Red Dot vs Holographic Sights: Difference and Comparison

Just about any sight that has a red dot and perhaps another lighted electronic targeting reticule can be classified as a red dot sight.

Although there are many different categories of red dot sights, it’s a wide world that encompasses them all. Red dot sights come in two varieties: prism sights and reflex sights.

The holographic sight, on the other hand, is one of the newest and most sophisticated forms of red dot sight.

In comparison to standard red dot sights, which have been available for a long time, holographic sights offer a new level of technology.

However, holographic sights are not really the optimum sort of red dot view for each and every scenario.

Key Takeaways

  1. Red dot sights use LED technology to project a single dot on a lens, while holographic sights use laser technology to create a reticle.
  2. Red dot sights have simpler reticles and are more affordable, while holographic sights have more complex reticles and are more expensive.
  3. Red dot sights are better suited for close-range shooting, while holographic sights are better for longer distances and faster target acquisition.

Red Dot vs Holographic Sights

The difference between Red Dot and Holographic Sights is that the low-power LED generates the reticule in a red dot or reflex sight, but a holographic sight employs a higher powerful laser that bounces around to form the holographic picture of the reticule. Your best-seeing systems enabling quick target acquisition are holographic and red dot sights. However, its technological setups, as well as methods of operation, are vastly different.

Red Dot vs Holographic Sights

The most significant effect of such a change seems to be the sight’s battery life. Because a holographic sight consumes more power than a red dot sight, this should naturally perish sooner.

But if you’re not going to use your sight for a while, it is a good idea to switch it off again to avoid depleting the battery.

The most significant effect of such a change seems to be the sight’s battery life. Because a holographic sight consumes more power than a red dot sight, this should naturally perish sooner.

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But if you’re not going to use your sight for a while, it is a good idea to switch it off again to avoid depleting the battery.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonRed DotHolographic Sights
UsageIts sight utilizes a LED (light-emitting diode) emitterIt uses a laser and mirrors to project
ImageIt covers the image  It surrounds the aim
Battery longevityIt reaches 50000 hoursIt reaches to 500 to 1000hours
PowerIt consumes less power  It consumes high power  
SizeThey are smallerThey are very bigger

What is Red Dot?

The certain form of optic which employs a red dot or other comparable lighted reticule is referred to as a red dot sight.

Prism sights, reflex sights, and holographic sights are the three primary forms of red dot sights.

The remainder of this part will discuss reflex and prism sights in comparison to holographic sights, which will be discussed here. 

Red dot sights, both reflex and prism, may be quite tiny and light. Many of them seem to be even tiny enough to fit on pistols.

These could also be quite affordable, with some of the costliest versions costing scarcely more than the cheapest holographic sights.

Because reflection red dot sights depend on the front lens that reflects the target reticule towards the shooter, the sight will stop working if the lens is broken. This holds for a wide range of sight.

The holographic sight, on the other hand, is immune to this defect.

Finally, red dot sights are indeed the best option for people on a budget, as well as those looking again for the world’s thinnest sights with both the greatest battery life.

red dot

What are Holographic Sights?

A holographic sight is a form of red dot sight that projects a holographic reticule using lasers and a network of mirrors. Only two firms produce these sights: EOTech and Vortex.

Even though they are a form of a red dot sight, holographic sights have several benefits over other red dot sights.

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If you’re using a holographic sight and gazing down the field, the reticule should stay in focus.

When you use alternative red dot sights, their reticule will become fuzzy and unfocused, rendering it significantly more difficult to reactivate your target.

Because faster targeting is a plus, holographic sights have a huge advantage here.

A holographic sight will function even if the front lens is damaged or shattered. A holographic sight becomes considerably more practical in real-world settings as a result of this.

A further wonderful benefit was that most of the higher-end holographic sights could even range your target for you, allowing you to focus on other things.

Obviously, none of the above is inexpensive. Where even the upper end of the red dot pricing range stops, entry-level holographic sights begin. When you desire everything,

holographic sights

 Main Differences Between Red Dot and Holographic Sights

  1. A red dot sight generates a reticule using an LED, whereas a holographic sight generates a holographic reticule by bouncing a laser.

2. When compared to red dot sights, holographic sights use more electricity.

3. When compared to red dot sights, holographic sights are more resistant to parallax mistakes.

4. In comparison to red dot sights, holographic sights are somewhat larger.

5. When compared to red dot sights, holographic sights have a poorer temperature tolerance.

Difference Between Red Dot and Holographic Sights
References
  1. https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/8420/842017/Design-of-computer-generated-holographic-diffraction-optics-element-used-for/10.1117/12.971425.short
  2. https://www.osapublishing.org/abstract.cfm?uri=oe-23-14-18143

Last Updated : 30 July, 2023

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24 thoughts on “Red Dot vs Holographic Sights: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The comparison of red dot sights and holographic sights in terms of usage, power consumption, and size is extremely useful. It provides a clear understanding of the practical differences between these sighting systems.

    Reply
  2. The article makes a compelling case for red dot sights as the best option for people on a budget and emphasizes their battery life. This is valuable information for those considering investing in these sighting systems.

    Reply
  3. The explanation about how holographic sights project a holographic reticule using lasers and a network of mirrors is very interesting. It’s fascinating to learn about the technological advancements in this area.

    Reply
  4. The section explaining what red dot sights are and the different forms they take is quite informative. It helps readers understand the variety and affordability of red dot sights.

    Reply
  5. The article provides a comprehensive overview of red dot sights, including the different categories and the technological differences between red dot and holographic sights. The section comparing red dot and holographic sights is particularly enlightening.

    Reply
  6. The detailed explanation of how red dot sights depend on the front lens and the implications if the lens is broken offers a practical perspective on the limitations of these sights. It’s important for users to be aware of these considerations when choosing their sighting systems.

    Reply
  7. The article’s thorough explanation of the advantages of holographic sights, especially in terms of faster targeting and functionality even if the front lens is damaged, is enlightening and valuable for anyone interested in these sighting systems.

    Reply
  8. The article’s explanation of how holographic sights ensure the reticule stays in focus and can be maintained even if the front lens is damaged offers a clear advantage over red dot sights. It’s interesting to learn about the design and functionality differences between these two systems.

    Reply
  9. The article does an excellent job of discussing the battery life differences between red dot and holographic sights. It’s important for users to understand the power consumption and battery longevity of these sighting systems.

    Reply
  10. The comparison table provided in the article succinctly summarizes the differences between red dot and holographic sights. It’s a great visual aid for understanding the contrasts between the two types of sights.

    Reply

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