EOTech is a well-known name in the optical sight industry and among shooters. EOTech revolutionized the optical sight world by introducing its holographic sight in 1996.
Since then, the EOTech holographic weapon sight has become the defacto standard. However, EOTech has grown beyond the holographic sight to include other styles of optical sights as well as their line of magnifiers.
One shortcoming of a holographic sight and a reflex sight is the lack of magnification. EOTech introduced a line of accessory magnifiers that shooters can use with their holographic sights to solve this lack. These small traditional optics are mounted in front of a holographic sight to provide additional capabilities to the sight.
Choosing an EOTech magnifier is much like choosing a traditional rifle scope. You should have a good understanding of your needs and expectations.
In addition, you should have some knowledge of how magnifiers work with other sighting systems.
EOTech currently offers three magnifiers in their product line to civilian shooters. In this article, we’ll break down:
- The different specs of the G33, G43, and G45 magnifiers
- Pros and cons of each model
- Which of the three magnifiers is our top pick
EOTech Magnifiers
The three models in the EOTech line are the G33, G43, and G45 magnifiers. Each of these magnifiers has its roots firmly in the original base model, the G33 magnifier.
Additional features and some design changes in each successive model enhance the operational functions of these magnifying optics.
EOTech G33 Magnifier
What is the best way to describe the EOTech G33 Magnifier? Efficient? Elegant? Effective? All three of these are a good fit with this EOTech product.
In fact, you might use these terms for all EOTech products. A lot of thought and development has gone into the G33 magnifier over the course of its evolution from that first incarnation. Those tweaks and changes are evident in the features available on the G33 magnifier.
Features
Beyond the reputation for building some of the finest optical systems in the world, EOTech offers a hots of innovative features to a product that seems surprisingly simple.
EOTech doesn’t take anything for granted, and the feature list of the G33 magnifier attests to their diligence.
Construction and Materials
EOTech constructs the G33 magnifier to Mil-Spec standards. The G33 magnifier is the only compact magnifying optic approved for use by USSOCOM forces.
These EOTech optic devices have seen action in some of the toughest and most grueling combat theaters in the world. You needn’t worry about taking your rifle into the harshest environments.
EOTech uses aircraft-grade aluminum and offers some of the best optical glass quality available. Each magnifier is sealed and gas purged for fog-resistant internal optics. The EOTech design keeps the G33 magnifier lightweight and low-profile
Switch-To-Side Mount
One innovation that stands out in a crowded field of optical devices is the Switch-to-Side mount that comes with each EOTech G33 magnifier. The mount is designed to be used on a Weaver or MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail.
The beauty of this mount is the ability to set up the mount to swing the optic right or left. Users can customize the way the optic swings from the 1x to the 3x position for precise focusing.
The quick-detach, lever-operated Switch-to-Side mount allows your EOTech G33 magnifier to move easily between weapons when necessary.
A built-in locking button ensures that the quick detach mount remains secure despite being jarred, bumped, or dropped.
Windage and Elevation Adjustments
Getting your rifle on target is no chore with the EOTech G33 Magnifier. Vertical and horizontal alignments are accomplished using the two adjusters on the top and side of the magnifier. These are tool-free adjustments for quick and easy realignment when necessary.
Adjustable Diopter
To make target identification more precise the G33 magnifier has an adjustable diopter lens. You can ensure that the dot reticle is always in focus no matter the target or the range.
Compatibility
All EOTech holographic sights are compatible with the EOTech G33 magnifier. Mount your G33 magnifier immediately behind your EOTech HWS to increase the magnification through the optic.
Flip the magnifier to the side for an instant change in magnification. True simplicity and versatility are the keys to the G33 magnifier. Many other red dot sights are also compatible with the EOTech G33 magnifier.
Specifications
- Length – 4.4 inches
- Width – 2.2 inches
- Height – 3.3 inches
- Weight – 10.6 ounces
- Water Resistance – 33 feet
- Mount – 1: Weaver or MIL-STD 1913 rail
- Fixed Magnification – 3x
- Eye Relief – 2.2 inches
- Field of View – 7.3 degrees
- Assembled in the USA
EOTECH G33 Magnifier Pros and Cons
Pros
- Quick setup and easy mounting using the supplied Switch-to-Side mount
- Tough and resilient construction suitable for almost any situation or environmental condition
- Easily compatible with almost any holographic sight
- Crystal clear glass for unobstructed views and fast target acquisition
Cons
- Much more expensive than other magnifiers on the market
- Adds one more thing to your rifle to carry and maintain
EOTECH G33 Magnifier
- EOTECH G33.STS 3x Magnifier in BLACK
- Magnification – Fixed 3x magnification in compact design
Last update on 2022-06-10 at 23:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What I Think about the EOTech G33 Magnifier
If you are going to mount a magnifier and you can afford the hefty price tag, who wouldn’t want to mount the best you can buy?
On the other hand, if you are a casual shooter who competes in a few three-gun matches or hunts a couple of times a year, there are other magnifiers on the market for less money that perform the same job almost as well.
EOTech G43 Magnifier
What if you could get all of the features of the EOTech G33 magnifier in a smaller package? You can.
The EOTech G43 magnifier brings all of the features of the G33 into a smaller footprint, while being less than an ounce heavier than the G33.
This little magnifier packs a lot of punch in a little package. If space is a premium on your rifle, the EOTech G43 could be the answer to your problem.
Additional Features
Many companies would take the attitude “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Fortunately, EOTech isn’t one of those companies. It is clear that the G33 is a great magnifier and continues to be a top-ranked product in the market.
However, EOTech also heard from its customers and listened. The result is the G43 magnifier which comes with these additional features:
Compact Size
Many shooters found that the top of their rifle was crowded when using the G33 magnifier with an HWS. There is no doubt that rifles are becoming more compact, which can cause a space issue on some weapons. EOTech solved many of these problems with the G43 compact magnifier. This magnifier is only 3.1 inches long, saving you 1.4 inches over the G33.
Longer Eye Relief
The G43 magnifier offers you a bit more eye relief than the G33. The G33 needs an eye relief of 2.2 inches.
The G43 provides a bit over an additional 1/3 of an inch, offering 2.5 inches of eye relief. Not only do you get a much smaller magnifier, but you also get additional eye relief.
Larger Field of View
Field of view is critical in some situations. The G43 magnifier offers a few more degrees to the field of view over the G33.
These few degrees of the wider field of view give you a more accurate understanding of what is downrange and can make target identification and acquisition easier and quicker.
Specifications
- Length – 3.1 inches
- Width – 2.3 inches
- Height – 3.3 inches
- Weight – 11.3 ounces
- Water Resistance – 33 feet
- Mounts – Weaver or MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny Rail
- Fixed Magnification – 3x
- Eye Relief – 2.5 inches
- Field of View – 7.5 degrees
Pros and Cons of the EOTech G43 Magnifier
Pros
- Great optical glass and image quality
- The Switch-to-Side mount is outstanding and can be ambidextrous
- The shorter design is much more convenient and effective
Cons
- The price point may be beyond the average shooter
- Heavier than the G33
Last update on 2022-06-10 at 23:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What I Think About the EOTech G43 Magnifier
On a combat or law enforcement weapon, size and weight can be a huge issue. The G43 magnifier sends mixed messages on these accounts. The G43 is shorter in length than the G33, which saves space on the top of a rifle. However, it is a bit heavier.
Anyone who has humped a combat load for hours knows that fractions of an ounce can be a factor. Otherwise, the G43 is a great magnifier and, if you can afford it, will serve you well.
EOTech G45 STS Magnifier
If you have old eyes like mine, 3x magnification may not get the job done. Longer distances when shooting may also call for a bit more magnification than the 3x that is available with other EOTech magnifiers.
The EOTech G45 magnifier is just the thing to solve these types of problems with its extra 2x magnification. The 5x total magnification can take you out to the distances you need to make your target easier for old eyes to see.
Additional Features
What more could you ask for from a magnifier to use with your EOTech holographic sights? The G45 brings all the features of the G33 magnifier. The one big addition to the feature list is the 5x magnification rather than the 3x found on the G33 and the G43. If you need that extra magnification, the G45 magnifier is the answer.
Specifications
- Length – 3.9 inches
- Width – 2.3 inches
- Height – 3.3 inches
- Weight – 12.8 ounces
- Water Resistance – 33 feet
- Mount – Weaver or MIl-STD 1913 rail
- Magnification – Fixed 5x
- Eye Relief – 2.6 inches
- Field of View – 4.4 degrees
Pros and Cons of the EOTech G45 Magnifier
Pros
- These sights provide clear glass for optimum sighting and viewing
- Generous eye relief and a wide field of view make target acquisition quick
- The Switch-to-Side mount can be changed for both right and left-handed use
Cons
- Relatively heavy for a magnifier
- Slightly bulkier than other EOTech magnifiers
- Pricey for the average civilian shooter
What I Think About the EOTech G45 Optical Magnifier
I think this is probably the best of the EOTech magnifier products. If you are going to spend this kind of money on a magnifier, why not go all out and get the higher magnification?
You may not always need it, but if you do, it sure is nice to have. The price difference isn’t all that great. This would be my overall choice of an EOTech magnifier to mount on my rifle.
Last update on 2022-06-10 at 23:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Devil in the Details
There is no doubt that if you want a top-of-the-line, best-in-class magnifier to pair with your red dot sight, an EOTech is the way to go.
Choosing which EOTech magnifier spurs the devil in the details. The G33 provides you with the same quality magnifier that many U.S. Military forces choose. If the size is a concern, the G43 offers a slightly smaller profile.
If you are like me and need some additional help, the G45’s 5x magnification may be the detail you need. In any event, you won’t go wrong with an EOTech optical magnifier.
