Vortex MICRO 6x Magnifier - Twice The Magnification, Twice The Magnifier?

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The Vortex Micro series of magnifiers are a good choice for many people with a intermediate budget. Does this 6x version offer twice the usability as its smaller, 3x brother? We look to find out!
00:00 - Physical Overview
06:33 - Comparison - Vortex PST II ‪@6xDuck‬at 6x
08:16 - L&S LP1
09:03 - Holosun 403c
10:16 - Holosun 512
11:00 - Eyebox
11:33 - Low Light
13:36 - Comparison Eotech G45
15:21 - Comparison Trijicon 3x
17:04 - Final Thoughts
#vortexoptics #vortex #fpr
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[@brandonrupp5880]

3x is kind of the sweet spot in my opinion for a magnified red dot. It makes 0-300 fairly easy. Going past that your holds for elevation and wind get significantly more challenging. Doubling the magnification won't change that. An LPVO with a useful reticle does a whole lot more a 6x magnifier.

[@douglascuvillyed.s8211]

The only case for this 6x magnifier, which I have lol, is to pair it with a rds that has a reticle. For example I run this magnifier with my PA MD25 acss. I get 6x magnification with the acss reticle and back to 1x with a fast acquisition ring for close-up in an instant and dont have to cant the rifle or rise my head for a 12oclock. Much less weight than an lpvo with mount and a backup rds. But all the setups work, more or less and have pros and cons. It's just use case and can you use it effectively in your training. I think many people will build out a setup and not really ever put it through its paces under pressure with training. And as much as I love this setup I also have several lpvo piggyback dot setups. It's all about building out your toolbox

[@brandonrupp5880]

I'm running a 503g and a Holosun 3x on my main rifle. I don't take it much past 300 so it works perfect for me. I've made reliable hits out to 500 but I rarely get the chance to sit at that distance.

[@douglascuvillyed.s8211]

@@brandonrupp5880 same most of my stuff is setup to 300 and in and I have some that have mpvo,lpvo hpvo etc for the longer stuff. My eyes suck and I believe in 50 yards max for every magnification level. So fr me 6x =300 ideally

[@CDOES]

Abso-f#cking-lutely

[@juanbautista7204]

I'll be practicing 600 yds as soon as I get this magnifier. I already got eotech on a scar 16. Supposedly I should be hitting 800 easy with the scar

[@Gilliganland]

I used my Vortex 6x magnifier behind a Primary Arms ACSS Micro Prism at High Desert Brutality this year. It came in clutch on the 500ya engagements, and kind of carried me through areas where a lot of other shooters had trouble, because I could see my impacts and make adjustments before the RO could even call them.

[@streamlove2]

Do you have to fiddle with diopter on 1x vs magnified everytime?

[@Gilliganland]

Nuh. It's in focus when I switch off of the magnifier, though I do have pretty good vision. YMMV. @@streamlove2

[@mdlassel]

did the ACSS reticle help with various ranges when paired with the 6x? thinking about doing the same on my setup

[@Gilliganland]

@mdlassel Tbh, the increased magnification was more help than the built-in points on the BDC. The reticle is only calibrated to 400ya, and almost all of it was off-angle shooting that a BDC isn't really designed for, but having the 6x combined with extremely low recoil meant that I could see the splashes on my misses and adjust. I never took more than 5 shots at any of the 500's, which was much better than many of the other shooters I saw.

[@KeterMalkuth]

Truth be told, the more I learn about the magnifier options on the market, the more I gain appreciation for the G33. The various micro options have severe eye relief issues, the higher magnification options on the market typically have issues with eye box, and many of the direct competitors of the G33 are heavier, have worse glass, aren't as durable, etc. I think the G33 in particular strikes the perfect balance of usable eye relief, good eye box, good weight, great glass, and enough magnification to make it work.

[@CDOES]

I do believe you are correct. I wish they offered a capped turret version.

[@killacamfoo]

I have both, the 6X is really something else when you need it. Combine it with a red dot that BDCs like the holosun 503G ACSS and it makes for a very appealing combo.

[@nathan_k]

19:53 - "Wouldn't purchase for myself". New Hoplopfheil "resale metric for how good something is" just dropped. C making or not making disclaimer that: 'he doesn't want to give it back' -- or -- 'wouldn't buy it himself'

[@CDOES]

Very simple logic to follow

[@nomad155]

Don't fall for that mindset. You decide if it fits your needs, not someone else. That's how people looked dumb about LPVOs

[@jmarvosa6x3]

You sound like a lawyer for Lead & Steel

[@bill5274]

Thank you for this review as it made rethink literally minutes ahead from pulling the lever

[@JeffNeelzebub]

Regarding "magnifying the imperfections", I have a 5x magnifier with a Primary Arms/Holosun 503G with a chevron and 3 1MOA BDC dots. I don't know if someone else makes the emitter for the Primary Arms version of the 503, but it has zero imperfections that I can detect. Under 5x, the chevron appears perfect, it appears infinitely sharp at the top of the chevron, at the bottom of the chevron, and even the wingtips of the chevron on the left and right. Each sharp part seems perfectly sharp at all points. For the 1 moa BDC dots, each one appears perfectly circular under each part of the BDC. It's honestly amazing how crisp and sharp each feature is, while regular Holosun 503s don't have this crispness. All I can figure is someone else makes the emitter for the PA version and Holosun assembles it in a 503 body.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

PA probably just buys the better emitters from the same lot. Kinda like how you can have good, decent and crap lenses from the same lot, I imagine the emitters are the same.

[@adamdyment9732]

Im just commenting to boost the algorithm and thank you for the best optic reviews in existence

[@mavrikmavrik3032]

Great intro to the optic, thx! I zero at 50 yards and a 3x just doesn’t cut it for me when trying to get the best zero I can. I’m going to buy a 5x or 6x for Christmas so I’m evaluating the field.

[@Almost_Made_It]

I watch brass facts video about urban not being cqb and since then I’ve been looking for most mag for the weight.

[@GldenRetriever]

Really like mine and prefer it over the vortex micro 3x, but I do agree with everything you said. Definitely more preference than anything. But yeah, eotech needs to dump those trash turrets lol as that is a deal breaker for me. Not much of them rotating on me, but getting dented or broken by a drop as my guns like to fall a lot.

[@jamesconner-myers4375]

I like that the EOtech magnifier turrets are large and exposed. With an item that is so useful to take on and off and swap between different rifles, being able to center the dot quickly without tools seems like a no-brainer to me.

[@CDOES]

It makes sense if your constantly swapping it between rifles. Not so much if it's part of a married set.

[@Quality_Guru]

I watched a video from Dark Lord Optics on the Element Immersive 5x30. It looked impressive as it has a solid mount, what appears to be a unique reticle, great Field of View, DOF, and best of all has an adjustable Parallax setting. It's even equipped with a rail for a red dot. I believe that you will be impressed with it. I'm certain that Optics Planet would provide you with a copy. I'm seriously thinking about going with this option versus a red dot and magnifier.

[@CDOES]

Fascinating

[@dannysees]

Seemed like it looked pretty good when spaced well even without matching heights. Hopefully you get in a Primary Arms 6x also.

[@evanacey1414]

If you really want to take full advantage of the potential benefits that a 6x magnifier has to offer, I would think you’d want a red dot optic with a reticle like the Sig Romeo 8 series that has a circle dot w/ 3 ballistic hold dots under the 2 moa center dot. EOtech has similar options like the EXPS3-2 and EXPS3-4 as well.

[@Lostflipper24]

The primary arms holosun would br sick with this

[@markbrown4597]

Please look into the primary arms 6x! That's the one I've had my eye on

[@paulyp9853]

C_Does thanks for the great review. I agree with you on this. I had the Vortex 6x. I no longer have it. I now have the Eotech G45. Losing 1x obviously but the gain in eye box and eye relief far outweighs the loss of the 1x. I know some feel anything more than 3x is impossible to deal with but the Eotech G45 is about as good as it gets in all aspects. Personally I like as much magnification as I can have with it being usable. 3x magnifiers just do not seem enough. You doubling down on the Trijicon despite the fish eye? Before I spent 375 on the Trijicon I would gladly spend the extra 100+ on the G45.

[@ReticentIndignation]

Eyebox really is that important to me also. Thanks for this.

[@paulyp9853]

@@ReticentIndignation Your welcome. The 6x is nice, but it just isnt as user friendly as we would like it to be. People scoff at the price of the Eotechs, and I get it so did I, but having this for a hobby I have learned that if its within reason 'buy once cry once'. Early on with this hobby I chased quality starting low until I ended up getting the higher end anyway. All that did was cost me more time and money. Like I said - some folks are ok with 3x - I am not. Just doesnt seem like enough especially when the G45 is so damn good. If you are hell bent on 3x and want to stay under a certain price I would say the Vortex micro 3x is about as good a choice there is in my opinion.

[@Devin7Eleven]

I have a springfield Hellion with a 20'' barrel. Would a 6x magnifier be good if I want this to be a jack of all trades rifle? I think the magnifier and holo combo would make it very versatile.

[@merkyworks]

Great vid

[@TheYouTubeMechanic]

Can you check return to zero on the holosun 515 qd mount? I was looking for a quality qd for my sight when I realized it already is quick detach.

[@Argentum88]

The Vortex Micro 3x unlike the 6x is also quite good and comes very affordably. I have been very happy with mine even though I bought it as mostly an afterthought.

[@bthemedia]

REALLY WISH he would include overlay text on WHICH magnifier and optics we are looking through in each image.

[@chipsterb4946]

By the time I go to 6x magnification I want more information in the reticle. The one use I can see for a 6x magnifier with a red dot reticle is for scouting/information gathering, and that could be important.

[@6spdkeg]

interesting how tight the eye-box is for a fixed 6x. seems much worse that several 1-6x24 LPVOS. When I played around with one at bass-pro, it didn't seem as tight as you filmed but maybe that's simply just how close you get to it and maybe bc the previous scope I looked through might have been a 1x10 which have notoriously bad eye boxes. I think this magnifier still fills a gap for some. Possibly something that takes your home defense rifle and turns it into a hunting rifle out to 300-500 yards. It also allows you to very precisely dial in your 1x optic and see your holes in paper. the better your zero, the better your dope. I also have the Trijicon HD 3X behind a Romeo 4T and really like the setup on my 300blk. my setup basically comes in at 16oz for 3x vs say 24oz for Steiner PX4i LPVo 4x with 6oz mount or a min of 27oz for a 1x6 LPVO with mount. The only way you will get under 16oz for 3x worth using is 1x reflex + magnifier or the Primary arms fixed 3x prism but then your left wanting an offset red dot... . my question is, is it worth it for scouting and or really dialing in/figuring out your dope for your 1x red dot at range for MULTIPLE rifles? if I hate it, will I like it as a 6x spotting scope over my current, medium sized Nikon monarch 8x42 binos that basically weigh 1.5lbs? hmmm. maybe worth the plunge.

[@mad_mooose]

Hey C! Any chance of reviewing the Athlon Ares ETR 1-10x LPVO? I got one I’m willing to let you use for a review if there’s a way to contact ya.

[@panzer6tiger]

The HRF Concepts Armored Magnifier Cover does solve the turret problem with the eotech magnifiers for an extra 80 bucks. Its worth it for those running eotech magnifers IMO.

[@ericc2530]

wish you tried it with a eotech and see if the holographic reticle remains thin

[@dumdiversaspapalbull1452]

I had a holosun optic. It was 2 moa and it was the most awesome optic I’ve ever owned. Right up until it decided to cut out whenever it decided to. I ripped it off and put a 3 moa vortex on that weapon. But I’m not happy with it. That holosun was awesome when it worked. I mean it really made a difference.

[@ghijkl]

Have you tried the Juliet 4 or 6? I’m interested how this and the g45 stack up against those two

[@scottydavis1813]

I am wondering if the grainy reticle in the EOtech is magnified with, well a magnifier?

[@desmurphy1431]

Will this magnifier work with a bushnell trs26, or would I need to get risers for it, or are they the same level?

[@ChrisHolman]

Will this work with a Unity FTC mount?

[@denmanfite3156]

People not realizing 3x isn't to aim at a bright colored paper target at range. More magnification is almost always better as you're trying to positive ID something that doesn't want to be positively ID'd. The worst part about a 6x magnifier is it doesn't have the ability to slide back to 3x or lower like an LPVO, but that's the price for a RDS+magnifier. You're all or nothing.

[@desmurphy1431]

Which would you think would be better for up to 200 yards, the micro 6x or micro 3x ?

[@DatMammut76]

I’ve watched this so many times trying to talk myself out of this magnifier haha. This thing is available for 279 currently in some places with mil discount. The perpetually out of stock g45 is still around 425. I just want a higher mag option that is in stock. I wish trijicon would make a 5x that is similar to the quality of their 3x.

[@Rooobviously]

The micro 6x pairs extremely well with the holosun 503g acss.

[@Tesseracti]

*Works great with Eotech, 500 meter from 11.5 barrel ar-15 easy job*

[@Austrveg]

Primary Arms GLx 6X Magnifier vs this? Can you do a review of the PA? pretty pleaseeeeee

[@pim1234]

Can you put two magnifiers behind each other ? So reddot, magnifier, magnifier and getting a magnification of 12x this way ?

[@markbrown4597]

You should use a holosun red dot with the ACSS BDC reticle in the next magnifier video, I think those will work great with 6x

[@killacamfoo]

can confirm, they do.

[@markbrown4597]

@@killacamfoo How is the reticle clarity when under the 6x? Not that it matters lol

[@killacamfoo]

@@markbrown4597 pretty good imo. Not as easy eyebox wise as a 3x but worth it if you want more magnification

[@intensifier1346]

I love mine

[@circumnavigator8177]

Love the watch, what is it? Solid review too

[@CDOES]

Thank you. Its a Seiko V147-0AG0 Air diver

[@Optimization_Coach]

3x for the win for me!

[@ajamico]

If you’re a bench shooter, you shouldn’t even have a red dot. Get an LPVO. But if you want a gun that’s meant for all life may throw at you…I’ll take the extra power of magnification with the Vortex over a 3x or even the G45. Getting up close while reaching out a bit farther is more of an advantage than the downsides, which are negligible if you start out with a quality red dot.

[@dansgarage4572]

Definitely invest in a top tier optic like an Eotech, even if it’s a used XPS2…

[@JM_BoltActionGunStuff]

12:40 As a Right hand shooter that magnifier is in the way off my other eye, can it be tilted otherside?

[@JM_BoltActionGunStuff]

4:00 yeah it can stupid me for fast forwarding

[@brandonrupp5880]

We all do it...

[@J.Young808]

I made my Holosun HM3X flip to the outside by turning it around 180° when I had to mount the riser for my Holosun HE515CM-GR. I swapped back to the HE515 after figuring out it is lighter than my EOTech and if SHTF ever happened and batteries got scarce the solar panels would help or I’d go to my 1x Micro Prism or LPVO for an etched reticle.

[@mysteryman33333]

No idea why EOTECH has never done a small design update to protect the turrets on their magnifiers. If you want to solve that problem, you have to spend $75 for the HRF ACM.

[@panzer6tiger]

when your optics need attachments. But HRF does some really cool stuff!

[@emmw7794]

EoTech dots don't increase in size with a magnifier. The fact that you don't have an EoTech to show that the dot is just as crisp and the same size, is kind of a missing piece. Magnifiers are best with the EoTech for that reason.

[@CDOES]

Exps3-0 has since been acquired. It will be my go to for all things magnifier related from here on out.

[@emmw7794]

@@CDOES Awesome! That will be great to see the difference.

[@no_handle_required]

It's so dependent on the glass and clarity though. Price matters.

[@righteousone8454]

Good Sir...that Trijicon is made in China. Even in your link people are saying this. It's literally using same mount as Vortex 3x, that also is made in China.

[@CntBckt]

C, I need you to convice these manufacturers to make a long "scout-ish" eye relief magnifier. I want to run a magnifier in FRONT of my dot. 😢

[@nnerrfman6326]

That won't work. The red dot needs to be in the front in order to retain zero. No flip mount is tight enough to maintain a consistent zero.

[@CntBckt]

@nnerrfman6326 Hmm....Do you know what it is that makes it able to maintain zero behind the dot, but not in front?

[@CntBckt]

@@EveningFox That's slightly upsetting, but quite interesting. It seems like we'd either need one of the big optic companies to throw money and energy at it, or an unsung hero to create the solution.

[@KD-lb9bg]

I’m weird, I want a 2X magnifier from Primary Arms, Vortex, etc. for personal reasons.

[@raimondrestbergs]

Let me know if you want to review an iRay RH25

[@markfour9866]

How is the x1 prism with this set up?

[@twelvepercentitalian2511]

That’s a good question.

[@mitch511]

Works well. Just be better with a more complex reticle than just a chevron and circle with ranging.

[@markfour9866]

@@mitch511 yeah someone suggested that PA should put a ranged reticle on the x1 #primaryarms

[@secessionnow4133]

I cant tell the difference in quality between the eotech and vortex.

[@chltmdwp]

I love using My G45 to zero my EXPS.

[@incredible3214]

LPVO Engineers: How do we get tactifools to pay more money for this scope? Break it in two pieces, and tell them it's better.

[@samhinnant4416]

It makes no sense to go with a 3x magnifier when you can now buy a 5x or 6x. No one wants a lpvo with a max magnification of 3x. More magnification is always gona be better when shooting at long distances out to 500 yards. I've done it easily with my vortex uh1 gen 2 and eotech g45 5x magnifier.

[@hansblitz7770]

"Becwause"

[@tomcspa9458]

I do not believe that holographic reticle gets magnified, it is only a true statement for reflex sights.

[@Ender_Wiggin]

what a joke imagine using a magnifier with red dots and not holosights.

[@johnniecameron8829]

400$ is stupid ,,maybe 100

[@1olddirtroad]

When are you starting your own company ?

[@johnniecameron8829]

@@1olddirtroad six years ago

[@johnniecameron8829]

@@1olddirtroad 4oo$ Chinese parts ,,buy them

[@Kipdeisel]

As far as the EOtech magnifiers go, it's just hard to spend $500-$650 on one. Prices are rediculous