Adjustable Optical

Eotech & Aimpoint Red Dot Optics

 I've been into AR15's for a little over 3 years. After going out looking at complete rifles I opted to learn how to build a low cost AR15. After researching and building myself an AR15 rifle, the last item I needed was a red dot optic to be used as my primary aiming device in addition to my back up ironsights, aka BUIS. Ironsights are must on all AR15 rifles which can be utilized if your primary optics fails. For my primary optic I wanted to look at quality brands with ruggedness and having peace of mind that should they be called upon in stress situations, they won't fail. With that said, I didn't want to go cheap but I did limit my budget at $500. So how did I go about finding such an optic? I turned to the military to see what they were using. Eotech and Aimpoint are two major players used in both the military and civilian law enforcement sectors. There's a third major player used in military optics which is made by Trijicon but for this article, I'm focusing on Eotech and Aimpoint only because they are both non magnified optics. Non magnified optics are designed to be used in close quarter battle which is also called CQB with both eyes open allowing maximum peripheral vision in close quarters such as in a confined building. CQB distances can be any distance to approximately 25 yards. Anything beyond that range I would recommend using a seperate magnifier which I'll explain later below or use a low powered scope or higher for distances past 100 yards. Personally I have used my non magnified Aimpoint out to 100 and 200 yards sucessfully but the dot covered my 8" diameter plate steel target so precision shooting would be difficult.

In every niche, there's always a brand x vs. brand y and Eotech and Aimpoint are two of the most debated brands out there. Both have their pros and cons and we'll dig into them after I list the specs for the two I'm familiar with which is the latest Eotech model XPS2-0 and the Aimpoint Comp ML3.

Eotech XPS2-0

[IMG]http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt78/gunfighter420/XPS2.jpg[/IMG]

Single transverse 123 battery to reduce sight length

• Shortened base only requires at most 2 3/4 inch of rail space compared to the 4 inch N battery sights
• Battery cap and latch are eliminated and replaced with a simple O-ring, tethered cap; better sealing is achieved
• Battery compartment is now separated from the base to allow it to hover over the delta ring of the rifle
• Average battery life at brightness level 12 is roughly 600 hours, 3X battery life of N cell sights
• Reticle: 65MOA circle with 1 MOA aiming dot
• The XPS2 is not Night Vision compatible, for Night Vision compatibility see the XPS3 sights.

Aimpoint Comp ML3

[IMG]http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt78/gunfighter420/ml3.jpg[/IMG]

Lightsource LED (Light Emitting Diode) totally eye-safe Lightsource wavelength 650 mn red light Red dot size in MOA (minute of angle)* 4 or 2 Parallax Absence of parallax - No centering required Eye relief Unlimited Night vision compatibility No Anti-reflex coating all surfaces & multi-layer coating objective lens Yes Magnification No magnification (1X) ELECTRONIC DATA Battery One 3V Lithium battery, type 2L76 or DL1/3N Battery life in hours ** 50 000 (over 5 years of continuous use) Dot intensity adjustment Manual rotary switch Daylight (DL) settings 1 Off & 9 DL MECHANICAL DATA Material housing Extruded high strength aluminum Surface finish Hard anodized, matte Color housing Black Adjustment 1 click 13mm at 100m, (1/2" at 100yds) Mounting methods 1 ring, ø 30mm ENVIROMENTAL DATA Temperature range -45° - +71° C, (50°- +160° F) Water resistance - submersible to 45m, (150ft)

 Aimpoint Pros:

• Rugged Build Quality  
• Parallax Free
• Extremely long life
• Submersion to 150ft.

Eotech Pros:

• Rugged build quality 
• Less expensive compared to equivalent Aimpoint such as the Comp ML3 above.
• Faster aquisition of close targets because of 65MOA outer ring.
• Built in mounting system does not require a seperate purchase unlike Aimpoint.  
• Made in USA 

Aimpoint Cons:

• Expensive
• Needs a mount purchased seperate.

Eotech Cons:

• Battery life 600 to 1000 hours.
• Submersion to 33ft.

You really can't go wrong with both brands mentioned. I own both of them but I do lean more towards the Aimpoint because of battery life. Not that I'm going to leave it on all the time but I do think it benefits the military more so than civilian use. In a combat environment a soldier can encounter an enemy at anytime and won't have time to fumble around to turn on his optic especially when coming into an ambush situation when the bad guy is shooting at you first. I do like the Eotech becasue I can aquire a target at close range rather quickly because of the larger 65MOA outer ring and take more precision shots with the 1MOA dot inside the outer ring.

As mentioned above, For medium ranges from 100 yards out to 300 yards, I recommend the use of a seperate magnifier. Both Eotech and Aimpoint make 3x magnifiers for their optics. Its a seperate optic and mounts behind the red dot optic. You can use a quick disconnect mount or a flip to side mount so you can maneuver the magnifier out of the way for CQB. You WILL have a hard time aquiring a target within 25 yards using a magnifier.

Before I close, please be warned about clones, counerfiets or fakes. There are cheap clones out there that are made in overseas that imitate the top three. The third being Trijicon. They look identical to the real product. Only buy from authorized dealers. If you want more info and where to buy, please visit my website at www.ar15online.com

About the Author

I just started Article Marketing after I created my website. I was a veteran of the first Gulf War in 1990 and was honorably discharged in 1996. My interest in firearms started when I was in the Navy to the present day. I created my website to share my interest with others.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS With 35x Optical Zoom Lens

The new Canon PowerShot SX30 IS delivers a powerful 35x optical zoom lens that offers as a lot freedom to make high-quality video of any topic and shooting conditions. Save as much as 720p HD with stereo sound. Perfect for the discerning photographer but also rich controls for the less experienced.The new powershot sx30 is is conspicuous by its powerful 35x optical zoom as much to offer as much freedom to take pictures and video, taking on any subject. To take full benefit of the wide-angle 35x optical zoom lens with focal size (24-840mm) Canon has incorporated a powerful optical image stabilizer, also ultrasonic motors and voice coil to supply zoom and focus faster and quieter. These features are available both in the course of the photo shoot, whether you shoot video.The standard of photos and videos is supplied by a 14.1-megapixel sensor and HD video as much as 720p with stereo sound. For probably the most demanding users powershot sx30 is  gives full manual management, but may also be used shortly with the Sensible Cars also features essentially the most novice user. Good Vehicles with the digicam routinely configures all the primary settings, once more for both photo and video. Canon Powershot shall be obtainable in October at the instructed retail worth of 490 Euros.Extremely broad-angle Lens with 35x optical zoomThe large optical zoom range and super-vast view offer an extensive range of focal lengths (24-840 mm). Ultimate for sweeping landscapes, interiors and close-ups, a camera is suitable for all occasions.Optical Image StabilizerThe highly effective optical Picture Stabilizer gives a stop-off by 4.5, the trade chief, and allows you to capture clear pictures in low light or at longer focal lengths.14.1-megapixel sensor with DIGIC 4The excessive-resolution sensor permits for large prints in A2 format for shows drugs. You too can crop your photos and get an excellent shot from a larger scene.Swivel LCD 2.7"The adjustable PureColor LCD II allows simple framing VA from tough angles and, due to Canon's Fast Gentle Mode, resume and see the daylight is as simple as urgent a single buttonHD movies with picture stabilization and dynamic HDMI connectionYou can record high quality HD motion pictures (720p) via the optical picture stabilizer and dynamic that ensures stable pictures on the go. The target USM (Ultra Sonic Motor) ensures a silent and precise zoom, while the Good Automobile optimizes the results from 21 completely different scenes.Sensible CameraSmart Camera make a selection from 28 totally different scenes and lets you take nice photos with out pondering of the settings. The digicam robotically analyzes the subject and resolve the most effective setting for optimal results.Manually, poor lighting and flicks with thumbnailsThe new capturing modes make testing much more artistic fun. Impact miniatures, superior outcomes with low mild mode, and complete management with manual mode.Framing Zoom AssistWhen you employ the maximum zoom, it may be troublesome to observe the perfect out on the subject. The Zoom button Framing Help reduces the proportion of zoom within the scene, you possibly can identify the topic and put it back once more within the unique body after which return to the desired zoom when released.Servo AF/AEThe perform Servo AF/AE continuously adjusts focus and exposure on transferring topics to make sure most sharpness and brightness.Wide selection of accessoriesOptional equipment embody an adapter for photographic filters with thread sixty seven mm, while the finger grip hidden scorching-shoe flash unit permits you to use the Canon Speedlite range.

 

What is the best a/v reciever for under $300?

I have a Klipsch Quintet III speaker system and a 10" Yamaha Subwoofer. All of my cables are top-grade, but I need to upgrade my old Sherwood reciever.

I want a 5.1 channel reciever, with great audio quality, plenty of optical inputs, and lots of adjustable settings. I don't want a Pioneer or Sony, and I need the reciever to cost less than $300.

Thanks in advance!

Go with Onkyo TX-SR505 - 7.1 , HDMI - the works! You can find it for about $250.

Superfocus Glasses Bring Clarity To NASA Astronauts And 65 Million Farsighted Earthlings (fastcompany)

Innovative Superfocus glasses were originally designed to deliver sharp vision
to some 65 million Americans with aging eyes. Now they're even helping
astronauts see better on long space flights. Next stop: Mars.

Astronaut Ron Garan told Fast Company recently, “From the International Space
Station's point of view, anything that could make our research more efficient,
effective, and compelling is important.”

What could be more important than being able to see clearly during a space
mission?

NASA’s got plenty of challenges to tackle for continued space exploration
(hello plutonium fuel shortage), but the astronauts’ vision is a big one.

A recent study reported that 60% of 300 astronauts surveyed by NASA
experienced a gradual blurring of eyesight after six-month shifts aboard the
international space station. The damage is significant enough to concern NASA
executives about the viability of long missions, such as a multi-year trip to
Mars.

And that doesn’t even take into account the age factor. Dr. C. Robert Gibson,
vision consultant to NASA Space Medicine, points out that the average age of
astronauts today is 48. It’s prime time for presbyopia --that pesky condition
that plagues almost everyone over 40-- which makes it hard to see things ...

fastcompany

Kinematic Adjustable Optical Mounts