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AR Question: 3x or 5x Magnifier?

14,529 Views | 10 Replies | Last: 2 yr ago by Morpholino
Squadron7
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AG
To be used in tandem with an EOTECH EXPS2-0.
TheEyeGuy
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Generally I think the 5x magnifiers generally have too small of an eye box to them. You just don't have a lot of forgiveness with where you put your eye with the 5x units. Also, keep in mind you are also magnifying your dot/reticle that same amount so you aren't going to get extra precision out of a 5x vs 3x unit. Bigger picture, sure, but the dot will still cover the same amount of the target.
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SMM48
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both are fine. the 5x is newer, just released prior/during covid....shipping was delayed.

get the 5 if available.

its not that the 3x is a piece of junk, the 3x has been around forever. its just the 5x gives your viewing a little more capability and puts it close to a 1-6x Variable optic.

Edit. eyeguy is correct, the relief with the 5 is a little less than the 3.

If you want to raise the optic for more heads up. up to you.

https://www.bigtexordnance.com/product/fast-optic-riser-unity-tactical/

https://www.bigtexordnance.com/product/fast-omni-magnifier-mount-unity-tactical-black-fde/

https://www.unitytactical.com/product/fast-omni-magnifier-mount/

https://www.unitytactical.com/product/fast-riser-optic-mount/


fire09
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I struggled with the eye relief significantly more with the 5x vs 3x mated to the exps3. This was during shooting drills performed in motion. I'm sure it would be fine off a bench.
BenderRodriguez
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Agree with others that eye relief is my biggest complaint.

The unity fast mounts are really great for NV, but even without the need for passive nv aiming the flip to center feature for the magnifier is really slick. Much prefer it to the flip to side mounts.

Between 3x and 5x, I'd pick based on likely range. If 90% of your shooting is going to be 200 and closer, 3x for better ID and to reach out a touch further is great. If you think 300/400/500 are going to be common, might consider the 5x.

Squadron7
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Also….any recommended boats?

You know….for the inevitable accident?
SMM48
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Screw boats.

Come and take it
BenderRodriguez
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SMM48 said:

Screw boats.

Come and take it


This man gets it.
aggiec05
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If you need 5x why not have an LPVO and a smaller 45 degree dot mounted or dot mounted above the LPVO.

BenderRodriguez
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aggiec05 said:

If you need 5x why not have an LPVO and a smaller 45 degree dot mounted or dot mounted above the LPVO.




I've used all the different options: LPVO only, LPVO+dot on top or offset, dot+magnifier.

All have their pluses and minuses.

LPVO 1x isnt nearly as good as a red dot or eotech. Also heavier.

LPVO+dot makes a ton of sense for a longer range gun you want the ability to shoot close occasionally.

Dot+magnifier is way better on a 0-200y gun you want to occasionally shoot further, is lighter with the magnifier removed, etc.

How you use it is what really shapes which is "better" IMO.
Morpholino
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I sold my 3x magnifier because the eye relief was terrible. I was looking forward to the 5x. That really sucks to hear that the 5x eye relief is even worse, so I'll probably pass on it.
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