Currently running a Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50mm on my 338 Lapua. I am in Afghanistan at the moment and just discovered that Night Force offers military discounts. So now I'm seriously thinking about upgrading to the NXS 3.5-15x56. Looking for anyone with experiences with both to give me some insight on your opinion of if its worth it. I know the word 'worth' can be very subjective but any ideas would be much appreciated.
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Rifle Scopes Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
- Thread starter Nysios
- Start date
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
I've got both the MK4's and NF. I like the NF better for a few reasons like better glass, spliting hairs here but its better and I like the robust feel of the NF, it just seems tougher and the turrets are better feeling. All that being said, the NF scopes are quite a bit larger than the MK4's but on a 338 Lapua that shouldn't be a problem. I run NF on my long range/nicer rifles and mk4 on a factory Rem .223 & .308 both with 20" barrels mainly to keep these as more compact packages and keep the cost down.
Its really hard to beat a NF, I ran some S&B's and got rid of them and went back to NF b/c I think they are a damn good piece of glass, the S&B's are damn nice too but I didn't see them doing anything for me that my NF couldn't however I'm just banging steel in daylight and some long range hunting.
I've got both the MK4's and NF. I like the NF better for a few reasons like better glass, spliting hairs here but its better and I like the robust feel of the NF, it just seems tougher and the turrets are better feeling. All that being said, the NF scopes are quite a bit larger than the MK4's but on a 338 Lapua that shouldn't be a problem. I run NF on my long range/nicer rifles and mk4 on a factory Rem .223 & .308 both with 20" barrels mainly to keep these as more compact packages and keep the cost down.
Its really hard to beat a NF, I ran some S&B's and got rid of them and went back to NF b/c I think they are a damn good piece of glass, the S&B's are damn nice too but I didn't see them doing anything for me that my NF couldn't however I'm just banging steel in daylight and some long range hunting.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
I love the NF brand. I used to run a Mk4 3.5-10x then switched to the NF 2.5-10x. After getting it, I became NF loyal and from there I've owned the NF 3.5-15, 5.5-22, and the 8-32x. Of all of them, I prefer the 5.5-22x. Gives you that extra magnification over the 15x that once you don't have it, you wish you did, and has a more reasonable low end magnification than the 8x. And I love the high speed turrets and their zero stop. Super easy to use. And NF is a great value. Sure people will say there is better glass on the market, but I just can't justify it to myself to pay 1.5-2 times the cost of a NF.
I will say that I have recently been intrigued by the Mark 6 and Mark 8 lines that Leupold has put out. Haven't tried them yet, but I'm seriously considering giving one a shot and see if Leupold can't win me over with one of their new offerings. We'll see.
I love the NF brand. I used to run a Mk4 3.5-10x then switched to the NF 2.5-10x. After getting it, I became NF loyal and from there I've owned the NF 3.5-15, 5.5-22, and the 8-32x. Of all of them, I prefer the 5.5-22x. Gives you that extra magnification over the 15x that once you don't have it, you wish you did, and has a more reasonable low end magnification than the 8x. And I love the high speed turrets and their zero stop. Super easy to use. And NF is a great value. Sure people will say there is better glass on the market, but I just can't justify it to myself to pay 1.5-2 times the cost of a NF.
I will say that I have recently been intrigued by the Mark 6 and Mark 8 lines that Leupold has put out. Haven't tried them yet, but I'm seriously considering giving one a shot and see if Leupold can't win me over with one of their new offerings. We'll see.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
My $00.02 ... started w/ Leupolds back when the company really stood behind its product. Vari-X III's quite a few of them and even had some of them modified by Premier back when they had a working relationship with Leupold. Still have 2 of those. Finally bought a Mk4 8.5-25x50 for the LR stuff but recently dumped it and bit the bullet for a NF 8-22x56 (Non -illum) and MOA ret. Again for the type of matches I shoot. Wish now I had done this years ago. Yes, NF is heavier but the glass is far superior. Still like the Leuppie's MTR (?) ret but I am learning the one I have w/ NF.
Just remember ... I am not shooting "tacti-cool" matches but the match HR has and F T/R class shooting. NONE of my scopes are illuminated but I am VERY satisfied with NF. Well worth the cost.
My $00.02 ... started w/ Leupolds back when the company really stood behind its product. Vari-X III's quite a few of them and even had some of them modified by Premier back when they had a working relationship with Leupold. Still have 2 of those. Finally bought a Mk4 8.5-25x50 for the LR stuff but recently dumped it and bit the bullet for a NF 8-22x56 (Non -illum) and MOA ret. Again for the type of matches I shoot. Wish now I had done this years ago. Yes, NF is heavier but the glass is far superior. Still like the Leuppie's MTR (?) ret but I am learning the one I have w/ NF.
Just remember ... I am not shooting "tacti-cool" matches but the match HR has and F T/R class shooting. NONE of my scopes are illuminated but I am VERY satisfied with NF. Well worth the cost.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
An NXS is a strong step up from the Mark 4 line in just about every aspect except for weight. The little weight penalty is more than offset with better construction and durability, better glass, reliable adjustments and general confidence in the product.
-Sean
An NXS is a strong step up from the Mark 4 line in just about every aspect except for weight. The little weight penalty is more than offset with better construction and durability, better glass, reliable adjustments and general confidence in the product.
-Sean
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
I was a big fan of Leupold Mark 4s. Then, I bought my first Nightforce NXS, and now I own a lot of those and not a single Mark 4.
If it's my dollar being spent, then I think the extra expense is worth the benefits.
I was a big fan of Leupold Mark 4s. Then, I bought my first Nightforce NXS, and now I own a lot of those and not a single Mark 4.
If it's my dollar being spent, then I think the extra expense is worth the benefits.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
Nysios, you might want a little more magnification with that 338,I think most will agree the NXS is a step up.
Will, I was wondering what Nightforce scope you had, since I thought all Nightforce scopes were illuminated?
Nysios, you might want a little more magnification with that 338,I think most will agree the NXS is a step up.
Will, I was wondering what Nightforce scope you had, since I thought all Nightforce scopes were illuminated?
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lima Bravo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got both the MK4's and NF. I like the NF better for a few reasons like better glass, spliting hairs here but its better and I like the robust feel of the NF, it just seems tougher and the turrets are better feeling. All that being said, the NF scopes are quite a bit larger than the MK4's but on a 338 Lapua that shouldn't be a problem. I run NF on my long range/nicer rifles and mk4 on a factory Rem .223 & .308 both with 20" barrels mainly to keep these as more compact packages and keep the cost down.
Its really hard to beat a NF, I ran some S&B's and got rid of them and went back to NF b/c I think they are a damn good piece of glass, the S&B's are damn nice too but I didn't see them doing anything for me that my NF couldn't however I'm just banging steel in daylight and some long range hunting. </div></div>
I have Nightforce, Premier, and Leupold. I have one of the newer 34mm Leupolds and to me and my friends it is slightly better glass than the Nightforce that I have 5.5-22x56. I also like the zero stop on the Leupold better, 15% more elevation travel, and the fact that it has the windage stops. However the NXS has been a proven performer on top of the heavy hitters, lower costing than the Lupy, and tracks under extreme erector travel(45moa bases). It used to be cut and dry a year or so ago between Lupy and NF but with the new products coming from Lupy it is becoming harder and harder as NF lags behind with an aging product line.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lima Bravo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got both the MK4's and NF. I like the NF better for a few reasons like better glass, spliting hairs here but its better and I like the robust feel of the NF, it just seems tougher and the turrets are better feeling. All that being said, the NF scopes are quite a bit larger than the MK4's but on a 338 Lapua that shouldn't be a problem. I run NF on my long range/nicer rifles and mk4 on a factory Rem .223 & .308 both with 20" barrels mainly to keep these as more compact packages and keep the cost down.
Its really hard to beat a NF, I ran some S&B's and got rid of them and went back to NF b/c I think they are a damn good piece of glass, the S&B's are damn nice too but I didn't see them doing anything for me that my NF couldn't however I'm just banging steel in daylight and some long range hunting. </div></div>
I have Nightforce, Premier, and Leupold. I have one of the newer 34mm Leupolds and to me and my friends it is slightly better glass than the Nightforce that I have 5.5-22x56. I also like the zero stop on the Leupold better, 15% more elevation travel, and the fact that it has the windage stops. However the NXS has been a proven performer on top of the heavy hitters, lower costing than the Lupy, and tracks under extreme erector travel(45moa bases). It used to be cut and dry a year or so ago between Lupy and NF but with the new products coming from Lupy it is becoming harder and harder as NF lags behind with an aging product line.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Will</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Finally bought a Mk4 8.5-25x50 for the LR stuff but recently dumped it and bit the bullet for a NF 8-22x56 (Non -illum) and MOA ret.
...NONE of my scopes are illuminated but I am VERY satisfied with NF. Well worth the cost. </div></div>
Is it an NSX or a BR model?
ALL of the NXS ones should be illuminated. Just pull out on the parallax knob.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Will</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Finally bought a Mk4 8.5-25x50 for the LR stuff but recently dumped it and bit the bullet for a NF 8-22x56 (Non -illum) and MOA ret.
...NONE of my scopes are illuminated but I am VERY satisfied with NF. Well worth the cost. </div></div>
Is it an NSX or a BR model?
ALL of the NXS ones should be illuminated. Just pull out on the parallax knob.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
get the nightforce and don't look back, you'll be very happy you did.
get the nightforce and don't look back, you'll be very happy you did.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
Looks like I'll be the first dissenting opinion here.
I've also had several of each brand, and I'm a big Leupold fan. I've had over a dozen Leupolds and while everyone keeps saying that you're getting a slightly better product, the only Leupold that gave me problems was an ancient fixed power M8 4x scope that wasn't considerable anyway. Otherwise, Leupolds are a great product that easily hold their own.
It's really a price thing, I'm of the opinion that you're looking at very quickly dimishing returns on your dollar.
The difference between a $100 BSA and a $200 Leupold is more than a 100% increase in quality.
The difference between an $800 Leupold Mk4 4.5-14 and a $1600 Nightforce NXS 3.5-15 is NOT a 100% increase in quality.
Now since you're talking about military discounts, you do know that Leupold also offers a very steep military discount as well, right? You can get Leupolds at below dealer cost direct through their military program.
So compare the similar Leupold and price through their discount program and see whether you feel like paying over 2x as much for the comparable Nightforce "quality jump".
Nightforces are good, but they're not twice as good.
Looks like I'll be the first dissenting opinion here.
I've also had several of each brand, and I'm a big Leupold fan. I've had over a dozen Leupolds and while everyone keeps saying that you're getting a slightly better product, the only Leupold that gave me problems was an ancient fixed power M8 4x scope that wasn't considerable anyway. Otherwise, Leupolds are a great product that easily hold their own.
It's really a price thing, I'm of the opinion that you're looking at very quickly dimishing returns on your dollar.
The difference between a $100 BSA and a $200 Leupold is more than a 100% increase in quality.
The difference between an $800 Leupold Mk4 4.5-14 and a $1600 Nightforce NXS 3.5-15 is NOT a 100% increase in quality.
Now since you're talking about military discounts, you do know that Leupold also offers a very steep military discount as well, right? You can get Leupolds at below dealer cost direct through their military program.
So compare the similar Leupold and price through their discount program and see whether you feel like paying over 2x as much for the comparable Nightforce "quality jump".
Nightforces are good, but they're not twice as good.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
Now having said that, my argument is with regards to the Mk4 line.
The jury is still out on Leupolds newest attempts to blitz the ultra-premier segment of the market with their Mark 6 and Mark 8 scopes, which are of course priced way above the Mark 4s.
Now having said that, my argument is with regards to the Mk4 line.
The jury is still out on Leupolds newest attempts to blitz the ultra-premier segment of the market with their Mark 6 and Mark 8 scopes, which are of course priced way above the Mark 4s.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
If you want a NF with a 56mm objective, go with the 5.5-22x56 with an MLR and .1mRad knobs. There is no need for the 56 on a 3.5-15x.
However, I'd look at the F1 if I wanted a 3.5-15x.
If you want a NF with a 56mm objective, go with the 5.5-22x56 with an MLR and .1mRad knobs. There is no need for the 56 on a 3.5-15x.
However, I'd look at the F1 if I wanted a 3.5-15x.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
I would keep the Mark 4. And I wouldnt necessarily call buying a NF to replace a Mark 4 "upgrading". Ive used both and my Mark 4 ERT M5 TMR FFP is a tank with glass on par or better than the NF Ive used. It tracks perfectly, holds zero, and the TMR is awesome. Plus, the magnification range on your current setup will benefit you with the 338.
I would keep the Mark 4. And I wouldnt necessarily call buying a NF to replace a Mark 4 "upgrading". Ive used both and my Mark 4 ERT M5 TMR FFP is a tank with glass on par or better than the NF Ive used. It tracks perfectly, holds zero, and the TMR is awesome. Plus, the magnification range on your current setup will benefit you with the 338.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
Calling Leupold glass, as good or better than NF is almost laughable.
Even the new Bushnell optics have better glass than Leupold. I was just behind a NF, Leupold and a Bushnell, all set at 14x and it wasn't even in the same league.
Overall clarity, edge to edge clarity and brightness was heads and tails better with Bushnell and the NF was only slightly better than that.
If you've already got a 6.5-20x50mm...I would suggest the 5.5-22x50 or 56. Especially since they both have 100 MOA of elevation.
This way, you'll be getting a lower low end of the zoom (5.5 compared to 6.5), as well as a greater top end of the zoom. (22 compared to 20)
Calling Leupold glass, as good or better than NF is almost laughable.
Even the new Bushnell optics have better glass than Leupold. I was just behind a NF, Leupold and a Bushnell, all set at 14x and it wasn't even in the same league.
Overall clarity, edge to edge clarity and brightness was heads and tails better with Bushnell and the NF was only slightly better than that.
If you've already got a 6.5-20x50mm...I would suggest the 5.5-22x50 or 56. Especially since they both have 100 MOA of elevation.
This way, you'll be getting a lower low end of the zoom (5.5 compared to 6.5), as well as a greater top end of the zoom. (22 compared to 20)
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
I had the exact scope you have and changed to a NF 5.5-22x (since then I've also added the 3.5-15x F1 to another rifle. I don't regret the decision at all!
I had the exact scope you have and changed to a NF 5.5-22x (since then I've also added the 3.5-15x F1 to another rifle. I don't regret the decision at all!
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c_bass16</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Calling Leupold glass, as good or better than NF is almost laughable.</div></div>
I personally think stating NF glass is leaps and bounds ahead of Leupy is laughable. While I don't consider either to be my "go to" brand, they both have comparable glass. The Mark 4's I have/have had seem to have superior glass quality to most of the NXS scopes I have owned. The most recent NXS I purchased (the only one I currently own) does seem to have better glass than the ones I have owned in the past. Not great, but definately better than they used to be.
With that said, I don't think either brand has great glass, but each have features that make them appealing for differnt reasons. I personally would keep the Mark 4 unless going to the F1. Of course, I probably would keep the Leupold until I went for more of an "upgrade."
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c_bass16</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Calling Leupold glass, as good or better than NF is almost laughable.</div></div>
I personally think stating NF glass is leaps and bounds ahead of Leupy is laughable. While I don't consider either to be my "go to" brand, they both have comparable glass. The Mark 4's I have/have had seem to have superior glass quality to most of the NXS scopes I have owned. The most recent NXS I purchased (the only one I currently own) does seem to have better glass than the ones I have owned in the past. Not great, but definately better than they used to be.
With that said, I don't think either brand has great glass, but each have features that make them appealing for differnt reasons. I personally would keep the Mark 4 unless going to the F1. Of course, I probably would keep the Leupold until I went for more of an "upgrade."
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
NF glass typically out performs Leupy's best.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: matchking</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c_bass16</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Calling Leupold glass, as good or better than NF is almost laughable.</div></div>
I personally think stating NF glass is leaps and bounds ahead of Leupy is laughable. While I don't consider either to be my "go to" brand, they both have comparable glass. The Mark 4's I have/have had seem to have superior glass quality to most of the NXS scopes I have owned. The most recent NXS I purchased (the only one I currently own) does seem to have better glass than the ones I have owned in the past. Not great, but definately better than they used to be.
With that said, I don't think either brand has great glass, but each have features that make them appealing for differnt reasons. I personally would keep the Mark 4 unless going to the F1. Of course, I probably would keep the Leupold until I went for more of an "upgrade." </div></div>
NF glass typically out performs Leupy's best.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: matchking</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c_bass16</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Calling Leupold glass, as good or better than NF is almost laughable.</div></div>
I personally think stating NF glass is leaps and bounds ahead of Leupy is laughable. While I don't consider either to be my "go to" brand, they both have comparable glass. The Mark 4's I have/have had seem to have superior glass quality to most of the NXS scopes I have owned. The most recent NXS I purchased (the only one I currently own) does seem to have better glass than the ones I have owned in the past. Not great, but definately better than they used to be.
With that said, I don't think either brand has great glass, but each have features that make them appealing for differnt reasons. I personally would keep the Mark 4 unless going to the F1. Of course, I probably would keep the Leupold until I went for more of an "upgrade." </div></div>
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
c_bass16 it warms the cockles of my hunter's heart to read that you felt the Bushnell HDMR Elite scope glass was better than Leupold MK 4 and only slightly lower quality than NF.
I plan on putting a Bushnell HDMR (2.0 version) on my .300 Win Mag HS Precision rifle. NF is just a bit beyond my budget.
To illuminate or not to illuminate, that is the question.
c_bass16 it warms the cockles of my hunter's heart to read that you felt the Bushnell HDMR Elite scope glass was better than Leupold MK 4 and only slightly lower quality than NF.
I plan on putting a Bushnell HDMR (2.0 version) on my .300 Win Mag HS Precision rifle. NF is just a bit beyond my budget.
To illuminate or not to illuminate, that is the question.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TBannister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NF glass typically out performs Leupy's best.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: matchking</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c_bass16</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Calling Leupold glass, as good or better than NF is almost laughable.</div></div>
I personally think stating NF glass is leaps and bounds ahead of Leupy is laughable. While I don't consider either to be my "go to" brand, they both have comparable glass. The Mark 4's I have/have had seem to have superior glass quality to most of the NXS scopes I have owned. The most recent NXS I purchased (the only one I currently own) does seem to have better glass than the ones I have owned in the past. Not great, but definately better than they used to be.
With that said, I don't think either brand has great glass, but each have features that make them appealing for differnt reasons. I personally would keep the Mark 4 unless going to the F1. Of course, I probably would keep the Leupold until I went for more of an "upgrade." </div></div> </div></div>
Again this would be true about a year or so ago but the new leupold's (the 34mm tube ones) are on par if not better optically than NF, and also superior in features like FFP, windage stops, weight, length, etc..
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TBannister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NF glass typically out performs Leupy's best.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: matchking</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c_bass16</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Calling Leupold glass, as good or better than NF is almost laughable.</div></div>
I personally think stating NF glass is leaps and bounds ahead of Leupy is laughable. While I don't consider either to be my "go to" brand, they both have comparable glass. The Mark 4's I have/have had seem to have superior glass quality to most of the NXS scopes I have owned. The most recent NXS I purchased (the only one I currently own) does seem to have better glass than the ones I have owned in the past. Not great, but definately better than they used to be.
With that said, I don't think either brand has great glass, but each have features that make them appealing for differnt reasons. I personally would keep the Mark 4 unless going to the F1. Of course, I probably would keep the Leupold until I went for more of an "upgrade." </div></div> </div></div>
Again this would be true about a year or so ago but the new leupold's (the 34mm tube ones) are on par if not better optically than NF, and also superior in features like FFP, windage stops, weight, length, etc..
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
Thank you guys for all the input. Although I have not yet made up my mind I am leaning towards the NXS in the 5.5-22x as recommended. I did get the Leupold on their fed/mil program as well. The difference is the Leupold was 30%+ off retail and the NF is around 15%. I am still not sure about the cost/benifit ratio of it but god I really do want one. Buy twice cry twice? I could always sell the Leupold to make myself feel better I suppose.
Thank you guys for all the input. Although I have not yet made up my mind I am leaning towards the NXS in the 5.5-22x as recommended. I did get the Leupold on their fed/mil program as well. The difference is the Leupold was 30%+ off retail and the NF is around 15%. I am still not sure about the cost/benifit ratio of it but god I really do want one. Buy twice cry twice? I could always sell the Leupold to make myself feel better I suppose.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
I would not give up the magnification of the Leupold, like others have said get the same if not higher mag for the .338.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: litehiker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
To illuminate or not to illuminate, that is the question.
</div></div>
If it's for hunting I would definitely go for illumination, makes those dawn/dusk shots that much easier. This will be my first year driving a scope with illumination in the field and I can't wait for the added hunting hours it is going to give me.
I would not give up the magnification of the Leupold, like others have said get the same if not higher mag for the .338.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: litehiker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
To illuminate or not to illuminate, that is the question.
</div></div>
If it's for hunting I would definitely go for illumination, makes those dawn/dusk shots that much easier. This will be my first year driving a scope with illumination in the field and I can't wait for the added hunting hours it is going to give me.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: frankythefly</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TBannister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NF glass typically out performs Leupy's best.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: matchking</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c_bass16</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Calling Leupold glass, as good or better than NF is almost laughable.</div></div>
I personally think stating NF glass is leaps and bounds ahead of Leupy is laughable. While I don't consider either to be my "go to" brand, they both have comparable glass. The Mark 4's I have/have had seem to have superior glass quality to most of the NXS scopes I have owned. The most recent NXS I purchased (the only one I currently own) does seem to have better glass than the ones I have owned in the past. Not great, but definately better than they used to be.
With that said, I don't think either brand has great glass, but each have features that make them appealing for differnt reasons. I personally would keep the Mark 4 unless going to the F1. Of course, I probably would keep the Leupold until I went for more of an "upgrade." </div></div> </div></div>
Again this would be true about a year or so ago but the new leupold's (the 34mm tube ones) are on par if not better optically than NF, and also superior in features like FFP, windage stops, weight, length, etc.. </div></div>
True. The newest Leupy's from the "tactical" division with the 34mm tubes are IMHO better than any NF I've owned. I just looked through the new MK 6 last night and it's VERY clear and bright . . . but it's also over $3k!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: frankythefly</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TBannister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NF glass typically out performs Leupy's best.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: matchking</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c_bass16</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Calling Leupold glass, as good or better than NF is almost laughable.</div></div>
I personally think stating NF glass is leaps and bounds ahead of Leupy is laughable. While I don't consider either to be my "go to" brand, they both have comparable glass. The Mark 4's I have/have had seem to have superior glass quality to most of the NXS scopes I have owned. The most recent NXS I purchased (the only one I currently own) does seem to have better glass than the ones I have owned in the past. Not great, but definately better than they used to be.
With that said, I don't think either brand has great glass, but each have features that make them appealing for differnt reasons. I personally would keep the Mark 4 unless going to the F1. Of course, I probably would keep the Leupold until I went for more of an "upgrade." </div></div> </div></div>
Again this would be true about a year or so ago but the new leupold's (the 34mm tube ones) are on par if not better optically than NF, and also superior in features like FFP, windage stops, weight, length, etc.. </div></div>
True. The newest Leupy's from the "tactical" division with the 34mm tubes are IMHO better than any NF I've owned. I just looked through the new MK 6 last night and it's VERY clear and bright . . . but it's also over $3k!
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
You can get the Mark 6 for about $2300 with a LaRue mount.
You can get the Mark 6 for about $2300 with a LaRue mount.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
I had a MarkIV 4.5-14 on my long range bolt gun. It worked well but I really wanted to upgrade to a FFP Reticle with matching turrents so after months of dilerbration I choose to go with a USO SN-3 for the long gun.
I say all this because a sold the MarkIV to fund a better AR scope and went with a NF 1-4x24 on my hunting 6.8 AR. I tell you the robustness and glass is heads and shoulders above the Mark IV. I'm actually wondering if I wasted dollars going with the USO ovber the NF F1 (I just wanted a little more magnification)on the bolt gun but only time will tell.
So for the AR-10 I know and I will go with a NF 2.5-10x32 as I am very satisfied with the NF line I feel you get a ton of scope for your money!!
I had a MarkIV 4.5-14 on my long range bolt gun. It worked well but I really wanted to upgrade to a FFP Reticle with matching turrents so after months of dilerbration I choose to go with a USO SN-3 for the long gun.
I say all this because a sold the MarkIV to fund a better AR scope and went with a NF 1-4x24 on my hunting 6.8 AR. I tell you the robustness and glass is heads and shoulders above the Mark IV. I'm actually wondering if I wasted dollars going with the USO ovber the NF F1 (I just wanted a little more magnification)on the bolt gun but only time will tell.
So for the AR-10 I know and I will go with a NF 2.5-10x32 as I am very satisfied with the NF line I feel you get a ton of scope for your money!!
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
I can get the Mark 4 ER/T 6.5-20X50mm(34mm) for the same price as the NF 5.5-22x56 NXS. So I guess I should check those out before making up my mind on the NF.
I can get the Mark 4 ER/T 6.5-20X50mm(34mm) for the same price as the NF 5.5-22x56 NXS. So I guess I should check those out before making up my mind on the NF.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nysios</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can get the Mark 4 ER/T 6.5-20X50mm(34mm) for the same price as the NF 5.5-22x56 NXS. So I guess I should check those out before making up my mind on the NF. </div></div>
Your FFP vs SFP at this point but still two very good choices. I own both and IMO the NXS may just be the best SFP scope on the market, it does everything well. I also have the 34mm tube MK4 that I bought for a friend while waiting on my F1, after my F1 showed up I just couldn't bring myself to part with the MK4. Now I have the MK4 on my AIAE .260 and the F1 on my AIAE .308, the SFP NXS went on my friends rifle. I shoot the mk4 on my comp rifle and love it! I'm not saying its better than the F1, but its just as good with more magnification and has worked well for me.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nysios</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can get the Mark 4 ER/T 6.5-20X50mm(34mm) for the same price as the NF 5.5-22x56 NXS. So I guess I should check those out before making up my mind on the NF. </div></div>
Your FFP vs SFP at this point but still two very good choices. I own both and IMO the NXS may just be the best SFP scope on the market, it does everything well. I also have the 34mm tube MK4 that I bought for a friend while waiting on my F1, after my F1 showed up I just couldn't bring myself to part with the MK4. Now I have the MK4 on my AIAE .260 and the F1 on my AIAE .308, the SFP NXS went on my friends rifle. I shoot the mk4 on my comp rifle and love it! I'm not saying its better than the F1, but its just as good with more magnification and has worked well for me.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 117D-RTO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I would not give up the magnification of the Leupold, like others have said get the same if not higher mag for the .338.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: litehiker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
To illuminate or not to illuminate, that is the question.
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If it's for hunting I would definitely go for illumination, makes those dawn/dusk shots that much easier. This will be my first year driving a scope with illumination in the field and I can't wait for the added hunting hours it is going to give me.
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I have been hunting deer for a long time and it has been my experience that if it is too dark to see the crosshair, then it is too dark to see the target. That being said, I can see the utility of an illuminated reticle for hunting black bears, or pigs. A black crosshair can easily get lost in a black coat. The above notwithstanding, I just bought an illuminated Bushnell scope.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 117D-RTO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I would not give up the magnification of the Leupold, like others have said get the same if not higher mag for the .338.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: litehiker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
To illuminate or not to illuminate, that is the question.
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If it's for hunting I would definitely go for illumination, makes those dawn/dusk shots that much easier. This will be my first year driving a scope with illumination in the field and I can't wait for the added hunting hours it is going to give me.
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I have been hunting deer for a long time and it has been my experience that if it is too dark to see the crosshair, then it is too dark to see the target. That being said, I can see the utility of an illuminated reticle for hunting black bears, or pigs. A black crosshair can easily get lost in a black coat. The above notwithstanding, I just bought an illuminated Bushnell scope.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
After many many years of utilizing Leupolds...I just finished liquidating my inventory of Mark 4's. I replaced them all with Night Forces. It wasn't a quick transition either. I deliberately took about 3 years of owning and testing both back to back. When the dust cleared...NF was the winner. The one thing that really sold me was the "bomb-proof" construction of the NF's. I will say tho, the new Leupy Mark 6's are nice and I will be purchasing a 1-6x for my 7.62 AR 16" "Battle" rifle
After many many years of utilizing Leupolds...I just finished liquidating my inventory of Mark 4's. I replaced them all with Night Forces. It wasn't a quick transition either. I deliberately took about 3 years of owning and testing both back to back. When the dust cleared...NF was the winner. The one thing that really sold me was the "bomb-proof" construction of the NF's. I will say tho, the new Leupy Mark 6's are nice and I will be purchasing a 1-6x for my 7.62 AR 16" "Battle" rifle
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And Call Jay ^^^ for it... he'll take care of you.
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For sure! These guys are excellent to deal with.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And Call Jay ^^^ for it... he'll take care of you.
For sure! These guys are excellent to deal with.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kill Box ALPHA</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And Call Jay ^^^ for it... he'll take care of you.
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For sure! These guys are excellent to deal with. </div></div>
I absolutely would call them but the Military discounts are factory direct only. According to the email I got from them.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kill Box ALPHA</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And Call Jay ^^^ for it... he'll take care of you.
For sure! These guys are excellent to deal with. </div></div>
I absolutely would call them but the Military discounts are factory direct only. According to the email I got from them.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
I also owned two Leupold MK4s 6.5-20x50 and a NightForce NSX 5.5-22x56. While I totally agree on most areas the NF is superior, glass quality is NOT one of them...
I own and have looked thru alot of high end glass and have 20/20 vision. At high magnification the NSX has an absurd amout of chromatic aberration. Higher than most scopes, even those which are much cheaper. Looking at items with high contrast causes quite a bit of annoying purple fringe. For those with subpar eyesight or not much experience with high end glass, they might not be bothered by it at all. It does not hinder the performance of the scope, the CA just makes the image look less sharp and discolored. I had the opportunity to look thru three other 5.5-22s and each exhibited the same qualities.
Another area the NF glass falls short on is vibrancy. Especially at higher magnification, it has a milky dull color to the image even on bright sunny days. Compared to the MK4s the image color is not as good. Those are my reasons why the I feel MK4 glass is superior to NF. I see several people writing NF glass is better, can someone explain why they feel this way?
Now don't take this to mean I don't like my NF, in other ways it is much better than the MK4s. For one, the eye relief length is constant. With my MKs, at low power my head has to be further back, at higher powers I must move closer.
The eye piece glass is also larger, resulting in a better image. At the same magnification as the MKs, the relative image appears larger glass eyepiece size. I don't like how the NF's entire eyepiece rotates however, does not give me the option to use flip up caps.
Overall both scopes at their respective price points are great. The reticles in my TMR and MLR are both excellent. Thin and precise. Wish the MK's M1 moa turrets had matched the reticle like on the NF tho.
I also owned two Leupold MK4s 6.5-20x50 and a NightForce NSX 5.5-22x56. While I totally agree on most areas the NF is superior, glass quality is NOT one of them...
I own and have looked thru alot of high end glass and have 20/20 vision. At high magnification the NSX has an absurd amout of chromatic aberration. Higher than most scopes, even those which are much cheaper. Looking at items with high contrast causes quite a bit of annoying purple fringe. For those with subpar eyesight or not much experience with high end glass, they might not be bothered by it at all. It does not hinder the performance of the scope, the CA just makes the image look less sharp and discolored. I had the opportunity to look thru three other 5.5-22s and each exhibited the same qualities.
Another area the NF glass falls short on is vibrancy. Especially at higher magnification, it has a milky dull color to the image even on bright sunny days. Compared to the MK4s the image color is not as good. Those are my reasons why the I feel MK4 glass is superior to NF. I see several people writing NF glass is better, can someone explain why they feel this way?
Now don't take this to mean I don't like my NF, in other ways it is much better than the MK4s. For one, the eye relief length is constant. With my MKs, at low power my head has to be further back, at higher powers I must move closer.
The eye piece glass is also larger, resulting in a better image. At the same magnification as the MKs, the relative image appears larger glass eyepiece size. I don't like how the NF's entire eyepiece rotates however, does not give me the option to use flip up caps.
Overall both scopes at their respective price points are great. The reticles in my TMR and MLR are both excellent. Thin and precise. Wish the MK's M1 moa turrets had matched the reticle like on the NF tho.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
I've owned two NF and used two others. There is, to some degree, quite a bit of variance in them. Having a good imagine isn't about being bright and colorful, rather about resolution. Even with the worst NF I've used, it resolved better than thr Leupolds I've owned. The Leupold have a very yellow/orange bias. The NF has a cool, almost blue bias. One of thr NF scopes I've owned compared favorably with my Schmidt & Benders. The other was more comparable to Leupold. With the half dozen or so Leupolds I've owned, the best have been a 3.5-10x and a 6.5-20x. The 8.5-25x have been big disappointments.
I've owned two NF and used two others. There is, to some degree, quite a bit of variance in them. Having a good imagine isn't about being bright and colorful, rather about resolution. Even with the worst NF I've used, it resolved better than thr Leupolds I've owned. The Leupold have a very yellow/orange bias. The NF has a cool, almost blue bias. One of thr NF scopes I've owned compared favorably with my Schmidt & Benders. The other was more comparable to Leupold. With the half dozen or so Leupolds I've owned, the best have been a 3.5-10x and a 6.5-20x. The 8.5-25x have been big disappointments.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
Having owned loopy products and recently moving (up) to NF, I have to agree with the above 2 posts references to eye relief and color bias. I noticed the color difference but Tyler actually described it better than I could have. I believe that cool color is why you might see more CA with the NF. But I love the NF product so they will continue to bleed my bank account into the future. Although I have been shooting overall for a while, I am a relative newcomer (just the past couple years) to accurate distance shooting. For years I just zeroed a scope and held over, under, left, or right based on my best guesstamates (wind values for me were "kinda light" to "purdy damn hard"), so this opinion is coming from somewhat of a shootard
Having owned loopy products and recently moving (up) to NF, I have to agree with the above 2 posts references to eye relief and color bias. I noticed the color difference but Tyler actually described it better than I could have. I believe that cool color is why you might see more CA with the NF. But I love the NF product so they will continue to bleed my bank account into the future. Although I have been shooting overall for a while, I am a relative newcomer (just the past couple years) to accurate distance shooting. For years I just zeroed a scope and held over, under, left, or right based on my best guesstamates (wind values for me were "kinda light" to "purdy damn hard"), so this opinion is coming from somewhat of a shootard
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
I'm getting the NightForce. I wish I had the patience to wait for them to come out with the 5.5-22x F1....But I don't =) Thanks for all the input guys.
I'm getting the NightForce. I wish I had the patience to wait for them to come out with the 5.5-22x F1....But I don't =) Thanks for all the input guys.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
The glass in my NXS was horrible compared to my Mark 4. I traded the NXS for an AR upper. The glass was not impressive at all. Furthermore, the Nightforce F1 on my buddies 338 has been sent back numerous times for fucking up. I havent been impressed with the NF to say the least.
The glass in my NXS was horrible compared to my Mark 4. I traded the NXS for an AR upper. The glass was not impressive at all. Furthermore, the Nightforce F1 on my buddies 338 has been sent back numerous times for fucking up. I havent been impressed with the NF to say the least.
Re: Upgrade to NF? If you were me type question.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And Call Jay ^^^ for it... he'll take care of you.
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What he said. Chris and Jay at Sport Optics are great guys. DO IT! You'll love your NF and wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And Call Jay ^^^ for it... he'll take care of you.
What he said. Chris and Jay at Sport Optics are great guys. DO IT! You'll love your NF and wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
