Eye Relief

Eye Relief is the distance between the shooter’s eye and the rear lens of a rifle scope at which the image appears sharp, full, and without shadows. This value is measured in millimeters (mm) or inches and is one of the key parameters when choosing any optic — both real-steel and airsoft. Every scope has an optimal distance zone where the eye must be positioned to see a clear, undistorted, full sight picture. If the eye is too close or too far, the image becomes smaller, darker, or develops black edges (tunnel effect). A properly set eye relief ensures fast and comfortable target acquisition without constant head adjustment. On real firearms with strong recoil, overly short eye relief can cause a scope impact to the face — the well-known “scope bite.” This is why long eye relief optics are preferred on hunting and military rifles. In airsoft this danger doesn’t exist, but very short eye relief can be impractical when wearing goggles or a mask. Eye relief significantly affects comfort, accuracy, and shooting safety. Long eye relief provides more room and safety with high recoil, while short eye relief offers a more precise, magnified image for long-range aiming. For airsoft, a medium to long eye relief is ideal for comfortable shooting with protective equipment.

Long vs. Short Eye Relief

Long Eye Relief (90–120 mm):
Designed for firearms with strong recoil — such as shotguns, hunting rifles, or semi-automatic rifles. Provides a generous distance between the eye and the optic, preventing scope impact injuries and improving comfort during fast shooting or awkward shooting positions.
Short Eye Relief (60–80 mm):
Allows more precise aiming at long distances thanks to a larger, clearer image when the eye is positioned close to the optic. Commonly used on scopes for rimfire rifles, sport shooting, or airsoft DMR builds. The downside is reduced tolerance — if the shooter moves their head even slightly, the image may darken or disappear.

Which option is better for close-range and long-range shooting?

Close-range (CQB, fast shooting):
Long eye relief is more practical — it enables quick target transitions, easy aiming with both eyes open, and fewer restrictions on head position. Common for LPVO scopes (1–6×, 1–8×) and prismatic sights.
Long-range (DMR, sniper):
Short eye relief offers more precise aiming and sharper detail resolution. Best for high-magnification optics (6–24×) where the shooter maintains a steady, fixed position.