What Is The Difference

[jakesfords]

I want to get some kind of optical, but i would like to know what is the difference between a red dot tube still optical and the square type single lens.would just like to know the pros and cons of each thank you

[bruce_ventura]

Basically the same optics, just mounted differently. Tube mount: internal wind/elevation adjustment, fewer problems with glare and ghost images, somewhat easier to keep windows clean. Single lens: external wind/elevation adjustment, problems with glare and ghost images are more common, difficult to keep light source clean, more compact but also less rugged.

If you have the space go with the tube mount. Either way, a quality product will cost >$80. Good ones usually cost >$150.


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[jakesfords]

Ok thanks for the info

[OpticsPlanet]

I'm intrigued by your description of the "square type single lens". Some of the optics with that shape use a reflected dot.

EOTech holographic sights use a laser to illuminate a hologram - to construct a three-dimensional image to produce a reticle that is projected out to the target plane.

Wikipedia has a good description of a reflex sight:

"A reflector or reflex sight is a generally non-magnifying optical device that allows the user to look through a partially reflecting glass element and see an illuminated projection of an aiming point or some other image superimposed on the field of view.[1][2] This is achieved by placing an image, a cross hair reticle or other pattern, at the focus of a lens and bouncing the image off a slanted glass plate, or at the focus of a partially reflecting curved mirror."

This diagram from EOTech shows the path of the laser - used to recreate the recorded reticle:



Again from Wikipedia, here is a diagram of the path of the led light in a reflex sight:



Some manufacturers make sights that look like a holographic sight, but use the reflex technology. and not the holographic technology.

If someone walks in the kitchen and you see them reflected in the glass door of the microwave while you're looking inside, that's how a reflex sight works. they're not really in the microwave (well, we hope not), you're looking at a reflection.

Here's some fun stuff about holography: http://www.holophile.com/history.htm

I'm old enough to still be fascinated by the technology involved. We have some very impressive toys to play with in our sport - things that were science fiction a few short decades ago. Thermal vision, night vision, infrared laser sights, holographic optics... it is a great time to be alive, and living in a country where we can privately own such things.

I like my job - can you tell?

Mark H.