T1 + 3X Magnifier = terrible dot shape!

[gjj]

I saw distortion on both the T1 and the CompML3 2moa. My CompML2 actually has the best dot shape of the three. As I said before, you notice it indoors (where you won't be using the magnifier) more than in the field.

I did the rotation thing. My opinion is that the magnifier allows you to see the imperfections in the beam that you can't see with the naked eye. The dots are not perfectly round. Even with these limitations, the magnifier lets you get a better sight picture which will help you make better shots.

I have actually sold my magnifiers and went with a TA11 for hunting purposes. I like it much better.

[TheDarkOne]

You guys are scaring me. I am going to have to see one in action before I drop the $.

[Alaskapopo]

I have an astigmatism and my dot sights appear football shaped at a 45 degree angle. Its no bit deal. I can still use them just fine.
Pat

[gjj]

I am very skeptical of the astigmatism claim Aimpoint makes on this issue.

I am an Aimpoint fan. I only own Aimpoint red dot sights. I had an Eotech. I sold it and bought Aimpoints. To me, Aimpoint is the only red dot sight worth trusting. That being said, I have perfect vision. I do not have astigmatism. I suspect the "you must have astigmatism" line is MARKETING. Their product is awesome. But, it is not perfect. So, to counter the complaints, they turn it back on the end user. It is YOU and not our product. I would doubt that many of their products were designed to be used with a magnifier. The magnifier is an after thought to minimize the limitations of a conventional RDS. Over all, it works well. But, the magnifier highlights the beam imperfections that you don't normally see.

I am a laser engineer. I have worked in Electro Optics for years. Aimpoint does some pretty remarkable things with some very small diodes to make the batteries last as long as they do. My suspicion is that the small size of the diode creates a compromise on the beam/dot quality. You can't get something for nothing in physics.

In addition, even though they have Many coatings on their optics, my guess is that the diode is getting reflected internally off the lenses. That is why people are seeing strings of dots. The power of a reflected dot will be real small compared to the primary dot and your eye will still see it. However, when you go outside, the very low power reflected dot can not be seen due to ambient light.

Aimpoint makes rugged sights that last forever on one battery. They make the most user friendly product as well. They just are not perfect.

This is just my opinion.

[spamsammich]

I have astigmatism, when I wear lenses that correct for astigmatism, I get a nice crisp dot. When I don't, I get a blooming dot/comet shaped dot. All 3 of my Aimpoint optics have behaved this way. My friends that don't have astigmatism think I'm crazy when I describe what i see through the optic. No big deal for me, I can still get hits easily. I don't use CCO for precision shooting, Molon has shown that it is possible so I have nothing to prove. If I want to do precision shooting, I get proper glass for it.

[Alaskapopo]

I am very skeptical of the astigmatism claim Aimpoint makes on this issue.

I am an Aimpoint fan. I only own Aimpoint red dot sights. I had an Eotech. I sold it and bought Aimpoints. To me, Aimpoint is the only red dot sight worth trusting. That being said, I have perfect vision. I do not have astigmatism. I suspect the "you must have astigmatism" line is MARKETING. Their product is awesome. But, it is not perfect. So, to counter the complaints, they turn it back on the end user. It is YOU and not our product. I would doubt that many of their products were designed to be used with a magnifier. The magnifier is an after thought to minimize the limitations of a conventional RDS. Over all, it works well. But, the magnifier highlights the beam imperfections that you don't normally see.

I am a laser engineer. I have worked in Electro Optics for years. Aimpoint does some pretty remarkable things with some very small diodes to make the batteries last as long as they do. My suspicion is that the small size of the diode creates a compromise on the beam/dot quality. You can't get something for nothing in physics.

In addition, even though they have Many coatings on their optics, my guess is that the diode is getting reflected internally off the lenses. That is why people are seeing strings of dots. The power of a reflected dot will be real small compared to the primary dot and your eye will still see it. However, when you go outside, the very low power reflected dot can not be seen due to ambient light.

Aimpoint makes rugged sights that last forever on one battery. They make the most user friendly product as well. They just are not perfect.

This is just my opinion.

No the astigmatism claim is real I had the same trouble with my Eotechs. The moa dot looked like 3 in a row at a 45 degree angle. They are not hiding anything or trying to cover up a flaw.
Pat

[spamsammich]

No the astigmatism claim is real I had the same trouble with my Eotechs. The moa dot looked like 3 in a row at a 45 degree angle. They are not hiding anything or trying to cover up a flaw.
Pat

That's been my experience with Eotechs, the dot looked like a smear in the middle of a big red smear to me. That's why I prefer Aimpoints, well battery life too...

[Alaskapopo]

That's been my experience with Eotechs, the dot looked like a smear in the middle of a big red smear to me. That's why I prefer Aimpoints, well battery life too...

More proof that its astigmatism. This is my aimpoint on camera and its fine. My camera does not have astigmatism like I do.

[JLSKIP]

I would think this could be easily settled by taking a picture of the red dot. If it looks ok in the picture, then it's your eyes. If it shows up with a comet tail in the picture, it is not your eyes, and it would go to Aimpoint.

BTW I believe you can have an astigmatism and still have 20/20 vision. I've read that almost everyone has an astigmatism, but for most, it's not enough to warrant correction.

***Alaskapopo beat me to it, with pictures even!***

[gjj]

A camera is not a good judge of this matter. The human eye is very sensitive to light levels. You eye may see the primary beam. This beam may have a small reflection of less than 1%. Your eye will see this reflection even though the optical power is extremely small.

A camera does will not pick up the small reflections. It is not sensitive enough. It is adjusting itself for the primary, more powerful beam. Therefore, the picture will look good.