Rifle Scopes Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

[jbuck88]

Well I was taking pics threw my 8.5-25x50mm VX-III and my NSX 5.5-22x50mm.

The pics aren't the best but they confirm what my eye says. The Leupy is alittle clearer. By the way the Leupy was on 25x and the NSX was on 22x.

The Seagulls and Cormerants were at around 900yds. (Edit: probably closer to 1000yds or a cunt hair over)
I like the NSX cause I feel it is a better built scope, but I think the Leupold isn't that far behind.


First Leupold

Nightforce

 

[beretta_man11]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

I antelope/mule deer hunted with a 5-22 NXS this year. Sure it was a nice scope but was lacking in glass clarity. Sold it to fund 2 PSTs. I had 2 weavers to tide me over and the weaver tacticals glass was better than all of them!

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

my Leupy Mark 4 M5 is super clear.

 

[tickled pink]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Looks like you have more magnification with the NF pic than the LOUPY pic. Maybe 10x for the LOUPY and 20x for the NF.

40gt

 

[jbuck88]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

They were both set to max. Which is 24.2x on the Leupold and I guess 22x on the NSX.

 

[Rich Coyle]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Thanks for posting the photos.

It appears the Leupie is a little sharper and at the same time not quite as bright. Also it appears to be like you say: The Leupie seems to have slightly more magnification.

 

[lazy21]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

try doing that on a hot day with bad mirage

 

[jbuck88]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Yeah but it is a 8.5-25 vs. 5.5-22 on the NSX so not quite apples to apples, but very close. Since the Leupy is only a true 24x on the high end not 25x as listed.

 

[beenjammin]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

there are just too may variables within the scopes and within each person's eyes. I mean the parallax on the NF might have been a tad off. For my specific eye my my leupold mark 4 glass is on par with my NF, but thats not the reason I like my NF over my leupolds. The NF has moa/moa with side parallax at a price point slightly over the mark 4 price with non matching turrets to reticle so it was well worht it to go with NF.

The again my S&B glass to my specific eye was on par with my NF also, but I had the FFP and matching reticle/adjustment. Since I dont utilize FFP for the matches I compete in, the SFp NF again was the best bang for the buck when I could sell one S&B and buy two NF for both my rifles.

Like others have said, clear glass an endless argument since eyeryone eyes are different.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

both junk.....i give $100.00 for the pair....lmk

 

[jbuck88]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lazy21</div><div class="ubbcode-body">try doing that on a hot day with bad mirage</div></div>

Just got to move to the rain forrest where there is no such thing as heat mirage. Just rain and fog and RAIN (121" annually)

 

[frankythefly]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Its hard to do compare scopes optically side by side. In my experience NF and Lupy seems to differ glass quality from scope to scope. I have seen really nice Lupy glass that would be right up there to the German stuff and I have seen other glass that was so so. Nightforce is the same, I think it just depends on when and where they get the glass supplied from. Premiers and Zeiss seem to be very consistent from model to model. I think everyone is putting out some really nice glass these days, the big issue is tracking for me.

 

[littlerascal56]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Took my Mark 4 8.5-25x50 out to the range Saturday...shot in HEAVY fog at 200 meter targets and could make out the bullet holes easily. I was impressed with the clarity also.

My IOR 6-24x50 was nice, but I really like this Mark 4, and shoot very good groups with it.

 

[sititunga]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Flies in the face of 99% of the other threads posted on this comparison on this forum and others.

 

[vman]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbuck88</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The Leupy is alittle clearer. </div></div>

BURN THE HERETIC !!!!!!

 

[KE5MUJ]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 40gt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like you have more magnification with the NF pic than the LOUPY pic. Maybe 10x for the LOUPY and 20x for the NF.

40gt </div></div>

I thought the same thing...

 

[BaileyMoto]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

They look to be very close in magnification. Tho, the Leupold looks to have a tad bit more magnification.

I'd bet loading them up in photoshop and measuring some of the rock sizes would confirm that.

 

[jbuck88]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7.62Texan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 40gt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like you have more magnification with the NF pic than the LOUPY pic. Maybe 10x for the LOUPY and 20x for the NF.

40gt </div></div>

I thought the same thing...</div></div>

If you look at the rock formations, the right side of the scope is pretty much in the same spot. The left edge shows that they are really close in magnification.

But does that mean that the Leupy is that much clearer that it just appears that way?

 

[pmarauder]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Now open up the window and take the pics again.... I think there is some birdshit on the glass...

 

[Opticsspecialist]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

nightforce without a doubt

 

[sititunga]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

I still don't see a flock of Leupold supporters backing up this claim. Just do a search on this forum and others on the same comparison (there have been many, in fact it's almost become a weekly question) and the exact opposite is always claimed.

 

[salmonaxe]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Open the window and then take pics.

For every NXS that someone says isn't that sharp, I bet they have the diopter set incorrectly. It's very easy to set the diopter in a way that favors reticle focus vs background focus. I don't know the best way to put it, but on an NXS one can set it to a good focus at infinity and then turn it a couple more turns and it will appear easier to look at and higher contrast. It's not really sharper, just easier on the eyes. It then results in a muddy out of focus background.

Anyway, I've always thought the higher end Leupolds had good clarity, but that doesn't really make up for poor tracking, canted reticles and reduced durability. It seems that new leupolds have way more saturation than most other scopes. (Something that I think makes people think that they have more resolution or better image clarity.)

 

[jbuck88]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pmarauder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Good catch I forgot that I opened the window for the Nightforce, but it was closed for the Leupold. You can see the on the right side of the window. If its nice tomorrow I will take them again with it open for both.

 

[sititunga]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbuck88</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pmarauder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">[quote=
The pics aren't the best but they confirm what my eye says. The Leupy is alittle clearer. By the way the Leupy was on 25x and the NSX was on 22x.
</div></div>

Good catch I forgot that I opened the window for the Nightforce, but it was closed for the Leupold. You can see the on the right side of the window. If its nice tomorrow I will take them again with it open for both. </div></div>

Just curious, how long have you been Leupold rep for?

 

[5RWill]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

As was said i think it depends on each person's individual eye. Like others have said clarity only goes so far when selecting an optic in certain price ranges. Glad to see the leupy holds it's own, as i'll be picking up a mark 4 for my SPR.

 

[T2CH]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Are you saying the window was open for the NF and not for the Leupy? And the Leupy is clearer? Please adjust the left knob to full clarity before taking the pics. I don't think you have it focused.
Also, I see you live on the water and it looks like the sun is setting over it in the pic with the NF. Sun setting over water can give a terrible glare and make it hard to see anything. Perhaps take the pic at the same time of day for both scopes.

 

[Kevlars]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Ok I had to go back and look through my 4.5-14 Mark 4 Lupy and my night force. Realizing that astronomy is my other hobby and that I know optics very well. just a visual test where I put my NXS 5.5-22 at the same mag (or close to not to skew the test). the NXS was much brighter and clearer. I then used a test of vertical lines spaced at 1/8 inches and placed it at various distances to see where I lost the resolution to distinguish the lines. I verified that the NXS was not set to a greater power and actually lowered it a bit (this was the only unknown as it was purly perceptional). The NXS was clearly the winner by 25 yards. This test is a common test to test the accuracy of the curvature of a mirror for the resolution properties of the optic.

I am not trying to bash Lupys in any way...but it is what it is...do they both work ...yes. Are they quality instruments ...yes. However you get what you pay for. My Lupy served me well but I need a bit more clarity and God has be gracious to give me a job in these trying times, so I was able to move up. I am sure that Schmidt and bender is much better , however this is all I can afford now.

I do not believe your test was accurate. You should take both scopes outside as the multicotiings react different with the UV light and re take the photos.

 

[jbuck88]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T2CH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you saying the window was open for the NF and not for the Leupy? And the Leupy is clearer? Please adjust the left knob to full clarity before taking the pics. I don't think you have it focused.
Also, I see you live on the water and it looks like the sun is setting over it in the pic with the NF. Sun setting over water can give a terrible glare and make it hard to see anything. Perhaps take the pic at the same time of day for both scopes.</div></div>

Pictures were taken with in 10 minutes of each other. Yes the window was closed on the Leupold and Open for the Nightforce. I do know how to focus a scope and kinda take offence that you would suggest otherwise. I am not trying to do anything other then post a few pics of my scopes.

I took both of them out of my safe for cleaning and because I was trying to decide what scope to purchase next.

 

[jbuck88]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Apophas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I do not believe your test was accurate. You should take both scopes outside as the multicotiings react different with the UV light and re take the photos.</div></div>

It may not by up to you standards, but I do plenty of shooting from under cover so it was accurate for 90% of my shooting. Like I said before I wasn't trying to convert anyone here one way or the other. I was just posting some pics for you since I always see threads on why one is better then the other but I acctually took time to take and post pics. Sorry if that offended you.

 

[Dantrom]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Not really anything to be added until the next comparison in like conditions.

Thanks for posting can't wait to see what you turn up!

 

[T2CH]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbuck88</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T2CH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you saying the window was open for the NF and not for the Leupy? And the Leupy is clearer? Please adjust the left knob to full clarity before taking the pics. I don't think you have it focused.
Also, I see you live on the water and it looks like the sun is setting over it in the pic with the NF. Sun setting over water can give a terrible glare and make it hard to see anything. Perhaps take the pic at the same time of day for both scopes.</div></div>

Pictures were taken with in 10 minutes of each other. Yes the window was closed on the Leupold and Open for the Nightforce. I do know how to focus a scope and kinda take offence that you would suggest otherwise. I am not trying to do anything other then post a few pics of my scopes.

I took both of them out of my safe for cleaning and because I was trying to decide what scope to purchase next. </div></div>



Did not mean for you to take offense. An image captured by a camera can be out of focus even when it looks clear through the eye.
I'm not bashing you at all, or trying to critique your photos but 10 min of sun setting can make all the difference in the world, especially on the water. That will in turn show a clouded sight picture with the latter.
I was a fan of Leupold, nice products. But I have had two of their optics hit the shiter in less than a year, and they don't get used much. One is on it's way to the factory as I type.
I bought a NF 5.5x22 couple weeks ago and there is no comparison to the vx3 that is on a ups truck IMO.

 

[Kevlars]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

I also did not mean to offend, I just can not believe that your VXIII has the clarity of a NXS. My father in law has a VXIII and my Mark 4 is head and shoulders above the VXIII for clairity, not even looking at scope tracking errors. Then when I look at my Mark4 vs NXS-- honestly, we are not doubting you but your findings are not in line with 99% of what others have found... its a kin to discovering 1+1= 2.3 and not 2. (granted a little over stated) but you get the idea. You just have us scratching our heads-- it may be that you have a winner of a scope.

Keep us posted...

 

[matchking]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

While through the scope pics aren't going to prove anything to anybody, I believe anyone claiming NXS glass is far superior to Mark 4 glass is simply trying to justify their ownership of a NXS. To me, NXS glass is good, but nowhere near stellar - glass is not their greateast strength.

I have owned many NF scopes over the years and a few Mark 4s. I have slowly gotten rid of all of the NF scopes (not because of poor glass) and must admit that I still own 2 Mark 4s - the newest one being about 10 years old. Now, newer Mark 4 glass may be subpar, but my older Mark 4s have better glass than any NF I have ever owned.

If I were buying a new scope and had to choose between NXS and Mark 4, I can't honestly say which I would get. Luckily we have better options available.

 

[Kevlars]

Re: Another NSX vs Leupold, but with pics

Not trying to justy any purchase ... I found out a long time ago that was useless. I am saying that the scopes that I own and the scopes that I have tested (2007 to present), from a resolution perspective have shown that NXS shows more clarity over a distance and can reslove more detail. Dont know if it is the Glass or the Multicoatings that are playing with the light transmission. I know that in Astronomy scope makers play with the light transmission via the coatings and glass refractivity, that allow more resolution off of the same glass. I have one Telescope that cost me over 7K and another (same make and model) with a differnt coating that can not even compare to the 7K scope. Just my take on it.

By the way--for Astronomy I know that Japanese glass is the highest you can get, I would think that would be true of rifle scopes -- but dont know ... I do believe that Nightforce uses Japanese glass, not sure of Leupold.

Either way they are both quality scopes.