I have PERFECT eyesight.
I just received my Aimpoint 3X magnifier from Larue. I mounted it on my rifle with the Aimpoint T1. The dot was terrible. It was like looking at a comet with a tail. I tried different intensities. I centered the beam in the optics. Terrible.
I then put it on my rifle with the CompML2. Perfect. The dot was circular with only a slight, slight football shape.
Anyone else experience this?
I don’t know if they [Aimpoint] had the intentions of the two being used together in the first place.
I have the 3X behind a Comp M4- and it’s Perfect.
I have also heard that the T1 is not quite a 4moa, more like 3.5, but they may round up based on it being misshapen.
Do what FJB and Aimpoint recommend to test the optic. Look through it while rotating it. If the comet tail stays in one place, it is your eyes. If the comet tail rotates, it is the optic. I use a magnifier with good effect with my H-1. When my astigmatism isn’t a problem, the dot is crisp and round with or without magnification. When it isn’t corrected, i get a blooming dot with a tail.
Also, don’t focus on the dot when you shoot with both eyes open and try the optic in natural light or sunlight. When I look through the optic indoors, the dot never quite looks as crisp as in natural light.
Also, try adjusting the adjustment screws on the 3X Magnifier that should be at the 12 0’Clock and 9 0’Clock position (if mounted properly) as that should help as well. Mounting the 3X as close to the Micro T-1 (or any Aimpoint sight) as possible should help.
I am not an optimologist nor play on TV nor did I sleep in a Holiday Inn Express, but part of the problem could be caused by light distortion from the center of the Micro T-1 lens and 3X Magnifier lens not lined up just right. Thus, why you adjust the lens of the 3X as mentioned above. This should help.
S/F
Thanks. I originally mounted it exactly like you said and centered the dot in the middle of the lens when I first noticed the problem.
The CompML2 works perfect.
Sorry to resurrect this thread, but it sound concerning since I am considering getting the 3x for my T1. Is anyone else having this problem?
The magnifier worked better in concert with my CompM3 than it does with the T-1 that replaced it. For some reason, to my eyes the T-1 dot appears distorted under the magnification. Sometimes it almost looks like a rod or line instead of a dot. I’ve adjusted the screws on the magnifier, but that had little effect. This is not to say the dot or magnifier is not usable, but it is distracting and not as precise as I would prefer.
I use the Aimpoint TwistMount with the magnifier, but a friend who uses the LaRue LT649 flip to side mount has similar complaints. Interestingly, he wears glasses and I have 20/20 uncorrected vision.
From Aimpoint’s various posts, I understand that the problem is likely not with the T-1 but with how my eyes perceive the dot.
This may help as well:
Closer didn’t help me with the T1 or the CompML3 with the 2MOA dot. The dot was still distorted.
Here is something I learned, you will notice the imperfections more when you are inspecting it indoors. Outside, it is not as much of an issue.
Just so I’m clear, you’re having distortion with both aimpoints? The same distortion?? Is it the same magnifier?? Did you try the rotating of the optic and magnifier trick?? It sounds kind of odd that you would have distortion with both optics.
Please clarify.
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.
You guys are scaring me. I am going to have to see one in action before I drop the $.
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
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.
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.
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…
More proof that its astigmatism. This is my aimpoint on camera and its fine. My camera does not have astigmatism like I do.
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!
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.