Eotech 553 vs 512

[Nrai2020]

They look the same sized... but the 512 is nearly half the price? what is the difference between the two? I dont know a ton about them but I was looking get my first eotech soon?

thanks

[acourvil]

night vision capability

[deviljon]

553 - NV capability, has the ARMS qd mount, uses CR123 batteries

512 - no NV, no QD mount, uses AA batteries

[bender152]

In addition to the above, the 553 has a built-in riser, allowing for lower 1/3 co-witness. The 512 does not have a riser, so it will be absolute co-witness.

I prefer lower 1/3 and judging from other people's setups, lower 1/3 seems to be the more popular setup.

[Eastwoodfan101]

The eotech 553 sight, also known as the SU-231PEQ is a sight used by the military. It is a very rugged, well made optic. It is fairly expensive, but you can find them used and not abused with not a great deal of searching for around $400. I can not speak for the reliability or ruggedness of the 512, but it is an eotech product, so it is probably pretty good, but will fall short in a side-by-side comparison. If money is not the primary factor and quality is I would go with the 553. If buying used be sure to go through L3s how to spot a counterfeit. In it it specifically uses a 553. Here is the link put out by eotech,

http://www.eotech-inc.com/documents/Recognizing%20counterfeit%20EOTech%20Sights%204-09.pdf

[Baboosh]

IMO unless you are going to put NV behind them go with the 512. AA batteries are cheaper and more abundant.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4

[ExtremeX]

Just read the spec sheet on the website...

I would pick the 553 on batteries alone. Everything I use is CR123 and just prefer that battery.

553 also has QD mounts and submersible to 66ft vs 10ft. I just like QD mounts on my optics... I have other optics and an ACOG I like to swap on and off so that's a value added feature to me.

I would also consider the XPS or EXPS models.

[ExtremeX]

IMO unless you are going to put NV behind them go with the 512. AA batteries are cheaper and more abundant.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4

It’s great until a couple alkaline AAs leak inside and ruin the optic… Had that happen to me on a $100 flashlight.

AA Lithium’s are expensive, actually cheaper just to run CR123s, which are also abundant and widely available (US Made in bulk is $1.20 per cell with expiration date printed on the cells 10 Year+)

You could use good NiHM cells like Eneloops, but shelf life vs. a primary CR123 is still 2-3 years vs 10 years.

[OpticsPlanet]

Do you spend a lot of time underwater, and at what depth?

The 553:

USSOCOM standardized, Type Classified SU-231/PEQ
Locking, quick detach lever for easy attachment and removal
66ft. submersion rating
Brightness Adjustment Range: 146,000:1 brightest to lowest
Night Vision Brightness Range: 1280:1 with NV switch engaged
Power Source: 2 x 123 lithium batteries
Battery Life: 1100 continuous hours at nominal setting 12
Brightness Settings: 30 settings with scrolling feature (10 settings for NV use)

The 512:
Waterproof: Submersible to 10 ft depth

Brightness Adjustment Range: 110,000:1 brightest to lowest
No Night Vision Compatibility
Power Source: 2x 1.5V AA batteries (supports lithium, alkaline, or rechargeable)
Battery Life: 1,000 continuous hours (lithium) at nominal setting 12; 600 continuous with AA alkaline
Brightness Settings: 20 settings with scrolling feature
Auto Battery Check Indicator: Flashing reticle upon start-up
Auto Shut-down: At 8 hrs- programmable to 4 hrs

[1nickatnite1]

Seriously the 10 ft vs 66ft post above made me laugh. Don't know about you guys but I always go diving with my AR. Never know when jaws decide to show up

[tacticalcity]

Seriously the 10 ft vs 66ft post above made me laugh. Don't know about you guys but I always go diving with my AR. Never know when jaws decide to show up

I think his point was either will do just fine for how we'll actually use them.

As for the co-witnessing in the lower 1/3 there are lots of risers you can buy to help you do that with the 512. It is definitely the ideal setup for a red dot to do that.

Both are a little large and on the heavy side compared to the newer options. Today the trend is to go as compact and light as possible.

Sticking in the EoTech world, that would be the XPS (needs riser for lower 1/3 cowitness) and EXPS (comes with throw lever type riser that gives you lower 1/3 cowitness). There are Non-NV and NV versions of both.

Aimpoint leads the way with regards to who makes the most popular light weight optic with the H1 and T1 sights. H1 being non-NV and T1 being NV. You'll want a "tall" height mount for lower 1/3 co-witnessing. Lots of brands make good mounts for them. KAC, LaRue, American Defense, etc. The reticle is not as nice as the EoTech and the window is smaller so you can't engage the enemy at as many goofy angles of cheek welds, but is drastically lighter and more compact with a much longer battery life.

Those lighter options tend to be WAY more expensive however. So unless you already have your rifle overloaded with heavy accessories the EoTech 512 in an American Defense or LaRue riser will do the trick. It will be half the cost.

[OpticsPlanet]

I think his point was either will do just fine for how we'll actually use them.

Yes, that was my intention. I can't remember the last time I was at a depth of 66 feet, much less 10, and never with my rifle. Seems like every time I'm asked to insert into a hot zone from a mini-sub, there's a "Cops" marathon on, and I just can't go.

It does give you some idea why one may cost more than the other.

Mark H.