In this guide, two sights that have proven themselves reliable and effective in hunting and related shooting expeditions will go toe to toe, so you know how they differ.
EXPS2 and EXPS3 are two holographic sights perfect for light gathering and clear vision. These sights are often talked about with each other, so it has become a challenge differentiating them for many – especially for people who haven’t used any before. They may have some similarities, but their differences are also as glaring as possible.
Eotech holographic sights are highly rated in the industry as they have proven to be immense. EXPS2 and EXPS3 are two quite popular Eotech sights that look alike but are inherently different in the way they work and the features they pack. In this article, we’ll see these differences but before then, let’s see brief introductions into each of the sights.
Table of Contents
Eotech EXPS2
Eotech EXPS2 is a holographic sight with a square lens design, a large sight area, and an open field of view so you can quickly look through the lens and capture images. The EXPS2 scope has 20 brightness settings but without night vision. This feature limits its use to only during the day. However, the number of brightness settings makes it super effective during the day.
It uses the CR123 battery which grants the user up to 600 hours of usage on default brightness while saving two inches of rail space that an AA battery would’ve taken up. The sight will turn itself off after 8 hours without use. It can also be programmed for 4 hours to save battery and prolong its use. It sports a 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA red dot circle.
Also Read: Best 1-8x Scope in 2022 | Top 5 Reviews
Eotech EXPS3
This model is a night vision holographic sight similar to the EXPS2, brought by Eotech. It sports a 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA red dot circle making it one of the best medium-range holographic sights.
The EXPS3 sight has multiple brightness settings with ten dedicated night vision settings you can use. It also has a wide sight box, thus, allowing you to see through and capture your target quickly. In addition, it is packed with several extra features to increase its durability.
Eotech EXPS2 Vs EXPS3 Similarities
As we earlier stated, the two sights are similar in some ways. The best way to know their differences is to understand how they are identical.
Perhaps, the most glaring similarity between the two is that they are both holographic sights. Another similarity is that they use the same batteries with similar run times at default settings. They both possess the quick detach feature that allows you to quickly mount and remove the sight without the need for tools.
They also use ½ MOA adjustments per click. When it comes to physical appearances, they look alike and sport a similar square-shaped sight window. The two sights allow for two open eyes shooting. That is, you do not have to close one eye to see through the lens. This way, you see around and through the lens.
Eotech EXPS2 and EXPS3 weigh 11.2 Oz each and are both side button-operated, allowing you to add other attachments to the side. As holographic sights, they both have a magnification of 1x each while having unlimited eye relief, which is common to sights. Their limited 10-year warranty and USA country of manufacture is also the same.
Eotech EXPS2 Vs EXPS3 Differences
Even though the two holographic sights may look alike and possess a couple of similarities, they are, in fact, quite different from each other in a lot of other factors. We’ll be looking at how they differ in more detail here.
#1. Night Vision
Unarguably the most talked about difference between EXPS2 and EXPS3 is their night vision compatibility. The EXPS3 is compatible with night vision, while the EXPS2 is not. This means you can use the EXPS3 for night shooting with excellent results. The EXPS2, on the other hand, cannot be used at night. Thus is limited to only shooting during the day.
#2. Brightness settings
Closely related to the night vision ability is the brightness settings. These settings allow you to optimize your sight according to the present light conditions so you can get a clear view. In the Eotech EXPS2, there are 20 brightness settings available. However, these brightness settings are all for shooting during the day since they are incompatible with night vision.
For EXPS3, on the other hand, there are 30 brightness settings available. Twenty settings for day shooting and an additional ten settings for night shooting.
#3. Reticle
The EXPS3 can boast of a better reticle quality when it comes to reticle quality. Eotech EXPS3 uses a quad dot reticle plus red illumination that makes daylight, low light, and even dark shooting possible. In addition, there is the option of 1, 2, and 4 dots.
Eotech EXPS2 features a red laser illumination with two dots. Unfortunately, there is only the option of 1 or 2 dots.
#4. Water Resistance
The two holographic sights are water resistant but do not possess the same ability. EXPS3 is submersible in up to 33 feet. This means it will retain its water-resisting ability and keep the inside of the sight dry even when put in water not more than 33 feet.
Although Eotech EXPS2 is also water-resistant, its ability is considerably lower. It can only be safely submersible in 10 feet of water. Anything more, and you may have to start battling with damages caused by water inside the sight.
#5. Price
No matter what, gadgets’ features are always compared to their prices. Price is one of the most significant indications of a bargain or a good deal. The cost of the two sights varies by $100, which is no small amount seeing that none of the sights is close to $1000.
Eotech EXPS3 is the more expensive option, while EXPS2 represents the more affordable sight. The difference of $100 between them can be a deal-breaker for some people.
#6. Durability
Although the two sights are internally fog resistant, the EXPS3 has intentional features that ultimately make it more durable than the EXPS2. EXPS3 has metal housing around its lens, protecting it from recoil pressure and accidental bumps against surfaces. Its body is made from aluminum, while the inside is nitrogen-purged.
Under the same conditions, the EXPS3 is expected to last longer than the EXPS2, considering the extra durability features it packs.
#7. Anti-glare
Reflections into your optics glass can affect your aiming and, ultimately, the shooting accuracy. Glare and reflection are even more prominent in daylight shooting, especially when the sun is out. To reduce or cut out the effect of reflections and glare, anti-glare and anti-reflection coatings are added to optics.
The EXPS3 has its optics coated multiple times with materials that prevent glare and reflection, which improves the quality of your view through the lens. It also reduces distractions. This feature will make aiming faster and easier.
For the EXPS2, on the other hand, there is no mention of an anti-glare feature.
EXPS2 Vs EXPS3 The Winner?
These two EOTech sights have unique features that make them stand out. This makes them all winners in their own right. Instead of looking for an overall winner, which would be flawed, by the way, we’ve decided to look at smaller places where they shine.
When it comes to price, EXPS2 is the clear winner as it is cheaper by around $100. If you’re on a tight budget, the EXPS2 offers more flexibility than the EXPS3 sight due to its affordability.
There’s no contest here if you’ll be shooting at night, as you can only do this with the EXPS3 sight. It even offers ten brightness settings dedicated to its night vision for improved image quality. But, unfortunately, EXPS2 is not night vision compatible, so you cannot use it when it gets dark.
People living in areas with a lot of rainfall and water can do with a more water-resistant sight. EXPS3 is submersible in up to 33 feet, while EXPS2 can only survive when submerged in up to 10 feet of water. So when it comes to water resistance, EXPS3 is the clear winner.
Also Read: Thermal Scope vs Night Vision: What’s The Difference?
Conclusion
While sharing several similarities makes the EXPS2 and EXPS3 quite challenging to differentiate. However, by following the significant features, you can clearly picture how they differ.
Choosing the best sight for you should be based on the characteristics you’re looking for as they all have their strong points. However, your aim should be on what you’re looking for in a sight and then check which of the two best satisfy those needs.
