Rifle Scopes Upgrading from Gen 2 PST.....Nightforce NX8 or spend the money on a Minox ZP5?

[Helislacker]

I currently have a PST Gen 2 5-25 and would like to upgrade to something of higher quality. Although I have yet to experience issues, I‘ve heard of some people speaking about durability issues surrounding the PST Gen 2 and want a higher quality scope as a result. I am up in Canada, so these scopes retail at about $2900 and $4000 respectively, but can get a deal on a ZP5 for $3500. The rifle the scope will be going on is a Tikka 6.5 in an MDT ESS that I use for both matches and hunting. With this in mind, which scope do you think would be the better option considering the $600 difference and the application this scope will be used for? Although I know the Minox will have better glass quality, I am concerned about some of the reports regarding durability issues. I know the Nightforce will be extremely reliable, and am willing to sacrifice some glass quality for this reliability. At the same time, I am not experienced with either of these scopes and would lIke to hear some general thoughts and opinions. Would I be wrong not to spend the extra cash for the Minox? Or is the NX8 a great choice?

 

[M8541Reaper]

You won’t be disappointed with a Nightforce. That said, I haven’t used the ZP5, so I can’t speak to it. All I run are Nightforce optics now and never had an issue with target ID, trace, tracking, or durability. The only issue I ever had was with a second hand buy from a guy who had it cerakoted and the illumination’s battery cover’s glue came undone so I wasn’t able to access the battery (zero effect on the rest of the optic). I think I had it back in a week and never had an issue with their CS team being responsive or helpful. Can’t beat it man.

 

[Travelor]

I have three of the PST Gen 2 5x25 scopes, one FFP and two SFP and have nothing but wonderful experiences with them. Been using one of them for over a year and absolutely love it. Especially the 25 MOA turret and perfect tracking.

 

[dragman]

IF you liked the PST gen II I can't imagine you wouldn't be more than satisfied with the NX8's and at under 2K can't really beat them.

 

[Forward543]

In that range check out the tangent theta or zero compromise. I run a zp5 and have had no durability issues. I have looked through the nx8, and they are nice, but the glass is not the same. The zp5 has sweet glass and I like the reticle. If you are going $3500 really you are in the zco, tangent range.

 

[freedom71]

I also run a ZP5 and have had no problems with its durability. The glass is phenomenal and the MP4 reticle is one of the best available anywhere. The NX8 has a 30mm tube, while the ZP5 is 34mm, allowing better lowlight performance. If it were me, I'd go with the Minox.

 

[2muchcowbell]

From my understanding, the issues that came up with Minox were concerning their QC. Some bad scopes made it through their program, and it really pissed people off. The servicing of those scopes went over more or less smoothly, 'far as I can tell. I've heard that the problem has been more or less fixed, but people remember when their $3k+ scope needs to go in for warranty or repairs, and the stink lingers on the company.

That being said, in the $3k+ range, I'd go for a ZCO. Their MPCT3 reticle looks really nice, but can't really go wrong between ZCO and Tangent Theta.

Used NX8s on the PX go for under 2k USD and Eurooptic has $1800 demos, so...maybe come down here, grab one, then go back up to Canada? Or is the NX8 line under some weird ITAR regulation?

 

[Forward543]

Or run the Burris xtriii, or wait for the Leupold mk5 with a good reticle. Those 2 are in the NX8 range.

 

[stello1001]

while the ZP5 is 34mm, allowing better lowlight performance.

You mean, allowing for more internal travel, right?
Main tube diameter has nothing to do with light gathering. Therefore, a larger main tube diameter does not mean more visibility in lowlight.

But yes, the ZP5 is the best out of those options...

 

[ShotgunDiesel]

I’ve never looked through a zp5 but the NX8 is pretty fantastic. I bought a 2.5-20 when they first came out and have been really impressed with it. It’s leaps above a pst