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Rifle Scopes New high power Nightforce NX8?
- Thread starter acg
- Start date
Is it just me that the proportion of the 2.5-20 looks kinda weird?
Perceived brightness is a combination of exit pupil and light transmission.
The tube only needs to be bigger than exit pupil to allow for maximum brightness. Human eye can only utilize roughly 7mm of exit pupil so 30mm>7mm=no effect.
Despite internet or marketing buzz words the objective doesn't "grab" "pull" or "bring" light anywhere. It simply allows light to pass through. Objective size directly impacts exit pupil determined by the formula objective/magnification=exit pupil.
None of the above effect light transmission though.
Things can get deep into the technical weeds here, but as I understand it in general the biggest factors in light transmission are:
1) Amount of light absorbed by each lens
2) Amount of light reflected off each lens
3) Reflections(unwanted) off the tube
The NightForce website had a great article on this topic once upon a time, but I just looked and could not find it...
The tube only needs to be bigger than exit pupil to allow for maximum brightness. Human eye can only utilize roughly 7mm of exit pupil so 30mm>7mm=no effect.
Despite internet or marketing buzz words the objective doesn't "grab" "pull" or "bring" light anywhere. It simply allows light to pass through. Objective size directly impacts exit pupil determined by the formula objective/magnification=exit pupil.
None of the above effect light transmission though.
Things can get deep into the technical weeds here, but as I understand it in general the biggest factors in light transmission are:
1) Amount of light absorbed by each lens
2) Amount of light reflected off each lens
3) Reflections(unwanted) off the tube
The NightForce website had a great article on this topic once upon a time, but I just looked and could not find it...
Its a shorty with a 50mm objective... they all look "kinda weird"
As a scope really should in that price range.
Exactly what I thought when I saw it.
Well, I will know VERY SOON. Initial impressions should be up Wednesday night/Thursday. ? Fingers crossed.
I was just at @BrotherhoodArms over lunch and got a good look at them. For their size and weight they're going to be a winner. "Eyeboxes" are perfectly useable up to max mag on both models. Reticle is not overly useable under 6x but who cares.
Turrets are as good as you can expect. Just the right size. Non-rotating eyepiece with throw lever works nicely. Still not a fan of digillum. I'd much prefer a dmr2/g2rzr style illum. (Like on the 1-8 nx8!?!?)
Glass is great. Better than my DMR2. Hot day here with lots of mirage and it seemed to do just fine when held by hand looking over a hot highway.
They'll sell a pile of these especially when the XT comes out.
Turrets are as good as you can expect. Just the right size. Non-rotating eyepiece with throw lever works nicely. Still not a fan of digillum. I'd much prefer a dmr2/g2rzr style illum. (Like on the 1-8 nx8!?!?)
Glass is great. Better than my DMR2. Hot day here with lots of mirage and it seemed to do just fine when held by hand looking over a hot highway.
They'll sell a pile of these especially when the XT comes out.
I will be heading into work early today, as my scope arrived!!!!! Woooo-Hoooo!!
Literally been waiting since SHOT Show for these bad boys.
Initial impressions: eye box seems really good. Surprisingly so for an 8X erector. Glass is too subjective to even worry about. It’s NF HD glass, you can figure it’s good. The turrets are typical NF.
We shall see at about 1300 PST.
Now.....what to put it on....????
Likely my KAC LPR.
Ok, I got the scope leveled up and mounted on a rifle. I was originally going to put it on my KAC LPR, but I decided to put it on a gun in a caliber that I was more able to stretch the scope out and really use it. I built a 6.5CM gas gun several months back. I built it as a proof of concept to see if I could build a sub moa 6.5 semi-auto for under $1500. The gun has been a super neat build. It is an Aero Precision upper/lower. The 18" barrel is a Ballistic Advantage, with a rifle length gas system, and a Superlative Arms gas block to keep the gasses down. The rifle has consistently shot sub moa. It handles the Hornady American Gunner 140gr surprisingly well. Once I got the scope leveled and zeroed in it's Geissele Super Precision mount, it was time to stretch it out. It was super windy here today, so at 300 yds, I was using .8 mils to hit a USPSA steel target. At 750 yds I was at 5 mils elevation, and 1.8 mils of wind. I dialed and held from 100 to 225 to 315 to 750. Everything so far is coming up solid. The eye box that everyone was so concerned about seems like a non issue. it isn't titanic big, but it absolutely is not what I would consider finicky or tight.
The other issue that I have heard people are concerned about is how the reticle looks at low power. I can say that at power below about 6, it looks like a basic crosshair reticle. you cannot really discern the lines/notches between the numbers. BUT.....in my opinion, if you are shooting at 2.5-6X, you aren't likely dialing hard and holding small lines. You can absolutely use the crosshairs and make hits. At about 8x, the reticle starts to be usable for seeing the numbers. By 10x, you have a very nice, usable reticle. Again, if you're shooting at 3x, you're likely close, and shooting fast. I fired up the illumination to see how it did. It is pretty bright. Not Aimpoint bright, but in lower light, or shadows, it is usable. I really like the green light. Very easy on the eyes.
I only had about an hour and a half to shoot today, so I did not get around to a tall target test, or a box test to check tracking. I do not have any reason to think the scope won't track, but I will test it next time around.
That's all I have for now. I can say I am very satisfied with the scope for now. I love how it looks on a semi-auto. I can absolutely see this scope and I spending many quality hours together.
Literally been waiting since SHOT Show for these bad boys.
Initial impressions: eye box seems really good. Surprisingly so for an 8X erector. Glass is too subjective to even worry about. It’s NF HD glass, you can figure it’s good. The turrets are typical NF.
We shall see at about 1300 PST.
Now.....what to put it on....????
Likely my KAC LPR.
Ok, I got the scope leveled up and mounted on a rifle. I was originally going to put it on my KAC LPR, but I decided to put it on a gun in a caliber that I was more able to stretch the scope out and really use it. I built a 6.5CM gas gun several months back. I built it as a proof of concept to see if I could build a sub moa 6.5 semi-auto for under $1500. The gun has been a super neat build. It is an Aero Precision upper/lower. The 18" barrel is a Ballistic Advantage, with a rifle length gas system, and a Superlative Arms gas block to keep the gasses down. The rifle has consistently shot sub moa. It handles the Hornady American Gunner 140gr surprisingly well. Once I got the scope leveled and zeroed in it's Geissele Super Precision mount, it was time to stretch it out. It was super windy here today, so at 300 yds, I was using .8 mils to hit a USPSA steel target. At 750 yds I was at 5 mils elevation, and 1.8 mils of wind. I dialed and held from 100 to 225 to 315 to 750. Everything so far is coming up solid. The eye box that everyone was so concerned about seems like a non issue. it isn't titanic big, but it absolutely is not what I would consider finicky or tight.
The other issue that I have heard people are concerned about is how the reticle looks at low power. I can say that at power below about 6, it looks like a basic crosshair reticle. you cannot really discern the lines/notches between the numbers. BUT.....in my opinion, if you are shooting at 2.5-6X, you aren't likely dialing hard and holding small lines. You can absolutely use the crosshairs and make hits. At about 8x, the reticle starts to be usable for seeing the numbers. By 10x, you have a very nice, usable reticle. Again, if you're shooting at 3x, you're likely close, and shooting fast. I fired up the illumination to see how it did. It is pretty bright. Not Aimpoint bright, but in lower light, or shadows, it is usable. I really like the green light. Very easy on the eyes.
I only had about an hour and a half to shoot today, so I did not get around to a tall target test, or a box test to check tracking. I do not have any reason to think the scope won't track, but I will test it next time around.
That's all I have for now. I can say I am very satisfied with the scope for now. I love how it looks on a semi-auto. I can absolutely see this scope and I spending many quality hours together.
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Great review, and awesome looking rifle!
My only criticism of the scope is the front half looks funny, think it'd look right if it were a small objective lens and a bit longer, like the front half of the 4-16x42 ATACR.
Total non issue I know.....
On paper the 2.5-20 is the perfect do it all scope. My only concern is front ring clearance. anyone know of it will fit in a spuhr?
Hahahaha, saw that. Already fixed it today. Scope is now on my KAC LPR, where it will likely stay. Looks SUPER good on the KAC. Talk about an awesome SPR/ DMR scope. I love that I can now really stretch out the 18" barrel of my LPR.
Ok, so when I took the scope out today, I also took out my GAP-10 with my 5-25 ATACR. I set my 5-25 on 20X, and did an absolute side by side comp. The 2.5-20 is very nice, very clear, and can certainly hold it's own by itself. However....it is not an ATACR. When absolutely side by side, the ATACR shows itself. The ATACR has more "pop", and is a bit cleaner overall. That is not to say the NX8 isn't nice....it is. Since I have both, I can be totally honest in my comparison. If you don't look through the ATACR, the glass in the NX8 is going to seem very good. It's only in a true side by side test that a difference can be seen. I believe the cost on the NX8 is about $1900, the ATACR is around $2500. That $600 does show. Whether it shows enough to justify the cost is an individual decision. For a 12" scope that weighs 28 ounces, with such a usable power band.....I am really happy with the purchase. I think for any semi auto, the NX8 2.5-20 is going to be the heat!
What's your definition of sturdy and what makes you think the mk5 has more of that sturdy feel?
Short is a good thing when trying to mount things in front of the scope with limited rail space
Mine came today and just looking through the tube I will venture to say Nf has anther winner! Glass “appears” better then original NXS line up and the illumireticle is the best I have seen on any scope including other NF....,
I just got my 4-32 mounted up last night , initial impressions are great ! I forgot how close you could tune out the parallax. I had it down to 20 yards @32x parallax free and surprisingly clear. I did notice at 32 the eye box did seem a little tight but not horrible by any means. I plan on shooting this weekend and will have out an NXS , Mark 5 and the NX8. I’m interested to see how they compare .
Right on! I am very interested in the 4-32 and would very much like to hear how they perform. My interest in these lies in the realm of the same reasons and intended purpose you have one, I believe?
Strictly hunting for me and will live on my 28 Nosler. The nx8 will be replacing a VX6 4-24 that was on it that tracked rich.
As I suspected then. Mine are pretty much setup and built for hunting also. Hope the NX8 is everything it's supposed to be, if so I'll probably end up picking one up.
In a different league really . The VX6 is a couple ounces lighter but that’s about the only pro I can see. I haven’t had time to really compare glass between the two but the NX8 has better illumination , better parallax , better mag range , and more than likely tracks better. And of course the VX6 is SFP only. I think the mark 5 vs NX8 would be a better comparison...
You're right, the mk5 would be better. I'm not opposed to SFP hunting scopes, and I'd be interested in an nx8 sfp if that ever happens.
Man, that is a great question, I took some time to think it over.
I have certainly taken 1000yd shots with my 4-16. I used my 4-16 on this exact LPR during the match that Jack Leuba and Ash Hess from Knight’s Armament put on at The Arena in Georgia in March. I was regularly engaging out to 700, and there was one bonus/tie breaker stage out to 1160yds.
I hit 3/10 on it using Black Hills MK262.
Not many hits, but come on....it’s a 5.56. ? Point is, the 4-16 is plenty of scope.
To your question: on a gasser, I think the NX8 would get the nod, on a bolt gun, likely I’d run the ATACR.
The combo of the 12” length, and the 30mm main tube makes the NX8 perfect on a MK12 style/DMR gun.
The ATACR is a bad ass scope, and in some ways still a favorite. It’s like the G19. Great at everything, best at nothing, but its so good you don’t care.
For what I’m doing, the NX8 won’t leave my LPR much.
@NVScout Im very interested in a
MK5HD vs. NX8 comparison. I’m purchasing one or the other as my next mid tier scope
MK5HD vs. NX8 comparison. I’m purchasing one or the other as my next mid tier scope
Really looking forward to more reviews of these scopes. So happy this design doesn't have the ocular housing wobbling about as the magnification ring turns.
I’m running NXS 2.5-10x 42 on my LPR. Makes me wonder if I should “upgrade”
I just brought a MR762, just brought a MK5, just brought a Sphur Mount....if I’m keep going like this, I’ll be single pretty soon...
According to numbers I have from NF spec and measuring a spuhr we have 25thou to play with...
I just confirmed that a spuhr will fit on the front tube of the 2.5-20 (at least the one I just checked did ) - just enough clearance to fit comfortably - SPUHR OPTIONS
What do you mean - that was the original switchview/throw lever before it was even cool...could just grab a fist-full of ocular and turn it...gross motor skills
Here's a first look at mine next to a few other scopes (NX8, ATACR, LRHS, AMG). I sold a March that I wish I still had for comparisons.
My first impressions thus far before mounting are mostly positive. Power ring and parallax both turn easy and smooth. Turrets feel nice. It's a Nightforce. I still remember the first one I had and being in awe how my bullet actually moved exactly how I dialed it. I love that the ocular doesn't rotate with the power ring like the ATACR, it's really annoying with caps on.
The finish is different than the ATACR. The ATACR has more of smooth/shine finish where the NX8 is more rough/dull. Just a personally preference I like better on the ATACR. I'm not sure why they changed the reticle up, but I wish they hadn't. I'm running MOAR on both it and the ATACR. The NX8 runs 40 moa left and right compared to the 20 moa on the ATACR. That I am fine with; however, concerning elevation it continues to give readings well past 100 moa on the bottom. The problem is that you aren't really able to start making out those numbers until 6-8x. I would have much preferred it to read out to only 50-60 moa at most, thus making the reticle more hunter friendly at low mag IMO.
My last gripe is the awkward look with the dials being pushed towards the objective lens. Trying to mount it up on a few of my rifles has shown that not only does it look off, but I also need different ring heights on some.
Now I know some of this may have come across as being a Debbie downer. Outside of those gripes you can see the comparison footprint wise with the other scopes. It's an awesome scope! Optically it seems impressive. Take that with a grain of salt as I've not been outside with it yet. It is the only scope that's able to focus down to the distance in my house. I don't see any issues eye box wise. It's been smooth from bottom to top.
All in all I was trying to keep my hopes low, but I was still pretty excited. I have no doubt this will be a great scope after my initial hands on impression. The reticle and turret locations are the only things that are really keeping my excitement from soaring right now.
Edit to add:
Took it out and shot it on my 7mm-08. Tracks well, zero stop works great. Glass has a distortion ring (lack of better terminology, CA maybe?) around the edges in the mid range section that gets better or worse depending on eye alignment. Never seen anything like it before. The PTL and bolt handle clash on max power.
I'm not gonna lie, I'm a NF fanboy so I'm going to hold my tongue some until more users get their hands on it. But......
My first impressions thus far before mounting are mostly positive. Power ring and parallax both turn easy and smooth. Turrets feel nice. It's a Nightforce. I still remember the first one I had and being in awe how my bullet actually moved exactly how I dialed it. I love that the ocular doesn't rotate with the power ring like the ATACR, it's really annoying with caps on.
The finish is different than the ATACR. The ATACR has more of smooth/shine finish where the NX8 is more rough/dull. Just a personally preference I like better on the ATACR. I'm not sure why they changed the reticle up, but I wish they hadn't. I'm running MOAR on both it and the ATACR. The NX8 runs 40 moa left and right compared to the 20 moa on the ATACR. That I am fine with; however, concerning elevation it continues to give readings well past 100 moa on the bottom. The problem is that you aren't really able to start making out those numbers until 6-8x. I would have much preferred it to read out to only 50-60 moa at most, thus making the reticle more hunter friendly at low mag IMO.
My last gripe is the awkward look with the dials being pushed towards the objective lens. Trying to mount it up on a few of my rifles has shown that not only does it look off, but I also need different ring heights on some.
Now I know some of this may have come across as being a Debbie downer. Outside of those gripes you can see the comparison footprint wise with the other scopes. It's an awesome scope! Optically it seems impressive. Take that with a grain of salt as I've not been outside with it yet. It is the only scope that's able to focus down to the distance in my house. I don't see any issues eye box wise. It's been smooth from bottom to top.
All in all I was trying to keep my hopes low, but I was still pretty excited. I have no doubt this will be a great scope after my initial hands on impression. The reticle and turret locations are the only things that are really keeping my excitement from soaring right now.
Edit to add:
Took it out and shot it on my 7mm-08. Tracks well, zero stop works great. Glass has a distortion ring (lack of better terminology, CA maybe?) around the edges in the mid range section that gets better or worse depending on eye alignment. Never seen anything like it before. The PTL and bolt handle clash on max power.
I'm not gonna lie, I'm a NF fanboy so I'm going to hold my tongue some until more users get their hands on it. But......
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Not sure how I can explain it, but the image would wobble around as you increase/decrease magnification, wrecking the parallax alignment. I'm a NF fan but that "feature" has to go before I'll buy another one. Maybe the NX8 is it.What do you mean - that was the original switchview/throw lever before it was even cool...could just grab a fist-full of ocular and turn it...gross motor skills
I mounted my NF 2.5x20 on a Desert Tech Covert yesterday after running a dial check using SAC’s new scope rail and am impressed. NF has a true winner on it hands. Technology has allowed them to build a 12” scope that works! I compared the glass to a NF 15x on my IBA-XM and the glass is definitely an upgrade. For approx. 2k I would recommend it to anyone without hesitation...I will say it is the first scope I’ve owned that had little rail space to play with on the front ring between ocular and elevation turret but has no affect on mounting...
Out of the people who have a 2.5-20 can you please post up a picture of the reticle at 2.5 and 4x, I'm interested in getting one for a hunting rifle but was concerned about how visible the reticle is at low power since I typically shoot in low light conditions first thing in the morning.
I can try but. I don’t have the photo equipment to take the picture. I am sure NF or some source shows pictures at low and high. I can tell you it will not be a problem. Of all the NF scopes I own, at least a dozen) this has the sharpest illuminated reticle of any of their previous models...you can switch from red to green from barely visible to bright with one touch of the middle of the focus knob. It’s not like the olderNF models where you have to preset your illumination setting....hope that helps.//
I also lack any photo ability, HOWEVER, I would not hesitate to say at 4X and 6X, the reticle will be plenty useful as a normal duplex reticle. You will see the vertical and horizontal lines just fine.
You won’t see the numbers, or the mil lines individually, you’ll see it as a line.
I love the illumination on this scope. It is some of the best illum I’ve seen on a “full size” scope. Darn near daylight bright. Most definitely dawn and dust usable.
You won’t see the numbers, or the mil lines individually, you’ll see it as a line.
I love the illumination on this scope. It is some of the best illum I’ve seen on a “full size” scope. Darn near daylight bright. Most definitely dawn and dust usable.
Usually, yes we can find images online provided by the manufacturer but they only display the reticle on a white background. They are not through the actual scope looking downrange at something.
I am also considering the 2.5 version for hunting so I'm hoping some of the guys with the scope can provide through the scope pics on low power either with illum on or off or both.
Thank you for the update, that helps make the decision easier as I was concerned about being able to see it even with the illumination.
As for the picture I typically just use my phone and move it around until I get it to line up correctly. It seems to work well enough for a quick picture.
