Rifle Scopes NF Digilum Question ATACR vs NX8

[jackal2001]

I recently picked up an ATACR 4x16x42 and my buddy picked up a NX8 4x32x50. Both are Mil-c.
We were having discussions about the NXS and I said the Digilum isn't the same as what was used back in the day on the NXS.
We proceed to talk about the new Digilum on our new NFs and I said in daylight on my ATACR, the GREEN is completely invisible. The RED is barely visible on the highest setting.
He proceeds to tell me that on his NX8 he can plainy see both GREEN and RED without issue in bright sunlight.
So my question is, is there something wrong with my ATACR? I think I would only be able to use the illumination at dusk or near dark conditions. On the other hand he is telling me he can use his in the daytime.
I haven't had a chance to look and compare the two as he isn't that close to me.
I didn't think the Digilum is supposed to be used in the daytime, but he is telling me his is very bright.
Thoughts???

 

[TangoSierra916]

Ive seen the NX8 have brighter illum than the ATACR series as well, I wouldn't call it in issue as much as the design. Not sure if something changed in the build of the illum, but Ive seen first hand and had others confirm what you're seeing as well.

 

[jackal2001]

Ive seen the NX8 have brighter illum than the ATACR series as well, I wouldn't call it in issue as much as the design. Not sure if something changed in the build of the illum, but Ive seen first hand and had others confirm what you're seeing as well.

Thanks. I may call NF Monday to see what they have to say also.

 

[CaptArab]

You should do a writeup comparing these two as they can both be had ~$1800 on the px.

I love my 2 baby atacrs, but am tempted to snag the nx8 for a rimfire comp gun.

Ironically, I love how good my 4-16 is on 4x for hunting, etc, but like you often have to shut the front flip cap to see if the illum is on/off.

 

[jackal2001]

You should do a writeup comparing these two as they can both be had ~$1800 on the px.

I love my 2 baby atacrs, but am tempted to snag the nx8 for a rimfire comp gun.

Ironically, I love how good my 4-16 is _on 4x_ for hunting, etc, but like you often have to shut the front flip cap to see if the illum is on/off.

I don't know if I'll have the chance to get both in hand to compare any time soon.
I think I read on some online reviews that people would complain about how bright the illumination was and would bloom out so far over the reticle that it would be an issue. Maybe since the ATACR 4x16x42 was designed for a more specific role, that is just the way they made it. I think it was on their website "designed for specific role".

 

[CaptArab]

Oh, I'm not really concerned about comparing the illumination specifically- just general thoughts contrasting the two.

They're both the upper end of my budget and kinda limit my optics to SWFA and NF for superstitious reason (fanboy maybe?).

I don't really care about the top end of the nx8 as much as how it stacks up to the Atacr on 4x and from 8x-13x.

My uneducated guess is that NF did their homework getting the aimpoint level daylight bright lit reticle down for the nx8 1-8, then transfered the tech over to the rest of the line.

That wasn't really the scene when the Atacr came out.

 

[jackal2001]

Oh, I'm not really concerned about comparing the illumination specifically- just general thoughts contrasting the two.

They're both the upper end of my budget and kinda limit my optics to SWFA and NF for superstitious reason (fanboy maybe?).

I don't really care about the top end of the nx8 as much as how it stacks up to the Atacr on 4x and from 8x-13x.

My uneducated guess is that NF did their homework getting the aimpoint level daylight bright lit reticle down for the nx8 1-8, then transfered the tech over to the rest of the line.

That wasn't really the scene when the Atacr came out.

The only thing I can say about mine is they were out of stock everwhere. As soon as they came back in stock, I grabbed one. Since there is no build date I can only assume mine is a 2021 manufacture date.
No idea how old his NX8 would be.

 

[jackal2001]

I did call NF and my ATACR was shipped out of the factory in April 2021 so I would assume the battery is good in mine. He only said the circuit boards may be different between the ATACR and NX8 since the tubes are different sizes but the illumination isn't supposed to be daylight visible.

 

[Glassaholic]

I did call NF and my ATACR was shipped out of the factory in April 2021 so I would assume the battery is good in mine. He only said the circuit boards may be different between the ATACR and NX8 since the tubes are different sizes but the illumination isn't supposed to be daylight visible.

I have noticed that many scopes from LOW over past couple years seem to have very bright illumination.

 

[jackal2001]

I have noticed that many scopes from LOW over past couple years seem to have very bright illumination.

Huh? LOW?

 

[loveha]

Light Optical Works out of Japan. Highly regarded as an excellent scope manufacturing facility.

 

[Glassaholic]

Huh? LOW?

Nightforce OEM's a lot of scopes from LOW. So does Bushnell, so does Vortex, so does Sig, etc.

 

[jackal2001]

Tried a new battery. No difference.
I thought I read another post saying the only way they can tell if the Green was on was to close the scope cover. Mine is the same way. I'll try again at 9pm and check it out.
9pm is 20 minutes past sundown.At 9pm I was able to use green and red. Green on its lowest setting, I would consider barely above completely off, still unusable.
There is no way the NX8 is like this or my buddy would have been completely pissed, so I'm going to assume there is a big difference. Hopefully I will be able to compare them in the future.
Also just watched this video again and there is no way mine is this bright. On his lowest settings, the illumination is clearly visible, mine is near off.