Description
The Holosun IRIS-3 is a triple-function aiming and illumination unit for shooters running night vision. It combines a visible aiming laser, an infrared aiming laser, and a 60mW VCSEL infrared illuminator in one compact housing. That covers the three jobs a night-vision shooter needs: a visible laser for daytime aiming and zeroing, an IR laser for aiming under NODs, and an IR illuminator to actually light up what you're looking at in the dark. It sits between the laser-only IRIS-2 and the do-everything IRIS-4, and it's the right pick if you already run a dedicated weapon light and just need the aiming and illumination piece.
The reason the IRIS line gets so much attention is value. A traditional military-style aiming laser and illuminator (a MAWL or DBAL-class unit) with this capability runs two to three times the price. The IRIS-3 delivers the visible laser, IR laser, and a full-power-class IR illuminator for a fraction of that, in a housing Holosun redesigned to be 43% lighter and 20% lower than their previous laser. On a rifle where weight and rail height matter, that smaller, lighter package is a real advantage.
The core technology is VCSEL, used for the IR. Older IR lasers and illuminators use edge-emitting diodes that throw a speckled, uneven beam. VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) produces a clean, uniform beam that's easier to see and interpret under night vision, and the 60mW illuminator matches or beats the output of far more expensive units. A top-mounted slider adjusts the IR illuminator from a wide flood for scanning up close to a tight spot for reaching out, and it's glove-friendly so you can do it on the fly.
It solves IR zeroing the smart way: the visible and IR lasers are co-aligned, so you zero both at once using the visible laser in daylight instead of fighting an IR zero in the dark. Controls are an ambidextrous center-mounted fire button (momentary or constant-on) plus updated rear-facing power and mode selectors, and it ships with an ultra-compact two-button remote switch that has a visible-laser override. The housing is 7075 aluminum and IPX8 waterproof, it runs on a CR123A, and it's available with a green or red visible laser. Pair it with the DNT NVMD-C200 night vision and see the rest of our lights and lasers.
IRIS-3 vs IRIS-4 vs IRIS-2
The IRIS line steps up by function. The IRIS-2 is dual laser only (visible + IR), no illuminator. The IRIS-3 (this one) adds the 60mW VCSEL IR illuminator for target ID under NODs. The IRIS-4 adds a 1,000-lumen white light on top of everything the IRIS-3 has. The decision is simple: if you already run a dedicated weapon light and just need the laser and illuminator, the IRIS-3 is the smart buy and saves you money. If you want one unit that also replaces your white light, step up to the IRIS-4.
Choosing Green or Red
The IRIS-3 comes with either a green (520nm) or red (635nm) visible laser. Green is more visible to the eye in daylight and at distance, which makes your aiming point easier to see and zeroing simpler, most users pick green for that reason. Red draws slightly less power and costs a touch less. Both are Class 3R at under 5mW.
Build Out Your NV Setup
The IRIS-3 is built for night vision, so pair it with the gear that completes the setup. The DNT NVMD-C200 gives you digital night vision capability, and our NVG Cards are a quick-reference set for night vision fundamentals. Looking at other lasers? The Holosun P.ID-Pro is a lighter-duty option, and the EOTECH OGL is a civilian-power green/IR alternative.
Key Features
- Triple function. Visible laser, IR aiming laser, and 60mW VCSEL IR illuminator in one unit.
- VCSEL IR. Clean, uniform IR beam that's easier to see under NODs and more power-efficient.
- Adjustable IR beam. Top-mounted slider goes from wide flood to tight spot on the fly.
- Co-aligned zeroing. Zero IR and visible lasers together using the visible laser in daylight.
- Compact redesign. 43% lighter and 20% lower than the previous Holosun laser.
- Full controls. Ambidextrous center fire button, rear selectors, included two-button remote with VIS override.
Specs
- Type: Triple-function laser / IR illuminator (no white light)
- Visible laser: Green 520nm or red 635nm, Class 3R, <5mW
- IR laser: Class 1, 800–880nm
- IR illuminator: 60mW VCSEL, adjustable flood-to-spot
- Controls: Ambidextrous center fire button (momentary/constant), rear power/mode selectors
- Remote: Included two-button switch with visible-laser override
- Housing: 7075 aluminum, 43% lighter / 20% lower than predecessor
- Sealing: IPX8 waterproof
- Battery: CR123A
- Mount: MIL-STD-1913 picatinny
FAQ
What does the IRIS-3 do that the IRIS-2 doesn't?
The IRIS-3 adds the 60mW VCSEL IR illuminator. The IRIS-2 has the visible and IR aiming lasers but no illuminator, which means it relies on ambient light under night vision. The IRIS-3's illuminator lets you actively light up a target in low or no light.
What's the difference between the IRIS-3 and IRIS-4?
The IRIS-4 adds a 1,000-lumen white light. Both have the visible laser, IR laser, and IR illuminator. If you already run a separate weapon light, the IRIS-3 covers the laser and illuminator for less. If you want one unit that also replaces your light, get the IRIS-4.
What is VCSEL and why does it matter?
VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) is the IR technology in the illuminator. Compared to older edge-emitting lasers, it produces a cleaner, more uniform beam that's easier to see and interpret under night vision, and the 60mW output matches or beats far more expensive units.
Should I get green or red?
Green (520nm) is more visible to the eye in daylight and at distance, which most users prefer for aiming and zeroing. Red (635nm) uses slightly less power and costs a little less. Both are Class 3R under 5mW.
How do I zero the IR laser?
The visible and IR lasers are co-aligned, so you zero both at the same time using the visible laser in daylight, much easier than trying to zero an IR laser in the dark.
