The Great SPARTANAT Magnifier Comparison - the Balance

04/22/2017By Redaktion

3x 5x 7x Airmpoint

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So, in the last few days you have seen ten magnifiers and been able to get an impression of the optical and mechanical properties of each device.

Update: 09/15/2018 - Five more devices have been added to the 10 already tested, which have been included in the table.

But which module is the best?

The American would now say: "it depends". That is also the correct answer. It depends. On the one hand, on the intended use of the device and on the other hand, of course, on the budget.

Everyone would like to buy the best, if possible at the cheapest price, which is quite logical. However, some prefer to spend more money on a higher quality device that may last a lifetime, while others prefer to buy a cheap device that will break after a short time. Just like the motto: Buy cheap, buy twice.

HERE is an overview of all devices:

Regarding our tested magnifiers, we can say that all devices will provide long-lasting enjoyment with some limitations. We will now explain these limitations in the conclusion for each module.

Hensoldt

The Hensoldt provides the best starting platform. You can first purchase this device and an airsoft mounting, and for 30-45€, you will have an extremely robust and clear magnifier. If one believes that with the same money, buying a complete airsoft magnifier would be better, they are mistaken. These devices are usually so poor in terms of lens quality that the point of the reticle is more like a line, and mechanically the device stops working after the first use. So, it's better to start with the Hensoldt, do a bit of tinkering with the reticle, and then upgrade step by step.

UTG/Leapers

For the selling price of around 120€, the UTG is a very good device. If you can live with a bit of magnification effect and lack of edge sharpness, you can't go wrong with the UTG. Although the mounting is quite high, thanks to the large lens, you won't have problems using the device with a wide range of sights. We cannot say if the mounting will remain stable in the long run, but once again: the application defines the device.

Sightmark (3x / 5x / 7x / XT 3x Tactical)

The devices from Sightmark are to be evaluated similarly to the UTG, with the difference that the mounts are absolutely inferior. We only mounted all the devices a few times, and the paint on the lever was already scratched off, and the function was not convincing at all. Advantages compared to the UTG are the possibility of interchangeability. The optical quality of the 3x is slightly better than the UTG due to higher edge sharpness. The 5x and 7x are decreasingly worse in terms of optical quality. The 7x is only really useful for static target shooting, everything else doesn't make sense with it. Furthermore, one must consider on which platform to mount the Sightmark devices, as the mounting point is positioned in a way that even with a microsight on the AR15 platform, the space ends relatively quickly.

04/14/2018: XT 3x Tactical - The XT 3x Tactical impresses with an extremely compact size and a completely redesigned mounting system; among the tested Sightmark devices, the 3X Tactical is the best.

08/15/2018: The T-5 5x Magnifier, along with the T-3, is the new and improved version of the old magnifiers - new for 2018. In terms of weight, optics, and mechanics, it is leaps and bounds better than the old devices, definitely up there with the price-performance winners.

Lucid

The Lucid Magnifier is the only one that can be variably adjusted. In itself, a brilliant idea, but the implementation is not quite as brilliant. At 2x and 3x, the optical quality is rather poor, as is the eye relief. At 4x and 5x, it can be used and performs similarly to UTG and Sightmark. The screw point for mounting (front) in 30mm is nice, as it allows for a wide range of mount options. The high weight and poor availability in Europe are negative points. The area of application could be, for example, for sport shooters in the BDS. Here, disciplines at 100m allow a maximum magnification of 4x. One can then use 5x for everything else and only switch to 4x when training for or participating in the competition.

Vortex

The Vortex is our winner in terms of price/performance. (Update 09/15/2018 - the Sightmark T-5 almost challenges this position, as it shines both mechanically and optically. The Vortex still has the edge in terms of edge sharpness and clarity, but in terms of price and magnification, the Sightmark 5-T is a real alternative). This magnifier is relatively light, compact, and has very good optical and mechanical quality. The edge sharpness, clarity, and brightness are only slightly behind Eotech and Aimpoint, which cost much more. We cannot speak on the longevity and robustness -as mentioned earlier- but we believe that anyone who isn't jumping out of planes, diving into battle zones, or at the front line can choose this device and enjoy it for a long time. The only drawback is the mounting, which is very well made but, due to the designed construction, tilts to the left out of the box. This is unusable for right-handed people, as the optic then fills the field of view. This can be changed by rotating the mount, but then the locking button is on the side facing away from the body. However, during our tests, we found that the operation was easily done and quick enough using both hand overlapping and shooting hand. If all this is not to someone's liking, any mounts that fit the Eotech G33 can be used: here, Samson, Larue, or the Eotech G33 Mount itself come into consideration.

Burris

The AR-Tripler is praised in many American forums and put on par with the Vortex. It is good, but not quite as good as the Vortex. The biggest advantage is the wide selection of 30mm mounts, which the Vortex unfortunately does not have. The edge sharpness and optical clarity are not convincing, but the overall impression is good. If only Burris could make this device available for the European market, everything would be fine. Unfortunately, this is not the case, so this AR-Tripler will not be seen very often in Europe.

EoTech

The EoTech is our "cheaper" military device. Here, one can be sure that this device will withstand everything - provided you are willing to spend €685. However, for that price, you get a magnifier that is excellently made, has very good optical quality and includes one of the best mounts from the start. Here, you definitely can't go wrong.

Aimpoint

The 3xMag, like the EoTech, is from the military sector and in our opinion, is the best device to attach behind your sight. Even with this model, which has been on the market for several years and is now being replaced by the 3xMag-1 and 6xMag-1, the optical clarity, edge sharpness, and mechanics are top quality. On top of this is the impression that the device could also be used as a hammer if no one is nearby - that's how robust it appears. If it weren't for the price of €830... and that's without the mount. But everyone needs to decide for themselves - there are also people who spend over €200 on combat pants 😄

The Aimpoint can be purchased with Twistmount, which is now also available as a Flipmount - mountable with one hand and quickly flipable out of the way.

Samson

The 3.5x magnifier from Samson has a very good field of view and is a top device in terms of clarity and edge sharpness. Slightly heavier than other devices, but also with 0.5x more magnification. The mounting is one of the fastest solutions and impresses with excellent workmanship.

Falke 3x / 5x

Both Falke magnifiers are the newest devices in our series of tests - you can clearly see how technology has advanced (compared to the Aimpoint, which has been on the market for quite some time). The magnifiers are very well made and offer a sharp, bright, and clear image in both magnifications. We don't like the mounting very much, as they are not "stress-resistant" and always require the same angle to fold the magnifier to the side. Fortunately, you can switch to Eotech or similar mounts, as they are compatible.

With these words, we leave the decision to you, and we are sure that you will make the right choice. The fact is, the reflex sight/magnifier combo is still indispensable and offers many advantages.Here are all the reviews in the link: