Switching from close range to long range targets is a pain in the ass. Close range targets are best serviced with 1x optics like red dots, but anything past 100 yards really needs a bit of magnification. Usually there are three options: use a variable 1-6x scope that is expensive and heavy, get a flip-to-side magnifier for your red dot, or just live with whatever you have. Leupold has released a new optic called the D-EVO that is designed to fit underneath your existing red dot and give you the ability to use both a red dot and a magnified optic with a BDC reticle. At the exact same time, no switching needed . . .
The way they achieve this effect is by having a second objective lens mounted to the side of the rifle, sneaking around the side of the base. It’s a cool solution that allows Leupold to cram more optics and space into a smaller overall package (since the light snakes its way around the optic instead of going straight through) and it actually works really well. It enables you to see both the 1x red dot view as well as the magnified view at the exact same time with the exact same eye relief.
Using it on the range, it felt a little awkward to use at first. Getting the proper eye relief took a minute, and once I found the sweet spot it was definitely a very different sight picture from what I was used to seeing. The Leupold guys say that it takes a few minutes to get used to the optic and train up, but alas I didn’t get enough time to become familiar. We’ve been promised a unit for testing and review, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
In the meantime, just know that this optic is well north of $1,000 MSRP. In fact, OpticsPlanet has it currently listed at $2,399, but I think that includes the whole package — a red dot and the D-EVO optic. In short, this thing is expensive.