The EOTech EXPS3-0 and Aimpoint T2 are two popular red dot sights for firearms. Both offer high-quality optics and rugged construction, but they have some key differences.
The Aimpoint T2 is lighter at 4.97 ounces compared to the EXPS3-0 at 11.2 ounces, and it has much longer battery life of over 5 years of continuous use. The EOTech EXPS3-0 has a larger viewing window and a more complex reticle with a 68 MOA circle and 1 MOA dot.
The T2 uses a simple 2 MOA red dot and is more compact overall. The EXPS3-0 is known for better light transmission, which can be helpful when using night vision devices. Both sights are highly regarded for their durability and performance.
Key Takeaways
- The Aimpoint T2 is lighter and has much longer battery life than the EOTech EXPS3-0
- The EXPS3-0 has a larger viewing window and more complex reticle design
- Both optics are rugged and reliable, with the choice depending on specific user needs and preferences
Overview of EOTech EXPS3-0
The EOTech EXPS3-0 is a popular holographic sight for rifles. It offers a wide field of view, fast target acquisition, and night vision compatibility.
Specifications
The EXPS3-0 measures 2.9 inches in height, 2.3 inches in width, and 3.8 inches in length. It weighs 11.2 ounces with batteries installed. The sight uses a 68 MOA ring with a 1 MOA center dot reticle.
The EXPS3-0 runs on one CR123 battery. It has a battery life of about 600 hours at nominal setting 12. The sight offers 20 daylight brightness settings and 10 additional settings for night vision use.
Operational Features
The EXPS3-0 provides quick target acquisition with both eyes open shooting. Its large viewing window allows for a wide field of view, helping shooters maintain situational awareness.
The holographic reticle appears to float on the target plane. This design reduces parallax issues compared to some other sight types. The EXPS3-0 is compatible with night vision devices, making it versatile for low-light conditions.
Side buttons allow for easy adjustments. The sight has an auto-shutdown feature to conserve battery life.
Design and Durability
The EXPS3-0 features a rugged construction designed for military and law enforcement use. It’s made from aluminum alloy and is waterproof to 33 feet.
The sight mounts on a 1-inch Weaver or MIL-STD 1913 rail. It uses a quick-detach lever for easy attachment and removal.
EOTech builds the EXPS3-0 to withstand extreme temperatures, from -40°F to 150°F. The sight is also fog-proof and shock-resistant, able to handle the recoil of various firearms.
Overview of Aimpoint T2
The Aimpoint T2 is a compact, rugged red dot sight known for its reliability and performance. It offers long battery life and a clear, crisp aiming point for fast target acquisition.
Specifications
The Aimpoint T2 weighs just 4.97 ounces with its mount. Its compact size makes it ideal for use on various firearms. The sight runs on a single CR2032 battery.
The T2 features a 2 MOA red dot, providing a precise aiming point without obstructing the target. It offers 4 night vision compatible settings and 8 daylight settings for dot brightness.
The sight is fully waterproof, able to withstand submersion up to 80 feet. It operates in temperatures from -50°F to 160°F, ensuring functionality in extreme conditions.
Functional Characteristics
The Aimpoint T2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 50,000 hours on a single battery. This translates to over 5 years of continuous use on a medium setting.
The sight’s always-on feature means it’s ready for immediate use. Its parallax-free design allows for quick and accurate target acquisition, regardless of eye position behind the optic.
The T2 is compatible with night vision devices and can be used with magnifiers for increased versatility. Its clear glass and multi-coated lenses provide excellent light transmission and minimal distortion.
Build Quality
The Aimpoint T2 is constructed from high-grade aluminum, making it both lightweight and durable. Its hard-anodized finish resists scratches and corrosion.
The sight’s internal electronics are shock-resistant, able to withstand repeated recoil from high-caliber firearms. The T2’s sealed housing protects against dust, dirt, and moisture.
Aimpoint’s reputation for quality control ensures each T2 meets rigorous standards. The sight’s robust construction has made it a popular choice for military and law enforcement use, as well as among civilian shooters seeking a reliable optic.
Optical Performance and Reticles
The EOTECH EXPS3-0 and Aimpoint T2 offer different reticle designs and optical qualities. These factors affect target acquisition and overall usability.
Reticle Types and Visibility
The EOTECH EXPS3-0 uses a holographic reticle with a 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA center dot. This design allows for quick target acquisition and precise aiming. The large ring helps shooters find the target fast, while the small dot enables accurate shots.
The Aimpoint T2 features a simpler 2 MOA red dot. This compact reticle is easy to see and doesn’t block much of the target. It works well for both close-range and distant shooting.
Both reticles are visible in various lighting conditions. The EOTECH’s reticle may be easier to pick up quickly due to its larger size.
Optical Clarity
The EOTECH EXPS3-0 has a larger viewing window, measuring 1.20″ x 0.85″. This gives shooters a wider field of view, making it easier to track moving targets.
The Aimpoint T2 has a smaller window but offers excellent clarity. Its light transmission is very good, allowing for clear sight picture in various conditions.
Both optics provide clear views with minimal distortion. The EOTECH may have a slight edge for night vision use due to its larger window.
Mounting Options and Compatibility
The EOTECH EXPS3-0 and Aimpoint T2 offer different mounting solutions for attaching to weapons. Each has unique compatibility features that affect how they can be used on various firearms.
Mount Types
The EXPS3-0 comes with a quick detach lever mount built-in. This allows for easy attachment and removal from Picatinny rails. The mount raises the sight to a lower 1/3 co-witness height with iron sights.
The Aimpoint T2 is more versatile in its mounting options. It can use various aftermarket mounts to achieve different heights. Popular choices include lower 1/3 co-witness and absolute co-witness mounts. The T2 also works with taller mounts for use with night vision devices.
Aimpoint T2 mounts offer more flexibility in positioning the optic. This can be helpful for shooters who want to fine-tune their setup.
Weapon Compatibility
Both sights are designed primarily for use on rifles and carbines with Picatinny rails. The EXPS3-0’s built-in mount limits its use to these platforms. It works well on AR-15 style rifles and other firearms with a flat top rail.
The T2 has broader compatibility due to its variety of mount options. It can be used on rifles, shotguns, and even some pistols with the right adapters. The smaller size of the T2 makes it suitable for compact weapons where space is limited.
Both sights can be used effectively on short-barreled rifles (SBRs). The EXPS3-0’s larger window may offer advantages for close-quarters use, while the T2’s compact size keeps the weapon’s profile slim.
Battery Life and Power Source
The Aimpoint T2 and EOTech EXPS3-0 have significant differences in battery life and power source.
The Aimpoint T2 uses a single CR2032 battery. It boasts an impressive battery life of 50,000 hours or about 5 years of continuous use.
In contrast, the EOTech EXPS3-0 operates on a single CR123 battery. Its battery life is considerably shorter at 1,000 hours.
The Aimpoint T2 offers a constant-on feature with no auto shut-off. This means it’s always ready for use without needing to be activated.
The EOTech EXPS3-0 has an auto shut-off feature to conserve battery life. Users must remember to turn it on before use.
Both optics have brightness adjustment settings. The EOTech EXPS3-0 offers 20 brightness levels, providing more fine-tuned control compared to the Aimpoint T2.
For users prioritizing long battery life and constant readiness, the Aimpoint T2 holds a clear advantage. Those who prefer more brightness options and don’t mind more frequent battery changes might lean towards the EOTech EXPS3-0.
Price Comparison and Value
The Aimpoint T2 and EOTech EXPS3-0 are both high-end optics with different price points. The Aimpoint T2 typically costs more than the EOTech EXPS3-0.
Price ranges for these optics:
- Aimpoint T2: $700 – $850
- EOTech EXPS3-0: $600 – $750
Despite the higher price, the Aimpoint T2 offers exceptional battery life. It can run continuously for up to 5 years on a single battery.
The EOTech EXPS3-0 provides a larger field of view and a more complex reticle design. This can be beneficial for certain shooting scenarios.
Both optics are made with high-quality materials and are known for their durability. They can withstand harsh conditions and heavy use.
The choice between these two optics often comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Factors to consider include:
- Battery life
- Reticle design
- Field of view
- Weight
- Intended use
Shooters should weigh these factors against the price difference to determine which optic provides the best value for their situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The EOTech EXPS3-0 and Aimpoint T2 are popular optics with distinct features. Both offer durability, military use, battery life considerations, night vision compatibility, reticle designs, and quick target acquisition capabilities.
What are the main differences in durability between the EOTech EXPS3-0 and the Aimpoint T2?
The Aimpoint T2 is known for its rugged construction. It has a compact, sealed design that resists water and dust intrusion.
The EOTech EXPS3-0 is also built to withstand harsh conditions. It features a tough outer housing to protect internal components.
Which optic, EOTech EXPS3-0 or Aimpoint T2, is preferred by military personnel?
Both optics are used by military forces. The Aimpoint T2 is favored for its small size and weight, making it ideal for long missions.
The EOTech EXPS3-0 is chosen for its large field of view and reticle design, which some find helpful in close-quarters combat.
How do the battery life specifications compare between the EOTech EXPS3-0 and the Aimpoint T2?
The Aimpoint T2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 50,000 hours on a single battery. This allows for years of continuous use.
The EOTech EXPS3-0 has a shorter battery life, typically around 600 hours. It requires more frequent battery changes.
Can the EOTech EXPS3-0 be used with night vision devices as effectively as the Aimpoint T2?
Both optics are compatible with night vision devices. The EOTech EXPS3-0 has specific night vision settings for use with NVGs.
The Aimpoint T2 also works well with night vision and offers multiple brightness settings for optimal performance.
What are the reticle options for the EOTech EXPS3-0 compared to the Aimpoint T2?
The EOTech EXPS3-0 features a holographic reticle with a 68 MOA circle and 1 MOA center dot. This design aids in quick target acquisition.
The Aimpoint T2 uses a simple 2 MOA red dot. It provides a clean sight picture with minimal obstruction.
In terms of quick target acquisition, how does the EOTech EXPS3-0 stack up against the Aimpoint T2?
The EOTech EXPS3-0 offers a large viewing window, allowing for fast target acquisition and situational awareness.
The Aimpoint T2’s smaller profile can be an advantage for shooters who prefer a less obstructed field of view around the optic.