I did noticetoday at 2.5x it was parallax free for the most part, is that normal when magnification goes that low?
Rifle Scopes Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 - Initial Thoughts
- Thread starter Glassaholic
- Start date
Excellent review! Thanks for taking the time to share. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on using it as a RF scope.
I just did an in store comparison of the NX8, Razor Gen II, Razor AMG and Leupold MK5. I did notice that the NX8 was more difficult to get behind correctly and dial in and that the NF was much brighter (almost whiteout at times) than the others but didnt really see a HUGE differentiator between them. I've been combing this forum for the last month to get an idea for a buy once cry once optic to go on a new LMT MWS in 6.5CM and decided to go along with what seemed to be the consensus, the Minox ZP5 sight unseen. Bought my Mauser today and will order the Minox as soon as it gets here. You guys seem to really know your shit, a lot more knowledge here than AR15 and some others....so I'm counting on ya.
As usual, it comes down to what a person intends to do with the scope, what rifle he is going to use it with, and how much he wants to spend on the scope. For me, the NX8 2.5-20 is a "great" scope because it was the one that best "checked off the boxes" on my list of what I wanted and how much I wanted to spend. I think we all enjoy the quest for the "best of the best of the best" and until the next "best" comes alone...this is the scope for me. I paid $1755 for it, I could have paid a lot more for a scope but for me, it was not needed/necessary.
That's kind of how i've seen the scope as well. I set up a spreadsheet similar to WJM (only using manufacturer advertised specs), did points per window value of each category, and it came out on top. Obviously that leaves out a lot of things like actual IQ, all the other categories of glass qualities the WJM goes into, and actual tactile use of and getting behind the scope. But purely on manufacturer advertised features/specs it came out on top.
I got to handle and play with an NX-8 the other day. Turrets felt "pretty good". Not as crisp as a ATACR but close. Definitely better than the SHV. Time will tell if they hold up and track true. The Ocular housing stays in place when you change magnification. It has the Digi-lum illumination which is nice. The glass didn't seem quite as nice as the ATACR and time will tell what others think after using it under various conditions. The field of view collapses a little when magnification is at the lowest settings. All-in-all a nice product.
thank you for the great review and perspective. Curious though where did you see the NX8 only offers a 3 year warranty on electronics? I cant find a manual but the nx8 1-8 only discusses lifetime warranty, which is what I thought NF standard was. I just started looking into this optic, so may have missed it, thanks again!
I grabbed warranty information from Cal's article here - https://precisionrifleblog.com/2014/08/07/tactical-scopes-where-theyre-made-and-warranty/
I would recommend calling Nightforce directly and asking as manufacturer's sometimes change the terms of their warranties
Here's a screenshot of a manual from NF's site. I'm sure you could call them to discuss, also:
The NF warranty has been this way for years. I have an NXS owner's manual from 2010 that says the same thing.
To be clear: I have seen one NX8 2.5-20x50 and my impressions are based on that sample of one. I'll see if I can get my hands on a couple more if the opportunity presents itself.
ILya
What curious minds (well... maybe just mine) want to know is how the S&B ultra shorts stack up against the new comers?
Center sharpness of the NX8 2.5-20 is surprisingly good, it's the rest of the image outside the center that doesn't compare. Also, the NX8 controls CA very well, dare I say even better than Schmidt in certain situations, but that is where the similarities end. The Schmidt's are going to have much better edge to edge sharpness, better turrets, better DOF and parallax.
Thank you for the review Bill. I enjoy your approach to sharing information regarding the NX8 and other optics.
I went to Mile High for a visit and after comparing the MX8 to a few other scopes I bought the 4-32x50. I haven't had any problems. Tracks perfect and I don't have the blurred edges. as stated in the original post, eye relief at different Magnification can be tricky.
From the small number of samples I have seen the 4-32x50 looks a fair bit better than the 2.5-20x50.
It would be very interesting to see how the 2.5-20x50 performs with an aperture reducer. I have gnawing suspicion it would clean things up a fair bit and this could have been an even lighter and more user friendly 2.5-20x42.
ILya
This seems to be a common trend - the 4-32 outperforming the 2.5-20, it’s too bad because the 4-32 range does not have much appeal for me. I would have gladly accepted the 2.5-20 if they made it longer or as ILya mentions, reduced the objective. There is a relationship between objective size, length of scope and magnification and it sounds like the 4-32 slips in but the 2.5-20 was just too much to overcome.
A 2.5-20x42 would be very cool or even a 3-18x42, like a lower priced ATACR 4-16x42.
Or even a higher priced ATACR if the optical quality lived up to the price and offered a greater mag range than 4-16.
@wjm308
Great write up thank you. I learned more from this post and the one comparing it to the XTR iii as well as the content Ilya has posted than everything else on the net combined.
Did you ever get to take it out into the field?
How do you think the NX8 would perform as a hunting optic that spends most of it's time in the 2.5-10x mag ranges but will be used at 20x at the range plinking or otherwise have the luxury of a good shooting position?
From everything I have read the MK5 would fill this role a little bit better optically but I'm really not a fan of the reticle options and if the NX8 is perfectly usable in this role would much rather prefer it based on that.
Great write up thank you. I learned more from this post and the one comparing it to the XTR iii as well as the content Ilya has posted than everything else on the net combined.
Did you ever get to take it out into the field?
How do you think the NX8 would perform as a hunting optic that spends most of it's time in the 2.5-10x mag ranges but will be used at 20x at the range plinking or otherwise have the luxury of a good shooting position?
From everything I have read the MK5 would fill this role a little bit better optically but I'm really not a fan of the reticle options and if the NX8 is perfectly usable in this role would much rather prefer it based on that.
How it will perform for you is kinda personal. I did not like the 2.5-20x50 NX8, but a bunch of other people clearly did and do, so it works for them.
The way you describe your usage is the way I use my March 3-24x52, but it is a lot more money. If you are looking for a 2.5-20x50 the options are scarce and if weight is a consideration, they are even more scarce.
Personally, if I were looking for a Nightforce scope for crossover use, I would be looking at ATACR 4-16x42. I think that is an excellent design and you have more or less the same reticle options. It is a couple of ounces heavier, and has less of a magnification range, but it is really nicely optimized.
If you are open to other options, look at some 3-18x scopes out there. Trijicon just announced their Tenmile product line which has a 3-18x44 FFP scope in there. Based on the specs, it looks like a re-incarnation of 1st Gen Sig Tango6 with updated reticle, reticle illumination and turrets (still 8 mrad per turn though). It also seems to have gone on a diet since the Trijicon version is a little lighter, but it might be a mistake in the specs. I really liked that scope in its Sig guise and I am really happy to see it come back with a better reticle.
For a little less money, Brownells MPO 3-18x50 is very good as well.
ILya
RTV, thank you for your kind words.
I did get a chance to take it into the field on both my custom 10/22 and on my 7mm SAUM rig, what bothered me most in the field was the finicky eyebox and lack of DOF, I know I am spoiled by better glass, but even the March 3-24x52 performs better in this arena. That being said, I think what you mention for your use would be acceptable with this scope, as you drop down in mag the distortion does tend to drop away, it is still there, but many shooters are enjoying this scope so I might be inclined to say give it a shot. These scopes tend to have great resale value, so if you just hate it you can sell it and not lose much.
I am going to look at the XTR3 when the illuminated version is here. If the illumination is done well, it will likely be one of the better options for a crossover scope.
ILya
The Burris could be a good option when the illumination comes out and if it is done right. I am withholding judgement on it until then.
When is the 3-18 burris due? What was the weight target as well?
My 7 Sherman Short is done but i'm contemplating a 30 Sherman (300 PRC improved) and still want to keep it moderately light weight (foundation revelation, Proof sendero, sub 30oz optic). So i'm looking again. I would like to read a well detailed review of the 4-32x50 NX8 curious about the drawbacks of it versus the 2.5-20x50. If it alleviates most of the issues of the 2.5-20x50 that would work, though i don't necessarily need all that magnification.
Then again on the other hand i've love my AMG and am not sure it would be worth going any other route. Same weight, locking turrets, great reticle, great glass, and phenomenal low light performance. Though part me of me wants the 5-25 MK5 just for the elevation. I would want to really stretch a 225gr ELD-M at 2900 out quite a ways. If Leupold announced a decent reticle at SHOT this year it would be a non issue.
My 7 Sherman Short is done but i'm contemplating a 30 Sherman (300 PRC improved) and still want to keep it moderately light weight (foundation revelation, Proof sendero, sub 30oz optic). So i'm looking again. I would like to read a well detailed review of the 4-32x50 NX8 curious about the drawbacks of it versus the 2.5-20x50. If it alleviates most of the issues of the 2.5-20x50 that would work, though i don't necessarily need all that magnification.
Then again on the other hand i've love my AMG and am not sure it would be worth going any other route. Same weight, locking turrets, great reticle, great glass, and phenomenal low light performance. Though part me of me wants the 5-25 MK5 just for the elevation. I would want to really stretch a 225gr ELD-M at 2900 out quite a ways. If Leupold announced a decent reticle at SHOT this year it would be a non issue.
If they announce a reticle similar to MR4, Gen III XR, SKMR3, MPCT2 I think hell would get a little chilly. Leupold doesn’t seem to understand the market with regard to reticle design and illumination.
No kidding. I would be shocked if they did but maybe just maybe they'll listen? CCH honestly sucks IMHO it's just a slightly different take on a horus design with the exception that they somehow made it more cluttered.
So it doesn't infringe on Horus? That'd be my guess idk i just don't get why they can't come out with a tree reticle. Hell license the EBR7C from Vortex the Mark 5 would sell sooooo much better if it had a quality reticle to choose from.
I completely agree, although I do like the TMR for a cross over hunting reticle. I'd likely have bought a 3.6-18 with the TMR but I don't like how narrow the FOV is compared to the Mark 6 and VX5/6.
That's another large trade of the MK5s and has been lingering on me. I'll probably end up between the NX8 and another AMG for this next build. Likely stick with the AMG. That scope is just hard to beat for what it is.
How do you think the SCR2 reticle does in cross over usage?
The subtensions show that the lines are very thin, but rather than dot there are crosses which sort of makes them appear bigger, am I right?
I'm thinking of buying a 3.3-18 to replace my 3-15 PST with the EBR 7c reticle, but I'm worried the SCR2 would be even thinner than the 7c which I struggle with being too thin.
I personally think the SCR2 reticle is too thin for crossover use, it is in fact one of the thinnest reticles I've seen and that's why for me personally I would choose to get illumination, I think a lot of competitors will like it, but for me I prefer a thicker reticle, heck I even thought the SCR reticle in my XTR II 4-20's was "too thin" but at least those scopes had illumination. In this regard, I think the Mil-C and Mil-XT reticles are much better and wish Burris would have followed suit with their SCR2 and made it a little thicker instead of a littler thinner than the SCR.
Nightforce - NX8 - 2.5-20x50mm F1 Mil-C are finally in stock again! 
https://www.cstactical.com/nx8-2-5-20x50mm-f1-zerostop
https://www.cstactical.com/nx8-2-5-20x50mm-f1-zerostop
I would rely on your experience on hunting much more than mine birddog, I was a SFP hunter until a few years after my first kid was born and then I took a break until a few years ago (and while I've put in many hours and days into the sport, the elk always seem to elude me), and getting back into it I've committed myself to using FFP scopes in this (and all) environments because I believe it to be a superior tool even with its low magnification drawbacks. My desire for illumination may have a mental impact more than a reality, but it also might be because of my eyes, last year I was diagnosed with presbyopia and while I still have 20/15 vision, I do have a prescription to read and for night so those situations may be messing with my brains interpretation of what I see. When I owned acreage I did a lot of low light testing and there were many reticles that would "get lost" when scanning through the thick stuff, but a flick of the illumination and it made picking up the reticle that much easier. The times where I've needed illumination in the field are few and far between, but to need it and not have it always lingers in the back of my head.
I have enjoyed the read. In thinking of other options, I haven't seen the bushnell DMR2pro 3.2-21x50 mentioned, is that due to it being almost 20% heavier?
Bushnell’s elite tactical line are solid scopes. A couple things about the DMR II Pro, yes they are heavier and they do not offer illumination as well as narrow FOV. but with some of the crazy deals you can get them for these days they offer a lot for the money if you like the reticles.
Not to get too in-depth (or at all), but my 4-32 will be residing on my grendel or ar10 soon enough. Unfortunately, it just isn’t what I had hoped it to be for a bolt gun. I feel it performs best in the 6-20x range. I know many will disagree, but I am not a fan of temperamental equipment or issues with tight eye boxes, as some like to call them. I only have one good eye which makes me a bit more critical of idiosyncrasies.
I really do applaud NF for an 8x optic, but a 6x would have been great and far more worth it if it the shortcomings could have been overcome.
Seems like an 8x system in a compact package isn’t yet ready for prime time.
Now about that 10x, I’m looking at you Vortex. ?
I really do applaud NF for an 8x optic, but a 6x would have been great and far more worth it if it the shortcomings could have been overcome.
Seems like an 8x system in a compact package isn’t yet ready for prime time.
Now about that 10x, I’m looking at you Vortex. ?
Agreed... my hope is that nightforce released the NX8s because they were easier to make a finished product for and gave them the opportunity to gather customer feedback while working on a similar 8x lineup for the ATACR at a higher price point obviously... even if the new ones gained a few inches/pounds it would be a VERY good offer.
My heart was broken this year at SHOT
... maybe next year LOL.
The vortex could very easily be my go to hunting/AR optic if it is done right. Again here is to hoping. So at least we got one more candidate for what I am looking for lol
I am not a fan boy, but I know what I like. That being said, I have a few NF, several Leupold and Minox for hunting only, 1 SBPM2 and a stable of Gen 2 Razors. At the price point we are discussing, it truly is just personal preference. I like what works best for me. The G2 razors just happen to be it. Can’t wait to see what 2020 brings from Vortex.
That’s all.
A friend has had an NX8 2.5-20 MIL-XT on pre-order for awhile now... just shipped this past week. So they are trickling out slowly starting now.
The weight is without caps, when I got the NX8 2.5-20 I put it on the scale and it came in very close, close enough it wasn't worth writing about. Unlike Bushnell ET 3.5-21 which has always come in heavier than their specs list.
Thanks for the reply. Just ordered one in place of a march 3-24x52 for a sherman hunting rifle
