The Canik Optics Guide
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Canik is no stranger to optics and previously had a small line under the MeCanik brand which included other products outside of the US. Now there has been a refresh with new optics made under the Canik brand and they are a considerable step up in features and design over the originals. At launch there are four smartly-selected options that seem to cover just about every's possible needs. The Canik optics are feature packed, built tough, and feature window sizes that I find to be well chosen. Structurally, a thicker bezel is used to add strength and the glass is set back to protect it when using the optic to rack the gun.
All four models come with a battery installed, additional battery, tools, cleaning cloth, and appropriate mounting screws in the box.
Deciding which Canik Optic is right for you comes down to answering a few questions about your intended application:
RMR or RMSc Footprint?
Open emitter for range use or enclosed for carry use?
Solar sensor for extended battery life or no?
Auto sensor for range use or manual only for defensive use?
Although plate systems generally lend some flexibility to mounting footprint, slide width is usually the limiting factor for what's a realistic fit. Narrow slides generally need the smaller RMSc footprint while wider slides fit the RMR footprint more naturally.
---RMSc Footprint---
If you've got a micro compact or double stack 1911 chances are the RMSc footprint is what you'll need. Generally this footprint of optic is smaller, though Canik has ensured the window size is reasonable without making the optic so tall it's a snag hazard when carrying.
ONYXc:
Seen above mounted on the SAR 7/24 c, This open-emitter dot offers three reticle options, optional auto brightness adjustment, and auto activation which turns the dot on with motion and off after four minutes of no movement. The open emitter and footprint makes this a good choice for a range pistol with a narrow slide.
Footprint | RMSc |
Battery Life | up to 50,000 hours |
Battery Size | CR1620 |
Reticle | 3 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle / Both |
Optic Dimensions | 1.04" × 1.24" × 1.17" |
Window Dimensions | 0.79" × 0.61” |
Brightness Levels | 10 levels (2 NV + 8 Daylight) + Auto-adjust |
MSRP |
PHANTOMc:
Seen above mounted on the EAA Girsan 2311 Witness CMX XXX this enclosed optic features a solar pannel to augment battery life. Three reticle options, and the option to use an optical sensor for auto brightness or manually adjust. A motion sensor turns the unit off after four minutes if inactivity and immediately back on once movement is detected. Narrow enough for your micro compact or double stack 1911 and with an enclosed emitter the PHANTOMc is a good choice for a carry gun.
Footprint | RMSc |
Battery Life | Up to 50,000 hours |
Battery Size | CR1620 |
Reticle | 3 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle / Both |
Optic Dimensions | 1.74" × 1.24" × 1.10" |
Window Dimensions | 0.8" × 0.69” |
Brightness Levels | 10 levels (2 NV + 8 Daylight) + Auto-adjust |
MSRP |
--RMR Footprint--
This larger footprint allows for a wider viewing pane and previously was the size one needed to go to for the most features. Canik has managed to cram a lot into the RMSc-sized options and so for the RMR footprint we have a large-window, open competitiion-oriented model and and enclosed duty/carry option.
ONYX XL:
Seen above on the Canik SFX Rival-S, this open-emitter, large-window optic features a 6MOA dot-only reticle to accelerate finding the dot. The omission of auto-adjust is also a smart move for competitors who will be shooting under fixed lighting and don't want the mental tax of a potential intensity-changing dot as they transition from target to target. Deactivation after four minutes of inactivity and auto-on with movement helps preserve battery life.
Footprint | RMR |
Battery Life | Up to 50,000 hours |
Battery Size | CR1632 |
Reticle | 6MOA Dot |
Optic Dimensions | 2.27" × 1.36" × 1.36" |
Window Dimensions | 0.79" × 0.65" *This is according to Canik, but the window appears much larger. |
Brightness Levels | 10 levels (2 NV + 8 Daylight) |
MSRP |
PHANTOM:
Seen above on the TriStar Arms APOC PRO, Canik kept the size of the enclosed PHANTOM appropriate for a duty/carry gun and effectively offers the same package of features seen in the PHANTOM C in an optic with a wider footprint. Solar battery life augmentation, the choice between auto-adjust and manual adjustment, and three reticle choices.
Footprint | RMR |
Battery Life | Up to 50,000 hours |
Battery Size | CR1620 |
Reticle | 3 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle / Both |
Optic Dimensions | 1.77" × 1.24" × 1.10" |
Window Dimensions | 0.8" × 0.69” |
Brightness Levels | 10 levels (2 NV + 8 Daylight) + Auto-adjust |
MSRP |
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