When I first tried the EOTech 512 and 518, I thought they were too similar. But after a few more tries, I think one is clearly better than the other.
How can you determine which of two similar products is better? I recommend looking at the following aspects and comparing:
- Pros & Cons
- Performance
- Price
- Night Vision Compatibility
Does it seem difficult to do on your own? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered!
I will go through EVERYTHING you need to help you decide which holographic weapon sight is better between the EOTech 512 and 518!
Contents
EOTech 512 Holographic Weapon Sight Overview
BUYING OPTIONS:
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» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Specifications:
- Magnification: 1x
- Low Light Capability: Not Applicable
- Waterproof: Yes
- Fogproof: Yes
- Side Button Operation: No
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 5.6″ x 2.0″ x 2.5″
- Weight: 11.5 oz
- Mounting: 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail
- Country of Origin: United States of America
The EOTech 512 was a faultless choice when I needed a holographic weapon sight with speed and versatility.
It has a LIGHT and COMPACT design, and it also has a holographic 1 MOA red dot sight with a 68 MOA red ring.
It’s built with an ambidextrous design for its controls and has limitless eye relief.
Its durable design has an exceptionally sturdy glass lens and is significantly waterproof, adding value.
I was so tempted to just throw it on the ground to test it! Please don’t actually do this.
The cherry on top is its AFFORDABILITY over the 518!
It’s one of my top optics for AR-15s for a good reason. It works when you need it, as my rigorous testing has determined.
What Are Its Other Features?
- Can be illuminated between 20 different brightness settings.
- You can also MANUALLY change the settings using simple controls on the back of the optic.
- Its optics are parallax-free!
- Has an illuminated reticle powered by AA batteries (even alkaline batteries can power it up).
- The battery provides 500 continuous hours of power and even offers an automatic shutdown system.
- All-around weather resistant. It’s shockproof, water-resistant up to a depth of 10 feet, and fog proof!
- Comes with a set of tool-adjustable windage and elevation adjustment dials.
- It also comes with an anti-glare coating display window and a field view that extends to about 30 yards.
What Are Its Flaws?
The first flaw is no night vision compatibility. You may only use it during broad daylight.
While it performs excellently most of the time, I’ve found EOTech reticles to be hard to see under direct sunlight. Just something to keep in mind.
The EOTech 512, unfortunately, doesn’t feature any magnification settings, so I was limited to my normal shooting distance.
Instead, this EOTech holographic sight is meant to be used as a BOOSTER for accuracy in tactical engagements
They do so by providing an easy-to-see, bright red dot reticle rather than zooming in on your vision.
Apart from these, I’d say it is an amazing tactical companion!
- More affordable than EOTech 518
- Has an anti-glare coating display window
- Contains an automatic shutdown system
- 20 brightness settings
- Weather-resistant
- 500 hours battery life for continuous use
- No night vision capability
- No magnification settings
EOTech 518 Holographic Weapon Sight Overview
BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «
Specifications:
- Magnification: 1x
- Low Light Capability: Not Applicable
- Waterproof: Yes
- Fogproof: