Choosing between the ELCAN vs ACOG combat optics? Not sure which sight is right for you?
I’ve reviewed both scopes, their features, pros, cons, and performance. In this review, I’ll be comparing each scope and giving a verdict on which is better.
Contents
ELCAN Specter Overview
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The ELCAN Specter is made with forged aluminum to make it more RUGGED and durable. The weight of this optic is 23 oz.
It’s a variable zoom scope, with magnification levels from 1-4x. It has a quick switch lever to quickly transition between the two zoom levels.
The eye relief on the ELCAN Specter is 70mm or around 2.75 inches, which is good for a compact scope like this.
The FOV on this optic is 34.2 – 37 ft at 100 yards. This, coupled with the good eye relief, makes it a COMFORTABLE hunting scope to use!
The ELCAN scope offers different reticle options, but the reticle used by ELCAN is a basic crosshair BDC reticle.
However, the BDC reticle on the ELCAN is calibrated to the 4x magnification level, so make sure it’s ZEROED using the 4x zoom if you decide to purchase it.
Additionally, the ELCAN optic has battery-powered illumination, which is convenient for shooting in low-light situations.
Unfortunately, the ELCAN Specter has a less commonly used QD mount mounting system that doesn’t have tension adjustment and sometimes doesn’t fit on mil-spec rails.
You might have to buy an upgraded mount that works on the ELCAN, which is an additional cost.
The ELCAN optic is priced at around $1,800 to $2,000.
FUN FACT: Both scopes are being used in special forces. ELCAN optics are used by the Canadian military, while the United States military uses Trijicon ACOG optics.
- Variable magnification from 1-4x
- Generous eye relief at 70mm
- Wide field of view at 4x magnification
- Good low-light performance
- Illuminated reticle
- 1x lens has strong scope shadow and parallax effect
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Mounts using a non-conventional mount system
Trijicon ACOG Overview
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The Trijicon ACOG is a 3.5x or 4x single zoom level scope made with 7075 T6 AL material for combat-tested durability.
The eye relief is different depending on which model you choose. It can either be 38.1mm (1.5 inches) for the 4x optic or 68mm (2.67 inches).
The short eye box can be problematic on higher recoil weapons like the FN SCAR.
This optic has a field of view of 34.2 – 37 ft at 100 yards for the 4x magnification scope and 28.9 ft at 100 yards for the 3.5x magnification scope.
The good eye relief and field of view, at least on the 3.5x zoom, make the ACOG a COMFORTABLE scope.
The Trijicon ACOG scope offers different reticle options, including a triangle, chevron, doughnut, horseshoe/dot, crosshair, and MGO for the wide ACOG reticle.
- The chevron is the most popular reticle type used in ACOG sights because the inverted V shape perfectly fits human shoulders at 100 meters.
Reticle illumination is only through tritium for the 4x, while the 3.5x is fiber-optic-capable.
The Trijicon ACOG has a traditional mount system that works on any standard mil-spec rail.
Therefore, it can accommodate many aftermarket mounts from LaRue, Geissele, and American Defense.
The ACOG sight is priced under $1,400.
- Weight is light and compact
- Good light transmission
- Multiple reticle options
- Mount system works with most aftermarket systems
- Holds zero well for accuracy
- Durable through proven combat testing
- Cheaper than other optics with similar features
- The 4x magnification optic option has a short eye relief
- No low power magnification level for close-range CQB engagements
- Low light capability is mediocre at best
ELCAN vs. ACOG: Performance Breakdown
Now that I’ve discussed each optic individually, the next step is comparing them head-to-head.
I’ll compare the build quality, magnification, eye relief, field of view, and sight picture of each scope.
Build Quality and Durability
Build quality is SUPERB on both; both are built like a tank!
However, there are some differences between both.
The ACOG’s weight ranges from 10.9 to 14 ounces, while the weight of the ELCAN ranges from 23 to 24.8 ounces.
I can sense this difference when hiking with them, and it is quite noticeable.
The ELCAN scope is durable in its own right.
However, being made of forged aluminum and combat tested, the ACOG has much more capability here.
It’s been tested in more real-world scenarios, and the lighter weight means it can tank hits better.
While the ELCAN is durable and has a decent build, I have to give the win to ACOG for it