is always in focus.

In recent years, holographic sights have shown a new level of technology compared with red dot sights that have been on the market for years.

When it comes to choosing the best holographic sights for ar 15, there are many to choose from.

If you are new in the market, below is a review of some of the best holographic sights for ar 15.

 

Here is a quick look at the 6 Best Holographic Sights for AR 15

 

1) EOTECH EXPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight 

EOTECH EXPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight 

  • Dimensions:3.8″ x 2.3″ x 2.9″
  • Weight:11.2oz
  • Brightness: 20 daylight settings
  • Battery:CR123
  • Battery Life:1,000hrs

 

2) EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight 

EOTech Model 512

  • Dimensions:5.6″ x 2.0″ x 2.5″
  • Weight:11.5oz
  • Brightness: 20 daylight settings
  • Battery:2 x 1.5 V AA
  • Battery Life:2,500hrs

 

 

3) EOTECH XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight

Eotech XPS2 Holographic Red Dot Sight

  • Dimensions:3.8″ x 2.1″ x 2.5″
  • Weight:9.0 oz
  • Brightness: 20 daylight settings
  • Battery: CR123
  • Battery Life:1,000hrs

 

 

4) EOTECH 558 Holographic Weapon Sight 

EOTech Model 558

  • Dimensions:5.6″ x 2.2″ x 2.9″
  • Weight:13.8 oz
  • Brightness: 20 daylight settings + 10  NV
  • Battery:2 x 1.5 V AA
  • Battery Life:2,500hrs

 

 

5) EOTECH XPS2-300 Blackout Holographic Weapon Sight

EOTech Model 300 Blackout 

  • Dimensions:3.8″ x 2.1″ x 2.5″
  • Weight:9.0 oz
  • Brightness: 20 daylight settings
  • Battery: CR123
  • Battery Life:1,000hrs

 

 

6) Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight 

Vortex Razor AMG UH-1

 

  • Dimensions:3.6″ x 5″ x 2.7″
  • Weight:11.6 oz
  • Brightness: 15 daylight settings
  • Battery: CR123A

 

 

 

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Holographic Sights for AR 15

While holographic sights are relatively expensive when compared with other traditional optics, here are some of the important factors to consider if you want to spend money on one.

  1. Body construction

To ensure great value for the money you spend, make sure that the holographic sight you buy is made from durable and rugged materials. If you intend to use the sight in different environments, it should be in a position to withstand harsh impacts and heavy recoil as well.

If you are using the sight on a heavy recoil rifle, and its body isn’t recoil resistant, an opposite force will be created and the user might lose his balance.

  1. An aperture of the window

One of the best features of holographic sights is that they let you shoot while having your both eyes wide open. The aperture of the window is what lets you see the field with the reticle in a holographic sight.

For a comfortable view, choose a sight with a window aperture of at least 20 yards. A 20-35 yards aperture can be considered to be a good one.

  1. Brightness settings

Another important feature to look out for in any holographic sight is the number of brightness settings. The brightness settings play a major role in providing you with bright and clear target views.

The more the brightness settings, the better. This will enable you to adjust the brightness level according to your needs.

If you come across a sight with night vision compatibility, the better.

Such a sight is compatible with all brightness intensifiers and also enables you to have the clearest vision in full darkness. This particular feature is important if you prefer to shoot at night.

  1. Size and weight

Size plays a critical role when it comes to compatibility between a holographic sight and the rifle intended to be used. The size of the holographic sight should match the rifle you intend to use it with.

If your plan is to go hunting, make sure that the sight is lightweight and portable. This way, you will have an easy time traversing through thick woods and plains.

The weight of the sight also matters because it contributes to the overall weight of the gun.

  1. Durability

Holographic sights are comparatively rare and more expensive than red dot sights and traditional optics as well.

This means that if you decide to invest in any holographic sight, it must be made of sturdy and durable materials to ensure many years of use.

Make sure that the holographic sight is waterproof, fog-proof, corrosion-resistant, and shockproof as well.

  1. Battery life

You’ll need a holographic sight with a longer-lasting battery. With such a sight, you get to have longer hunting hours without having to worry about the battery getting drained up.

You can also look for holographic sights that have a programmable auto-sleep or power-saving option that will conserve battery life.

 

Best Holographic Sights for AR 15

 

1) EOTECH EXPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight

EOTECH EXPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight 

 

 

 

When it comes to holographic sight technology, EOTech is the undisputed leader and the EXPS2 model is one of the best Holographic Sights for AR 15.

It features a compact size which maximizes rail space while supporting easy co-witnessing.

Every shooter will love the quick detach feature for easy installation and removal.

For quick adjustability in any shooting situation, this sight model offers several brightness settings in standard operating mode.

With 20 brightness settings, you get to use the optic in any lighting scenario.

Furthermore, the holographic sight has been designed and made to meet the rugged demands of serious tactical shooters. For all-weather reliability, this product is fully waterproof and fog proof.

It comes with a battery that ensures 1000 hours of continuous use.

Features

  • Water-resistant and fog proof.
  • Lightweight and easy to carry around.
  • Intuitive and easy to use.
  • Rugged construction to withstand heavy recoil and harsh impacts.
  • Fast target acquisition.
  • Reliable toughness.
  • Multiple brightness settings.
  • Quick detach lever for easy installation and removal.
  • Precision at any range.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 1 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 0.85 in
  • Objective Window Size: 30.5 x 21.6 mm
  • Illumination Type: Holographic, Color: Red
  • Brightness Settings: 20
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Adjustment Type: MOA, Click Value: 0.5 MOA
  • Field of View, Linear: 30 yds at 4 in
  • Lens Material: Front Window 1/8in solid glass Rear Window 3/16in Laminate
  • Optical Coating: AR-coated external glass surfaces
  • Attachment/Mount Type: Weaver, MIL-STD 1913
  • Battery Life: 1000 hours
  • Operating Temperature: 20 – 50 Celsius
  • Water Resistance Level: Submersible
  • Water Resistant Mark: 10 ft
  • Dimensions & Wight : Length: 3.8 in,Width: 2.3 in,Height: 2.9 in,Weight: 11.2 oz
  • Magnification Type: Fixed
  • W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 0.5 MOA

 

2) EOTech Model 512

EOTech Model 512

 

 

 

If you are looking for a holographic sight that doesn’t cost a fortune, EOTech Model 512 should be your ideal model.

This sight model features 20 brightness settings which enable you to adjust brightness for accurate and clear dawn-to-dusk shooting.

With this holographic sight model, you can either use it for precision shooting or turkey hunting.

It even comes with a camouflage pattern to help you stay hidden from your target while hunting.

What makes this model suitable for tactical applications is how lightweight it is. It also features a long battery life of up to 1000 hours. Another thing about this product is that it features rear buttons with easy access for both right and left-hand shooters.

With a quick detach lever, you get to easily attach or remove the sight on any rifle.

This holographic sight model is also water-resistant to 10 feet.

Compared with other EOTech holographic sides models, this model contains no unnecessary features and is perfect for ar 15 set-ups and other tactical rifles as well.

Features

  • Water-resistant up to 10 feet.
  • Relatively affordable.
  • Lightweight and easy to carry around.
  • Intuitive and easy to use.
  • Rugged construction to withstand heavy recoil and harsh impacts.
  • Fast target acquisition.
  • 20 brightness settings.
  • Offers up to 1000 hours of battery life.
  • Ideal for both right and left-handed shooters.
  • Quick detach lever for easy installation and removal.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 1 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 0.85 in
  • Reticle: 65 MOA Ring and 1 MOA Dot
  • Illumination Type: Holographic
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Adjustment Type: MOA
  • Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
  • Field of View, Linear: 30 yds at 4 in
  • Lens Material: Front Window 1/8in solid glass Rear Window 3/16in Laminate
  • Optical Coating: Anti-Reflection coating on the external surface
  • Attachment/Mount Type: MIL-STD 1913, Weaver
  • Battery Type: AA, Quantity: 2, Life:(Lithium Batteries) 1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 at room temp. for,(Alkaline Batteries)  600 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 at room temp
  • Operating Temperature: -4 – 122 Fahrenheit
  • Water Resistance Level: Submersible, Water Resistant Mark: 10 ft, 3 m
  • Dimensions : Height: 2.5 in & Weight: 10.9 oz
  • Magnification Type: Fixed
  • Fit: MIL-STD-1913 rail/1in Weaver
  • W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 0.5 MOA

 

3) EOTech Model XPS2

EOTech Model XPS2

 

 

 

This EOTech holographic sight model is the shortest, smallest and lightest. Its compact size and low weight make it convenient for shooters and law enforcement officers.

It features a compact, single lithium battery configuration which leaves more rail space for rear iron sights or magnifiers.

Like any other EOTech sight, the XPS 2 model is also made to meet the rugged needs of serious precision shooters.

The rugged construction provides the shooter with fast target acquisition and reliable toughness as well.

With 20 brightness settings available on this scope, you get to shoot with it under any lighting situation.

It is water-resistant up to 10 feet and its battery life will last up to 1000 hours. Definitely one of the best Holographic Sights for AR 15.

Features

  • Intuitive and easy to use.
  • Rugged construction to withstand heavy recoil and harsh impacts.
  • Fast target acquisition.
  • 20 brightness settings.
  • Offers up to 1000 hours of battery life.
  • Water-resistant to 10 feet/3m
  • Reliable toughness.
  • Small in size and very lightweight.
  • Mountable to 1” Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 1 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 0.85 in
  • Illumination Type: Holographic, Color: Red
  • Brightness Settings: 20
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Adjustment Type: MOA, Click Value: 0.5 MOA
  • Field of View, Linear: 30 yds at 4 in
  • Attachment/Mount Type: MIL-STD 1913, Weaver
  • Battery Type: CR123A,Life: 1000 hours
  • Operating Temperature: -4 – 122 Fahrenheit
  • Water Resistance Level: Submersible
  • Magnification Type: Fixed
  • Fit: both 1in Weaver and MIL-STD-1913 rail

 

4) EOTech Model 558

EOTech Model 558

 

 

 

One unique feature which makes EOTech Model 558 stand out among other EOTech models is the night vision gear compatibility.

The night vision-compatible technology provides operators with a radically enhanced sighting system better than that found in traditional red dot sights.

The sight model comes with 20 brightness settings for use in different lighting scenarios, however, it comes with 10 extra settings for Gen 1 through Gen 3+ night vision devices.

The ergonomic, side operational buttons make this sight ideal for both left and right-hand shooters. Moreover, the quick detach lever ensures easy installation and removal of the sight on any rifle.

Like any other EOTech sight, the 558 models is also made to meet the rugged needs of serious precision shooters.

The rugged construction provides the shooter with fast target acquisition and reliable toughness as well.

Features

  • Night vision compatible.
  • Intuitive and easy to sight in targets.
  • Water-resistant up to 10 feet.
  • 20 daylight settings plus 10 additional settings for Gen I-III night vision devices.
  • Fast target acquisition.
  • Rugged and hard-wearing construction.
  • Ideal for both right and left-handed shooters.
  • Quick detach lever for easy installation and removal.
  • Precision at any range.

Specifications

  • Length/Width/Height: 5.5″ x 2.2″ x 2.8″ (140 x 56 x 71 mm)
  • Weight: 13.3oz (377 g)
  • Waterproof: Submersible to 33 ft. (10 m) depth
  • Mount: 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail
  • Return to Zero: Repeatable to within 1 MOA after re-mounting
  • Brightness: 20 daylight settings; 10 additional settings for Gen I through III+ night vision devices
  • Power Source: Two 1.5 V AA batteries – Supports lithium, alkaline, or rechargeable
  • Battery Life:Lithium: 2500 hours, AA alkaline: 2200 hours

 

5) EOTech Model 300 Blackout

EOTech Model 300 Blackout

 

 

EOTech Model 300 Blackout holographic sight is specially designed for tactical shooters looking for a sight to elevate their shooting skills to a whole new level.

Built on the XPS2 model, the model 300 blackout is the shortest and most lightweight holographic sight on the market.

It features a 2-dot ballistic drop reticle which enables you to easily zero both subsonic and supersonic rounds in the same reticle pattern.

The compact battery design leaves more rail space for rear iron sights or magnifier.

The compact size and lightweight nature of this model make it a favorite among hunters, military, and law enforcement personnel.

Features

  • Lightweight and easy to carry around.
  • Intuitive and easy to use.
  • Small and compact size.
  • Holographic sight with a 2-dot ballistic reticle.
  • Powered by standard AA batteries.
  • The compact design leaves more rail space for rear iron sights or magnifier.
  • Custom 300 BLK laser etching on the hood.

 

6) Vortex Razor AMG UH-1

Vortex Razor AMG UH-1

 

 

 

Other than the long track record of EOTech holographic models, Vortex is the other real contender brand on the market today.

The good thing about this sight model is that it is fully shatterproof, fog proof, and scratch-resistant.

The Vortex Razor AMG features one of the best reticles found in holographic sights.

The reticle is not only crisp, sharp, and user friendly, but also contains no zero distortion. The versatility of this sight enables you to use it for both long and short-range shooting.

You can use the circle and center dot to zero in your rifle and make adjustments for long-range shooting. The inclusion of a bottom triangle enables the shooter to quickly compensate for close-quarters distances of 10 yards or less.

The sight comes with unlimited eye relief and is also night compatible.

With 15 illumination settings, you are assured of reliable shooting regardless of the lighting conditions.

Features

  • Parallax free.
  • 15 illumination settings.
  • Unlimited eye relief.
  • Night vision compatible.
  • Integrated quick-release mount.
  • FHG technology.
  • Fully multi-coated optics.
  • Fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 1 x
  • Reticle: 1 MOA EBR-CQB
  • Illumination Type: Holographic, Color: Red
  • Brightness Settings: 15
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Adjustment Type: MOA,Click Value: 1/2 MOA
  • Parallax: Parallax Free
  • Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny
  • Dimensions : Length: 3.6 in,Width: 5 in,Height: 2.7 in,Weight: 11.8 oz

 

You May Also Like: 11 Best LPVO Scopes for AR15 /Hunting

Best Holographic Sights for AR 15 FAQs

  • Can you co-witness holographic sights?

Yes. You can easily co-witness holographic sights with iron sights. EOTech models with in-built quick detach mounts, such as EXPS3, are designed for lower one-third co-witnessing with iron sights.

  • Are holographic sights worth it?

Compared with red dot sights, holographic sights produce tremendous reticles, but by using more power. Holographic sights also use advanced scientific technology to provide brighter and clearer target views.

Advantages of Holographic Sights

  1. Holographic sights use advanced scientific technology to provide bright and clear target views.
  2. It allows the shooter to target with both eyes wide open which prevents blind spot while maximizing visionary power.
  3. Compatible in any lighting condition. A holographic sight allows the shooter to have a more perfect target image, even in total darkness.
  4. They are sealed with aerospace materials to enhance durability.
  5. More resistant to corrosion and shock wave.
  6. More accurate and faster than red dot sights.

Conclusion

Holographic sights are available in all shapes to meet the needs of different shooters.

To help you find your ideal holographic sight, we have done a review on the best that the market has to offer and it’s our hope that you get to love them too.

See Also: Vortex Red Dots Review/Best Vortex Red Dot Scopes