EOTech, the creator of holographic sights has earned a reputation for its high-quality battle tested optics and being a reputed supplier for the U.S Military. The company has many options to offer.
But we’ll be comparing the two very popular models from the same product line. The EOTech 512 and 552. So let’s begin.
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EOTech 512 vs EOTech 552 Similarities and Differences
To conduct a meaningful comparison between these two holo sights. We’ll take a look at their specifications one by one to get a quick overview of the features.
Following this, we’ll move over to the detailed comparison.
EOTech 512 and EOTech 552 Similarities
The 512 and 552 sights are from the same product line offered by EOTech. These sights have a lot in common, both on the outside and inside. It’s the same design with a few extra features and minor differences that we’ll cover in the next section. But let’s take a look at the similarities first.
Same Dimensions and Design
The exterior casing measurements, the aperture size, and the weight of both these sights is the same. Along with almost 95% of the other internal and external design features. Both these sights occupy the same amount of space on the rail and mount to 1” Picatinny and Weaver rails.
The 512 and 552 are holographic sights and have 20 brightness settings to adjust the illumination of the dot. The controls are mounted on the rear end of the sight right below the lens.
The flip-up battery cover on the front is the same and so is the type of batteries used in these sights. One very unlikely similarity is the weight of both these optics which is the same, even after a slight difference in design.
Unlimited Eye Relief and Same FOV
Since these sights are overly similar in design, their common features also include unlimited eye relief and the exact same field of view of 90 feet at 100 yards. The same FOV also concludes that these sights have the same aperture size. Which is already large enough for easy and quick target acquisition
Same Battery and Battery Life
Both these sights use two 1.5V AA batteries to power up their electronics. The batteries are mounted inside the front battery compartment. Both these sights have an expected battery run time of 2500 hours with lithium batteries and 2200 hours with alkaline batteries at a brightness setting 12.
Covered by EOTech Prestige Warranty
The Eotech 512 and 552 are covered by the EOTech Prestige Warranty. It covers the optic against any manufacturing and material defects for 10 years. The coverage cannot be called comprehensive and is also less than what some other manufacturers offer for their sights. But it still offers good peace of mind.
EOTech 512 and EOTech 552 Differences
After viewing and comparing these two sights for similarities. The 512 and 552 seem to be very identical. Even to the extent that you’ll have to touch and use the scope to mark the differences Let’s check these out.
Night Vision Compatibility and Water Resistance
The biggest difference between the 512 and 552 sights is access to night vision compatibility. EOTech 552 is compatible with NV devices from generation 1 to 3, whereas the 512 is not.
Compatibility with night optics expands the horizon of applications for the 552. Transforming it from a simple civilian sight like the 512 to a law enforcement and military use optic. Where one has to use night vision optics some time or the other.
One unlikely fact that we talked about earlier was the similarity in weight of these optics. EOTech has managed to keep the weight of 512 and 552 the same despite the NV compatibility and water resistance depth.
Speaking of water resistance, the 512 is submersible in water up to a depth of 10 feet (3 meters) and the 552 offers a submersible depth of 33 feet (10 meters).
That’s three times more and another factor which classifies the 552 as a military/LE suitable optic and not only for normal use.
Same Basic Reticle Design, But Somewhat Different
The above statement sounds a bit contradictory. Isn’t it? Well, that’s because both these sights have a slightly overlapping difference in reticles.
The 512 holo sight offers the -0 reticle which is a large 68 MOA ring that encapsulates 1 or 2 red dots. These are 1 MOA dots and the 2 dot version can be used to air accurately over targets at a distance of 500 yards. The -0 reticle has been calibrated for .223 cal 62 gr. loads.
The 552 on the other hand offers a single dot 1 MOA -0 reticle, the same as the one offered in the 512. Plus, an XR308 reticle. This reticle has been designed specifically for .308 caliber 158 hr. loads and especially for the M240 machine gun.
The XR308 reticle has three stadia lines and four 1 MOA dots aligned vertically for range estimations.
Difference in Price
That’s an obvious difference since the 552 is a night vision compatible sight and more versatile when compared with the 512. The 552 costs about $100 more than the 512.
Top Pick Between EOTech 512 and EOTech 552
The answer to this is quite subjective. Choosing a top pick takes into consideration factors like features, ergonomics, ease of handling, and handling. But the most important factor to abide by is a personal preference.
The 552 is a technically superior holographic sight when compared with the 512. The fact that both these sights feature the same exterior design, dimension, and weight makes the comparison even simpler.
Spending $100 more with the 552 is clearly not going to hurt you in the long run. Since it offers night vision compatibility and makes your rifle more prepared for tactical situations. Also taking into consideration the fact that both these sights have the same battery life and the number of batteries.
EOTECH Holographic 552.XR308
Now, the deciding factor will be what you’re going to use these optics for. If you just want a high-quality optic for hunting, competitions, and somewhat home defense use. 512 is a good choice and it also costs less.
But if you’re a law enforcement officer or a tactical security operator who needs a more advanced optic that is also usable in the night with NV devices. The 552 is for you.
However, don’t consider the 552 and ideal optic for home defense because once an armed hostile breaks into your house. You’re not going to go searching for your NOD’s which will most probably be resting peacefully, deep inside your gun safe.
Our Review - EOTech 512 vs EOTech 552
As we have evaluated the features, similarities, differences, and best uses for these optics. Let’s tell you what we think about these optics and why they stand out to us.
EOTech 512
Pros
Cons
The 512 is a holographic parallax-free sight with unlimited eye relief, 90 feet of FOV, and a one or two 1 MOA dot enclosed with a 68 MOA ring.
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Adjustment Options (Parallax, windage, elevation): W/E - 40 MOA. Parallax free
Type of Reticle: One or two 1 MOA dot
Image of Reticle:
Magnification: 1x
Focal Plane: FFP
Objective Lens: 32 x 23 mm
Field of View: 90 feet at 100 yards
What Recent Buyers Report
The EOTech 512 is a very positively rated holographic sight by almost 95% of users. Most buyers consider it an ideal holo sight for normal civilian use and love the accuracy and zero holding feature. The only minimal negative reviews were from buyers who were either price grumblers or got a lemon (covered by warranty).
Why it Stands Out to Us
The EOTech 512 is an astounding sight for its reputation and price. The sight is a tad bulky than a normal collimator and some other holo sights due to the two AA batteries. But the value you get for this optic is just amazing.
The sight has 20 brightness settings with a scroll feature to suit most lighting conditions and the auto shut off and low battery indicator features are very user friendly. The rear-mounted controls are ambidextrous.
Apart from that, the sight is extremely durable and will withstand shock, recoil, bumps, inclement weather, and most other hurdles you’ll ever encounter.
The two dot reticle is an amazing addition to extend the range and has been calibrated for .223 cal rifles. Which is a great factor for AR-15 users.
Bottom Line
The EOTech 512 is a useful and value for money sight for buyers who trust in high-quality sights and not cheap ripoffs. The sight is good for daylight and low light use and will be useful in every situation except for tactical nighttime uses.
EOTech 552
Pros
Cons
The EOTech 552 is a night vision compatible holographic sight with 40 MOA of azimuth adjustments, unlimited eye relief, and a parallax-free design.
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Adjustment Options (Parallax, windage, elevation): W/E - 40 MOA. Parallax free
Type of Reticle: XR308
Image of Reticle:
Magnification: 1x
Focal Plane: FFP
Objective Lens: 32 x 23 mm
Field of View: 90 feet at 100 yards
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers of the EOTech 552 are extremely happy about their purchase. Especially the NV compatibility and quick target acquisition. Some buyers did point out the absence of lens covers for this price. But any negative feedback about performance issues was invisible.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The 552 is an upgrade to the 512 and has an added night vision compatibility feature. The NV has 10 different settings which make it even better and offers a wider scope of brightness. The sight is operable even if damaged or you can just partially see the lens. That’s a great benefit in life or death situations for EOTech holographic sights.
Another impressive factor about this sight is its durability. It can withstand harsh recoil and is submersible in water up to 33 feet. Making it almost a true military optic. The XR-308 reticle specially designed for the M240 machine gun also testifies to this.
Bottom Line
The EOTech 552 is a LE and military-grade optic that can work very well in the dark due to its night vision compatibility. The sight has been rigorously tested for reliability and is a battle-proven design for simple or tactical use.
Conclusion
The EOTech 512 and 552 come from the same series of holographic sights from the company. In simpler terms, the 552 is an advanced version of the 512 with night vision compatibility and better water resistance. The 512 is best for use in daylight and low light for civilian use. Whereas the 552 is more like a LE/military optic for overly tactical applications.
People Also Ask
Check out this short but comprehensive FAQ section concerning the EOTech 512 sights and some other common but important details about EOTech sights.
Is the EOTech 512 Waterproof?
Yes. The EOTech 512 is waterproof and submersible in water up to a depth of 10 feet or 3 meters without facing any damage. Qualifying the scope to be used for uses involving a lot of water or marine activity.
Is the EOTech 512 Night Vision Compatible?
No. The EOTech 512 is not night vision compatible, but it works very well in low light conditions due to the 20 brightness settings available for its -0 reticle.
What Distance Should I Zero My EOTech?
Zeroing the EOTech at 50 yards is much better than zero it at 25 yards for practical uses. Since for 50/200 yards, you’ll never be more than 2 inches low or high between 10 and 250 yards. Which is a better distance for red dots.
