Olight Osight SE Review

Hey Freedom Gorillas, today we wanted to take a deeper look at the Olight Osight SE. Although known primarily for their flashlights, Olight entered the red dot optic market with fresh innovations like magnetic charging budget-friendly enclosed optics.

The Osight SE is one of the newer optics from Olight next to the Osight K and is designed for concealed carry with subcompact pistols. In this review we will break down the main features and specifications of the Olight SE as well as how it stacks up against the competition and who should buy it.

Starts at $199.99 Buy the Osight SE Enclosed Red M.R.S. At the Best Price

Starts at $199.99 Buy the Osight SE Enclosed Green 6 MOA At the Best Price

TLDR

The Olight Osight SE is one of the newest optics in the Osight lineup. Olight is a flashlight company that recently entered the red dot optic market with sights like the Osight, Osight C, Osight K, and Osight S. The Osight SE is an upgrade from the Osight S and has two reticle options: a red MRS with 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle or a green 6 MOA dot only.

The Osight SE is durable with a 7075 aluminum housing, waterproof rating of IPX7, and enclosed design that protects the emitter from dust and debris. It features an RMSc footprint and small profile, making it ideal for subcompact pistols like those of the Sig P3565 family, but it also has a larger sight window than many of its competitors.

The Osight SE is a budget-friendly enclosed optic option since it comes in at under $200, half the cost of many of its competition like the Holosun EPS Carry and Holosun 507K. The SE does have less features and less brightness settings. Also, the projected battery life is 71K hours, but it’s based off of a lower brightness setting.

The Osight SE is a great purchase for those who are looking for their first optic and beginners who just want to start getting into shooting or ccw.

Quick Specs Overview

Design & Build Quality of Osight SE

Having designed durable flashlights, Olight has been able to transfer many of those aspects to its red dot pistol optics. The Osight SE is made of durable 7075 aluminum and the enclosed design protects the optic from the elements.

Enclosed Emitter Housing

An enclosed emitter optic has a second pane of glass behind the emitter and extra housing material to fully enclose the emitter so it is protected against the elements. This prevents dust, dirt, and debris from blocking the illumination source and the extra housing material makes the optic waterproof with a IPX7 rating.

Lens & Window Quality

The Olight Osight SE is made for subcompact and compact pistols with a window size of 0.83”x0.55”. The aspherical lens provides a view with zero distortion and provides a clear lens for fast target acquisition.

Battery System Design

The Osight SE is a newer version of the Osight S, which has a different power system. The Osight SE has a replaceable CR1620 battery, the Osight S features a magnetic charging system, which allows you to charge the optic without removing it from the weapon.

The S comes with a charging hood that can magnetically power the internal rechargeable battery. The charging hood can fully charge the optic three times and is recharged when plugged into the included usb-c power cable. The charging hood can also show you the remaining charge on the optic and on the hood itself.

Just a note on the compatibility of the charging hood with the S: sometimes the charging hood will not fit onto the optic when it is mounted due to a deep slide cut or a plate that is blocking it. The SE fixes this problem with a removable battery.

The Osight SE uses a removable battery that can be accessed via a battery compartment on the side of the housing. Like the rechargeable Osight S, the Osight SE doesn’t need to be removed from the weapon in order to replace the battery.

Rechargeable Osight S Battery vs Osight SE Removable Battery

The rechargeable system of the Osight S has its benefits since the charging hood magnetically connects to the top of the housing and charges the internal rechargeable battery without any wires. This means the S can be charged anywhere. The charging hood does have to be plugged into the included USB-C to charge but has 3 full charges.

The downside to the magnetic charging system is that it requires you to have the magnetic charger with you, and each charge lasts an estimated 21,900 hours on the optic before it needs to be recharged and each recharge takes 1.5 hours to complete. With the charging hood, the S can last up to 87,600 hours.

The Osight has an estimated battery life of up to 75,000 hours and uses a traditional CR battery system. Although it isn’t as simple as attaching a magnetic hood, you can easily replace the battery since the battery compartment can be accessed from a battery tray on the side of the housing. Since it is a side battery tray, the optic can remain on the weapon, like the rechargeable S.

If you are out in the field or are using it for concealed carry, the charging hood may be difficult to keep on your person at all times and can serve as an inconvenience if you need to charge it while concealing. On the other hand, you will need to keep a backup battery on you as well as the included tool to access the battery of the Osight SE to replace it.

Starts at $199.99 Buy the Osight SE Enclosed Red M.R.S. At the Best Price

Starts at $199.99 Buy the Osight SE Enclosed Green 6 MOA At the Best Price

Performance Testing of Osight SE

Although the Osight SE is a newer optic, it has still gone through some testing to see how well it performs. Let’s look at the reticle system and how it stands up against the elements.

Reticle Options and Clarity

The Osight SE has two reticle models. There is the multi-reticle system (MRS) that has a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle. The second model has a 6 MOA green dot only. Since Olight specializes in flashlights, it’s no wonder that the illuminated aspects of the optics are considered to be crisp and clear.

The MRS allows you toggle between dot only, circle only, and circle and dot at the same time. This is easily done by clicking the buttons on the side of the housing.

Brightness & Sight Picture

The Osight SE also has 10 brightness settings: 8 daylight settings and 2 night vision compatible settings. The illumination is bright compared to its competitors and the sight picture is clear with an aspherical lens that is parallax-free.

Live Fire Testing

The Osight S and SE have both seen some time on the range, however the S has seen the most since it is the older model. Both optics are made from the same material and are enclosed emitters so much of the live fire testing results from the S can be assumed to be similar to the SE.

Even under thousands of rounds, the S and SE maintain zero, although in some cases they can experience slight changes.

In case you want some more security for your Osight Optics, we offer replacement screws, laser boresighters, and thread locker

Durability & Zero Retention

Proper mounting is important to ensure that the sight holds zero, but over multiple drop and durability tests from reviewers, it does show that the SE can maintain zero under some duress. It is drop safe under 1 meter and reviewers who have tested Osight optics have been pleased with the lack of adjustments they’ve needed to make to keep it zeroed. 

The SE is also waterproof rated at IPX7, which allows it to be submerged in up to 1 meter of water. 

Osight SE Footprint & Compatibility

The Osight SE as well as the Osight S come with a RMSc footprint, making  it ideal for subcompact and compact pistols, and with additional adapters it can fit other pistol sizes. 

Understanding the Footprint

The RMSc footprint is intended to match with RMSc slides. In order to fit these slides, the footprint has 4 indentations, 1 at each corner, to fit the four recoil lugs on an RMSc slide. There are then two screw holes located toward the rear of the optic for fastening to a pistol. 

The RMSc cut is popular on subcompact and compact pistols which makes the Osight SE ideal for concealed carry. 

Compatible Platforms

The RMSc footprint on the Osight SE allows it to mount directly to a handgun with an RMSc slide. These include:

• Glock: G43x MOS and 48 MOS
• Springfield Armory: Hellcat OSP XD-S MOD.2 OSP
• Smith & Wesson: Equalizer and M&P9 SHIELD PLUS OR
• Canik: Mete MC9, MC9L, MC9LS, and TP9 Elite SC
• CZ P09 C Nocturne
• Taurus Gx4 Carry
• Shadow Systems CR920
• IWI Masada Slim
• Ruger Max 9
• Mossberg MC2sc
• Kimber R7 Mako OR
• Avidity Arms PD10

Sig P365 Family Fitment

Aside from the pistols listed above, the Osight SE also mounts directly to many pistols from the Sig P365 family, including the P365 OR, P365 XL, P365 XMACRO, and P365 Fuse. 

Other Platform Options

Other handguns can fit the Osight SE with the appropriate adapter plate. The Osight SE has a low deck height allowing you to cowitness with most factory iron sights. Something to keep in mind is that the addition of an adapter plate can affect the deck height.

Looking for the right adapter plate? Check out our adapter plate finder to see how you can mount the Osight SE to your pistol.

Osight SE vs Holosun

The Osight SE and other optics of the Osight lineup are new to the optics arena, and so are likely to be compared to many other budget red dot optics. The most comparable are those optics from Holosun like the EPS Carry, 507K, and 407K.

Vs. Holosun EPS Carry

The Holosun EPS Carry is a comparable sight to the Osight SE. Both are enclosed optics, share similar dimensions, and are made of 7075 aluminum. However, the Osight SE has a larger window size and offers other features including a button lockout mode. 

The Holosun has a higher waterproof rating (IPX8 vs. IPX7), more brightness settings, and has more reticle options, coming in green or red with a 2 MOA dot only, 6 MOA dot only, or MRS with 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle. 

The Holosun also has more brightness settings (12 vs 10), and you can customize your shake awake times (a choice of 10 mins, 1 hour, 12 hours, or OFF) while the Osight only has a 10 minute timer. The EPS Carry also has a solar failsafe in the form of a solar panel at the top of the housing while the Osight SE is only battery powered. 

The Holosun EPS Carry has a K series footprint which is different from the RMSc footprint that the Osight SE has. The K series footprint is missing the rear two indentations for the recoil lugs and has shallower indentations at the front. This means it can’t fit directly to an RMSc slide, but it can fit with the use of the included RMSc-to-K adapter plate. 

Although the Osight SE has a few less features, it is by far the most affordable option, coming in at half the price of the Holosun EPS Carry. 

Vs. Holosun 507K/407K

The Holosun sight that has the most comparable price to the Osight SE is the Holosun 407K. However, the 407K is limited in features compared to the SE. With less reticle options, a smaller window size, and the more limited K footprint, the 407K seems to be a more streamlined option. 

The 507K simply provides more reticle options of an MRS with a 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle that come in either red or green. The 507K is more expensive than the 407K and the Osight SE, and both the 407K and 507K are open emitters while the SE is an enclosed emitter.  

Another Olight Osight Optic that is comparable is the Osight K, which is an open emitter that has an RMSc footprint and is very similar to the SE. The K has a 6 MOA dot instead of the MRS and is around the same price as the SE, maybe slightly cheaper. 

Other than its open design, the K has a similar profile  to the SE.

Value Proposition

In general, the Osight SE is the budget-friendly option for an enclosed optic versus any of the Holosun models. With a street price from us of $199.99, the Osight SE is going to be the best bang for your buck. 

However, you may want to buy a Holosun if you are looking for a brand that has a proven track record and is known for durability. Holosun is used by Law Enforcement across the country and has more customization. This means if you are a regular shooter, and need something reliable for consistent shooting, then Holosun may be the better option. 

The Osight Family Context

The Osight SE is one of the newer models of Osight optics in a full lineup. The original Osight was a simple red dot optic with a 3 MOA dot reticle. From that original sight came a variety of others including the Osight S, Osight X, Osight C, and Osight K. 

The Osight lineup features the innovative magnetic charging and a variety of different sights for different circumstances. The Osight optic lineup that uses the replaceable CR1620 battery also features a streamlined battery tray design compared to the competition for improved ccw applications. 

The Osight C is a budget optic with an RMR footprint for RMR cut full-size and compact pistols. The Osight S features magnetic charging and an enclosed design. The Osight K is another budget-friendly open emitter optic with an RMSc footprint. These are great affordable options 

The Osight X is the optic with the largest window size, 0.94”x0.85” which makes it ideal for competition shooters and beginners. The Osight SE stands out in this lineup as an affordable, durable, and intuitive new Osight enclosed optic. 

Olight's Entry into the Optics Market

Olight wasn’t always making optics and their main focus was on durable, bright, and easy to carry flashlights. Their speciality in illumination and carriable products translated to the optics market in some notable ways. 

One of the most obvious ways is in the clarity and brightness of their reticles. Olight flashlights are known for their clarity and brightness, which translated to their optics. Also, Osight optics are well designed for concealed carry since many of Olight’s flashlights were designed to easily carry and travel with. 

For those who like to purchase American-made products, keep in mind that Olight is a Chinese company that has affiliated markets across the world. Based on the quality of their flashlights, you can expect durability and an intuitive design, from their first optic, the Olight Osight, to their new optic, the Osight X. 

This company also continues to expand their lineup and the reticle options for many of their older optics. 

Osight SE Pros & Cons

Now that we’ve explored many of the features and history of the Osight SE, it’s time to ask the question: is it worth it? The short answer is that it depends. Let’s take a look at what people are saying about this optic and what they consider to be the Pros and Cons.

For one, the Osight SE has an enclosed design and is made of 7075 aluminum, making it a durable option. The profile is compact while still maintaining a viewing window that is larger than its competition. 

The brightness and reticle clarity are lauded, especially since Olight is a flashlight company that specializes in illumination. The clear lens of the SE also is aspherical, parallax-free, and has zero distortion.  

The Osight SE doesn’t have as many features or brightness settings as some of its competitors, which can be a concern for many. Another consideration is whether you would prefer a rechargeable battery or a replaceable battery. The Osight SE has a replaceable battery that lasts around 70K hours while the Osight S is what you will want for a rechargeable option. 

With a side mounted battery tray, the battery can be replaced while the optic is still mounted. A definite pro of the Osight SE is its affordability as it is one of the most budget-friendly optics out there. 

The Osight SE is also a newer optic, so full testing from the public still has some ways to go in terms of better understanding the long-term durability and its ability to maintain zero over thousands of rounds.

Who Should Buy the Osight SE

Whether the Osight SE is for you or not depends on your preference and circumstances. The SE lacks features present in many of its premium competitors, but the design and illumination quality make it great for some.

The Osight SE is Best For…

The Osight SE is best for those looking for a budget-friendly optic. This makes it great for beginners who can benefit from the larger window for fast target acquisition. Because it’s affordable and reliable, it’s a good choice for those who are looking for their first optic.

With the RMSc footprint, this optic is great for those who like handguns in the Sig P365 family. These will mount directly to many Sig P365 platforms like the P365 OR, P365 XL, or P365 XMACRO.

This is also a very affordable enclosed emitter option since it’s hard to find those optics for under $200, especially with a multireticle system.   

Consider Premium Options If…

You will want to spend more money on a premium option if you are looking for an optic from a company that has been around longer. Although Olight has been around since 2007, it’s still new in the optics market, with the SE only coming out earlier this year. 

Companies like Holosun, Vortex, and Trijicon have been around for years and their optics are well known in the market. You should buy a Holosun if you are looking for an optic that is more established and has more features or brightness settings.  

Companies like Vortex also have features like a textured face for racking that makes them tougher options. 

Osight SE Final Verdict

Overall, the Osight SE is one of the more promising red dot budget optics out there, coming in at under $200. As a newer enclosed emitter red dot, it still has some trials to go through, but it is coming from a company that has established itself with quality flashlights that are bright, durable, and compact. 

The transition to optics makes use of their illumination technology for a bright and clear reticle. Since they design compact flashlights, they also have insight into concealed carry applications. Since it is a more affordable option it does cut down on features like button lock that is present in other brands like Vortex or Holosun.

There are also only 10 brightness settings where many competitive models have around 12. Also the only option for a dot only reticle comes in green while the MRS is only in red. 

At the end of the day, the Olight Osight SE is a prime choice for a beginner, first time optic buyer, or hobbyist who want an affordable optic with a clear reticle that fits on subcompact handguns.

Starts at $199.99 Buy the Osight SE Enclosed Red M.R.S. At the Best Price

Starts at $199.99 Buy the Osight SE Enclosed Green 6 MOA At the Best Price

Frequently Asked Questions

What footprint does the Osight SE use?

The Osight SE has a RMSc footprint and will fit directly to RMSc cut pistols like Glock G43x MOS, Glock 48 MOS, Hellcat OSP XD-S MOD.2 OSP, Smith & Wesson Equalizer, Canik Mete MC9, Ruger Max 9

Will it fit my Sig P365 or Hellcat?

Yes, the Osight SE will fit many models in the Sig P365 family including, the P365 OR, P365 XL, P365 XMACRO, and P365 Fuse. It can also directly mount to your Hellcat OSP XD-S MOD.2 OSP.

Does the Osight SE Have a Rechargeable or Removable Battery?

The Osight SE uses a replaceable CR1620 battery that can be accessed on the side of the housing while the sight is still mounted.

How do you charge the Osight SE?

The Osight SE does not have a rechargeable battery and instead has a replaceable CR1620 battery. The Osight S has a rechargeable battery and comes with a magnetic charging system. 

What reticle options are available?

The Osight SE has two reticle options: a MRS, muti-reticle system, with a red 2 MOA center dot and red 32 MOA circle or a green 6 MOA dot only reticle.

How Does the Osight SE Compare to the Holosun EPS Carry?

The Osight SE is more affordable than the Holosun EPS and has many of the same durability features, but doesn’t have as many brightness settings, lack many of the features, and doesn’t have the reputation that Holosun carries. 

Does it Hold Zero Well?

Yes, through thousands of rounds and multiple durability tests, people report that the Osight SE holds zero well. 

Is it durable enough for CCW?

Yes, thef Osight SE’s 7075 housing and IPX7 waterproof rating makes it a durable sight for CCW.

Does the Osight SE Have a Clear Lens?

Yes, the Osight SE has a clear lens and bright reticle thanks to Olight’s experience in flashlights. 

Is the Osight SE worth buying Over the Holosun?

If you are looking for a budget friendly optic and don’t mind trading off some features, yes, the Osight SE is worth buying over Holosun optics.