Nightforce NX8 vs NXS??

[SDHNTR]

I’ve culled a lot of goats with an NXS 3.5-15x50. That’d be my choice. I think it’s the right magnification range for what you describe. I have 2.5-10x42 NXSs on my true hunting (not culling) rifles.

For most people, all things considered, I think those probably are the best two hunting scopes on the market.

 

[PineBrook413]

I've got a FFP nx8 4-32 and SFP NXS 3.5-15.

Glass is better in the NX8 and obviously its got a huge zoom range.

NXS is still very good glass and the eye relief is much more forgiving.

For what you described i would run the NX8 FFP 100%. I run the nxs on my 300prc elk gun just because its a little easier to shoot fast due to better eye relief and the SFP reticle is much easier to see at low magnification. The reticle on the NX8 is very FINE on 4x

 

[wapitibob]

Spin the turret on the mk5 and see if it moves further away from the alignment marks as you turn. I wanted to try the Leupold but after reading about that and seeing it in person at sportsmans I went with the nx8.

 

[SloppyJ]

I handled a NXS and a NX8 this weekend and walked out with a 2.5x20 NX8 F1 with the MOAR reticle. The previous poster who stated that the reticle was extremely thin on low power is correct and I have some concerns with that. I typically set my scopes on 6x when I'm hunting unless I have a long shot opportunity and I can dial up. Even on 6x, it's a little light but around 8x I can make it out. Full disclosure, I also have a corneal disease and it's force me to shoot left handed because I'm damn near completely blind in my right eye. I say that to bring light to the fact that my eyesight isn't the best.

The illumination SHOULD solve the problem in low light situations even on 2.5x but I'm a little on the fence about it. If this is something that would concern you, get the F2 version. In my mind I think I should have held out but only time will tell. I got a smoking deal on a new scope that I've always wanted so I dropped the cash on it.

The NX8 felt like the better scope to me in all regards. The only thing is that if you're putting it on a long action, you might need some taller rings or to trim the front of your rail. It's very compact and there isn't much room for shifting it rearward to get the correct eye relief. I'm still waiting on my rail so I can measure for my base height so I haven't figured out my setup exactly yet but it's a concern I have right now.

Ultimately, I don't think you can go wrong with one or the other but I put stock in the Nightforce's toughness and ability to hold zero. If this isn't a top priority for you, I'm sure you could save some cash and get something comparable.

 

[ThorM465]

Be cognizant of the fact that Gen II Razors are a total boat anchor of a scope. Like seriously, I don’t consider myself a weight weenie, but they are HEAVY. Great on a PRS rifle but any rifle lighter than about 10 pounds and things get a little topsy turvy.

The 5-25 Leupold is a solid choice especially sans-import bs.

I agree and it’s unfortunate. The razors are better than the NX line in every way except weight. That’s a deal breaker on a hunting rifle. I’m about to sell my nxs 2.5-10x24 for the nx8 2.5-20. I’d rather it be a razor Gen III, but that girl is just to chunky.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

I have both the NXS 5.5-22x56 on a Bergara Premier 6mm CM and the NX8 4-32x50 SFP on a Christensen BA Tactical in 6.5 PRC. I like them both, for some reason I am drawn to the NXS. Its just a tough simple scope that works. The glass is a little better in the NX8, but not enough to make that a deciding factor IMO. Weight between the 2 is a toss up. I would save a little money and go with the NXS honestly.

 

[jjjones7]

TK-421 your and my assessment of the NX8 is exactly the same and I’ve been behind a bunch.
Im weight conscious but the fairly new bushy elite tactical DMR3 is a fantastic scope for the price. It’s a 34mm tube and tips the scales at 35 oz but it’s head and shoulders above an NX8 to me. Doesn’t have illumination but for mostly daytime use I wouldn’t have an issue with it. Check it out if you get a chance you may be surprised

 

[HighlandsHunter]

This is my current set up. Like PRS...but the gongs bleed....
View attachment 539251

Hey mate I do similar goat shooting to you, but in central otago. I prefer scopes with fast reticles, without parallax and capped windage so my favourite NF for this kind of shooting are SHV 3-10 and NX8 1-8. I don't shoot them past 500m though due to wind drift on such a small target and my 308 ammo drops like a rock. Would love to try a NX8 4-32 SFP Mil reticle when I eventually get the funds. I'm using this Minox 2-10 right now and it seems to be holding up but I think the elevation dial may be wandering. Cheers.

 

[Southern Lights]

Hey mate I do similar goat shooting to you, but in central otago. I prefer scopes with fast reticles, without parallax and capped windage so my favourite NF for this kind of shooting are SHV 3-10 and NX8 1-8. I don't shoot them past 500m though due to wind drift on such a small target and my 308 ammo drops like a rock. Would love to try a NX8 4-32 SFP Mil reticle when I eventually get the funds. I'm using this Minox 2-10 right now and it seems to be holding up but I think the elevation dial may be wandering. Cheers.

Using SHV 3-10 on my south island hunting rigs for wallaby/deer/rabbits. Dial out to 800+m and back to zero consistently. Never shifts zero and bounces around in vehicles without trouble. Wish they had zero stops, but used to keeping my eye on turret index counter and always going to back to zero when off the rifle. Also have NXS 3-15 and it's another good scope. Thousands of rounds and never any troubles. Always holds zero.

Looked at NX8, but didn't like the 8X mag range on FFP scopes. At mag under 6-8X reticles became unusable and that's where most of my shooting happens.

 

[HighlandsHunter]

Using SHV 3-10 on my south island hunting rigs for wallaby/deer/rabbits. Dial out to 800+m and back to zero consistently. Never shifts zero and bounces around in vehicles without trouble. Wish they had zero stops, but used to keeping my eye on turret index counter and always going to back to zero when off the rifle. Also have NXS 3-15 and it's another good scope. Thousands of rounds and never any troubles. Always holds zero.

Looked at NX8, but didn't like the 8X mag range on FFP scopes. At mag under 6-8X reticles became unusable and that's where most of my shooting happens.

NX8 come in SFP reticles but the SHV german 4 will always be my favourite.

 

[Alex Genereux]

‎The Hunt Backcountry Podcast: MM 174 | Exo for Whitetail, Our Favorite Game Meal, Bivy for Condensation Protection on Apple Podcasts

‎Show The Hunt Backcountry Podcast, Ep MM 174 | Exo for Whitetail, Our Favorite Game Meal, Bivy for Condensation Protection - Apr 17, 2023

podcasts.apple.com

Here’s a short episode from the guys at exo towards the end talking about the nxs vs the nx8 and their experiences.

 

[justin davis]

I have a NXS 3-15x50. I also have a NX8 4-32x SFP.

I really like them both. The glass to my eyes seems very similar. I like the NX8 thou Works well. Both awesome scopes. Only downside is they are heavy. But I’ll take the weight penalty for the scope that holds
Zero and dials repeatedly

I’m a huge fan of Nightforce in that they are durable and the repeatable of dialing. I like to range and dial

I prefer 2nd focal plane because all I do it hunt and I like to dial for my shots.

 

[Slamfire94]

I agree and it’s unfortunate. The razors are better than the NX line in every way except weight. That’s a deal breaker on a hunting rifle. I’m about to sell my nxs 2.5-10x24 for the nx8 2.5-20. I’d rather it be a razor Gen III, but that girl is just to chunky.

Let me know when you are ready to sell that 2.5-10