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AR-15 Optic Buyer’s Guide: Best Optics For Every Budget
Everyone has an idea of how they want to build their AR-15, but many times, you’ll find that many shooters don’t take the capabilities of their rifles into account.
Some optics don’t work well with certain barrel lengths, which can be problematic if you’re trying to maximize the performance of your rifle setup.
For example, an LPVO on a 10.5-inch pistol doesn’t make much sense.
Of course, each optic has advantages and disadvantages. Some may have too much parallax, some have a reticle that’s hard on astigmatisms, and some can be complex and hard to use.
The goal here is to ensure that you buy the best optic for your build—an optic that won’t leave you wishing you had bought something else—and to give you the confidence to make that decision.
With that said, let’s dive in.
An AR build with an EOTech and Magnifier handles both close-quarters and long distances well. Source: reddit
What To Consider When Buying An Optic For Your AR-15
Purpose
The most important thing to consider before choosing an optic is what you’ll use the rifle for. For example, home defense rifles won’t require long-range optics.
And long-range rifles are going to need more than a red dot sight.
For home defense, I recommend shorter-range optics. A red dot sight is more than enough. An LPVO will thrive on battle rifle builds where the distances can vary.
So start with figuring out the purpose of your build.
Price
Optics are expensive and get more expensive as the quality and notoriety increase. For example, a Night Force LPVO will cost far more than one from Primary Arms.
While you may be urged to spend a lot of money on your optic, be realistic about what you need from your sight. A Night Force LPVO or Aimpoint T2 is likely overkill for a home defense rifle.
If you have the money to spend, I recommend going with the best. But that isn’t the case for every shooter.
Barrel Length (Range)
As mentioned earlier, the type of optic you need will largely depend on how far you want to shoot, which is relative to the barrel length of your rifle.
Due to magnifiers, almost every optic can be used in different roles. You can take a red dot and push it out with a 3x magnifier with decent mid-range capabilities, but you can do a better job with an LPVO there.
It’s all about how you’re building your rifle. A 10.5-12.5-inch barrel with a solid red dot is great for home defense, but I’ve had better luck with LPVOs when I’m out shooting behind the trees at mid to long-range distances.
Choose wisely. Each has its drawbacks.
Different length barrels for different purposes. Source: reddit
Durability
I’m sure you have an idea for your build by this point, so you have a good guess of how much damage it can receive when doing its job.
Before you buy your optic, you should understand what you’ll require in terms of durability. If you’re building a battle rifle that you want to run reliably in an SHTF-type situation, then you’re going to need a proven optic that won’t fall short when you need it.
With home defense or fun range rifles, you have more room for error since durability won’t be tested often.
Buy From A Reputable Brand
One of the most failsafe ways to ensure you are getting a good optic is to choose one from a reputable company. Buying off-brand optics is sure to lead you down the wrong path.
Well-known manufacturers also have more reviews and opinions to base your decision on. This way, you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Best AR-15 Optics
Best LPVO Overall – NightForce ATACR
The ATACR from Night Force is the end-all of low-powered variable optics. The professionals and hard hitters use it when they require the best.
Crystal clear glass, bright reticle illumination for daytime shooting, and bomb-proof reliability are what Night Force aimed for when manufacturing the ATACR, and if you’re looking to build the ultimate SHTF rifle, you’d be hard pressed to find a more purpose-driven LPVO.
The ATACR is easy on the eyes, too. Source: reddit
Best Budget LPVO – Primary Arms SLx 1×6 
Don’t let the low price fool you. The Primary Arms SLx 1×6 is well known as one of today’s most underrated optics.
The SLx has glass reserved for optics five times the price, and the new ACSS reticle is intuitive and makes consistent shots quick and easy.
It is a steal for an optic under $400, and each one comes with a lifetime warranty.
Best Mid-Range Optic Overall – EOTech EXPS2
EOTech has a history of reliability and has been used by military personnel for decades in the most demanding areas.
The glass is excellent and built for ultimate durability. It can still show the reticle even when the glass is broken, which is the benefit of holographic sights. The reticle features a 68-MOA ring with a 1-MOA dot in the center, which can work well for different distances from the target.
If you must use your EXPS2 with different rifles, a quick detach allows easy on/off.
Best Budget Mid-Range Optic – Primary Arms SLx 5X MicroPrism
Back to the SLx line from Primary Arms is the 5X Microprism. Again, solid glass, solid reticle, and solid durability.
Unlike other sights with a 5X magnification, the 5X Microprism has excellent eye relief, which makes shooting those shots easier and quicker.
If you’re shooting out past 150 yards, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more quality optic for the price.
Best Red Dot Overall – Aimpoint T2
If you’ve done any searching for a red dot in forums like Reddit, odds are you’re familiar with the Aimpoint T1. It’s been the standard for battle red dots for some time, and now there’s a new and improved version.
The Aimpoint T2 offers a host of improvements. It has a better reticle, is more compatible with a 3X magnifier, and has better sight covers.
The adjustment knobs are far easier to manipulate, and it’s everything you’d need for a close-quarters rifle build with the durability to back it up.
If you want durability without the price, the T1 is far cheaper than before.
An Aimpoint T2 hard at work. Source: reddit
Best Budget Red Dot – Sig Sauer Romeo 5
Sig Sauer has been cranking out robust sights for quite some time. Its LPVOs have increasingly pushed to the top five in many tests and lists, and the Romeo 5 is the go-to for every budget close-quarters build.
You have great glass, a super-low parallax, a 40,000+ hour battery life, and an IPX7 rating.
Any home defense rifle is better with it, and the price only makes it easier to justify the purchase.
Conclusion
Finding the right optic for your AR-15 requires you to take the time to understand what you’ll be using that rifle for. After you figure that out, decide how much you want to spend and go from there.
Each of these optics has been chosen for a reason, but there are plenty of other quality ones out there. Now that you have a better idea of what makes a good optic, you’ll have an easier time choosing your next one.
Be good and take care.
