REVIEW: Hensoldt Wetzlar 2.6x Magnifier

01/14/2017By Redaktion

3x 556 5x 7x

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The first device in our test series began its life as a scope on a Panzerfaust 44. Yes, you heard that right, with a reticle plate, rubber covering, and built to last forever. The gentlemen at Larue Tactical also thought so when they introduced the "Poor Boy Special" a few years ago - this very Hensoldt glass - only they removed the reticle plate, trimmed the rubber, and then refilled the whole thing with nitrogen. They also included a Larue Pivot Mount and the "Poor Boys Magnifier" was ready.We included this device in the test because - when you can get it - it offers a good and affordable entry into the world of magnifiers.

With dimensions of 120mm x 40mm x 40mm, it is very slim and compact - if you remove the rubber cap, it is the smallest device in the test series. Weighing 233 grams, it is unfortunately on the heavier side, but you also get a true "tank" that can handle anything.The optical clarity of the glass is second to none, fine German craftsmanship. Even though the magnification is only 2.5x, with this magnifier, you see a razor-sharp image and it is more than enough for 100 meters. The eye relief is approximately 3.8cm, which is relatively close but not a problem.

Compared to its competitors, it lacks some features - there is no way to adjust the reticle of the red dot sight in the center, so it relies on the correct height of the mounting. With a little skill and the right spacers (the center tube is smaller than 30mm), this is entirely possible.Price-wise, you can get the Hensoldt between 15-30€, sometimes even new and in original packaging. The best place to find it is on eBay.

You can modify or expand the reticle yourself, simply unscrew the eyepiece (unscrew the retaining pin first), tap the magnifier on a hard surface until the insert falls out. Now during use, unscrew the lens with the reticle and reassemble everything. It is important to insert the frame, which has a slot on the underside, in the same way, otherwise, the eyepiece will not fully screw in. Then trim the unnecessary material on the rubber and you have a stylish magnifier.Mounting is - as mentioned earlier - not included, but you can essentially use any 30mm mounting that is the right height. Here you can see the magnifier in a China clone of the Aimpoint Twistmount (more on that in the Aimpoint Review) and a Larue clone.

Score

Dimensions: 5/5 Points

Full points for size. Extremely slim and small.

Height from Mount to Lens Center: (Not Rated)

Not applicable - no mount included

Weight (Scope / Scope with Mount): 2/5 Points

At 233 grams without the mount, it is one of the heavier devices

Mount Weight: (Not Rated)

Not applicable - no mount included

Magnification: 2/5 Points

Only 2 points, as the magnification is only 2.5x, making it the weakest among all devices

Optical Quality: 3/5 Points

Points for the clear glass and high edge sharpness. Deductions for the small lens and resulting poor light transmission.

Mechanical Quality: 4/5 Points

The glass processing is flawless, full points are not awarded because the device is somewhat in its own class due to its "unconventional use"

Eye Relief: 3/5 Points

At 3.8cm, it has a relatively short eye relief

Field of View: 3/5 Points

Approximately 7 meters at 100 meters

Shock Absorbing/Waterproof: 3/5 Points

Built like a tank, the device should be able to withstand everything. Mounting screws are equipped with O-rings, so it should also be waterproof. Deductions because removing the reticle also removes the nitrogen filling. There is also an illumination module available for the glass, which is screwed on top. If this is removed, a hole is created, which also needs to be sealed to achieve waterproofingAdjustability: 0/5 Points