Description
The Holosun IRIS-4 is the all-in-one aiming and illumination unit for shooters running night vision. It puts four functions in a single housing: a visible aiming laser, an infrared aiming laser, a VCSEL infrared illuminator, and a 1,000-lumen white light. That's the full spectrum, day aiming, night aiming under NODs, IR target illumination, and a usable weapon light, so it replaces a separate laser and a separate light with one device. It's the top of Holosun's IRIS line and the model that does everything the IRIS-2 and IRIS-3 do, plus the white light.
The reason the IRIS-4 gets so much attention is that it brings capability that used to cost two to three times as much within reach. A MAWL or DBAL-class unit with this same four-function spread runs well north of two thousand dollars. The IRIS-4 delivers the visible laser, IR laser, IR illuminator, and high-output light for a fraction of that, in a housing Holosun redesigned to be 43% lighter, 29% lower, and 28% narrower than their legacy LS420. On an SBR or PDW where rail space and weight matter, that smaller footprint is a real advantage.
The standout technology is VCSEL, used for both the IR illuminator and IR laser. Older IR lasers use edge-emitting diodes that produce a speckled, uneven beam. VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) produces a clean, uniform, well-defined beam that's easier to see and interpret under night vision, and it's more power-efficient. Paired with the top-mounted IR beam divergence slider, you can adjust the illuminator from a wide flood for scanning to a tight spot for distance, on the fly, with gloves on. That flood-to-spot control is a feature you normally only find on the expensive units.
It solves the worst part of running an IR laser, zeroing, with a co-aligned system: the visible and IR lasers are aligned, so you zero both at once using the visible laser in daylight rather than fumbling with IR zeroing in the dark. Controls are independent ambidextrous fire buttons for the laser and light, a rear-facing power and mode selector, and an included three-button Crane-plug remote pressure pad with a visible-laser override. Adjustment is 1/2 MOA per click with 100 MOA of total travel.
The housing is machined 7075-T6 aluminum, hard anodized, and IPX8 waterproof. It runs on two CR123A batteries (included) or a single 18650 (not included), and it's available with either a green or red visible laser. This is a serious tool built for night vision use; if you run NODs, it's the unit to build around. Pair it with the DNT NVMD-C200 night vision and see the rest of our lights and lasers.
IRIS-4 vs IRIS-3 vs IRIS-2
The IRIS line steps up by function. The IRIS-2 is dual laser only (visible + IR), no illuminator, no light. The IRIS-3 adds the IR illuminator for target ID under NODs. The IRIS-4 adds the 1,000-lumen white light on top of everything, which is what makes it a true do-everything unit, you don't need a separate weapon light alongside it. If you already run a dedicated white light and only need the laser and illuminator, the IRIS-3 saves you money. If you want one device that covers light and lasers, the IRIS-4 is the one.
Choosing Green or Red
The IRIS-4 comes with either a green (520nm) or red (635nm) visible laser. Green is more visible to the human eye in daylight and at distance, which makes it easier to see your aiming point and simpler to zero, most users pick green for that reason. Red draws slightly less power and costs a touch less. Both are Class 3R at under 5mW. Select your color at the top of the page.
Build Out Your NV Setup
The IRIS-4 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
- Quad function. Visible laser, IR laser, IR illuminator, and white light 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.
- 1,000-lumen white light. 25,000 candela for CQB and positive ID, no separate light needed.
- Co-aligned zeroing. Zero IR and visible lasers together using the visible laser in daylight.
- Compact redesign. 43% lighter, 29% lower, 28% narrower than the LS420.
- Full controls. Independent ambi fire buttons, rear selector, included Crane-plug remote with VIS override.
Specs
- Type: Quad-function laser / illuminator / white light
- Visible laser: Green 520nm or red 635nm, Class 3R, <5mW
- IR laser: 0.7mW VCSEL
- IR illuminator: 60mW VCSEL, adjustable flood-to-spot
- White light: 1,000 lumens / 25,000 candela
- Adjustment: 1/2 MOA per click, 100 MOA total range
- Controls: Independent ambidextrous fire buttons, rear power/mode selector
- Remote: Included three-button Crane-plug pad with visible-laser override
- Housing: 7075-T6 aluminum, hard anodized
- Sealing: IPX8 waterproof
- Battery: 2x CR123A (included) or 1x 18650 (not included)
- Weight: ~8.5 oz
- Mount: MIL-STD-1913 picatinny
FAQ
What does the IRIS-4 do that the IRIS-3 doesn't?
The IRIS-4 adds a 1,000-lumen white light. Both have the visible laser, IR laser, and IR illuminator, but only the IRIS-4 includes the light, which means it can replace a separate weapon light. If you already run a dedicated light, the IRIS-3 covers the laser and illuminator for less.
What is VCSEL and why does it matter?
VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) is the IR technology in the illuminator and IR laser. Compared to older edge-emitting lasers, it produces a cleaner, more uniform beam that's easier to see and interpret under night vision, and it uses less power. It's the main technical upgrade in the IRIS-4.
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. That's much easier than trying to zero an IR laser in the dark.
Can I run it on a rechargeable battery?
Yes. It uses two CR123A primaries (included) or a single rechargeable 18650 (not included).
Is it worth it versus a MAWL or DBAL?
The IRIS-4 offers the same four functions, visible laser, IR laser, IR illuminator, and white light, as units that cost two to three times as much, in a smaller, lighter housing. For most users it delivers the capability they're after at a far lower price.
