EOTech is well-known for their reflex sights, but at SHOT Show this year EOTech entered into the magnified precision rifle scope market. The EOTech 3.5-18x rifle scope takes on the traditional magnified rifle scope appearance and features. Having a range of magnification from 3.5x on low, all the way to 18x on high is incredibly versatile for just about any situation a long-distance shooter may face.
Previously we reported on the EOTech Vudu 1-6x scope, and the benefits of having a reflex optic with the addition of medium range power magnification. Producing the Vudu 1-6x magnified reflex optic was a very smart move by EOTech, considering the enormous popularity of such optics in recent years. Despite falsifying performance claims on government reflex optics, and paying a hefty penalty, EOTech still remains one of the most popular optic options on the market.
This EOTech Vudu scope has an incredible magnification range.
EOTech Vudu 3.5-18x Scope
Though these are the first magnified scopes from EOTech, they at least appear to have been well thought out and with some really desirable features. The Vudu 3.5-18x rifle scope is designed with a strong 34 mm tube that provides additional strength to the tube and greater light transmission. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00NL1T1GO” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]XC High-Density glass[/easyazon_link], sometimes marketed under the Uvex brand name, gives the Vudu 3.5-18x a good balance of lens protection and clarity of image.
One of the features I really appreciate on the Vudu 3.5-18x scope are the oversized and precision-machined turrets. Most of my shots are 300 yards or in, so my adjustments tend to be minimal, however when it does come time to make elevation or windage adjustments its great to have large and clearly visible turrets.
Enlarged turrets, and XC High-Density glass are impressive features.
These enlarged turrets come with EOTech’s EZ Chek zero stop feature. This advanced features allows the shooter to quickly dial adjustments and return to zero, even in low-light conditions. By having a positive zero stop, the shooter can simply turn the dials until they lock, and be confident they are back on their original zero. The side-mounted parallax adjustment, something critical for serious rifle shooter, allows the shooter to dial the proper reticle focus in for various range shots.
EOTech is a newbie to a market full of outstanding products. However, despite the uphill struggle the company is so confident in the ruggedness and reliability of their Vudu scopes they are offering a Lifetime Guarantee. If your product does not perform as promised EOTech will repair or replace it with a comparable product for free. The guarantee is a forever – regardless of whether you are the original owner. There is no need for proof of ownership or a warranty card.
First focal plane reticle, XC hardened glass, and well textured controls.
The Vudu 3.5-18x rifle scope is designed with saber-like textures turrets and magnification lens. The textures provide ample grip in normal to inclement weather conditions, but are tapered enough they are not too rough on the fingers.
The Vudu 3.5-18x rifle scope is designed with a first focal plane reticle. A first focal plane reticle keeps the reticle in the same proportion throughout the magnification ranges. The benefit of this first focal plane feature is it allows the shooter to use the hash marks or Mil-Dots at any range.
A 50mm objective lens provides outstanding light transfer and greater target views.
EOTech Vudu 3.5-18x Scope Specifications
- Magnification: 3.5-18x
- Objective Lens: 50 mm
- Overall Length: 14.84″
- Weight: 33.23 oz.
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
- Eye Relief: 3.39″ to 3.94 inches
- Exit Pupil: 3.5x = 0.39″; 18x = 0.09″
- Field-Of-View @100 Yards: 3.5x = 30 ft; 18x = 6 ft
- Exterior Finish: Flat Black; Type III anodized
- Illumination Controls: Push buttons left-hand turret
- Exposed Optic Lens Coating: Broadband anti-reflection coating
- Windage and Elevation Increments: 0.25 MOA
- Total Elevation Adjustment Range: ± 50 MOA
- Total Windage Adjustment Range: ± 50 MOA
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Auto Power Shut-Off: Approx. 2 hrs
- Battery Life at Min. Day Setting at Room Temperature: Approx. 10,000 hrs.
- MSRP: $1,629.00.
The Vudu 3.5-18x scope can mount to an AR-15, though this would not be the preferred police sniper rifle.
Final Thoughts
EOTech appears to have taken the necessary time to consider the options, features, and quality they want to produce in high magnification rifle scopes. They are new to this arena, and face immensely stiff competition from companies that have been in business for dozens of years with dozens of quality products.
So far I like what I see in the EOTech Vudu offerings. Each option has unique features, and the appearance of high quality construction, glass, and glass coatings. All of these are musts to compete in the scope market EOTech is entering at their price range. I want to see EOTech succeed, despite their problems with military sights. They have produced some outstanding optics for shooting, law enforcement, and hunting. Those optics may not meet extremely stringent military standards, but they are still very good.
Ultimately though, I can’t see myself dropping $1700 on a maybe. Especially for something so important to long-range rifle accuracy and target identification. If I were to spend that kind of money on a scope today the side would say [easyazon_link identifier=”B006PH6E7U” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Leupold[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B00784RRJI” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Night Force[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B00M85OUCY” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Nikon[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B002DODONG” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Vortex[/easyazon_link] or someone in that same league.