Which is better? LPVO or prism?
In general, choosing between a prism sight or LPVO comes down to what is valued more over the inherent limitations. A prism scope is simple and compact with fixed magnification but is limiting when more magnification is desired. An LPVO offers variable magnification with the cost of weight and bulk.

To help you decide what compromises you may need to make to determine which tool is right for the job, several scope characteristics are compared.
Do you prefer compactness and simplicity, or do you want maximum versatility out of your scope?
Let’s find out which does which better!
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Prism Scopes VS LPVO Scopes

Prism scopes and low power variable optics (LPVO) are very different but are often compared for their close to mid-range benefits. Both prisms and LPV scopes are great for CQB work and distances even up to 300 yards. While the LPV can push the distance, the prism has compactness on its side.
If you need a rundown on what a prism scope is, check out our comprehensive guide on it. You’ll get the back-story of how it’s a red dot sight but also why it’s different to a reflex sight which is also a red dot sight. Confused? Quickly take a refresher course here.
Since I compare several scope features, factors, and applications, I do want to make obvious that the ‘winning’ scope is really just a strong recommendation. Because I could answer with “it depends” in every category, I go ahead and present a case for the winning scope anyways.
What say you? Do you agree? Let’s find out!
1. Magnification/Power

A primary benefit of fixed power prism scopes is that it’s the same magnification all the time. There is no need to switch the magnification trying to find the ideal setting for a situation. If a prism is only utilized inside 300 yards, you may not need variable magnification at all.
However, the versatility of variable magnification on an LPVO can be beneficial for the extended ranges that your rifle is capable of. If you don’t need the extra magnification, you can always crank it down to 1x or those lower powers to maintain the power setting you’re most comfortable with 90% of the time.
The catch is that you’re trading the compactness and simplicity of a prism scope for the heavier and bulkier size of the LPVO for the ‘just in case I need it’ mentality. Many times we overestimate how much magnification we actually need. But that’s a side tangent.
Because low variable magnification on an LPVO can be utilized appropriately for both anticipated applications and the unforeseen, it’s a resourceful scope feature to have.
Winner: LPVO
2. Close Range

In general, a prism sight falls under the red dot sight category that is by and large considered battle or combat optics for close-range use. Though close-range is typically defined as inside 100 yards, you can effectively shoot off the ‘dot’ to about 300 yards with good accuracy.
Though the LPVO can also be utilized for close-range applications just as effectively as a prism scope, the extra features of an LPVO (weight, variable power, parallax, etc.) can slow you down. It’s all about training, training, training to help turn those weaknesses into strengths.
On the flip side, the extra magnification can be used for target identification/observation to acquire critical details before pulling the trigger or to get a larger picture of the fleeing target to aid with accuracy.
However, that’s more of an argument for the benefits of variable magnification than why a LPV would be better than a prism scope for short distances. While there are good reasons why an LPVO can still shine here, there’s no denying that a prism sight is made for this.
Winner: Prism scope
3. Long Range

The LPVO is far more appropriate for long range shooting than a fixed magnification prism sight. The fixed magnification is an inherent limitation. The other factor that could impede precision for long range shooting is the adjustment value. Many prism scopes adjust in 1 MOA and 0.5 MOA increments.
Scope features such as variable magnification, fine adjustments (0.25 MOA or 0.1 MIL), side focus (for parallax), and intricate reticles are much better suited to long range shooting. The LPVO is the clear winner here.
Winner: LPVO
4. Eye Relief

Things get a little bit tricky here regarding eye relief. Prism scopes require eye relief just like LPVO scopes too. It’s difficult to compare eye relief because it’s a spec that is unique to every optic.
By comparing several types of prism sights and LPV scopes, you get a broad stroke of what eye relief looks like.

With fixed power, prism scopes tend have the tightest eye relief specs of about 2.5” with many hovering around 3” of eye relief.

The LPVO’s tightest eye relief specs are around 3” with more forgiving eye relief of approximately 4” (presumably at the 1x power setting).
Even if you were to compare (on paper) the eye relief at the 3x setting of an LPVO against the eye relief of a 3x prism scope, the LPVO may still prove to be the longer of the two.
However, not all prism scopes are magnified. There is a growing market of 1x prism scopes, and due to the design, they still come with an eye relief specification. Even so, 1x prism scopes are very forgiving and often behave on the rail just like an unmagnified reflex red dot sight that has unlimited eye relief. This was my experience with the Swampfox Raider 1x Micro Prism. I could even pair that prism scope with a 3x magnifier with no issues at all.
In essence, a LPVO will offer slightly better eye relief though it’s still something that I would recommend comparing in person if possible.
Winner: LPVO
5. Illumination & Battery Life

Both LPVO scopes and prismatic scopes utilize a power source (battery) to provide reticle illumination. Every scope is different in how many brightness settings it has, the mode of operation (buttons versus dials/knobs), and if the dimmest intensity settings are compatible with night vision devices.
What these two types of optics have in common is usually a laser-etched reticle, a reticle that is visible (black) even without illumination, and that they often take a CR2032 battery.
Even though the prism sight is a red dot sight, it doesn’t produce the same battery life specs as a reflex red dot. While the Holosun 403B, Vortex Crossfire II, and the STNGR Axiom II may get 50,000-hour battery runtimes, they operate much more simply and differently than a prism sight. From what I’m seeing, prism sights operate for about 3,000 hours max. The shortest battery runtimes I’ve seen are around 300 hours which equates to about two weeks.
I’ve found that LPVO scope battery runtimes are similar to the shortest lifespans of a prism sight running for about 150-300 hours.
However, battery life is affected by continuous-on operation, the intensity setting, how much of the reticle needs to be illuminated, and more.
When it comes to perceived brightness, I don’t know that I’d say either are necessarily daylight bright. What I will say is that in general LPVO brightness sucks. Though some exceptional LPVO scopes can certainly give a prism scope’s brightness a run for the money, many can’t hold a candle to a prism when it comes to brightness.
Winner: Prism scope
6. Night Vision Compatibility

What does it mean to have a night vision compatible scope? Whether it’s a red dot sight, prismatic scope, or an LPVO, the dimmest settings are rated to be safe for use with night vision devices (NVD).
An NVD has an image intensifier tube (IIT) that is exceptionally sensitive to light. If the IIT is exposed to bright light, the device may autogate or auto-off to protect the IIT.
Even though you’re not using the NVD in the bright light of day, the prolonged illumination setting of a scope that is too bright can damage the IIT or at the very least wash out the FOV so that you actually can’t see anything but a flaring light.
Thus, when a scope has NV compatible settings, the reticle will be invisible to the naked eye under normal conditions or incredibly dim. Not all prism scopes and LPVO scopes are night vision compatible, so it should be a specific feature you look for if you intend to use NODS with it.
Winner: Tie
7. Size


Overall, it’s obvious that LPVO scopes look very similar to rifle scopes. The objectives are smaller on an LPVO giving it a rear-heavy look since the ocular bell is significantly larger than the objective bell. Many LPVOs weigh in around 16-24 oz and they’re about 10-11” in length.
Micro prisms are gaining the popular vote for their small and compact size of around 4.5 x 3.5 x 2.5” and weigh less than 15 oz with many coming in around 8-9 oz. Slightly larger prism scopes are still shorter in length than riflescopes around 8” long and can weigh around 14-18 oz.
There’s no competition. The prism scope is the lightweight and compact optic of the two types. There are always those exceptions to the rule, but in general, the prism will come out on top in this fight.
Winner: Prism scope
8. AR-15


On average, a prism sight or an LPVO are well suited to the AR-15. The prism comes with a built-in or pre-installed mount that’s compatible with a Picatinny rail. It’s a compact optic that's mounted as far rearward as possible to get 2.5-3” of eye relief which is more than doable for the AR-15.
The LPVO is excellent for close to mid-range distances and can push the limits for some long-range work above 800 yards. However, the AR-15 is generally considered the do-it-all rifle for CQB work to perhaps some competition shooting out to 500, 600 yards. This is right up the alley of the best LPVO scopes. With a cantilever mount, the LPV is perfect for the flat-top rifle.
Winner: Tie
9. Hunting

The type of hunt and terrain will have a lot to do with which optic is more appropriate for the task. Both a prismatic and LPVO scope could be suitable for hunting, but their unique features can offer certain advantages in the tree stand or aiming towards a saddle.
The prism sight would be great for close-range hunting where fixed magnification would neither be too much nor too little. To defeat the ‘too little’ problem for a 1x micro prism, a magnifier can easily provide that extra power and can be pushed to the side when not needed.
This kind of scenario could be useful for treestands, heavy timber, turkey hunters, dangerous game, hog hunting, and perhaps calling and baiting where distance is limited. There’s no denying that its smaller size is more appealing when every ounce counts on a hunting rifle or shotgun.
The LPVO can also take care of close-range shots quickly and accurately, and the variable power can be a great advantage in the hunt when shots are at extended ranges.
However, both scopes are typically at a disadvantage compared to hunting riflescopes with larger objective bells that prioritize brighter and sharper resolution in lowlight conditions.
Between the prism sight and LPVO, I’d say if shots are regularly inside 150-300 yards max, a prism sight will do just fine. If you want versatility for shots from 30 to 400 yards, I’d go with the LPVO.
Honestly though, I reckon if you’re considering hunting with either of these setups, a prism sight is probably the simplest and just as effective optic for the task. If you need to stretch the distance, you may just want to consider a hunting scope.
Winner: Prism scope
10. Duty Use, SHTF, Home Defense

Choosing between the prism scope and the LPVO for duty use or compound surveillance isn’t too hard of a decision to make in my opinion. It’s the LPVO. (As a side note, isn’t it interesting how a home is immediately a survival compound when the SHTF?)
At least where I live, there’s stretches of open area where you can see and hear someone coming long before they’d actually reach you. Having variable magnification allows for observation and identification to confirm if a target is a threat. Even a fixed prism could do a good job of this too.
In extremely close quarters like in a building, the LPVO has the advantage of 1x magnification. With a 5x prism scope, you’re stuck with 5x.
I think this decision would be harder to make if we were also contending with a reflex red dot sight as part of the comparison. When 1x is the King of CQB, the best red dots can’t be beat.
But for most intents and purposes, the LPVO can be adjusted to suit the situation whether it be for clearing buildings and homes or for ‘closing the gap’ when a target is at a distance.
Winner: LPVO
11. LPVO VS Prism + Magnifier

The only reason you’d need and could use a magnifier is with a 1x prism scope. Not all 1x prism scopes are compatible with magnifiers so that must be considered. But in the case that the combo could work, you’d have the benefit of magnification (determined by the magnifier) whenever you want it.
Popular magnifiers have 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, and 7x magnification. They’re compact optics since they’re intended to share the rail space with a red dot sight. They’re usually around 2-4” long and weigh around 8 oz. The more magnification, the higher the cost. Magnifiers range from $100-$600 with most coming in under $400.
Essentially, you’re combining two optics to get the benefit of fixed magnification. Compactness is usually still an advantage since micro prisms and magnifiers aren’t that big.
The LPVO is one optic with variable magnification but can still be longer and heavier than a prism and magnifier combined. However, that’s not always the case.
Based on this general information, a lot of the comparable factors could even themselves out. For example, consider cost. You could purchase a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x FFP at the same price as buying a Swampfox Raider 1x Micro Prism and the Sig Sauer Juliet 3 Micro magnifier. The Vortex still has weight on the prism and magnifier combo, but it has the benefits of variable power.
If you’re after a 1x prism scope, I’d imagine it’s because you want an always visible reticle and/or your eyes don’t play nice with red dot sights, aka you have astigmatism. Only in the case of a 1x prism scope is a magnifier a justifiable part of the equation. For all things CQB, this would be a weight saver and a simple combo for short-range work.
If you don’t mind the weight and prefer the versatility that variable magnification provides, an LPVO is the way to go. I think it’s the jack-of-all-trades kind of scope that covers both close and mid-range work rather well.
Winner: LPVO
LPVO VS Prism Sight Pros & Cons
LPVO Pros & Cons

Pros:
- Versatile
- Variable magnification
- Close to mid-range use
- Multiple reticles
- Finer adjustments
- Side focus (some models)
- Longer and heavier
Cons:
- Generally more expensive
- Poor battery life
- Poor illumination quality
Prism Sight Pros & Cons

Pros:
- CQB ranges
- Fixed magnification
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Cheaper than comparable LPVO in quality
- Some reticle options
- Easy to use
- Bright illumination
- Dual illumination
Cons:
- Fixed magnification
- Generally have larger adjustments
- Not really for mid-range use
Fixed Prism or LPVO: Which is Best for You?

Overall, the LPVO isn’t inherently superior to the prism sight or vice versa. Considering that these optics are inherently different, it makes sense to choose the right tool for the mission. Consider the application, rifle, and your shooting goals to determine which is best for you.
In my opinion, the LPVO is the best scope for the shooter who values the versatility of variable power, precision accuracy, and being able to push the distance over the disadvantages of size and weight.
The prism sight is the best scope for those who usually leave their magnification at one setting anyways and prefer the lightweight and compact package when most shooting is done inside 250-300 yards max. Even those distances could be considered long-range if most hunting and target shooting is inside 100 yards.
So, which do you value more? Light weights and simplicity or versatility and longer-range potential?
Further Reading