8 Best Red Dot Magnifiers: Reviews & Buying Guide for 2020

The VMX-3T from Vortex Optics is a flip mount combination that gives your red dot 3x magnification. It’s easy to use, requiring no type of special sight-in. The flip function works at a push of a button so you can position it where you need it. It works with a large variety of red dot sights except for prism scopes.

What Consumers are Saying

Many consumers tout this as the best affordable red dot magnifier as it doesn’t cut back on performance and reliability for the sake of value. There’s quality weather protection from water and fog, and the aluminum construction grants it a lightweight feel while remaining durable.

There’s also praise for how bright and clear the magnification is in addition to how simple it is to use. Some users do feel, however, that the eye relief needs some improvement.

Pros/Cons

The EOTECH G33 Magnifier is a high-end magnifier compatible with all EOTECH holographic weapon sights. What helps make this the best flip up magnifier is the quick transitions between 1x and 3x magnification thanks to its switch-to-side mount design. It comes in two colors: black and tan.

What Consumers are Saying

Even if the high-end design raises the price tag of this magnifier, many consumers feel like it’s ultimately worth it. The magnifier is built well, and it’s easy to mount as it remains stable.

It has a quality flip function, letting you switch from 1x and 3x magnification seamlessly. Also, the compact style ensures it won’t get in your way when you’re not using it.

In spite of the compact style, some consumers report that there is a noticeable amount of weight added to your rifle once you mount this. So, it’s something to keep in mind if you have additional accessories on your gun as well.

Pros/Cons

The Burris Armalite Rifle Tripler Gen 2 is a straightforward magnifier that helps you transition back and forth to mid-distance shooting with ease. Made with elevation and windage adjustments, this lets you utilize the entire reticle image. It adds a fixed 3x magnification, and the pivot ring design lets you flip it to the side in a flash.

What Consumers are Saying

One of the most talked about features of this magnifier is how solid it’s built. It’s built to last while still having a comfortable weight so that your gun won’t feel heavier.

Also, users enjoy just how clear the sights are. Both installation and adjusting is simple too thanks in large part to the pivot ring.

When it’s locked to the side, it remains firm. However, when locked in the “in-use” position, users have detected some play in the pivot. So, you might see some slight movement when you fire.

Pros/Cons

The Aimpoint 3xMag Magnifier is capable for use along with any Aimpoint red dot sight. Beyond being a 3x red dot magnifier, this can also act as a handheld monocular.

This mounts with ease behind the Aimpoint so that you don’t need to re-zero as you adjust from non-magnified to magnified shooting. It doesn’t come with a mount, giving you the freedom to choose from whatever mount you prefer for your gun.

What Consumers are Saying

Consumers seem to largely appreciate the versatility in using this mounted on their gun or as a handheld. They appreciate how easy it is to see through as well as the glass is glare-free with ideal clarity.

The durability of the magnifier is lauded too. It has a protective rubber covering that’s shock-proof while also giving the magnifier an ergonomic grip for better handling.

One thing that isn’t praised about the magnifier is the eye relief. Some consumers feel as though it’s lacking, which might make it a bit uncomfortable to use.

Pros/Cons

The Bushnell Optics 3x Magnifier has an ambidextrous flip-mount design for various shooters to use. It can work with just about any red dot magnifier, but it’s known to pair rather well with the Bushnell TRS-25.

With fully-coated optics, this features shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof capabilities. The optics is also made to provide more optimal light transmission.

What Consumers are Saying

Even if this is a budget red dot magnifier, consumers still speak highly of how simple it is to setup and align to various red dot sights. Users often mention appreciation for the ambidextrous layout as well.

The build quality is another high point as it has good waterproof protection thanks to the O-ring seal. Also, the magnifier is built to withstand drops well too and function underneath fog coverage.

There have been reports of issues with the focus though. Some users found trouble using the focus, believing that the optics have minimal clarity.

Pros/Cons

The UTG 3x Magnifier comes with a QD mount. It has a flip-to-side design so that you can quickly move it in and out of place as needed.

Optimum view centering is granted due to the windage and elevation adjustments. The eyepiece also readily adjusts, while the quick-detach lever allows for fast engage and disengagement.

What Consumers are Saying

There are many users that claim this is a reliable product for anyone who needs a cheap red dot magnifier. The casing for both the magnifier and the mount is built solid.

It’s also user-friendly in the sense that it’s easy to install and simple to flip back and forth. Also, it seems to remain locked into place well in both positions.

One main downside tends to be the eye relief. Many users feel that it’s rather lacking, and this minimal eye relief may force you to change how you shoot.

Pros/Cons

The Feyachi M36 Magnifier is a simple flip-to-side mount red dot magnifier. This adjustable magnifier for red dot sights allows you use 1x magnification, or you can change between 1.5x-5x.

This utilizes an all-steel mount to give it rugged construction. Meanwhile, clarity is highlighted thanks to the multi-coated optics. There’s even windage and elevation adjustability for greater centering.

What Consumers are Saying

As a 5x red dot magnifier, consumers appreciate just how clear the lens are no matter how far you zoom out. The user-friendly design is also praised since it’s quick to engage and disengage the mount by pressing the button.

Additionally, users spoke highly of how easy it is to a adjust the red dot centering to work with your specific red dot sight. There have been complaints though about poor retention even though it readily locks into place. This can lead to it wobbling a bit when you use it.

Pros/Cons

The Primary Arms Gen IV is a 3x magnifier scope for red dot sights. It’s budget-friendly with a rubber armor sleeve that protects it from impact and water damage.

This aims to provide you with longer eye relief along with a wide field of view. The integrated diopter is meant to give you faster focus as well. It’s compatible with both red dot sights and holographic reflex sights.

What Consumers are Saying

There’s much to be said for the construction of this red dot magnifier. Consumers enjoy the rubberized sleeve that gives you a good hold while also protecting it from impact and the weather. Another aspect shooters enjoy is the generous eye relief along with the wide field of view. It also doesn’t weigh much, and it aligns well with your gun.

Some do feel that the optics are in need of greater clarity though in spite of the fast focus design.

Pros/Cons

Factors to Consider When Buying Red Dot Magnifiers

All red dot magnifiers aren’t made equally. This can make selecting the best one a difficult task in spite of our recommendations above.

Considering that, there are some factors you can address that determine how well-made a magnifier is and how useful it may or may not be for your needs. Such features may help you come to a decision while shopping around.

Optics

Like with anything focusing on magnifying and sights, the optics play a vital role.

Many high-quality red dot magnifiers feature multi-coated optics. Such optics usually has better clarity in addition to transmitting light at a greater rate.

You may not only receive sharper images but also a noticeable brightness to accurately identify your target.

Durability

If you want your magnifier to actually last you well through various uses, consider its construction.

There are some built with steel or aluminum, focusing on balancing lightweight and ruggedness. Others feature a rubber sleeve that helps resist shock from impacts.

Also, consider magnifiers that have fog-resistant capabilities as well as some form of waterproof protection. These usually feature sealed O-rings that are nitrogen-filled to keep water out.

Mount Style

How you mount your red dot magnifier is just as important as how the magnifier functions. They either have a fixed mounting style or a flip-to-side mounting style.

Many users tend to prefer a red dot magnifier with flip mount style due to the versatility and ease of use quality.

This type of design lets you use the sight in a magnified and unmagnified position without having to remove the entire thing. As such, you can adjust from close-range to mid-range shooting in a flash.

Otherwise, with fixed mounted magnifiers, you must take it off every time you don’t want to zoom in.

Size and Weight

Something that may be overlooked by some is the scale of a red dot magnifier. You may benefit from finding a magnifier that is more compact. This way, it might align better to your gun without getting in the way, especially if you are using additional accessories.

The additional accessories aspect comes into play with the weight of the magnifier as well. Depending on your gun and what you have on it, you might want to turn to magnifiers that have a more lightweight build.

This way, you won’t feel weighed down or feel that your shooting game is thrown off in any way.

Magnification Strength

Of course, how well a red dot magnifier works at actually magnifying things is fundamental.

It seems as though the majority of red dot magnifiers have a fixed magnification of 3x. Others may offer adjustability from 1.5x-3x.

Regardless of which type, that seems to be a comfortable amount of power for accurate shooting. These tend to still offer you the ideal amount of clarity and focus so that the image of your target doesn’t distort.

Eye Relief

Similar with general scopes, the eye relief of a red dot magnifier helps determine how well and comfortable you’ll be while shooting.

You should be able to achieve a straightforward view no matter what. Some prefer magnifiers that have a more generous eye relief. If not, then you may have to adjust the way you shoot so that you don’t completely disrupt your overall view of your surroundings.

User-Friendly

Although it may not seem like it takes much to use a magnifier, you may still want to look out for user-friendly features.

One of those is the flip-to-side mounting that we touched on before. If you do have a style that moves to the side, then consider that the pivot method is seamless. You’ll want to be able to flip it in and out of place in seconds.

Also look for magnifiers that are easy to set up so that you can get to the action as soon as possible. Overall adjustments for a red dot magnifier should be simple enough too.

Recommended for read:  Best AR 15 Scopes under $100