Optics - Short Range | Weapons Battlefield 4 Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
IRON SIGHT
Iron sight is a default targeting system that each weapon is equipped with. Each sight is different in shape, size and the viewing range. Some of the sights are inconvenient and they limit the visuals a lot - the other ones can easily compete with the best of collimators, when it comes to their functionality. The decision of keeping to the default iron sight is a matter of choice.
REFLEX [COLLIMATOR]
The Reflex collimator is, usually, the first one that unlocks for most weapons originating in the West. Its obvious advantage is the red aiming dot that makes it a lot easier to track the target, which results in the improvement of the comfort of using the weapon. The downside of this collimator is a quite limited viewing angle that is visible through the lens. Additionally, the rim of the lens is dimmed, which obscures the visuals a bit.
COYOTE [COLLIMATOR]
Coyote is the most comprehensible collimator in the game. It offers quite a bit viewing angle and the housing is thin enough not to obstruct the vision around the collimator. There is a quite grave disadvantage to this one - the red dot practically disappears on bright background, which may make precise tracking the target quite difficult. Usually, it is the first collimator that you unlock for the Chinese army.
COBRA [COLLIMATOR]
Cobra has been (and not without a reason) one of the most popular collimators since the release of Battlefield 3. It offers a wide and lucid targeting area and it does not obstruct vision around the housing. The additional advantage is the red reticle that imitates notch and bead and does not obstruct the point that you are targeting.
HOLO [1X]
The Holo collimator offers a targeting angle similar to that of the Coyote but, its housing obstruct much of the area around the collimator from seeing. Additionally, the rims of the lens are darkened, which further hinders visibility. In exchange, you receive a perfectly visible reticle that works well with weapon of considerable recoil.
HD-33 [1X]
The HD-33 is, in a manner of speaking, a direct upgrade of its predecessor. It offers an incredibly clear targeting area and it does not hinder visuals of the area around the housing. It is perfect with 2x zoom.
PKA-S [1X]
Just like the Reflex, The Russian-made PKA-S is the first collimator that you unlock but, for the Eastern-made weapons. What it has on common with the Reflex collimator, is the poor clarity and the housing that obstruct view around the attachment. It is discernibly "heavier" towards its top part, which may be not too comfortable for the eye.
IRNV [IR 1X]
The night vision sights is an excellent solution for combat in the areas of poor visibility. Using it, you can easily locate the enemies hidden in shadows or among thick flora. It is also worth noting that it is equipped with the laser range finder, thanks to which it is easier to implement corrections while aiming at distant targets. Its downside, which is visible at first sight, is its monochromatic, yellowish-green color and noise. Additionally the range of this sight is limited to around 200 meters, outside of which you can see nothing apart from green fog. The effectiveness of this scope can be completely eliminated with tactical flashlight or the flare and it tends to be difficult to use in bright environment. In exchange for that, you can use it to aim even across smoke screen.
FLIR [IR 2X]
Thermal sights are based on a principle similar to that of the night vision sights but, it has a 2x zoom and ballistic reticle that facilitates aiming over longer distances. Thanks to the black and white displaying mode, it makes contrasts more prominent and is more clear than its predecessor. Its range is also longer (around 300 meters). Thermals sights can be rendered useless with tactical flashlight or flare but, thanks to it, you can even see through smoke screens.