NEO PULSE BLOG: What is a Holographic Sight?
Holographic sights, also known as holographic diffraction sights, are advanced non-magnifying gunsights that use laser technology to project a holographic reticle onto a glass optical window. This reticle creates a floating image on the same plane as the target and remains visible regardless of the viewing angle.
History of Holographic Sights
The development of holographic sights evolved from collimator sights, initially used in military aviation for fighter planes. These sights allowed pilots to see sighting marks and operational information on a transparent screen. EOTech introduced the first holographic sight at the 1996 SHOT Show, marketed as HoloSight by Bushnell. EOTech was the exclusive manufacturer until Vortex launched the Razor AMG UH-1 in 2017, followed by its Gen II model in 2020.
Advantages:
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Fast Target Acquisition: Holographic sights are known for their speed. The 1x non-magnified optic allows for rapid aiming, making it ideal for close-quarter battles and quick target acquisition. They are often touted as the fastest sights on the market.
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Accuracy: These sights feature a 65 mm ring reticle for quick targeting and a small, precise dot for accurate shot placement.
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Enhanced Field of View: The large, TV screen-like view improves situational awareness and facilitates both eyes open shooting, enhancing peripheral vision and target acquisition.
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Minimal Parallax Error: The reticle remains fixed on the target regardless of eye movement, all but eliminating parallax issues common in collimator sights.
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Durability: Designed to withstand harsh conditions and adverse weather, including rain, snow, and fog, making them reliable in various environments.
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Versatility: Effective in various lighting conditions with adjustable brightness settings and night vision compatibility. The reticle remains clearly visible in all light levels, providing consistent performance in different environments.
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Flexibility for Shooters: Suitable for cross-eye dominant shooters, eliminating the need to align the eye through a scope. The system includes features like auto-shutoff to preserve battery life and a low battery indicator.
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User Experience: The reticle is focused on the same plane as the target, enabling both eyes to stay open, providing full peripheral vision and an extensive field of view similar to a television screen.
By understanding these details, shooters can appreciate why holographic sights are valued for their quick target acquisition, accuracy, and durability, despite their higher cost and larger size. This makes them an ideal choice for a wide range of shooting applications, from tactical operations to recreational shooting.