Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
EOTech’s EXPS3 HD holographic sight debuts with an all-aluminum housing, rotary dial controls, and shake awake in a duty-grade HWS package. That combination sets the EXPS3 HD apart from previous EXPS models while keeping the same core footprint and performance.
EOTech positions it as a direct evolution of the EXPS3 rather than a replacement. The company plans to start shipping the optic in Q2 2026 with an MSRP of $999.
All-Aluminum Housing and Wider View
The EXPS3 HD drops the familiar resin body and aluminum shroud used on earlier EXPS optics. Instead, EOTech moved to a fully aluminum, hoodless housing. That change removes the external shroud entirely. According to EOTech, the design opens up the field of view without giving up durability.
The optic still mounts at a lower-third co-witness height using the standard EXPS-style quick-detach lever. Weight lands at 11.6 ounces with a CR123 battery installed. The height remains compatible with common magnifier setups.
Rotary Dial and Auto-Brightness
The most noticeable update sits on the left side. EOTech replaced the traditional push buttons with a rotary dial. The dial adds a true off position and an auto-brightness mode.
In auto-brightness, a front-facing light sensor detects ambient light and adjusts reticle brightness automatically. EOTech describes it as having hundreds of micro-adjustments rather than fixed steps. The feature targets changing lighting conditions like shade-to-sun transitions.
SEE ALSO: EOTech 4-12×36 Vudu: Compact FFP Scope — SHOT Show 2026
Manual control remains available. The EXPS3 HD offers seven daytime brightness settings and four night vision settings. Auto-brightness does not function for passive night vision use. Users still manually select one of the NV-compatible settings in dark environments.
Shake-Awake and Power Management
The EXPS3 HD also adds programmable sleep modes. Users can set the optic to power down after 10 minutes, one hour, or 12 hours, or disable sleep entirely. Once asleep, the shake-awake feature turns the optic back on with even slight movement.
The sight wakes at the same brightness setting used before sleep. Power comes from a single CR123 battery, consistent with previous EXPS models.
Availability and Positioning
EOTech describes the EXPS3 HD as equal in durability and performance to the EXPS3, but with added features that users have requested for years. The optic is made in the USA and rated for night vision use.
With a $999 MSRP and Q2 2026 ship date, the EXPS3 HD targets professional and enthusiast users looking for modern controls without leaving the EXPS ecosystem.
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Mitchell Graf is a dedicated hunter, competitive shooter, and firearms enthusiast. As a former instructor and president of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team, he has a strong foundation in marksmanship and competition shooting. These days, he spends as much time as possible chasing pigs and coyotes with night vision and thermal optics.
When he’s not in the field or on the range, Mitchell works as a full-time Mechanical Engineer in the Aerospace and Defense industry and manages a part-time farming operation. Whether he’s behind a rifle, designing parts, or working the land, his drive for precision and performance remains the same.
Experience:
– Mechanical Engineer – Full-time professional in the Aerospace/Defense industry.
– Competitive Shooter & Instructor – Former President and Instructor of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team.
– Night Vision & Thermal Hunter – Passionate about night time predator and hog hunting.
– Part-Time Farmer – Working to provide for my family, and raise food for this great nation.