Rifle Scopes Nightforce not clear at long range

[robertjhaley]

I recently purchased a Nightforce NXS 12-42x56 for F/TR shooting. I was using a Hawke 6-24x56 ($450 scope) that worked very well. I was hoping to get better clarity and focus at longer ranges with the Nightforce. I see no difference in the two up to 22x power and neither focus well beyond 500 yards unless I turn the power down below 20. I was hoping to use the higher power of the NXS on cooler days to see better at longer distances. Is blur what I should expect with this scope over 22x and beyond 500 yards? Are there other high power scopes that are clear in these conditions?

 

[buffybuster]

Sounds like you're experiencing mirage.

 

[TheGerman]

Sounds like you're experiencing mirage.

This. The more magnification over roughly 10x, the more mirage.

 

[jimmykm21]

Try going out just before sunrise (not dusk)pick a target and crank it up to full magnification.

 

[Graham]

I rarely use more than 17x, even for ELR, for precisiely that reason: High magnification is a tourist trap; at short range it's not necessary, and at long range you'll never be able to use it.

 

[milo 2.0]

Try going out just before sunrise (not dusk)pick a target and crank it up to full magnification.

I'm with this guy, try after a rain when the ground has been cooled off. I have a NXS 8x32, many mornings I could run full power, seemed clear to me, but once the mirage started in, it was over quick.

 

[tiNdvenTFHwMdqKW]

I'm with this guy, try after a rain when the ground has been cooled off. I have a NXS 8x32, many mornings I could run full power, seemed clear to me, but once the mirage started in, it was over quick.

I had a 12-42 and can second this. It works well in the cool mornings but once the sun comes out and the ground heats up the mirage takes over.