Vortex Sparc 2 When all else fails, read the directions !

Brewster20

Brewster20

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Just received a new to me Vortex Sparc 2, and immediately fired it up and looked through the lens. What I saw was not a dot, but a red comma. Right away I consulted with Doctor Google, as to what could be wrong with the unit. I tried all the suggestions on the web, ie turning the sight while looking at the dot, did the "tail" of the comma stay stationary? (yes) then most likely an astigmatism of my eye, or a misshapen lens.(not normally a big problem with eyesight). Then I asked my wife to take a look, she saw a comma! same with my daughter. At this point I was beginning to suspect the Vortex. I looked up the warranty (extremely good warranty by the way !) but stumbled the Vortex Q&A section on red dots, where it suggested taking a digital picture of the dot, with the objective cap on. This I did, see below. Soooo now I'm off to the optometrist to see about a corrective lens (for me, not the Sparc !)

View attachment 136875
 
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Brewster20 said:
Just received a new to me Vortex Sparc 2, and immediately fired it up and looked through the lens. What I saw was not a dot, but a red comma. Right away I consulted with Doctor Google, as to what could be wrong with the unit. I tried all the suggestions on the web, ie turning the sight while looking at the dot, did the "tail" of the comma stay stationary? (yes) then most likely an astigmatism of my eye, or a misshapen lens.(not normally a big problem with eyesight). Then I asked my wife to take a look, she saw a comma! same with my daughter. At this point I was beginning to suspect the Vortex. I looked up the warranty (extremely good warranty by the way !) but stumbled the Vortex Q&A section on red dots, where it suggested taking a digital picture of the dot, with the objective cap on. This I did, see below. Soooo now I'm off to the optometrist to see about a corrective lens (for me, not the Sparc !)

View attachment 136875
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Apparently astigmatisms are common and for the most part many people are not aware they have an issue as it doesn't affect most normal activities. Until specular light sources stop appearing round, they think their eyes are good.

I too discovered I have an astigmatism, it is the reason I avoided red dot sights in preference to a scope with a reticle. I am loving my Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24.
 
Stop looking at the dot, stare at the target and keep both eyes open. Failing to do either completely negates the speed advantage of a reddot.
 
Another possible solution would be to run a back up iron sight (buis) in conjunction with the red dot. With my aging eyes, I've found that this helps keep the round dot "round". When I sight through the circular rear aperture, I've noticed the dot is considerably rounder - and mitigates some of the starburst effect that is normally present when not looking through the buis.

hsld.
 
highspeedlowdrag said:
Another possible solution would be to run a back up iron sight (buis) in conjunction with the red dot. With my aging eyes, I've found that this helps keep the round dot "round". When I sight through the circular rear aperture, I've noticed the dot is considerably rounder - and mitigates some of the starburst effect that is normally present when not looking through the buis.

hsld.
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I'm right now awaiting CFO approval on my new M&P 15 II Sport, which has a BUIS, I will give it a try...when I get the M&P ( been close to a month now !)
 
Do Aimpoints do this too if you have an astigmatism? Been wondering but don't wanna drop the cash on one to find out they're all the same. I've only looked through Burris FF3, Lucid HD7, and Bushness TRS sights so not super high end.
 
Kidd X said:
Stop looking at the dot, stare at the target and keep both eyes open. Failing to do either completely negates the speed advantage of a reddot.
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f:P:2:

....the OP literally just got the red dot and turned it on.......probably hasn't even mounted it on the gun yet......and you're critiquing his use of it.
 
LeadMonkey said:
Well $#!T I've been shooting open division with my comma for a few months now, wondered why my C-more and all other vortex red dots looks like a comma... in bright sunlight they appears rounder, but all other times I share your affliction.

So what is the 'cure' for an astigmatism?
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Glasses.
 
I have the same problem...tried the prism vortex and it's crisp and clear...no glasses needed. Not sure if it will work for everyone, but I think the difference is that the prism dot is etched on. I have 2 sparcs that look like stars or commas and this spitfire that looks like a dot (well a bullseye anyway).
 
play.soccer said:
Do Aimpoints do this too if you have an astigmatism? Been wondering but don't wanna drop the cash on one to find out they're all the same. I've only looked through Burris FF3, Lucid HD7, and Bushness TRS sights so not super high end.
Click to expand...

I have a T-1 Micro and astigmatism and my dot looks like a star with a tail!
What I find helps is turning the intensity down to what you really need. I still use mine for unmagnified shots out to 200yds quite accurately.
 
play.soccer said:
Do Aimpoints do this too if you have an astigmatism? Been wondering but don't wanna drop the cash on one to find out they're all the same. I've only looked through Burris FF3, Lucid HD7, and Bushness TRS sights so not super high end.
Click to expand...

It is not an issue with any of the sights, it's an issue with your eyes.
 
I have my Sparc II on absolute co-witness so the red dot tail isn't a problem. My only beef is my front lens cover, when flipped up, is so loose it falls off when shooting sometimes. It is a bugger to snap close too. Does anyone else have this problem?
 
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