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1-4 Prism Optics (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 2/17/2026 2:36:03 PM EDT
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I saw someone post a while back about a couple of companies making a 1-4 prism style optic. Apex Vapor ZeroTech Thrive HD Sightmark Strikon VMP The three companies listed above are the only ones I’ve seen, besides the Elcan and I believe there is a company selling a clone of sorts of the Elcan. I think that optic is Turkish made. The 1-4 prims seem interesting to me and maybe something I would like a bit more than my LPVO. Do you think these are more durable than an LPVO? When comparing them, compare them to optics in the same price point. I have a Primary Arms 1-6 LPVO with the Aurora reticle (special purchase no longer made and made on a GLx body). The reticle is by far the best reticle in my opinion to have. The eye box on an LPVO isn’t as forgiving as a red dot or even my GLx 1x prism optic. Is the eye box better on the 1-4 prism optics? Or do they suffer the same fate as an LPVO? I’m trying to understand the 1-4 prism and where it fits in. I have also never heard of Apex or ZeroTech until just recently. Are they both good companies? @PrimaryArms when are you guys going to jump into the game of 1-4 or even 1-6 prism optics? Everyone, what’s your opinion on these? |
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Tag for answers or links. If PA came out with an Elcan style 1/4 I would give it a go. if it was NV compatible at 1x it would have a serious chance of becoming my go-to even replacing my TA33/RMR |
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 The Turkish ARMY combat optic. (YT friendly edit) In for more answers. |
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Originally Posted By Currahee: Tag for answers or links. If PA came out with an Elcan style 1/4 I would give it a go. if it was NV compatible at 1x it would have a serious chance of becoming my go-to even replacing my TA33/RMR Originally Posted By Currahee: Tag for answers or links. If PA came out with an Elcan style 1/4 I would give it a go. if it was NV compatible at 1x it would have a serious chance of becoming my go-to even replacing my TA33/RMR I agree. If PA did one, I’d buy and not look back. I trust PA and I trust them to put out a well thought out and executed product that won’t fail me. Their mounts for the SLx and GLx prism lines are the only weak point, but it’s when you go higher mount and sits at a backwards angle that is the problems. Other than that, it’s solid. Originally Posted By bluedog82: Brassfacts recently reviewed the Sightron. I’ve been trying to get the Zerotech out myself, it looks very interesting. That was a great video actually on that optic and it showed a lot more of it than other videos I’ve found. Brassfacts did the video of the Elcan clone too and found the mount to be weak but if I remember correctly everything else seemed fine. Can you get the Apex one? ZeroTech seems more polished but the reticle to me seeems awful. Maybe I wrong. I feel like the Apex reticle might be a better choice. I think they also say their glass is Japanese ED if I remember correctly. Either way, hope you get one soon and get the video out. Originally Posted By Mike_Golf: If I had FU money, all of my non-SPR rifles would have Elcans. Where is the glass on these three scopes mentioned made?  I think the Apex is Japanese ED glass. Not sure what that means. It was mentioned in a video I watched and can’t remember now who did the video. The ZeroTech as far as I know doesn’t have Japanese glass. But the funny thing about these optics, they are look the same body wise. Some chunkier while one is slimmer and more polished. Myself, I like the Apex one the best. |
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I believe that is the one Brassfacts reviewed and broke the Mount on it. Other than that and the price point I don’t think he had an issue with it. |
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Originally Posted By panthermark: In... I got a cheap (and heavy) SIG Tango 1-4. Would be interested in seeing what else is out there. I feel like the 1-4 is kind of hitting a sweet spot with CQB and distance capabilities. It doesn’t seem like we are sacrificing a lot by going this route. Everything I’ve been told about prism optics is that they are durable and survive things that will kill and LPVO, especially in this lower price point. I got my LPVO out the other day to see what was going on at neighbors house during the ice and snow storm we had. Someone was cleaning his driveway with equipment and while trying to get the name of the company I noticed just how bad the eye box was. I guess I was paying more attention than normal. I don’t think I’d want to use for CQB and distance. It didn’t feel in that moment as if it was versatile at all. |
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This is what you seek. TA01 with MRDS 1x and 4x on demand 14 oz all in Can shoot it piggy back or cant rifle and pick up dot with left eye no adjustment needed Attached File |
Isaiah 1:18 - "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD: "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow"
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Originally Posted By Fooboy: This is what you seek. TA01 with MRDS 1x and 4x on demand 14 oz all in Can shoot it piggy back or cant rifle and pick up dot with left eye no adjustment needed https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/113559/IMG_7855_jpeg-3715027.JPG Maybe one day. I wish I could afford an Acog. Plus I like being able to go from 1-4x and not stuck on just 4x with a piggyback optic on top. I always wonder how the pistol dots hold up to abuse. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Maybe one day. I wish I could afford an Acog. Plus I like being able to go from 1-4x and not stuck on just 4x with a piggyback optic on top. I always wonder how the pistol dots hold up to abuse. |
What it boils down to is that they fear an effective resistance to their power: So, Left in power=Guns bad, mmmmkay...?, Right in power=Guns good!-thskirk
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: I agree. If PA did one, I’d buy and not look back. I trust PA and I trust them to put out a well thought out and executed product that won’t fail me. Their mounts for the SLx and GLx prism lines are the only weak point, but it’s when you go higher mount and sits at a backwards angle that is the problems. Other than that, it’s solid. That was a great video actually on that optic and it showed a lot more of it than other videos I’ve found. Brassfacts did the video of the Elcan clone too and found the mount to be weak but if I remember correctly everything else seemed fine. Can you get the Apex one? ZeroTech seems more polished but the reticle to me seeems awful. Maybe I wrong. I feel like the Apex reticle might be a better choice. I think they also say their glass is Japanese ED if I remember correctly. Either way, hope you get one soon and get the video out. I think the Apex is Japanese ED glass. Not sure what that means. It was mentioned in a video I watched and can’t remember now who did the video. The ZeroTech as far as I know doesn’t have Japanese glass. But the funny thing about these optics, they are look the same body wise. Some chunkier while one is slimmer and more polished. Myself, I like the Apex one the best. Just gave Apex a call, so we’ll see. Fingers crossed! |
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Originally Posted By Currahee: Tag for answers or links. If PA came out with an Elcan style 1/4 I would give it a go. if it was NV compatible at 1x it would have a serious chance of becoming my go-to even replacing my TA33/RMR PA would likely fuck it up with chevron only… in my opinion. I watched the BF video, sad that the Sightmark had such a glaring defect. ETA: Apex Vapor looks good… but at that price point I’d likely buy another ACOG. Proven company, track record, warranty, reticles, etc. |
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Originally Posted By theguymontag: PA would likely fuck it up with chevron only… in my opinion. I watched the BF video, sad that the Sightmark had such a glaring defect. ETA: Apex Vapor looks good… but at that price point I’d likely buy another ACOG. Proven company, track record, warranty, reticles, etc. I feel like their Aurora reticle is the best one they have in their LPVO’s and when they used to put them in their prism optics too. I think Acog used them for a bit as well. |
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 APEX Optics | Vapor 1-4 Prism Sight They say glass is good (Japanese ED I think they said). Nice and light. Reticle doesn't look super bright. |
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Originally Posted By platonicsolid:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwJ5jaUlez0They say glass is good (Japanese ED I think they said). Nice and light. Reticle doesn't look super bright. That’s the video I watched the other night and got me really thinking about the 1-4 prism optic choices. |
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Originally Posted By GalloRosso: I would be stoked to see a lower priced 1-4 that is close to the capability of the Specter. Right now on Optics Planet the ZeroTech is lower than retail and I think they’ve got a coupon and can be down to $411 shipped. Here is a link and I asked a quota out their 1-4 and how durable it is. They replied to me but I can’t cut and paste it here. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUK7SxskqTY/?igsh=OXFoYjA0dm9sNGI4 |
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There is one review on the zero tech at optics planet: Regardless of what power you have it dialed to, its going to be difficult to use with both eyes open. The eye box is very small. Not only that, it would appear that alignment was not considered by the assembly crew. It will only align for both eyes open when rotated 90 degrees. Sending them both back. Maybe gen 2 will rectify this. Quite a shame. Really cool idea that is poorly executed. |
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Originally Posted By juslearnin: There is one review on the zero tech at optics planet: Regardless of what power you have it dialed to, its going to be difficult to use with both eyes open. The eye box is very small. Not only that, it would appear that alignment was not considered by the assembly crew. It will only align for both eyes open when rotated 90 degrees. Sending them both back. Maybe gen 2 will rectify this. Quite a shame. Really cool idea that is poorly executed. Can you show us some pics of the optic and the reticle? Also explain it more to us. I’m not really following what you said above. Could be I’m exhausted too. So shooting with both eyes open can be done at 1x and 4x? Is that bad? My LPVO I can use it with both eyes open but for a precession shot, I wouldn’t. So you are saying with one eye shut the eye box is right? Any chance of a video? |
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Sinestral RIfleman has his review of the Zerotech He says he's unsure what its for (thinks LPVO or dot/magnifier makes more sense). Glass ok. Not daylight bright. Reticle has MOA spacing and works with 50/200 zero. Overall ok but not great.  Zerotech Thrive HD 1-4x Prism at Rio Black Rifle |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Can you show us some pics of the optic and the reticle? Also explain it more to us. I’m not really following what you said above. Could be I’m exhausted too. So shooting with both eyes open can be done at 1x and 4x? Is that bad? My LPVO I can use it with both eyes open but for a precession shot, I wouldn’t. So you are saying with one eye shut the eye box is right? Any chance of a video? This is not my review. It’s a quote off the optics planet site for the only review available. |
New? Want to learn the basics about ARs? Want to know what kind of rifle to buy? Go to: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=342873
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Originally Posted By platonicsolid: Sinestral RIfleman has his review of the Zerotech He says he's unsure what its for (thinks LPVO or dot/magnifier makes more sense). Glass ok. Not daylight bright. Reticle has MOA spacing and works with 50/200 zero. Overall ok but not great. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MiFncoLwiUThanks for the link! I’ll watch the video tonight. I was hoping it would be a good optic and fit in where the Elcan does. |
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Originally Posted By juslearnin: This is not my review. It’s a quote off the optics planet site for the only review available. Originally Posted By juslearnin: Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Can you show us some pics of the optic and the reticle? Also explain it more to us. I’m not really following what you said above. Could be I’m exhausted too. So shooting with both eyes open can be done at 1x and 4x? Is that bad? My LPVO I can use it with both eyes open but for a precession shot, I wouldn’t. So you are saying with one eye shut the eye box is right? Any chance of a video? This is not my review. It’s a quote off the optics planet site for the only review available. Okay, after I posted I read the review on OP. I’ll watch the video linked tonight and see what is said. I was hoping for a Elcan alternative. |
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I watched the video and talked with ZeroTech on Instagram in one of their post. It seems like it’s more of a beefier LPVO. I’ll post their comment here. I took a screenshot. I think after watching the video posted above I’ll wait and see if more reviews come out. It seems like it suffers the same fate with the eye box as LPVO’s do. Here is the link to the screenshot of their reply to me. |
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Originally Posted By caduckgunner: Anyone have any updates on these? I am really interested in the Apex Vapor. I wish there were more updates and videos. The ZeroTech video posted I think above said eye box was bad so I’m on the fence. Apex Vapor looks interesting too. I just like the ZeroTech cleaner look without bulky buttons and knobs. |
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Originally Posted By Dr_Nimslow: I’ve got a 1x4 ELCAN, but I just can’t stomach paying current prices. So I’ve got an Apex Vapor on the way. Awesome! Keep us posted on it. And also nice on the Elcan. I’d love one but the price keeps me from it. Now tell us why you chose the Apex? The more I go back and watch what little videos on these I can find I do like the Apex a tad more. The one thing I like about the ZeroTech Thrive is the sleekness of it. Keep us posted. I’m excited to hear about it from a real user. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Awesome! Keep us posted on it. And also nice on the Elcan. I’d love one but the price keeps me from it. Now tell us why you chose the Apex? The more I go back and watch what little videos on these I can find I do like the Apex a tad more. The one thing I like about the ZeroTech Thrive is the sleekness of it. Keep us posted. I’m excited to hear about it from a real user. I prefer the dial over buttons for the brightness adjustments, and already having the RMR mount seemed like a decent idea. |
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Originally Posted By Dr_Nimslow: I prefer the dial over buttons for the brightness adjustments, and already having the RMR mount seemed like a decent idea. Originally Posted By Dr_Nimslow: Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Awesome! Keep us posted on it. And also nice on the Elcan. I’d love one but the price keeps me from it. Now tell us why you chose the Apex? The more I go back and watch what little videos on these I can find I do like the Apex a tad more. The one thing I like about the ZeroTech Thrive is the sleekness of it. Keep us posted. I’m excited to hear about it from a real user. I prefer the dial over buttons for the brightness adjustments, and already having the RMR mount seemed like a decent idea. I do like that they put holes through the handle so it doesn’t block the view of the red dot. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it when you get it. I wouldn’t mind replacing my LPVO with something like this. |
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Originally Posted By Dr_Nimslow: I'm really liking the form factor, especially the weight. The eye box is pretty tight however. Once I get it mounted, and have a chance to shoot it I'll report back. https://i.imgur.com/cRv9Gaa.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NnhH4eq.jpg https://i.imgur.com/B071PZ8.jpg Awesome! Keep us posted. How is the knob on the left side? It’s one thing I hated about the Primary Arms GLx 2x and SLx prisms. I hate when red dots do it too. |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Awesome! Keep us posted. How is the knob on the left side? It’s one thing I hated about the Primary Arms GLx 2x and SLx prisms. I hate when red dots do it too. Originally Posted By sticman77: I actually prefer the knob for illumination, over buttons, so I’m good with it. I wish it had off positions, between each illumination level. Does it initially feel tighter than the Elcan or similar? The eye relief may be just a little better than the ELCAN, but that’s just a first blush after playing with them a little side by side it’s better than the ACOG, for sure. I’m currently running the “medium” mount spacer, that puts it at about the same height over rail as the ELCAN. Strangely, it feels like I need to get my head lower in the gun to get a good sight picture. I’ll have to actually get some range time, to figure out if it’s me, or the mount. |
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Originally Posted By Dr_Nimslow: The eye relief may be just a little better than the ELCAN, but that’s just a first blush after playing with them a little side by side it’s better than the ACOG, for sure. I’m currently running the “medium” mount spacer, that puts it at about the same height over rail as the ELCAN. Strangely, it feels like I need to get my head lower in the gun to get a good sight picture. I’ll have to actually get some range time, to figure out if it’s me, or the mount. Originally Posted By Dr_Nimslow: Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: Awesome! Keep us posted. How is the knob on the left side? It’s one thing I hated about the Primary Arms GLx 2x and SLx prisms. I hate when red dots do it too. Originally Posted By sticman77: I actually prefer the knob for illumination, over buttons, so I’m good with it. I wish it had off positions, between each illumination level. Does it initially feel tighter than the Elcan or similar? The eye relief may be just a little better than the ELCAN, but that’s just a first blush after playing with them a little side by side it’s better than the ACOG, for sure. I’m currently running the “medium” mount spacer, that puts it at about the same height over rail as the ELCAN. Strangely, it feels like I need to get my head lower in the gun to get a good sight picture. I’ll have to actually get some range time, to figure out if it’s me, or the mount. How many spacers does it come with and how is the quality of the mount at first glance? I can’t remember what mounting footprint it is. |
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Originally Posted By RacingOrange: I'm intrigued, but the prices turn me off when what I have works fine. Otherwise, I'd consider replacing some PA 3x microprisms with one of these I think these are under $499 the last time I looked. I feel like for what they are and do they are a better value over the prism optics from PA and I do like the GLx 1x prism. |
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Originally Posted By Fooboy: This is what you seek. TA01 with MRDS 1x and 4x on demand 14 oz all in Can shoot it piggy back or cant rifle and pick up dot with left eye no adjustment needed https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/113559/IMG_7855_jpeg-3715027.JPG i sold all my ACOGS for PA prisms |
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Originally Posted By OlympicArmsFan: How many spacers does it come with and how is the quality of the mount at first glance? I can’t remember what mounting footprint it is. It comes with two spacers. They quote the heights as absolute co-witness, medium and lower 1/3. I've settled on the "medium" one..  It replaced an EXPS, and magnifier, and shaved 8oz.  And the last prism setup I have, for the weight...  Originally Posted By MRW: The ACOG is very outdated. My old eyes need an adjustable diopter to work with my glasses and also user-adjustable illumination. i sold all my ACOGS for PA prisms I can stilll use an AGOG, bit my 59 year old eyes are much happier with an adjustable diopter. |
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Originally Posted By Samwali: Is the eyebox at 1x still tight or just the 4x? How's the brightness? The eyebox at 1x is decent, it’s no comparison with the EoTech of course, but it’s useable. It’s not “nuclear” bright, but it’s visible in daylight, at lest as far as playing with it in the house goes. |
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| I'm still interested in the Apex but I have a feeling the moment I snag one PA or someone else will come out with a better version (better eyebox or illumination mainly). Lead and Steel is supposedly making a true Elcan style 1x/4x which I'm more interested in but it's been on hold for a while. |
1-4 Prism Optics (Page 1 of 2)
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