All About Prismatic Red Dot Sights

Traditionally, red dot sights utilize an LED to project light onto an angled lens that functions like a mirror. While this is useful, it isn't the best for all situations, which led to the development of prismatic red dot sights, which use a prism to focus light as it passes through the optic. This is especially useful for magnification, as it helps focus the light better, combining the advantages of traditional variable-powered scopes and red dot sights. If you're shopping for a new optic, this guide will help you understand the benefits of prismatic sights and how they compare to both red dots and variable rifle scopes.

Prismatic Sights vs. Variable Rifle Scopes

Traditional variable-powered scopes rely on multiple lenses to concentrate light for functionality. This works well because it is adjustable, allowing you to increase or decrease the magnification depending on your needs. In contrast, prismatic sights have two small prisms to accomplish this, which offers a more compact design than variable power scopes. This makes them especially useful for carbines or personal defense weapons (PDWs).

However, unlike variable power scopes, prismatic sights possess a fixed magnification that cannot be adjusted. Both prismatic sights and variable power scopes can feature intricate reticles, and are generally illuminated. These reticles encompass Bullet Drop Compensating reticles, MOA and Mil Radian reticles with various sub-tensions, and numerous application-specific options. Additionally, prismatic sights come with an integrated mount, eliminating the need for rifle scope rings and bases.

Prismatic Sights vs. Red Dot Sights

Red dot sights and prismatic sights are both compact and lack adjustable magnification. However, red dot sights are usually non-magnified, and if you want to magnify them, you have to purchase a red dot magnifier. On the other hand, prismatic sights possess a fixed magnification capability. Red dot sights produce reticles using different methods. A reflex sight projects a red dot onto a reflective lens, which is visible to the user looking through the sight. When the user looks through the sight, the reticle becomes visible. On the other hand, prismatic sights employ an etched reticle, meaning the reticle is etched into the glass of the sight. The advantage of an etched reticle is that it remains visible even without batteries, even if it isn't illuminated. Most prismatic sights offer an illuminated reticle that can light up the etched reticle when batteries are used. However, non-prismatic red dot sights require batteries for operation. Prismatic sights can also house a more complex reticle.

Certain holographic sights incorporate BDC or circle dot reticles with BDC capabilities, while red dots typically employ simpler reticles. Another advantage of prismatic sights over red dot sights is the improved reticle clarity they offer to users with astigmatism. Astigmatism refers to an irregularity in the curvature of the eye, which impairs the eye's ability to focus light properly. This common issue often causes the reticle of a red dot sight to appear blurry. Conversely, prismatic sights with their etched reticles are easier to focus on since they are more than just a point of light.

Are Prism Sights Worth It?

Prismatic sights are compact, fixed-power optics available in various magnifications, outshining traditional variable-powered scopes in terms of compactness. They employ an etched reticle, allowing their use without batteries or a power source, and enabling the incorporation of complex reticles like BDC options. The etched reticle also benefits users with astigmatism, providing a clear reticle compared to red dot sights such as reflex or holographic sights. Prismatic sights serve as an excellent choice for new gun owners, offering a favorable blend of features and price range between red dot sights and variable power rifle scopes.