Early NX8 Issues?

C

Chanonry2

Private
Minuteman
Mar 7, 2021
14
3
Aberdeen
#1
I am looking at buying an NX8 4-32x50 F1 Mil-XT over here. The seller states it has been back to NF for a service and everything is ok. Kind of begs the question of what was wrong with it. I have asked the geezer and am awaiting a response.

In the meantime I did some searching which turned up a couple of posts with problems but so what, that doesn't mean there is a general issue.

I have owned NF before (NXS) and at the time they had a reputation for being bombproof.

Any common issues with this scope??
 
#2
I've used the same model you're looking at for several years without issue. It's been a fantastic scope for me and I've shot many matches with it over those years.
 
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#3
It's well documented that many people believe there are parallax and depth of field issues. As well as a tight eyebox.

My dislike of the optic is the price. There are a slough of optics out of Japan that are just as good if not better, for less money. Optics with well proven track records. Your paying more than you have to to get the NF logo on the side.
 
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#5
Birddog6424 said:
It's well documented that many people believe there are parallax and depth of field issues. As well as a tight eyebox.

My dislike of the optic is the price. There are a slough of optics out of Japan that are just as good if not better, for less money. Optics with well proven track records. Your paying more than you have to to get the NF logo on the side.
Click to expand...
Which scopes? And do any of those have an 8x erector?
 
#8
I've had mine going on 4 years its a great scope, no issues. Very popular with our NRL22/PRS rimfire competitors,(10 or 11 locally) parallax will focus down to 10 yards. Nightforce quality, the MilC and MilXT reticles leave the wannabes in the weeds
IMG_0905.jpeg
 
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#10
The only issue I have had with the NX8 4-32 was a stripped zero-stop clutch from overtightening the four locking bolts. Night Force repaired it under warranty, and I purchased a 4in/lbs. fix it stick. Good optic and a great company.
 
#12
I have a pair of 4-32 milC, and a 2.5-20 milXT, not a single issue with any them. Are they worth 2k? Idk......they're compact and relatively light. Center FOV is very bright sharp good contrast, the edges leave something to be desired, they get dark near max mag, but it's a damn 8x erector on a short body and 50mm obj, there are gonna be compromises made to get all this into a compact scope. Turrets are good, zero stop is good, covered windage, comes with throw lever and tanabraex caps, you're getting what ya paid for. They should probably be around 1500$ but it's NF so.......
 
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#14
I really, really like mine. I am not an NF fan boy.

I don’t find the eyebox tight, and I think it’s easy to get behind. For reference I also own a vortex 4.5–27, a S&B 5-25, a bunch of PST scopes, and the odd Leupold. My sample has better CA than all of my scopes, and usually seems sharper too.

I haven’t gotten mine out in mirage yet on the prairie, but it seems very promising. DOF is definitely narrower than my other scopes. I’m not sure if that’s going to bug me.

The two things that I don’t like are the eyepiece is not fast focus, which means it takes quite a while to figure out your ideal diopter setting, and I prefer locking elevation turrets.

@Glassaholic didn’t like the NF 8X erector scopes when they first came out. He has recently changed his tune. It seems like NF did improvements behind the scenes over the years.

Personally, with this scope, with the history of it sort of sucking right away but now being good, I would stay away from buying a used model unless I could look through it firsthand. Preferably, mounted on a rifle, as that is really the only way to get a feel for eyebox and other factors.

If new, make sure you buy from a place that allows you to return it (usually you can’t mount the scope tho').
 
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#16
I’ve had my 4-32 in Mil-XT for less than a year but I’ve had no issues and it’s has worked just fine for hunting and some long range sessions. It’s a newer production so any early issues may have been resolved by now.
 
#17
Jefe's Dope said:
Every time the NX8 is brought up, he goes into this same song and dance. Like clockwork.
Click to expand...

Wow...really? The OP asked if there were any common issues. Anyone who has paid any attention to this optic since it's release knows it has common issues.

For some bizarre reason you're acting like there aren't hundreds of posts over the last couple years saying the same thing I said. I don't think the NX8 is a bad scope, lots of people like it. But for some of its shortcomings and price I think there are better options.

I know you aren't so naive as to think I'm only one who thinks or says this. I know you've been on this forum for more than a minute. I found these with a simple search and ten minutes of copy and paste. 10 pages came up on my search, this is all from the first 3 pages. I could put up 50 of these if I wanted to invest the time.

First paragraph from Glassaholics very extensive review of the NX8. Bill pretty much writes the most extensive and non bias optical reviews that exist here on the Hide.
"
""Back in 2019 I did a review of the newly released Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 scope and it was not a very favorable review as the scope suffered from some of the worst edge distortion I have seen in a high end scope. Being such a short design with an 8x erector I knew it would likely be finicky and it did not disappoint with finicky eyebox, parallax and DOF. In hindsight, I should have sent the scope back to NF with my findings and given their CS an opportunity to make things right."""

This is him again from 2021.

"""I do not have experience with the NX8 4-32, but I do with the NX8 2.5-20 which is the WORST high end optic I've ever looked through, eyebox and DOF on that scope along with gross edge distortion had me selling it immediately after my review, I honestly do not know what NF was thinking when they released that scope, and it baffles me when I see fanboys saying "this is the best scope I've ever owned" which makes me wonder what on earth did they own previously. Maybe at $1k the NX8 would be appealing but at $2k there are much better options out there. That being said the NX8 4-32 seems to get better feedback and I've thought of grabbing one at some point but my experience with the 2.5-20 left such a bad taste in my mouth I have not had the itch to do so yet."""

In defense of the NX8, Bill does think they've made good improvements to the glass since his initial review. This is a recent comment from him.

Post in thread 'Best Budget (under $2k) non Chinese made 34mm FFP 5-25x range scopes?' https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...-ffp-5-25x-range-scopes.7204006/post-11364382

None of these comments below are from me.

Post in thread 'Nightforce scope upgrade - Worth it???' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/nightforce-scope-upgrade-worth-it.7105928/post-9940702

Post in thread 'Duplicate, delete.' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/duplicate-delete.7148913/post-10574983

Post in thread 'NF 5-25 to smaller scope?' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/nf-5-25-to-smaller-scope.7106091/post-10061074

Post in thread 'Nightforce scope upgrade - Worth it???' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/nightforce-scope-upgrade-worth-it.7105928/post-9939450

Post in thread 'Nightforce scope upgrade - Worth it???' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/nightforce-scope-upgrade-worth-it.7105928/post-9939811

Post in thread 'Nightforce scope upgrade - Worth it???' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/nightforce-scope-upgrade-worth-it.7105928/post-9942163


Post in thread 'Optic Help / 308 AR-10 / Intro Precision-Hunting' https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...-intro-precision-hunting.7104279/post-9916005

Post in thread 'New March-FX 4.5-28X52 HM WA' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/new-march-fx-4-5-28x52-hm-wa.7032201/post-9394085

Post in thread 'New March-FX 4.5-28X52 HM WA' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/new-march-fx-4-5-28x52-hm-wa.7032201/post-9393642

Post in thread 'Steiner T6xi' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/steiner-t6xi.7126108/post-11377608

No scope gets universal love on the Hide. Except maybe the ZCO. But reports of the NX8 being a finicky optic have been rampant since its release. A handful of optics out of Japan or the US don't suffer from those issues, and can be found for less money. Plenty of good alternatives offered in the links above from other posters.
 
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#18
Jefe's Dope said:
Which scopes? And do any of those have an 8x erector?
Click to expand...
I've not made any suggestions. I brought over some posts where other posters offered plenty of alternatives. I dont see any suggestions on optics with 8x erectors. Therefore they don't suffer from the optical limitations of a high erector/magnification system.
 
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#20
Birddog6424 said:
Wow...really? The OP asked if there were any common issues. Anyone who has paid any attention to this optic since it's release knows it has common issues.

For some bizarre reason you're acting like there aren't hundreds of posts over the last couple years saying the same thing I said. I don't think the NX8 is a bad scope, lots of people like it. But for some of its shortcomings and price I think there are better options.

I know you aren't so naive as to think I'm only one who thinks or says this. I know you've been on this forum for more than a minute. I found these with a simple search and ten minutes of copy and paste. 10 pages came up on my search, this is all from the first 3 pages. I could put up 50 of these if I wanted to invest the time.

First paragraph from Glassaholics very extensive review of the NX8. Bill pretty much writes the most extensive and non bias optical reviews that exist here on the Hide.
"
""Back in 2019 I did a review of the newly released Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 scope and it was not a very favorable review as the scope suffered from some of the worst edge distortion I have seen in a high end scope. Being such a short design with an 8x erector I knew it would likely be finicky and it did not disappoint with finicky eyebox, parallax and DOF. In hindsight, I should have sent the scope back to NF with my findings and given their CS an opportunity to make things right."""

This is him again from 2021.

"""I do not have experience with the NX8 4-32, but I do with the NX8 2.5-20 which is the WORST high end optic I've ever looked through, eyebox and DOF on that scope along with gross edge distortion had me selling it immediately after my review, I honestly do not know what NF was thinking when they released that scope, and it baffles me when I see fanboys saying "this is the best scope I've ever owned" which makes me wonder what on earth did they own previously. Maybe at $1k the NX8 would be appealing but at $2k there are much better options out there. That being said the NX8 4-32 seems to get better feedback and I've thought of grabbing one at some point but my experience with the 2.5-20 left such a bad taste in my mouth I have not had the itch to do so yet."""

In defense of the NX8, Bill does think they've made good improvements to the glass since his initial review. This is a recent comment from him.

Post in thread 'Best Budget (under $2k) non Chinese made 34mm FFP 5-25x range scopes?' https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...-ffp-5-25x-range-scopes.7204006/post-11364382

None of these comments below are from me.

Post in thread 'Nightforce scope upgrade - Worth it???' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/nightforce-scope-upgrade-worth-it.7105928/post-9940702

Post in thread 'Duplicate, delete.' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/duplicate-delete.7148913/post-10574983

Post in thread 'NF 5-25 to smaller scope?' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/nf-5-25-to-smaller-scope.7106091/post-10061074

Post in thread 'Nightforce scope upgrade - Worth it???' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/nightforce-scope-upgrade-worth-it.7105928/post-9939450

Post in thread 'Nightforce scope upgrade - Worth it???' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/nightforce-scope-upgrade-worth-it.7105928/post-9939811

Post in thread 'Nightforce scope upgrade - Worth it???' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/nightforce-scope-upgrade-worth-it.7105928/post-9942163


Post in thread 'Optic Help / 308 AR-10 / Intro Precision-Hunting' https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...-intro-precision-hunting.7104279/post-9916005

Post in thread 'New March-FX 4.5-28X52 HM WA' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/new-march-fx-4-5-28x52-hm-wa.7032201/post-9394085

Post in thread 'New March-FX 4.5-28X52 HM WA' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/new-march-fx-4-5-28x52-hm-wa.7032201/post-9393642

Post in thread 'Steiner T6xi' https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/steiner-t6xi.7126108/post-11377608

No scope gets universal love on the Hide. Except maybe the ZCO. But reports of the NX8 being a finicky optic have been rampant since its release. A handful of optics out of Japan or the US don't suffer from those issues, and can be found for less money. Plenty of good alternatives offered in the links above from other posters.
Click to expand...

Yes, really. And I’m not the only one to notice.

Now do Burris.
 
#21
I have the 4-32 mil-xt that is at NF right now being repaired, for an extremely tight elevation turret. I could barely turn the thing. It's probably something I did to it, so I am not going to slam it. It isn't the best I have peeped through but definitely not the worst either. I agree with whoever said it should have been priced a little better from the get go.
 
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#22
When somebody has the logo of another brand as their avatar, their opinion may be slightly biased.


I only have experience with the 2.5-20…at its price point, there’s no scope I’d take over it. I’ll be adding a 4-32 for a precision 22lr build based off of my experience with the 2.5-20. Is it the best scope made? Not even close, but it’s less than half the price of most of my other optics.
 
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#23
I have owned the NX8 4-32x50 F1 Mil-XT for several years. It is the most frustrating scope I have ever played with. I cannot get a clear sight picture no matter what I try to do with the adjustments/settings. It definitely has a shallow depth of field and poor edge to edge clarity but I could actually live with those if I could get a good focus in the center of the image. I can get the reticle to focus nice and sharp but not the image. I like everything else about the scope.

I have reservations about sending it in because of the experiences my friends/family have had with their warranty department. The scopes get sent back with the same issues but declared “good to go.” By the way…….we own a lot of Nightforce scopes with the 7-35 being the favorite.
 
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#24
Jefe's Dope said:
Yes, really. And I’m not the only one to notice.

Now do Burris.
Click to expand...

Crazy thing about America, that whole "Freedom of Speech" thing and all. I'll state my opinion when and how I choose.

I have a good pair of eyes, am very active in the PRS community, and take the opportunity to compare a crap ton of scopes every year.

"And I'm not the only one to notice" the scope in question has issues. In this case, my opinion is shared by many, making it not bias, but truth. How an earth you manage to single me out as picking on it when I'm one voice out of legions, and far less impactful then people who outright own it, or someone like Glassaholic whom people respect, is beyond me. The OP asked a question. I answered it honestly.
 
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#29
oldrifleman said:
I would say many in this thread disagree and in their eyes it is a great scope.
Click to expand...
As stated above, I think mine is pretty awesome, but with the qualifier that I’ve shot at the range with it and not out on the pdog fields yet.

And again as stated, due to the NX8 line’s early production issues and with its (supposed) sample variation, with NX8’s in particular I’d want to see a used scope in person. Or buy new via a place that lets you return the thing if you haven’t mounted it.

I think taking a balanced approach to its quality is best in this case.
 
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#30
Birddog6424 said:
Crazy thing about America, that whole "Freedom of Speech" thing and all. I'll state my opinion when and how I choose.

I have a good pair of eyes, am very active in the PRS community, and take the opportunity to compare a crap ton of scopes every year.

"And I'm not the only one to notice" the scope in question has issues. In this case, my opinion is shared by many, making it not bias, but truth. How an earth you manage to single me out as picking on it when I'm one voice out of legions, and far less impactful then people who outright own it, or someone like Glassaholic whom people respect, is beyond me. The OP asked a question. I answered it honestly.
Click to expand...
Nobody is telling you that you can't voice your opinion. What's being pointed out is that about every thread that comes up about the NX8 you come in and inject your opinion. Again, like clockwork.

And there's many NX8 users that are completely happy with their NX8. It even seems some reviewers have changed their opinion as well.

A scope w/ an 8x erector is going to make some compromises. Otherwise all scopes would have a 8x erector. You seem to overlook other's needs/wants for an 8x erector.
 
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#31
Birddog6424 said:
It's well documented that many people believe there are parallax and depth of field issues. As well as a tight eyebox.

My dislike of the optic is the price. There are a slough of optics out of Japan that are just as good if not better, for less money. Optics with well proven track records. Your paying more than you have to to get the NF logo on the side.
Click to expand...
I think people are given you some decent feedback. Notice that in your first statement on the scope you didn’t say that recent copies of the scope seem to be very good. Again, the NX8 line demands a nuanced assessment. It’s not black or white.

Personally, if I were you, I’d stay out of other-than-Burris brand’s scope analysis. I mean, if I had a Tasco logo as my avatar…or Tangent Theta…whatever…I think people would give me endless shit almost regardless of how well-founded my opinions were about a different brand’s scope.

It doesn’t help the rep of any person on a forum if they reflexively comment on-every-single-thread about whatever the topic. Even if you provide good analysis you eventually start looking like this guy to the regulars. It’s unavoidable.

4F02505A-0BB1-4AAD-9C97-8C5EB1724ACD.jpeg


As it stands, you’d have to go way way over and beyond to appear neutral. You’ve got to see how your current approach looks and I’m telling ya it damages the brand you adore.

But, of course, do as you see fit.
 
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#32
My experience has been twofold with the nx8.


Cons
1) There is very noticeable degradation to the image on the extremes of the elevation turret travel, both the bottom and the top. It makes the image look like a fish bowl. Meaning if you are using a super canted base be prepared for a crappy image where you zero.
2) The zero stop sucks. It can bind.

Pros
1) Compact
2) good reticles
3) Tons of uptravel. I have 29 mils on my 300Blk with 50MOA of cant

Frankly I would choose a Mk5 3-18 Everytime but that's just my two cents. I am using an NX8 2.5-20 on my 300Blk gun and am living with the cons because of the uptravel. I think the 1-8 is a really solid option with the DmX reticle.
 
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#33
NHPiper said:
My experience has been twofold with the nx8.


Cons
1) There is very noticeable degradation to the image on the extremes of the elevation turret travel, both the bottom and the top. It makes the image look like a fish bowl. Meaning if you are using a super canted base be prepared for a crappy image where you zero.
2) The zero stop sucks. It can bind.

Pros
1) Compact
2) good reticles
3) Tons of uptravel. I have 29 mils on my 300Blk with 50MOA of cant

Frankly I would choose a Mk5 3-18 Everytime but that's just my two cents. I am using an NX8 2.5-20 on my 300Blk gun and am living with the cons because of the uptravel. I think the 1-8 is a really solid option with the DmX reticle.
Click to expand...
I am not a dialer, so this info is interesting.
 
#34
carbonbased said:
I am not a dialer, so this info is interesting.
Click to expand...
If you are in the mid range, and with normal supersonic rounds my guess is you start on the bottom third and don't get much higher than 20ish mils of up travel, you should be ok.

The fish bowl I noticed on both the NX8 2.5-20 and 1-8.

I did hear that they fixed coating on their lenses recently so I would just check the manufacture date.
 
#35
carbonbased said:
I think people are given you some decent feedback. Notice that in your first statement on the scope you didn’t say that recent copies of the scope seem to be very good. Again, the NX8 line demands a nuanced assessment. It’s not black or white.

Personally, if I were you, I’d stay out of other-than-Burris brand’s scope analysis. I mean, if I had a Tasco logo as my avatar…or Tangent Theta…whatever…I think people would give me endless shit almost regardless of how well-founded my opinions were about a different brand’s scope.

It doesn’t help the rep of any person on a forum if they reflexively comment on-every-single-thread about whatever the topic. Even if you provide good analysis you eventually start looking like this guy to the regulars. It’s unavoidable.

View attachment 8369482

As it stands, you’d have to go way way over and beyond to appear neutral. You’ve got to see how your current approach looks and I’m telling ya it damages the brand you adore.

But, of course, do as you see fit.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the well-intentioned feedback brother. But I'm on Burris' shooting team, I'm not a representive of them on this board. I don't work for them.

As such, I have an opinion. It's not nearly as biased as folks would insinuate. I'm perfectly capable of giving honest feedback just like everyone else. Everyone has brand bias to greater or lesser degrees. And I'm quite certain I have the experience and exposure to offer fair and realistic feedback.

I would argue I'm exercising far less bias on this thread than the people who are accusing me of mistreating the NX8. I'm not saying anything different than many multitudes of posters have said over the years. Many with far greater impact than myself. I suspect the people cruising this thread without bias or skin in the game can see that for themselves.
 
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#36
Birddog6424 said:
I appreciate the well-intentioned feedback brother. But I'm on Burris' shooting team, I'm not a representive of them on this board. I don't work for them.
Click to expand...
I guess that’s a subtly that 98% of us are gonna either miss or discount. Meaning most will either not dig for that info or equate birddog6424 to Burris, regardless.

But hey, I appreciate the polite discourse. If you proceed upon the same course, I would go out of your way to not only be balanced in your scope analysis, but to also appear equanimous and gracious. They don’t always go together with some people…some can be technically balanced on the facts but come across like an abrasive jerk (not saying you are…I think people might know someone like that who might be banned right now).

Onward towards our eventual deaths!

Lol I can be such a downer.
 
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