REVIEW: Sightmark T-5 Magnifier

Some manufacturers are always striving to improve their products and listen to customer feedback. Sightmark is definitely one of them, as they have largely addressed our criticisms of the old magnifiers and have come out with two new magnifiers this year. Today, we are introducing you to the 5x version of the new T-series.

The new T-5 5x Magnifier is 120mm long, 66mm wide, and 42mm high. This makes it very compact for a 5x magnifier and similar in size to the Falke 5x. It weighs 179 grams without the mount and 306 grams with the mount. The mount alone weighs 127 grams. In direct comparison to the Falke 5x, we have nearly 100 grams less weight.

The craftsmanship is significantly better than the previously tested Sightmark magnifiers - you can clearly see that the manufacturer is listening and addressing criticisms, which is exactly what we hope for.

Let's start with the mounting. The same mount is used as with the Pro-X and it works flawlessly, is stress-resistant, and has just the right resistance to not collapse on its own.

One minor criticism could be the oversized QD lever for quick detachment which may visually impede the image a bit, but functionally it works well.

For centering on the red dot, there is horizontal and vertical adjustment with an Allen key.

For a clear view, the magnifier has a diopter adjustment that can be regulated from +3 to -3.

The lens center is at 38mm, allowing the magnifier to work without additional spacers with both Co-Witness optics and lower 1/3 optics. Here it is mounted behind a Holosun with Absolute Co-Witness Mount - you can see that the magnifier sits a bit higher, but it doesn't disturb the field of vision.

When folding the magnifier to the side, you have a clear field of view through the red dot sight. Thanks to the ring mount, the swivel can be quickly switched to the left. Since no buttons need to be pressed or locks released forward/backward, this can be done easily and without restrictions.

Sightmark specifies the eye relief at 4-5cm. For us, it's about 2-3cm. This is confirmed by the camera, which is the best indicator for this. The smaller the eye relief, the harder it is to get a picture with the camera.

With the Sightmark magnifier, there was the additional issue that the lens was extremely mirrored in front of the camera, but there are no problems with this during use. Shooters who are used to shooting with their nose on the charging handle or are familiar with an ACOG will have no problem with the Sightmark magnifier.

Mounting with the 30mm ring allows for a wide range of mounting options. Here without backup iron sight and with a large distance to the red dot - clear view.

Here with backup iron sight and close to the red dot - also clear view.

The accessories are similar to other magnifiers from Sightmark: tools, cleaning cloth, manual.

CONCLUSION: This magnifier comes with a real bargain price for a 5x device, impresses with solid craftsmanship, a usable image (even if not absolutely top-notch), and a usable out-of-the-box mount. The 30mm tube allows for a variety of aftermarket mounts, and we will soon introduce a particularly great one.

Sightmark Online: www.sightmark.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SightmarkEMEA

Instagram www.instagram.com/sightmark_emea/

LINKS to other REVIEWS: 

Introduction: The Big Magnifier Comparison Review

SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews.
Send us your news: [email protected]