Rifle Scopes Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

problemchild

problemchild

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Jun 11, 2009
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#1
Im really getting confused with this upcoming scope purchase. I got off the phone with one vendor and he said the 2.5x10 at 10X was not that clear. He said NF optics on a whole are really not worth the money they charge.

True or not true?

Any other scopes in this size/weight/magnification range or more powerful for around the same amount of $$$?
 
#2
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

What's he selling??
grin.gif
 
#3
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

I have a 2.5x10 and it looks great... The clarity is fine.. Its not to the level of my S&B but for the price it is great glass.
 
#4
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

My F1 is as clear as I need it to be. I am definitely seeing more than I was with my 20x leupold. I say it was worth my hard earned cash.
 
#8
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

I don't know what that guy was talking about, the 2.5-10 NF is a good scope and plenty clear. The IOR 2.5-10 FFP is another good choice but the nightforce felt a little lighter to me.

edit: the leupold 10X m2/m3 is another option
 
#9
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

The glass is more than adequate - at any magnification. The things that make the 2.5-10X32 a really good scope besides that are the size, ruggedness, and flawless tracking. But don't buy it without zero-stop, otherwise you can get lost in your elevation turns.
 
#10
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im really getting confused with this upcoming scope purchase. I got off the phone with one vendor and he said the 2.5x10 at 10X was not that clear. He said NF optics on a whole are really not worth the money they charge.

True or not true?

Any other scopes in this size/weight/magnification range or more powerful for around the same amount of $$$? </div></div>

Uh...honestly I chuckled a little bit when I read this.I wouldn't go so far as to say "the 2.5x10 at 10X was not that clear".On a scale of 1-10 I'd probably rate it a 9.

The IOR 2.5-10 will probably be a tad better in the glass department,like maybe 9.5 out of 10 if I were to rate it??? IOR "might" be better value for the money depending on what you like.However a NF 2.5-10 is as solid of a scope as can be found,IMO.

I like my NF 2.5-10 enough that I'll probably never sell it and I'm a FFP lover too.
 
#11
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

Ugh

And to add to my 1st post a second vendor said NF's strength is its features not its glass. I did look through a NF 2.5-10 and a NF 3x15 and an SB scope. The 2 NF's had some pretty noticeable chromatic aberration.

Ill take another look at the 2.5x10x32. Sorry to be such a skeptic.

This is what was said to me.....

Scopes from good to less quality (glass quality only not overall quality)

Premier/SB
Leuopold MK5/IOR
USO/NF
Vortex/SWFA



 
#12
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And to add to my 1st post a second vendor said NF's strength is its features not its glass. </div></div>

I believe this to be true.

As I have post before I can not tell a difference when looking through my Nikon Monarch Gold's and my Nightforce's. But I use the Nightforce for long range assurance that the scope will track, the knobs and reticle match and its ability to shake off abuse and still perform. The glass quality is good enough to locate and identify your target whether that is paper, steel or game… On a side note I had no problem counting the points on my mule deer at 800+ yards in early morning light last fall. So in my opinion, it’s good enough for my needs.

Besides two people can look through an optic and have differing opinions on the "glass quality".
 
#13
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Niles Coyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And to add to my 1st post a second vendor said NF's strength is its features not its glass. </div></div>

I believe this to be true.

As I have post before I can not tell a difference when looking through my Nikon Monarch Gold's and my Nightforce's. But I use the Nightforce for long range assurance that the scope will track, the knobs and reticle match and its ability to shake off abuse and still perform. The glass quality is good enough to locate and identify your target whether that is paper, steel or game… On a side note I had no problem counting the points on my mule deer at 800+ yards in early morning light last fall. So in my opinion, it’s good enough for my needs.

Besides two people can look through an optic and have differing opinions on the "glass quality".
</div></div>


Thanks for the "honest" reply. Do you see CA when looking through your scope. CA is a purple fringing around the edges of things with high contrast or edges in general. I saw CA in two scopes I looked through at a gun store. To me seeing CA in glass means its not a high quality glass and or the coatings are not so good. Good glass should not have CA (chromatic aberration).



chromatic%20aberration.gif


pp011185crp.jpg


chromatic.jpg
 
#14
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

I really like my night force on my m1a sage. Perfect scope for that rifle. I have 2 S&B 5-25s while the night force glass is not S&B clear, it still is really good. Its a tough little scope that is perfect for a noted scope killing rifle!!
 
#15
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Do you see CA when looking through your scope(chromatic aberration).



chromatic%20aberration.gif


pp011185crp.jpg


chromatic.jpg
</div></div>

Very nice visual discription. It is there "IF" you know what to look for, it is not real noticable. Had someone not pointed it out to me last year I would have gone through life happy with no clue...
smirk.gif
I have two more NF's now and they have not been to the range yet so I cant say if they are the same... I purchased them after knowing about CA in my first one, so you can see I am not real concerned about it...
 
#16
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Niles Coyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Had someone not pointed it out to me last year I would have gone through life happy with no clue... </div></div>

Yeap!

Small amounts of chromatic aberration in a scope aren't easily detectable.

I've used IOR's and Nightforces all day long, and while the IOR glass is a little better the NF was good enough to not cause me any eye strain, which for me was the main reason I wanted to step up to "better glass". Super Sniper 10X, while very sturdy, gave me migraines after a couple hours.

edit: and yes people can have different opinions especially about glass quality. A lot of people put extra stock in what they personally use vs. other brand names.
 
#17
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

Yep but what I saw was not a small amount. It was a large amount with 2 NF scopes not one. The SB scope had ZERO C.A..
Not comparing sb to nf just stating its not a good thing to have CA and not desirable.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Niles Coyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Had someone not pointed it out to me last year I would have gone through life happy with no clue... </div></div>

Yeap!

Small amounts of chromatic aberration in a scope aren't easily detectable.

I've used IOR's and Nightforces all day long, and while the IOR glass is a little better the NF was good enough to not cause me any eye strain, which for me was the main reason I wanted to step up to "better glass". Super Sniper 10X, while very sturdy, gave me migraines after a couple hours.

edit: and yes people can have different opinions especially about glass quality. A lot of people put extra stock in what they personally use vs. other brand names. </div></div>
 
#18
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The SB scope had ZERO C.A..
</div></div>

TBH the closest you'll get to SB glass quality under SB prices is IOR, but from reading your posts I think you ought to try before you buy as you sound a bit picky.

If you want SB glass quality then save your pennies and get a SB. 10X PM2 is a great optic, so is the 3-12, but you'll have to pay to get it...

edit: I don't mean this as a dig or anything, it's just that scopes aren't really meant for observation so much as something you can look through, see your target and shoot it. They are mechanical devices where small imperfections in lens coatings take a backseat to a desired balance of functionality, durability and features vs. $$$. The bottom line is that generally speaking a 1k dollar scope will not have nearly as good of glass as a 1k pair of binocs or a 1k dollar camera lens. If you want that kind of quality you have to spend a disproportionate amount of $$$, hence my statement about needing to buy SB if you really want the "great glass."
 
#19
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

I hear what you are saying. In the end I will probably buy the NF 2x10. I guess I was just surprised at the lack of quality of the glass when everyone here swears by them.

I have never seen any mention of CA here yet. I was looking at roof vents 200 yds away and the vent looked like a psychedelic alien anal probe with glowing purple edges.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The SB scope had ZERO C.A..
</div></div>

TBH the closest you'll get to SB glass quality under SB prices is IOR, but from reading your posts I think you ought to try before you buy as you sound a bit picky.

If you want SB glass quality then save your pennies and get a SB. 10X PM2 is a great optic, so is the 3-12, but you'll have to pay to get it...

edit: I don't mean this as a dig or anything, it's just that scopes aren't really meant for observation so much as something you can look through, see your target and shoot it. They are mechanical devices where small imperfections in lens coatings take a backseat to a desired balance of functionality, durability and features vs. $$$. The bottom line is that generally speaking a 1k dollar scope will not have nearly as good of glass as a 1k pair of binocs or a 1k dollar camera lens. If you want that kind of quality you have to spend a disproportionate amount of $$$, hence my statement about needing to buy SB if you really want the "great glass." </div></div>
 
#20
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have never seen any mention of CA here yet. I was looking at roof vents 200 yds away and the vent looked <span style="font-weight: bold">like a psychedelic alien anal probe with glowing purple edges</span>.</div></div>
You, Sir, have just come up with the sickest description of an optical aberration I have heard or read anywhere, ever. Congratulations!
laugh.gif
 
#21
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hear what you are saying. In the end I will probably buy the NF 2x10. I guess I was just surprised at the lack of quality of the glass when everyone here swears by them.
</div></div>

People swear by the reliability, not the glass. This isn't a birding or photography forum.

If you want a little better glass for the money try the 2.5-10 IOR FFP from Libertyoptics, it's 1150 delivered.
 
#22
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

Ok got it.

So good scope means the following...

Repeatability
Durability
warranty
Glass that can see a target
Nothing else matters


 
#23
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok got it.

So good scope means the following...

Repeatability
Durability
warranty
Glass that can see a target
Nothing else matters


</div></div>

Where did anyone say "Nothing else matters"?

FWIW, I have two NF optics and don't see any CA in mine. Maybe I'm just blind though... My S&B seems fine as well.
 
#24
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

i think your reading too much into this. the glass is pretty good in the nightforce, it isn't swarovski or s&b but it's good glass. i havn't noticed CA on that scope but i'll take one out later for further examination
smile.gif
 
#25
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

Interesting. I wonder why both of the NF's I looked through had significant CA? Is your NF old or new? Wonder if they changed the type of glass or coatings? Would NF consider CA a warranty repairable item?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jtb33</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok got it.

So good scope means the following...

Repeatability
Durability
warranty
Glass that can see a target
Nothing else matters


</div></div>

Where did anyone say "Nothing else matters"? <span style="font-weight: bold">"People swear by the reliability, not the glass. This isn't a birding or photography forum. "</span>

FWIW, I have two NF optics and don't see any CA in mine. Maybe I'm just blind though... My S&B seems fine as well. </div></div>
 
#26
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

The stickers on mine date them as having been inspected by NF in mid to late 2009. One is a 2.5-10x24 and the other is a 5.5-22x50.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Interesting. I wonder why both of the NF's I looked through had significant CA? Is your NF old or new? Wonder if they changed the type of glass or coatings? Would NF consider CA a warranty repairable item?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jtb33</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

FWIW, I have two NF optics and don't see any CA in mine. Maybe I'm just blind though... My S&B seems fine as well. </div></div> </div></div>
 
#27
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

My tactical scopes are S&B's but I use the 2.5-10 x24 on most of my hunting rifles, where I need to carry them a lot. Use them at night with PVS 24 etc. No issues and I guess I have at least 10 of them. Zero stop is fine and some of mine have it, but if you are not dialing, it does not matter.
 
#28
Re: Any scopes as compact as the NF2.5x10 and magnif.

PC,

I'm a little surprised by the "red fringe" indicated by the arrow pointing toward the woman in the blue/white-striped bikini. She looks like a natural blonde to me (LOL).

In all seriousness, the "CA" you refer to can be caused by many factors, not all of which have to do with the glass itself. For example, do you wear any kind of corrective eyewear? It can cause differential effects depending on the type of glass (as in different manufacturers) you're looking through. Was the comparison indoors? You can get differential effects through different glass under artificial lighting. There are almost too many possibilities that could account for some level of CA. The best option is to compare side-by-side, outdoors, under actual usage conditions, if possible. Unfortunately, it's rare to have the luxury (or opportunity) to actually do that. FWIW, I have several NF including 1-4x24. 3.5-15x50, 5.5-22x50, and I just ordered another one this morning. I have not observed the type of CA as shown in your pics above in any of them. If you end up going with the 2.5-10x32, hopefully any CA will be minimal in the one you get. Good luck.
 
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