Hey Freedom Gorillas, today we are going to take a look at the the differences and similarities between the EOTech EXPS Series and the EOTech 5 Series.

This is part of our ongoing efforts to help you best understand which EOTech Holographic sight is best for you. We also have done the EXPS vs XPS Series and the XPS vs 5 Series and we have the EOTech Holographic Sight Cheat Sheet to help you figure things out.

In this article we are going to discuss how the EOTech EXPS Series is similar to the 5 Series but also how they are different. We will cover the models, reticles, housing colors, price points and more.

Let's get right into it.

Key Takeaways

The EOTech EXPS and the EOTech 5 Series are very similar in terms of build quality, one is not built better than the other. The biggest difference is that the EXPS Series uses a CR123 battery and the EOTech 5 Series uses AA Batteries. This allows for the EXPS to take up less rail space.

The EOTech EXPS also comes in tan housing colors, has a green reticle version, and has different reticle styles. The 5 Series only comes in black housings, red reticle versions, and not as many reticle styles.

The EOTech EXPS features a quick disconnect mount and has a 1/3 co-witness. The EOTech 5 Series has the 518 and 558 which also have a QD mount and 1/3 co-witness and there is the 512 and 552 which is a Non QD Mount and an absolute co-witness.

View all EOTECH EXPS Models

View all EOTECH 5 Series Models

Quick Nav

• EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Models & Pricing
• EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Housing Colors & Reticle Options
• EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series - Mounting Style, Button Placement, & Co-Witness
• EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Specs - Weight, Battery, Battery Life, Waterproof Ratings, Brightness, Nightvision Compatibility
• EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Similarities
• EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Differences
• EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Which is Better?
• EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Conclusion

EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Models & Pricing

The EOTech EXPS and 5 Series are similar in many ways and the biggest difference is the EXPS uses a CR123 battery and the 5 series uses AA batteries.

The EXPS also has more models, colors, and reticles to choose from than the 5 Series.

Below we will list all the models within each series and briefly explain each. We will also include ballpark pricing.

*Note the prices listed here are not exact prices. They are just summary prices to illustrate the ballpark price of these optics.

EXPS Series Models EXPS2 ($600+) - These models all take a CR123 battery, have quick disconnect mounts, the buttons are on the side, they have a 1/3 co-witness, and no night vision compatibility. Each model within this sub series is listed below with a brief description. EXPS2-0-B-T - Circle Dot with a Black & Tan Housing EPX2-0 - Circle Dot with Black Housing EXPS2-0GRN - Circle Dot, Green Reticle, Black Housing EXPS2-2 - Circle + 2 Dots, Black Housing EXPS3 ($730+) - These models are the same as the EXPS2 except they have nightvision compatibility and better waterproof ratings. Each model within this sub series is listed below with a brief description. EXPS3-0 - Circle Dot with Black Housing EXPS3-0TAN - Circle Dot with Tan Housing EXPS3-1 - 1 MOA Dot Only (No Outer Ring), Black Housing EXPS3-1TAN - 1 MOA Dot Only (No Outer Ring), TanHousing EXPS3-2 - Circle + 2 Dots with Black Housing EXPS3-2TAN - Circle + 2 Dots with Tan Housing EXPS3-4 - Circle + 4 Dots with Black Housing EXPS3-DCR - Special Danger Close Reticle, Black Housing

5 Series Series Models EOTech 5 Series ($480+) - All of these optics take AA Batteries. EOTech 512 - Absolute Co-Witness, Rear Buttons, Red Circle Dot Reticle, Buttons on Rear, AA Batteries, No Nightvision Compatibility, No Quick Release Mount EOTech 552  - Exactly the same as the EOTech 512 except it has nightvision compatibility and a better waterproof rating. EOTech 552 XR 308 - Exactly the same as the EOTech 552 but it has the XR308 reticle instead of the circle dot. EOTech 518 - 1/3 Co-Witness, Side Buttons, Quick Release Mount, Red Circle Dot Reticle, AA Batteries, No Nightvision Compatibility EOTech 558 - Exactly the same as the EOTech 518 except it has nightvision compatibility and a better waterproof rating.

EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Housing Colors & Reticle Options

The EOTech EXPS and 5 Series both come in black housings, but the EXPS also comes in Tan housing colors and has more reticle styles and also a green reticle option.

Here is a breakdown of the different housing colors, reticle colors, and reticle styles for both the EXPS and the 5 Series.

EXPS Housing Color Options Black Tan EXPS Reticle Color Options Red Green EXPS Reticle Style Options Circle Dot Circle + 2 Dots Circle + 4 Dots 1 MOA Dot (No Circle) Danger Close Reticle

5 Series Housing Color Options Black 5 Series Reticle Color Options Red 5 Series Reticle Style Options Circle Dot XR308

Here is an explanation of all the reticles:

	1-Reticle: 1 MOA Dot Only (View 1-Reticle EOTech Models): 1 MOA Dot Only with no outer ring. EOTech refers to this reticle as the "1-Reticle". If you are looking for an EOTech Holographic Optic and don't want the outer ring, the 1 MOA Center dot only reticle could be just what you want. The 1 MOA provides a precise aiming point, and doesn't create any unnecessary busy-ness on the screen.
	0-Reticle/A65 - 1 MOA Dot & 68 MOA Outer Ring (View 0-Reticle EOTech Models): This is the most common EOTech Holographic Sight Reticle. This is an extremely flexible reticle. The 1 MOA Dot provides extreme precision, while the outer ring can be used for quick target acquisition, and also act very functionally on a shotgun.
	2-Reticle - Two 1 MOA Dots & 68 MOA Outer Ring (View 2-Reticle EOTech Models): The theory behind this reticle is that it provides four usable aiming points. These aiming points are based on 223 caliber 62 gr at 2900 velocity, other calibers can be used, but essentially the center dot is for a 50/200 yard zero, the second dot is for a 500 yard shot, and the bottom of the circle is for a 7 yard distance.
	4-Reticle - Four 1 MOA Dots & 68 MOA Outer Ring (View 4-Reticle EOTech Models): This reticle is optimized for 5.56NATO/223 62gr M855 FMJ rounds at 2680FPS out of a 14.5 barrel. Other calibers could be used as well. The four dots on this reticle are meant to be used as a BDC. The center dot is for 50/200 yards, the dot underneath is for 400 yards, underneath that is 500 yards, and underneath that is 600 yards.
	Danger Close Reticle (DCR) - 1 MOA Dot & 68 MOA Speed Ring (View DCR Reticle EOTech Models): The DCR reticle is a speed ring that uses a 1 MOA Center dot and an open ring with an arrow at the bottom. It's intended for fast target acquisition. The center dot acts as a zero for a 50/200 yard zero for 5.56/223 and the bottom arrow acts as a POI marker for 7 yards.
	300 Blackout Reticle - Two 1 MOA Dots & 68 MOA Speed Ring (View 300 Blk Reticle EOTech Models): This reticle is designed specifically for 110gr supersonic, and 220gr subsonic 300 blackout rounds out of a 16" barrel. The reticle features two 1 MOA Dots and a 68 MOA outer ring. The first center dot is for subsonic at 50 yards, and supersonic at 100 yards. The second dot is for subsonic at 150 yards and supersonic at 300 yards.
	XR308 Reticle (View XR308 Reticle EOTech Models): This reticle is specifically designed for the M240 platform, but it's calibrated for 308 rounds at 150gr and 2800 FPS.
	FN303 Reticle (View FN303 Reticle EOTech Models): This reticle is intended for use with the FN303 platform.

EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series - Mounting Style, Button Placement, & Co-Witness

Mounting style, button placement, and co-witness are some of the biggest factors to consider when purchasing an EOTech Holographic Sight. These are the features that pretty much define a series.

Both the EXPS and 5 Series will mount to any pictainny rail.

The EXPS Series has a quick disconnect mount, is a 1/3 co-witness, and has buttons on the side. This means the optic can be easily removed if needed without using tools, it also means the dot will sit above your iron sights, and the side buttons are the most convenient. Having buttons on the sides allows you to run a magnifier behind the optic without it obstructing the buttons.

Within the 5 Series there are the 518 and 558 models which are essentially the same as the EXPS, they just use AA batteries. So the 518 and 558 models have quick disconnect mounts, a 1/3 co-witness, and buttons on the side.

The 512 and 552 models have a non quick disconnect mount, an absolute co-witness, and buttons on the rear.

EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Specs - Weight, Battery, Battery Life, Waterproof Ratings, Brightness, Nightvision Compatibility

The EOTech EXPS and 5 Series have very similar specifications. The EOTech EXPS Series is very closely related to the EOTech 518 and 552 models.

One of the biggest takeaways to know is that the EXPS2 and the EOTech 512 and 518 are the Non-Nightvision Compatible models, and the EXPS3 and the EOTech 552 and 558 are the Nightvision Compatible Models. If a model is nightvision compatible it also has a better waterproof rating. A nightvision compatible optic can be submerged up to 33 ft and a non-nightvision compatible model can be submerged up to 10ft.

Here are the more detailed specs for both.

EXPS Specs Button Location: Side Mount Type: Quick Disconnect Co-Witness: 1/3 Co-Witness LxWxH: 3.8" x 2.3" x 2.9" (96.5 x 58.4 x 73.7 mm) Weight: 11.2 oz Waterproof: EXPS2 10ft (3m) depth, EXPS3 33ft (10m) depth Windage/Elevation: 0.5 MOA per click Brightness: EXPS2/3 20 Daylight settings, EXPS3 Only 10 Nightvision Settings CR123 Battery 1000 hrs battery life at setting 12 at room temp Operating temp: -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C) Made in USA

EXPS Specs Button Location: 512/552 Rear, 518/558 Side Mount Type: 512/552 Non-QD clamp, 518/558 Quick Disconnect Co-Witness: 512/552 Absolute, 518/558 1/3 Co-Witness LxWxH: 512/552 5.6" x 2.0" x 2.5", 518/558 5.6" x 2.2" x 2.9" Weight: 512/552 11.5 oz, 518/558 13.8 oz Waterproof: 512/518 10ft (3m) depth, 552/558 33ft (10m) depth Windage/Elevation: 0.5 MOA per click Brightness: 512/518 20 Daylight settings, 552/558 Only 10 Nightvision Settings AA Batteries 2,200-2,500 hrs battery life at setting 12 at room temp Operating temp: -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C) Made in USA

EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Similarities

The EOTech EXPS and EOTech 5 Series do have quite a few similarities, especially the 518 and 558 models.

• Both are made out of the same material, one is not stronger or beefier than the other
• Both have the same daylight brightness and nightvision settings for their respective models
• Both mount onto picatinny rails
• Both have the same 0.5 MOA Windage & Elevation adjustment
• Both the have the same waterproof ratings and operating temps
• Both are made in the USA
• The EXPS and the 518/558 have the same 1/3 co-witness,QD mount, and buttons on the rear
  

EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Differences

While the EXPS and 5 Series are similar, there are still a few differences. The biggest ones being the fact the 5 Series uses AA batteries and takes up more rail space.

Here is a list of differences:

• The biggest difference is that the EXPS takes a CR123 battery and the 5 Series takes AA Batteries
• The 5 Series has longer battery life of 2,200/2,500 hours vs the EXPS 1000 hours.
• The 518/558 are heavier than the EXPS by 2.6 oz.
• The 5 Series takes up more rail space than the EXPS series because it is longer
• The 512 and 552 models have a non QD mount, buttons on the rear, and an absolute co-witness while the EXPS and the 518/558 have a quick disconnect mount, buttons on the side, and a 1/3 co-witness.
• The EXPS Series comes in different housing colors like Tan the 5 Series comes in black only.
• The EXPS Series comes in green reticle versions, and features more reticle style options than the 5 Series
  

EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Which is Better?

So which is better? This is actually a great question, specifically for this comparison.

If it’s not obvious by now, the EOTech 518 and 558 are essentially the same exact optics as the EOTech EXPS series just with AA batteries, but the 518 and 558 are cheaper than the EXPS.

So when comparing the EXPS to the 5 Series you have to ask yourself a few things. First I’d decide if you want the QD mount, 1/3 co-witness, and side buttons. If you do then you’d be looking at the EXPS and 518 and 558 models.

The next thing I’d decide is if you want a CR123 battery or AA batteries. AA Batteries are more common, will give you longer battery life, but they also increase weight and take up more railspace. So if you wanted to save on railspace and weight, the EXPS would be the choice to go for.

The next thing to consider is housing colors, reticle styles, and reticle color. If all you wanted was a black housing with the regular circle dot then both the EXPS or 5 Series would work for you.

However if you wanted the QD, side buttons, and 1/3 co-witness but in a tan housing, green reticle, or in the DCR, 2 dot, 1 MOA only dot, or 4 dot reticle, then you’d have to go for the EXPS.

View all EOTECH EXPS Models

View all EOTECH 5 Series Models

EOTech EXPS vs 5 Series Conclusion

As you can see there is quite a lot to take in! Hopefully you found this comparison helpful and informative.

Both the EXPS and the EOTech 5 Series are pretty cool optics. We don’t think you can go wrong with either series. Our recommendation as always is to choose what's best for you. 
Remember, all these EOTech optics are just as rugged and durable and reliable, it’s just a matter of what features you want like button placement, battery type, co-witness height, housing color, etc.

Remember to check out our EOTech Holographic Sight Cheat Sheet to learn more and if you still need help deciding just reach out to us.

Thanks for reading!